Buying a Used iPhone and Using it: Possible? Problems?

jennifurrr124 · Jan 7, 2013, 10:32 PM

Hi. My iPhone is dying and I don't want to sign a new contract. I am hoping to stay with AT&T until June when *hopefully* a new iPhone will come out (not sure if there is any credibility to those rumors?); Then I plan to buy the new phone at the price that comes with a 2 year contract and sign with Verizon. In the meantime I need a new phone.

If I buy a used phone from a friend, will this phone come unlocked? In other words can I just transfer my SIM card and use it or will I have to take it to be unlocked. Also, can I buy a used phone and start off with Verizon?

Thanks

thewitt · Jan 7, 2013, 10:41 PM

You cannot use an AT&T phone on the Verizon network, you must purchase a Verizon phone. CDMA carriers program the phone to work on their network. They do not use a SIM card.

Used GSM phones, like AT&T models, can still be locked to the network. They can be unlocked by contacting AT&T if the contract was paid in full.

wxman2003 · Jan 7, 2013, 11:08 PM

A used verizon iphone 5 will work on both networks.

Jan 7, 2013, 10:32 PM	#1
jennifurrr124 macrumors newbie Join Date: Jan 2013	Buying a Used iPhone and Using it: Possible? Problems? Hi. My iPhone is dying and I don't want to sign a new contract. I am hoping to stay with AT&T until June when hopefully a new iPhone will come out (not sure if there is any credibility to those rumors?); Then I plan to buy the new phone at the price that comes with a 2 year contract and sign with Verizon. In the meantime I need a new phone. If I buy a used phone from a friend, will this phone come unlocked? In other words can I just transfer my SIM card and use it or will I have to take it to be unlocked. Also, can I buy a used phone and start off with Verizon? Thanks
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Jan 7, 2013, 11:08 PM	#3
wxman2003 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2011	A used verizon iphone 5 will work on both networks. __________________ iMac I5, Macbook, iPad 4, iPhone 5, iPod, ATV 3
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Jan 7, 2013, 10:41 PM	#2
thewitt macrumors 68000 Join Date: Sep 2011	You cannot use an AT&T phone on the Verizon network, you must purchase a Verizon phone. CDMA carriers program the phone to work on their network. They do not use a SIM card. Used GSM phones, like AT&T models, can still be locked to the network. They can be unlocked by contacting AT&T if the contract was paid in full.
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