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

[jennifurrr124]

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]

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]

A used verizon iphone 5 will work on both networks.