iPhone 5 trade in question...

[Zackmd1]

Hi all,

I have a odd ball question... When you trade in an iPhone (specifically iPhone 5) to an apple store, do they verify that the IMEI number printed on the housing matches the IMEI number in settings? I have an iPhone 5 that I rebuilt and used an aftermarket housing for (iPhone 6 mini conversion) but now I plan to move up to the iPhone SE. Since I know they will not accept my iPhone in its current state, I was wondering what would happen if I replaced the housing with an OEM housing. Please know that the IMEI number is not blacklisted or anything! I am not asking to change the number or anything like that. Just wondering if they verify the hardware IMEI printed on the rear of the housing with the software IMEI. If so then no replacement housing will do me any good... OEM or otherwise.

 

[willmtaylor]

Would this be considered fraud?

 

[Zackmd1]

How so? It is a fully functional iPhone 5? It just has had its housing replaced?

 

[willmtaylor]

How so? It is a fully functional iPhone 5? It just has had its housing replaced?

I'm not sure. I'm asking. I would assume that when someone brings in a phone, there is the presumption that everything is original, hence (partly) why opening the phone voids the warranty.

But my question is sincere. I don't know.

 

[chscag]

I'm not sure. I'm asking. I would assume that when someone brings in a phone, there is the presumption that everything is original, hence (partly) why opening the phone voids the warranty.

I just traded in an iPhone 5c for a 6s+ and the Apple tech checked everything including serial number and IMEI. Even though the phone might be recycled, Apple is not going to allow a trade in on a phone that's either been stolen or altered in any way.

 

[Zackmd1]

Well I mean my repair isn't outside the realm of what would be done at an Apple store except for the housing. The screen and battery are all OEM replacements. The only reason why apple doesn't repair housings is because it would cost to much in labor. They would just push you to a replacement if there was a problem with the housing. I honestly don't see a reason why the phone can't be traded in as it is just going to be recycled. I can see why they will not accept it with an aftermarket housing as it would likely not work well with their recycling process. But if the phone is all OEM spec and function I see no reason why it would be any different then any other 5 being traded in.
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I just traded in an iPhone 5c for a 6s+ and the Apple tech checked everything including serial number and IMEI. Even though the phone might be recycled, Apple is not going to allow a trade in on a phone that's either been stolen or altered in any way.

Thanks for the reply. I figured they would do just that. Just thought I would ask the question if there was a chance they would accept it. Like I stated above, the phone is just going to be recycled but I can see the need for not accepting "altered" iPhones.

 

[alvesik]

Hi all,

I have a odd ball question... When you trade in an iPhone (specifically iPhone 5) to an apple store, do they verify that the IMEI number printed on the housing matches the IMEI number in settings? I have an iPhone 5 that I rebuilt and used an aftermarket housing for (iPhone 6 mini conversion) but now I plan to move up to the iPhone SE. Since I know they will not accept my iPhone in its current state, I was wondering what would happen if I replaced the housing with an OEM housing. Please know that the IMEI number is not blacklisted or anything! I am not asking to change the number or anything like that. Just wondering if they verify the hardware IMEI printed on the rear of the housing with the software IMEI. If so then no replacement housing will do me any good... OEM or otherwise.

It sounds like the apple store is scrutinizing in its exam, so you might be better off seeing if your carrier will take it. I got 200 towards my 6s when I traded them (Verizon) my absolute POS 5.The battery in that phone should honestly have been studied by battery developers because the cells were so messed up (its max charging capacity fluctuated anywhere between 700 and 1200 mah). Anyway once it passed the no water damage inspection, all it had to do was be able to turn on long enough for me to erase all data and settings.