Switching back to an older iPhone, because newer one is broken... How do I do?

[AlkFoo]

So, my 3G is done but I got an old iPhone Gen 1. I have had my SIM in an old flip phone and I just can't handle it (so frustrating). What I want to do is just put my SIM in the iPhone that works but when I tried it sent me to AT&T to "Activate" a new line.

What I wanted to know is how do you go about changing the SIM over to a different iPhone through iTunes (if you can). I already have the Gen 1 phone in hand, but maybe getting another iPhone 3G loaner. What I don't want to do is activate "another new line"... and I just want to basically put some of my apps and all of my contacts on the "newer" phone.

Please help... I can't live another day with dumb-phone (old school flip phone).

I tried to "restore" the Gen 1 phone to factory, with SIM in it... Please help me with some detailed steps on how I can change iPhones. My 3G is stuck in the "restore needed- cannot make or recieve calls" mode... and I can't get iTunes to recognize it because I have passcode on it and THE HOME BUTTON doesn't work (no ability to reboot). I am not going to buy an iPhone 4 so I need a "newer" iPhone to hold me over until the next iPhone comes out.

Thank... Please HELP ME!

 

[Consultant]

Contact Apple / genius bar for help.

Are you on iPhone contract? Why can't you just pay the $200 and get an iPhone 4 if you are on contract?

 

[AlkFoo]

I am outside of my 2 year contract with the original iPhone 3G, but I don't want to get an iPhone 4 because the "Trend" has been a new phone in June/July. I would rather wait and not get tied into another 2 year contract on an "old" device, even if meant waiting until Summer, Fall, or even next year.

So, I have the 3G I bought from AT&T that is broken and have been given a phone as a replacement... All i want to do is be able to use it, but iTunes won't let me.

Has anybody ever done this or know how to do this?

Thanks

 

[Rider3]

Activation...

I believe there will always be an activation fee ($38.00?) when you change phones, not for a new line.

 

[AlkFoo]

If that's the case... then I will probably not do it... and threaten to go to Verizon (ditching all of my account...UVerse, Wifi, Cell phones, etc...). Hope it works.

 

[AlkFoo]

Talked to an AT&T rep on line today and they assured me to bring it in to an AT&T store and that I would not charged a fee... that they would do it for free. WOW, "the man" loosening up a little on nicklin' and dimin' us, it appears.

Yeah... I'll let you know how that goes.

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

Just swap the sims - that should be it. That's what I did, it worked for me.