Menu
HomeCertificationSolutionNewsRequest a Demo
Used Phones
October 7, 2016

How to Check a Phone's ESN Before Buying

Buying a used smartphone is certainly more affordable. The tech efficiency of the digital era is making more used smartphones accessible online, however it may be risky. One essential to check before buying a used phone is the ESN, or Electronic Serial Number.Knowing how to check an ESN is vital, since a bad ESN can keep you from using it on your intended mobile network. If you fail to check a smartphone’s ESN prior to purchase, you may find yourself without a usable phone. And you will have wasted hundreds of dollars.Understanding a phone’s ESN, what they are, and how you can ensure the ESN is “clean” is actually a simple process. Let’s take a closer look at how you can purchase a used phone you can actually connect to a mobile network.

What is an ESN?

An ESN is a smartphone’s serial number. It simply identifies that specific phone, sort of like your social security number identifies you. When checking a phone’s ESN, you are essentially doing a background check on the device.These unique numbers allow cell phone companies and service providers to track the phone’s use, data, and even if there is money owed on that particular smartphone. A “bad” ESN will cause you unwanted issues if purchased.

What is a “Bad” ESN, and What Does it Mean?

If a smartphone has a “bad” ESN, you won’t be able to connect it to the mobile carrier of your choice, rendering the device useless. There are actually a variety of reasons why a phone’s ESN is marked bad, like a phone with a bad ESN can be marked as lost or stolen.Another reason for a bad ESN is if a device is still on another account. If a balance is due, the phone provider still technically owns it until paid in full. For example, if someone sold you a phone that owes money to AT&T, you won’t be able to register that phone with him or her until the balance is taken care of.

check esn

How to Ensure You Buy a Phone with a “Clean” ESN

If you are browsing online for a new used smartphone, you should ensure the phone you want to purchase has a “clean” ESN. There are plenty of phone check platforms online that will check a device’s ESN prior to purchase. You simply need to get the ESN from the seller.You will notice that nearly every used phone online for sale doesn’t have an ESN picture. If the phone you want doesn’t have one posted, you don’t need to jump to any worrisome conclusions. Message the seller and ask for the ESN number located on a sticker behind the battery or in the “about” screen of the smartphone.If a seller doesn’t want to give up the ESN, you should not purchase the phone, regardless of how great the deal may be. Purchasing a phone with a bad ESN is like owning an expensive paperweight, since only the original owner of the phone can settle any charges owed.

check esn

Dangers When Buying a Used iPhone

If you do find a phone with a clean ESN, there are other dangers to be aware of as well. Purchasing a used iPhone can have some drawbacks, since Apple software offers total user compatibility and connectivity.In many cases, an iPhone is linked to a seller’s Apple ID. Here are a few terms to be on the lookout for:

When purchasing a used iPhone, ensure none of these issues are mentioned on the ad. You can also ask the seller about these issues as well, because a trustworthy seller won’t mind answering them. Often times a factory reset is the only way to get the sellers iCloud data completely deleted.Checking a smartphone’s ESN is an important part of buying a used phone online. You want to ensure that the phone you want to purchase has a clean ESN and that a full factory reset has been completed. You certainly want to enjoy all the great features of your new smartphone, and a few checks can enhance your experience.

Request Demo
Facebook-IconTwitter-iconInstagram-iconLinkedin-iconyoutube-iconpintrest-icon
Certified
Solution
Features
Blog
Testimonials
Digital Assets
Request Demo
Data CollectionData ErasureDevice CertificationDiagnosticsLock DetectionPremium IMEI Checks
Email UsEULA
Copyright © 2024 Phonecheck, LLC.