Most consumers upgrade their cell phone every 1.5 years, on average. The desire to have the newest and best model of cell phone on the market is largely responsible for the turnover, as well as lost and broken phones. The benefit is that many people return perfectly good phones when they upgrade, meaning that people shopping in the used cell phone market can find great deals on phones that are newer models. Since the technology for phones doesn't change very often, if you find a great deal, you can bet that the phone will last you for many years.
However, before buying a used cell phone, you have to make sure that you're shopping for a phone that is compatible with your current network. There are two different "types" of technology being used on the North American networks - GSM and CDMA.
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Phones that are on GSM networks have a small removable card, known as a SIM card, inside. Phones that are on CDMA networks do not have SIM cards. A GSM phone cannot be used on a CDMA network, just as a CDMA phone cannot be used on a GSM network.
Generally, the best deals on used cell phones are found through third party vendors, so be sure that you check to make sure the phone you are purchasing will work on your network.
Once you've purchase a used phone for your network, activating it is a breeze. Here's how:
Phones on a GSM Network are very, very simple to activate. Simply remove the SIM card from your old phone and place it in the back of the new phone. Turn the phone on, and you're all set. If you have problems removing the SIM card or installing the new one, check online - there are several articles and videos for specific phone models. Alternatively, you can check with your service provider or third party vendor that you bought the phone from.
If you have purchased your used cell phone from another source, and it is not locked to another wireless provider, activating your phone is as simple as removing the SIM card from your former phone and placing it in your newly purchased phone. If you do not yet have a SIM card for your phone you'll need to either visit a mobile provider's store or call them and request a new SIM card.
CDMA network phones are identified by the phone's ESN number. This is a unique number that is associated with your phone in your provider's database. The number is usually found on the phone under the battery. Simply get the ESN number for your old phone and your new phone and call your wireless provider. After supplying them the proper information, you will be good to go and your new phone will be activated within minutes.
Activating a used phone is much easier than it used to be. Following these simple steps should be all the information you need to be happily using your new phone in no time.
Activating Refurbished Cell Phones
