Database Users

Bad ESN, now what?

So I found a person on Craigslist who had a Droid 2 for sale, good deal. So I met up with him, checked out the phone, everything looked good. I called Verizon before making the exchange for the phone and verified the ESN was clear. I get home and try to activate the phone and can't. I called Verizon back and this time I'm being told the phone is still allocated to an account but not active, probably someone who didn't pay a bill would be my guess. It's still early and I haven't tried contacting the person I purchased it from, but providing that falls through what are my options? Or are there any?
I've had verizon for almost 12 years now, can't say I've had the best experience but this just takes the prize. First guy says yes, second person says no, I'm probably out money. ><

Be careful. It could either be stolen or his and he could be filing a claim that the phone was stolen so document everything from the transaction to ensure you don't end up in the wrong. I'm not sure if anything can be done if you have a linked but not active ESN.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

newk8600 said:
Be careful. It could either be stolen or his and he could be filing a claim that the phone was stolen so document everything from the transaction to ensure you don't end up in the wrong. I'm not sure if anything can be done if you have a linked but not active ESN.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App
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Yea I kinda figure that I'm out some cash and got a nifty paperweight now. I'm calling VZW to raise hell since one person told me it was clean, and the other told me the truth about it. Nothing will probably come of it, but at least I get to ***** at them for it. I did manage to get the guy I bought it from to tell me earlier today that it was on his wifes account and that she needed the money from getting rid of the phone to buy another and have it activated. Of course he hasn't returned any of my follow up calls asking when this is going to happen. Unfortunately this isn't someone I know, but do feel like giving him the ass beating of his lifetime.
Oh well, I should have tried to activate it myself on the spot so I guess you live you learn.
By the way, I've got this new thing called an Android Paperweight that runs OS 2.2 if you're interested in buying it let me know (j/k)

StirCwazy said:
Yea I kinda figure that I'm out some cash and got a nifty paperweight now. I'm calling VZW to raise hell since one person told me it was clean, and the other told me the truth about it. Nothing will probably come of it, but at least I get to ***** at them for it. I did manage to get the guy I bought it from to tell me earlier today that it was on his wifes account and that she needed the money from getting rid of the phone to buy another and have it activated. Of course he hasn't returned any of my follow up calls asking when this is going to happen. Unfortunately this isn't someone I know, but do feel like giving him the ass beating of his lifetime.
Oh well, I should have tried to activate it myself on the spot so I guess you live you learn.
By the way, I've got this new thing called an Android Paperweight that runs OS 2.2 if you're interested in buying it let me know (j/k)
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Honestly, if it ends up being a bad ESN and you aren't ever able to activate it you could probably sell it to a developer to recuperate some of the cost. You probably wont get it all but I'm sure you could get a nice chunk back.

kwheel596 said:
Honestly, if it ends up being a bad ESN and you aren't ever able to activate it you could probably sell it to a developer to recuperate some of the cost. You probably wont get it all but I'm sure you could get a nice chunk back.
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I wouldn't even know where to start, but good suggestion, thanks.

I called VZW a few minutes ago to complain and found out that the person I spoke with last night didn't log anything in our account indicating a call and regarding what. The person I spoke with earlier today did. I just wish everyone knew how to do their job properly to make sure everyone in my situation ends up with the best possible results, and not out some money that could be used elsewhere.
So if life I guess

How much does it take to buy the phone..... paper weight

rdking said:
How much does it take to buy the phone..... paper weight
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At risk of being ridiculed over what I paid for the said item I'll take offers via PM For the time being I'm still holding out on the dream it will one day soon be functional.

put it on ebay you can still get a couple hundred bucks out of a droid 2 with a bad esn

Good luck man, I hope it will be activated soon!
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

First things first, never buy a CL phone unless you activate it on the SPOT. Regardless if the 'account is late on payment' or whatever that doesn't mean they can blacklist the phone from activating on the network.
If it is a insurance claim phone it can never be used and you are SOL, but if it's stolen I'd call Verizon again and have them contact whoever owns that phone to call you. You seem like an intelligent person, not some kid posting on here, and having VZW for 12 years confirms that. Do the right thing and contact the owner should it be stolen. Maybe work something out?

You could always use it with a different carrier or sell it to someone who wants to use it on a different carrier..
They flash over to cricket easily, probly to sprint or u.s. cellular also
Doesnt matter what the esn says in verizons system when going somewhere else

If you complain enough they will *SOMETIMES* allow you to swap it for a replacement with a clean ESN, though not always. You could also try going into a store and telling them you got ripped off and seeing if they have a carrier return laying that they might be willing to replace your bad one with, Verizon themselves doesn't care about blacklisted ESN's once they have them, they just simply remove it from the blacklist and sell it off

Streak 7 bad ESN
May be an stupid coment, but just by curiosity: when you change the ROM for some custom ROM , the STK7 is not by default unlocked?.

Mr. Cell Phone Unlocker
If you are willing to pay $75, I stumbled across this site that will do it.
Reputable company, but I make no guarantees of their effectiveness. Never tried it either.
Might be worth a shot
http://www.mrcellphoneunlocker.com/V2/products.php?product=Verizon_ESN

any ideas on how to convince tmobile to send me a replacement first

So my galaxy s has some earpiece issues with the voume as almost inaudible and I got a replacement. Problem is, Tmobile is having me send the phone in first before they send the replacement becuase I am prepaid. Anyone has ideas on how to get tmobile to send the replacement first? I d not want a faulty replacement that is even crappier and have to pay double shipping charges.

1) More then likely nope, you're stuck
2) Cry/beg/*****/moan to the CSR and see if they take pity
3) Try the Electronic Executive Carpet Bomb. Basically you email every email of everyone you can get a hold of in the executive customer service and write a very nice and sincere letter. You just might get a response to your liking. This worked for me and I was able to get a Vibrant to replace my Behold II. Go read The Consumerist to find out more about the EECB.

Probaly not. I dont think the ear piece problem is normal any ways so you shouldn't have to worry about it.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Sign up for a regular account, switch your imei to that one, then do the replacement. With a prepaid, they have no guarantees, and it would be bad business for them to send you one first.
The whole appeal behind prepaid is that there is no credit check or deposit.

Have a credit card have them cross ship one

XPLANE9 said:
So my galaxy s has some earpiece issues with the voume as almost inaudible and I got a replacement. Problem is, Tmobile is having me send the phone in first before they send the replacement becuase I am prepaid. Anyone has ideas on how to get tmobile to send the replacement first? I d not want a faulty replacement that is even crappier and have to pay double shipping charges.
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i dont knoe if this help i said my charging port doest work anymore so they fill out the replacement forum and they sent the replacement first

XPLANE9 said:
So my galaxy s has some earpiece issues with the voume as almost inaudible and I got a replacement. Problem is, Tmobile is having me send the phone in first before they send the replacement becuase I am prepaid. Anyone has ideas on how to get tmobile to send the replacement first? I d not want a faulty replacement that is even crappier and have to pay double shipping charges.
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lol you think they're going to let you run off with a free phone? FAIL

Your pre pay. They won't give in. atleast on a contact they can issue credit reports if you run off with the phone. Your only bet is to borrow a friends old hand me down. Mail in your vibrant and wait. Be happy there atleast offering you a warranty exchange on flexpay. Usually you buy the phone full price and any warranty issues are through the manufacturer.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

do you not understand?
I am not going to run off with a free phone since they can still charge my account for the new phone. And again, why would I run off with a broken phone that can barely make phone calls anyways? Think before post next time @ Telanis. The person who fails is you who thinks tmobile cannot just charge my account again. FAIL.

XPLANE9 said:
I am not going to run off with a free phone since they can still charge my account for the new phone. And again, why would I run off with a broken phone that can barely make phone calls anyways? Think before post next time @ Telanis. The person who fails is you who thinks tmobile cannot just charge my account again. FAIL.
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the ONLY way companies will cross ship things is if they have your credit card on file. Sure they can charge your account for a device but what happens when you don't pay?
I've had many electronics cross shipped, it normally requires talking to a manager and ALWAYS requires a credit card on file. If you are not willing to do this, then you have to deal with their ship first policy.

XPLANE9 said:
I am not going to run off with a free phone since they can still charge my account for the new phone. And again, why would I run off with a broken phone that can barely make phone calls anyways? Think before post next time @ Telanis. The person who fails is you who thinks tmobile cannot just charge my account again. FAIL.
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Say that from the perspective of a multi million dollar company.
They don't want some random kid running off with their phone.
What does a drunk guy say when he gets pulled over in the highway? "I wasn't drinking I swear!"
thieves make promises they can't keep and that's why companies don't just give a new phone before getting old one.
Think before YOU post next time.
These people are trying to help u but u wanna tell them their stupid for trying to help u.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Unblock Desire HD

Ok, so as dodgy as this is going to sound to some people, its the truth....
I lost my DHD a few months back and got an insurance claim to replace the phone (thank god, id be lost without it)
So.... 2 days ago my friend was cleaning out their car and found it down the back of the seat (where they promised they had checked before) and gave it back to me.
I went to the shop where I filed the insurance claim (Carphone Warehouse) and tried to hand it back to them, they got the manager who said "This doesn't happen much, we can't take it back, just keep it"
But the phone is blocked, only from calls, it can still be used to access the Android Market etc. Is there any way around this block so I can sell/give it away.
P.S. I promise this isn't a lie and because I tried to give it back, I'm pretty sure its not illegal either.

There would be no legal way for you to unblock it as far as I know, they lock the phone out with it's IMEI number.

sjta3b said:
Ok, so as dodgy as this is going to sound to some people, its the truth....
I lost my DHD a few months back and got an insurance claim to replace the phone (thank god, id be lost without it)
So.... 2 days ago my friend was cleaning out their car and found it down the back of the seat (where they promised they had checked before) and gave it back to me.
I went to the shop where I filed the insurance claim (Carphone Warehouse) and tried to hand it back to them, they got the manager who said "This doesn't happen much, we can't take it back, just keep it"
But the phone is blocked, only from calls, it can still be used to access the Android Market etc. Is there any way around this block so I can sell/give it away.
P.S. I promise this isn't a lie and because I tried to give it back, I'm pretty sure its not illegal either.
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It has nothing to do with carphone warehouse, if you return the device to working order, you will be defrauding there insurance company! Imo you should just throw it away.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

shakadamus is correct. Once blocked they cannot be legally unblocked.
I'm pretty sure it would be blocked to most of Western Europe now as well, as databases are now shared.
EDIT: Read your insurance documentation, I'm pretty sure it will mention "if you find your phone, return it to us, as legally we now own it" or words to that effect.

My phone stopped working around New Year, after many weeks of new SIM's, sending for repairs etc it turned out that someone else had lost their phone, but T-Mobile blocked MY IMEI number. Although it was their mistake it took several weeks to get them to reactivate the phone, so it can be done, but it was not straight forward. As the insurance company has already paid out on your handset, they might not even entertain reactivating it, but it's worth a go, you have nothing to lose in trying.

Keep it for spare battery and covers/other parts
It would be a loss to just throw it away not to mention stupid.
If WIFI still works and they don't wanna take it back maybe you could still sell it or use it for urself.

Thanks for the advice guys, ill ring the insurance company in the morning to see what they say, other than that, ill probably just keep the battery and chuck the handset, no1 is going to pay anything for a blocked phone and it really is no use to me at all.

if the insurance company say you can keep it, just stick it on ebay or something, as long as you are clear that it is a black listed handset you should have no problems, you might be surprised a what some people will pay for some things on there.

sjta3b said:
Thanks for the advice guys, ill ring the insurance company in the morning to see what they say, other than that, ill probably just keep the battery and chuck the handset, no1 is going to pay anything for a blocked phone and it really is no use to me at all.
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That's what I'd do, I'd strip the covers, battery and even attempt to remove the main board from the unibody case then sell it all as spares, minus the main board.
EDIT: was missing the bolded key word

Throwing it away is pretty stupid lol, like the others said strip it for parts ..
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

sjta3b said:
Thanks for the advice guys, ill ring the insurance company in the morning to see what they say, other than that, ill probably just keep the battery and chuck the handset, no1 is going to pay anything for a blocked phone and it really is no use to me at all.
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i will buy it off u mate.. would u sell it ?

If wifi etc works, use it as a mini laptop for around the house? *stirring*Or use it for all those times we have to put our DHD's on the charger!!!*stirring*

Hand it over to the Rom developers as a test rig ;-)
Sent from the powers of my mind, using the XDA App o_0

I will sell this to anyone who wants wants to buy it, contact me via PM if you're interested, but it would have to go on ebay for safety/security reasons, I wouldnt sell via a forum (im sure its against the rules too).
Or if anyone can find me a high profile dev who will put it to good use they're more than welcome to it, tell them to contact me again via PM.
I live in the UK so would rather post it to someone not too far from the UK or Ireland, esp if its a dev as I wont be asking money.

I would buy it, if I know its not locked on my operator. But I don't have money right now.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

HTC G2 TM Question Lost Phone

Hello I have a HTC G2 and i lost it a few days ago so i reported it to tmobile and they sent me a new one
Now after receiving the new one My friend cleaning out his car found the phone and called me letting me know
My question is can i use this phone still even though i have a new one
is there a way to mod the phone so that TM will not know its the one i reported lost.
Please let me know as i will like to give this to my daughter thanks.

I'm guessing they would have the ESN/IMEI of the phone marked as bad so it cannot be used or activated anymore by a thief if it was stolen. There may be a way to get it work, but it would probably be illegal =/

what will be the procedure as if its a sim card how would they now what phone it is

Well, the most honest thing to do would be to call TMobile and ask which one they want back.
A less honest thing to do would be to call 611 from the old phone, which will probably work, say you found this phone and would like to know where to send it. At least you get to keep the newer phone.
Or, you could keep both and see if the old one is usable using a different SIM. But what kind of example does that set for your daughter?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

Well I understand sending the phone back will be good but as i spent 150 dollars to get the replacement. I was told it will not be refunded so whats the point of sending it back.
I figure since i have a few tm phones and at times i switch phones it will not be a problem.
Well if putting custom software will that hide the phone as they say rooting the phone is not exceptable and you can void your warrenty. And when putting custom roms they never now also apps that are downloaded.

storres6981 said:
what will be the procedure as if its a sim card how would they now what phone it is
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The ESN/IMEI are hard coded in a very deep level of the phone software somehow I think, so it doesn't matter what SIM you have in it; the network knows its being used. I'm sure there are [illegal] ways to change the ESN
For example if you look at phone people sell on Ebay, they are always labeled as "Clean ESN" or "Bad ESN". The bad ones are phones reported as stolen, etc and won't be able to be activated no matter what.

c00ller said:
The ESN/IMEI are hard coded in a very deep level of the phone software somehow I think, so it doesn't matter what SIM you have in it; the network knows its being used. I'm sure there are [illegal] ways to change the ESN
For example if you look at phone people sell on Ebay, they are always labeled as "Clean ESN" or "Bad ESN". The bad ones are phones reported as stolen, etc and won't be able to be activated no matter what.
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This is correct. If you've reported the phone lost/stolen, or the phone is associated to a delinquent or unpaid account, the provider (T-mo) will mark the phone as such, and the phone will not work with any other SIM card. So its only worth what it could be sold for for parts...
You spoke of rooting the phone, this won't clear the ESN, and this really isn't something we talk about at XDA (or most other reputable forums, for that matter) because it is highly illegal/frowned upon/etc.. Really no need for this thread to go in that direction...
Now the right thing to do would to call T-mo and ask which one they wanted back... maybe you can work something out with them even though they cant do a full refund. It would also mean that your account wouldnt be docked the cost or mark of having been given a phone under warranty, because most plans only allow a certain number of claims per time period.

Not true...you could change the esn and imei on blackberry. I did it because I was in the same situation. I just wanted to give mine to my bro. I'm sure if you could on blackberry you can with android. Android is more open I would think
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

popimp315 said:
Not true...you could change the esn and imei on blackberry. I did it because I was in the same situation. I just wanted to give mine to my bro. I'm sure if you could on blackberry you can with android. Android is more open I would think
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk
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Never said you can't, just said its something we don't talk about here.

It should still work on networks outside of the USA (or which ever country it is you're in). So I suppose you can unlock and debrand it and sell it to someone abroad.

Have you tried putting your replacement sim on the old phone? You really should call tmobile to see what can be done.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

It will work just fine. I did the same thing and I asked the lady that worked for the phone's insurance before I ordered my replacement what would happen if I found it and she said you have 7 days to send back the replacement for a refund. She said if I find it after the 7 days it would work and be 100% usable but I wouldn't be able to send in the replacement for the refund... it is currently being used with no issues right now actually.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Been a nice yeah with you guys and the MT3gS

So i called t-mobile today for a warranty return on my phone, been meaning to for a while the slide out part was a little loose. the guy on the phone said i am sorry sir, but the MT3gS is no longer available... but we will send you a MyTouch 4g Slide...... The phone i was going to try to buy in the next few months. was going to have to work around and eat roman to buy the thing. so this is my good buy. i have learned alot for alot of people on this forum, i was even going to donate my old phone to someone when i got my new one, but since i will have to return this one to get it, i will not be able to do that.
be cool,
kat bastard

Sounds like it's gonna be an awesome upgrade for you man, good for you.
Out of curiousity is it from t-mobile or asurion? How much are you paying out of pocket?

katbastard said:
So i called t-mobile today for a warranty return on my phone, been meaning to for a while the slide out part was a little loose. the guy on the phone said i am sorry sir, but the MT3gS is no longer available... but we will send you a MyTouch 4g Slide...... The phone i was going to try to buy in the next few months. was going to have to work around and eat roman to buy the thing. so this is my good buy. i have learned alot for alot of people on this forum, i was even going to donate my old phone to someone when i got my new one, but since i will have to return this one to get it, i will not be able to do that.
be cool,
kat bastard
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Best of luck to you with your 4g Slide! I've been thinking about doing the same thing. my power button is getting recessed and making my nervous for future problems. Same question as the above post. Is T-Mobile replacing it or is it through asurion? Are they charging you anything (Shipping?)? Also; I've never had to warranty a phone before. Do they require you send it back prior to getting your new phone sent?

myTouch 4g Slide is the best!

its t-mobile, the upgrade is 100% free due to the warranty replacement. don't have to pay for shipping or anything. man replace your phone while you can! if you do it now you might get the same deal i did.

Hey man, thanks a lot! Called them and got the free upgrade replacement to a mt4gs since mine was under warranty
Thanks for the heads up!

So my phone randomly turns off, would I call technical support from tmo and ask for a replacement and I should be able to get the mt4gs?

Raiden8816 said:
So my phone randomly turns off, would I call technical support from tmo and ask for a replacement and I should be able to get the mt4gs?
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Do you pay the ~$5 for premium handset protection or whatever?
If so, then yes.. call and tell them it locks up and reboots constantly. They will run you through their script (have you done a factory reset, let's try it for a day without the sd card, are there apps that you downloaded that make it happen, etc). Don't lie, but I imagine you've already done these things while trying to get the random reboots to stop. Once you get them to qualify you for a replacement, they will give you a MT4GS as they are out of the MT3GS at the moment or something.
NOTE: There is no need to extend your contract to get the new phone.
They sent me what appeared to be a brand new MT4GS, but I am sending it back due to the "K" button on the keyboard not working.. Hoping the replacement is fixed all-around.
Good luck!

I just called them for my issue. I have light coming out from the sides of the screen in addition to the power button... they wanted me to pay $5 for processing and told me they would replace with a 3G slide... I wonder if the store will be able to warranty it. I'm going to try that tomorrow. Will post back how that goes.

called the store this morning and they can't do a swap. must be done through customer service... tried them again to get someone else... It seems they have more 3g slides. anyone have any hints?