How do I deactivate a used sprint iPhone 4s

Question

How do I deactivate a used sprint iPhone 4s

Hello,

I have a pawn shop that called me and asked me if there's anyway to deactive a used iPhone 4s so they can resell. The Pawn shop is required to hold all products for at least 15 days for police to evaluate and see if it's been reported stolen. They've gone through this process and have tried contacting the seller to deactivate his account (which he apparently forgot to or didn't know he had to). Is there any way I can clear phone to be used as a fresh new device?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,

Caleb

iPhone 4S, iOS 5.0.1, AT&T

Posted on Mar 12, 2012 2:21 PM

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Answer 1

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,351 points

Mar 12, 2012 2:24 PM in response to Caleb Kingston

You would have to check with Sprint. They would only be able to activate the phone on their network, and if the person that pawned the phone did not complete paying their bill, Sprint will not reactivate it anyway. The phone would be bricked until that happens and they clear the Sprint equvilent of the ESN.

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Answer 2

Mar 12, 2012 3:06 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Thanks for the prompt reply. So is there no way I can use this phone with perhaps another carrier without cooperation with a sprint representative?

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Answer 3

Mar 12, 2012 3:13 PM in response to Caleb Kingston

This phone is permanently locked to Sprint, and they're not likely to bend the rules.

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Answer 4

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,351 points

Mar 12, 2012 3:21 PM in response to Caleb Kingston

No the phone is just for the Sprint network. They are the only one that can activate it. Even though they use CDMA like Verizon, even Verizon would not activate it on their network. Your only choice is to see if it is clear with Sprint and then if you try and sell it, it would have to be with someone that is already, or is willing to be a Sprint customer.

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Answer 5

Mar 12, 2012 3:25 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Thanks guys. This answered my question. I guess I'll just tell the pawn shop to review the activation status before offering to buy next time.

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