new phone setup problems.

Question

new phone setup problems.

hi, i bought a second hand 4 yesterday and every time i plug into itunes to setup it says " cannot activate at this time, please try later " i cannot do it over wifi...is it itunes or my phone?

iPhone 4

Posted on Aug 10, 2014 2:30 AM

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Answer 1

wegras

Level 6

15,311 points

Aug 10, 2014 3:51 AM in response to MatGodfrey1977

That response is usually as a result of the Activation servers detecting that the iPhone has been hacked ( jailbroken) or the PC has been used to hack an iPhone

Probably to bypass a Carrier lock

If this the case Apple do not support hacked iPhones either support wise or on this Forum

Suggest you consider getting your money back it is likely an iBrick

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Answer 2

Aug 10, 2014 4:23 AM in response to wegras

hi, thanks for the reply. i dont think that is the case, i contacted apple support and was told to use recovery mode. that went ok, but after restoring firmware etc. the same " cannot activate at this time "popped up again. could it be that the original owner has it still connected with their apple id? the lady on support seems to think if i contact them to remove it it may solve the issue.

it came with the original box and numbers matched ok.

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Answer 3

wegras

Level 6

15,311 points

Aug 10, 2014 4:34 AM in response to MatGodfrey1977

Hacking is amending the iOS to overcome the lock placed on the iPhone by the original carrier and that is why the Activation servers will not talk to a hacked iPhone

This happens when an owner takes the iPhone to "phone shop" that offers carrier unlocking

iPhones can only be unlocked by the original carrier NOT 3rd parties despite what they may claim

See this

Unauthorized modification of iOS can cause security vulnerabilities, instability, shortened battery life, and other issu…

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Answer 4

Aug 10, 2014 4:39 AM in response to wegras

thanks ever so much for your help.i'll have to speak to the vendor. it was obviously not sold as advertised.

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Answer 5

wegras

Level 6

15,311 points

Aug 10, 2014 4:41 AM in response to MatGodfrey1977

sadly that in usually the case

If Ebay ,just report it as fraudulent and claim ,there are genuine deals out there 😮 there but it really is Buyer Beware

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