Help Please on an iPhone 3GS

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Level 1

5 points

Help Please on an iPhone 3GS

Hi guys, I bought an iPhone 3GS, boxed, still partly wrapped and apparently never used. I checked the IMEI number and phone and box and it's the same.

The iPhone is locked to a network so I'll need to buy a SIM but when I remove the 30 pin USB cable from trying to charge the phone.......it's totally dead. The screen shows the "connect to iTunes" / SOS but its working whilst connected to cable / power. It's when I remove the phone from charging.....it's totally dead. Can the iPhone 3GS not charge without a SIM card?

PowerMac, iOS 9.2

Posted on Nov 17, 2017 11:59 AM

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Answer 1

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KiltedTim

Level 10

195,189 points

Nov 17, 2017 12:17 PM in response to gareth266

I agree with the post above. The battery is likely toast. Li-ion batteries do not respond well to being left completely without a charge for long periods of time. Considering the 3GS was discontinued over 5 years ago, I'm not surprised... Unfortunately, you can no longer get the battery for it replaced by Apple. Honestly, a quality replacement battery would cost more than the phone is worth, even from a 3rd party. Return the phone and get your money back if you can. If you can't, recycle it and go buy something else.

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Answer 2

Nov 17, 2017 12:24 PM in response to gareth266

If it has been sitting new in the box and unused it will definitely need a new lithium battery. Sitting static for years like that (iPhone 3GS production ended about 5 years ago now) will ruin any lithium battery.

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Answer 3

minacrime

Level 3

809 points

Nov 17, 2017 12:25 PM in response to gareth266

The battery is likely dead.

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