Can i check if an iphone is stolen?

ashatron

ashatron

ashatron

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Sheffield
Hi all :D

If im buying a second hand iphone, how can i check if its stolen?
I know to make sure that it comes with its box, and match the handset serial to the box serial.

Any other ways?

thanks!
 
If you have to question if its stolen or not, why would you buy it?

Check the software's IMEI number against the handset's IMEI is the only way I know.
If its nicked then chances are someone has reported it pinched and the network has blocked the IMEI which stops the phone working.

The only way around this then is to change the IMEI...
..and that is against the law.
 
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because when you buy anything off anyone 2nd hand, it could be stolen.
But with an iphone, they can block it cant they? which makes it useless.
 
With any phone you can block it. :confused:

An iPhone IS just a normal phone so take the normal precautions you would when buying any phone. And no, other than checking the IMEI number when you get it there is no central database (that I know of) that can tell you if a phone is stolen.
 
Ask the seller to put a sim in and send you a picture of the lock screen showing the date, that way you can see in the top left if it has signal and is able to use the mobile network.
 
Most phones will display their IMEI if you key in *#06# (no idea if iPhones play nice, it would be fairly typical of Apple to do it differently). Other than that most physically have their IMEI printed behind the battery cover and often again as a sticker on the packaging.
 
iPhone has IMEI printed on the simcard holder, however these are easily damaged and its not uncommon for a OEM simcard holder to be used....still wont tell you if its been stolen or not...
 
semi-pro waster said:
Most phones will display their IMEI if you key in *#06# (no idea if iPhones play nice, it would be fairly typical of Apple to do it differently). Other than that most physically have their IMEI printed behind the battery cover and often again as a sticker on the packaging.
Click to expand...

They do play nice with *#06# :)
 
rscosworth said:
iPhone has IMEI printed on the simcard holder, however these are easily damaged and its not uncommon for a OEM simcard holder to be used....still wont tell you if its been stolen or not...
Click to expand...

It will if when you check the IMEI in the Settings Menu or *#06# and they dont match the Sim card holder.
 
I would be very surprised if you can get a new iPhone for £300. :O

The bay and maybe the place that's sounds like a rainforest. I don't know apart from that where you can get 2nd hand iPhones from.....maybe some phone shops.
 
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