OT: Got a used cell phone---now what?

Stan in Oly, WA · Nov 9, 2017

When my sister's family got new phones, my brother-in-law gave me his old one. It is a Samsung, a couple of models back (like if the current version is a Samsung VII, this one would be a Samsung V.) It's compatible with my service plan, so all I have to do it get it working. But I don't have any idea of what I have to do, or who to ask, or where to go to get that information. I'd be grateful if someone here could steer me in the right direction to get this done. Thanks.

Stan

moresmoke · Nov 9, 2017

Depends what you current phone is. If your current is a flip or "basic" phone, you will need to contact your provider to have the right plan.

The "new" phone needs to have a SIM card inserted to work. If your old phone had one it can probably be swapped over. Your BIL may have left a SIM in the phone, if this is the case, and they have the same carrier, you can use it, but your provider would need to switch it to your account.

guido · Nov 9, 2017

Hello Stan in Oly WA,

If you are in a Verizon plan it's easy. Dial star 228 and listen to the prompts. One is to update your phone and one is for activate it. Worked for me. It will activate your new phone and disable the other one,

Guido.

kevinthefixer · Nov 9, 2017

For the Samsung 'phones you might want to look into a custom operating system (ROM) for it before you go to your carrier for a SIM card for it. Eliminates all the bloatware and spyware it came with, leaves you with a lean & mean machine. But unless you're interested in learning this stuff, let an expert install it for you. The Samsungs are some of the best units around.

jeffcat · Nov 10, 2017

If you have a current provider. Sprint,Verizon,Att ect. Just walk in the door and most any of them can help you. If your bil was on a specific company sometimes the phones are locked. If you start that phone up the very first thing that comes on the screen is the company. Just go to them. Your choice. I am using my Samsung right now. Very nice phones.

Texasmark1 · Nov 10, 2017

Heads up on "getting connected". If you use a Great Call flip top phone, they no longer support the flip top, SCH220 I think I remember the number. Mine went swimming and I bought another on ebay. Tried to get it connected and they refused....no more new connections on that model of phone....said it was outdated......something about the emergency services not able to load with current software they had. Sent it back and ebay guarantee paid off.

Fred Werring · Nov 10, 2017

To build on what others have said...

If you've just had a "dumb" phone to this point, your carrier may require you to get a plan with a data allowance (more $) if you don't have one already.

I use a Samsung 5 on verizon, few years old, still a good smart phone. I fought getting a smart phone for a long time, wouldn't know what to do without it now.

Call your carriers customer service number on your old phone, tell them what you got, they'll walk you through.

Fred

OT: Got a used cell phone---now what?

Stan in Oly, WA

Well-known Member

moresmoke

Well-known Member

guido

Well-known Member

kevinthefixer

Member

jeffcat

Well-known Member

Texasmark1

Well-known Member

Fred Werring

Well-known Member

Similar threads