You are here:
- Home
- Shopping
- Cell Phones/Pagers
- Cellular Phones
- Verifying a used cell phone will work on AT&T
Cellular Phones/Verifying a used cell phone will work on AT&T
Advertisement
Question
I want to try to buy a used cell phone from Craig's List to work on my account on the AT&T network.
I will first verify that the phone is GSM compatible.
I will ask the seller what network it was used on and only consider phones which are CLAIMED to have been used on the AT&T network.
When I go to buy the phone, can I test it by plugging in the SIM card from my old phone? Are there any set up steps I would have to perform to see if it was really previously used on AT&T?
This is what I would do if I were you:
1. Only buy a phone that is branded AT&T
If you do this, I 100% guarantee you that your SIM card will work in the phone (provided you have post-paid - not prepaid - service with AT&T today) You have a Go Phone SIM, then you can only buy a prepaid AT&T phone (Go Phone) or a SIM unlocked GSM phone that is quad band.
2. Find out the make and model and look it up on line to make sure that it was sold by AT&T (or ask me, I can validate that also).
3. By purchasing an AT&T branded phone, you don't have anything to worry about in the way of setting up anything, i.e., WAP or MMS. It will all be set up for you already.
I hope this helps and good luck to you. Thanks. DebiN
Related Articles
- What's a SIM Card and What's a GSM Phone - And Advice on Where to Buy SIM cards and GSM Phones
- Unlocked Cell Phones and Smartphones - What Is an Unlocked Cell Phone
- Buying a GSM Cell Phone and SIM Card - Tips for Buying a GSM Cell Phone
- GSM World Cell Phones With Wifi and Music - Skype Cell Phones Coming for Flashpackers
- How to Make International Calls While Traveling: Comparison of Using Your Cell Phone Abroad, Renting Mobile Phones, and More
DebiN
Expertise
I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.
Experience
Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.
Organizations
I belong to several organizations
Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications
Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.