I bought this phone unlocked and was told it was compatible with Boost Mobile. When I went to activate the phone I was told based on the IMEI number that it could NOT be activated. I had to reluctantly return this phone. What's the truth ? null

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Accepted Answer

That is true I also bought a phone that was told it was unlocked and compatible went to activate it at Xfinity mobile where my new service is at and they sell that exact same phone there that I was trying to activate but yet they said it was incompatible so then I went and upgraded to another phone that was better and they didn't sell it at Xfinity and what do you know they were able to activate it

Answered by Anonymous 2 years ago

GuySmiley · Answer

If the phone is locked with another carrier, boost mobile cannot activate it. Some carries will not unlock a phone purchased from them

sleepyowl · Answer

hi. i generally call the carrier and tell them the model of phone and review the specs. i believe, it is the bands or frequencies that determine whether or not it will work with a specific carrier. and, yes, it is the IMEI number on the specific phone that actually gives the carrier the info they need to know to determine if the phone will work with their network. unfortunately, each phone has its own IMEI number (so i've been told). therefore, you would have to buy the phone, call the carrier and then decide if you will keep the phone or not. i usually try to get the manufacturer's specific model number (ie SM-G981UZAAXAA) and then find specs to give to the carrier. if i buy the phone, i will then confirm if it will work on a specific network by giving the IMEI number, before using the phone. good luck.

Answered by sleepyowl 5 years ago

Kaniget · Answer

Carriers have the ultimate say on what phones they will allow on their network especially when it comes to unlocked devices. In the case of boost mobile they use the Sprint network in the United States. This phone technically is compatible with the Sprint network but Boost may be limited on the type of phones Sprint will allow them to activate on their network. With that said the IMEI also allows a phone to be locked due to theft or because its already activated and locked to a specific carrier. If it was a brand new phone from Best Buy take it back and work with them to resolve the issue.

Answered by Kaniget 5 years ago

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“I bought this phone unlocked and was told it was compatible with Boost Mobile. When I went to activate the phone I was told based on the IMEI number that it could NOT be activated. I had to reluctantly return this phone. What's the truth ?”

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