Transferring to a "new" phone

[CanadianPerson0]

I'm thinking of buying my friend's old phone, and it uses the same SIM card size (nano). I've never used a pre-owned device before, but just wondering if it's as simple as taking my SIM card out of my current phone, popping it in the "new" one, and that's that?

[Triguy]

Here is more info about unlocking your phone.

How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support

[esjliv]

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@CanadianPerson0 wrote:

Alright, I'll make sure to check the IMEI in the settings (iOS) and check if it's blacklisted.

If it was locked to Bell or something, would I contact Bell to get it unlocked? I'm glad the government stepped in and made it free of charge, and required by law, but just making sure I'd contact the carrier it's locked to and not Public Mobile or something.

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@CanadianPerson0 

If the phone is locked from your friend's previous provider (Bell) it may be easier if your friend has it unlocked for you.

But to check, ask to insert your SIM card to their phone before you buy it, then reboot your phone, see if you have any services. If you do then is would not be locked to Bell.

Unlocking iphones to previous provider's info here: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201328

[Triguy]

Here is how to reset your network settings on an Iphone.

1. From a Home screen, navigate: Settings  > General > Reset.
    If an app isn't available on your Home screen, swipe left to access the App Library.
2. Tap Reset Network Settings.
    If prompted, enter your passcode.
3. Tap Reset Network Settings.

[BlueB]

@CanadianPerson0 

If the phone is locked, you can try going to the provider, but is easier if your friend got it unlocked because they'd have the original purchase details for that phone.  I haven't gone in as a third party to get it unlocked from a provider, and in those cases, may be faster to get a phone repair company to unlock it for you that navigating the bureaucracy of major network companies.

[CanadianPerson0]

Oh, I see what you mean, yeah, I definitely plan on doing that. Thanks. Wasn't sure if it was buried in the actual network settings or something. 👍

[CanadianPerson0]

Alright, I'll make sure to check the IMEI in the settings (iOS) and check if it's blacklisted.

If it was locked to Bell or something, would I contact Bell to get it unlocked? I'm glad the government stepped in and made it free of charge, and required by law, but just making sure I'd contact the carrier it's locked to and not Public Mobile or something.

[BlueB]

@CanadianPerson0 

You can reset the phone to factory defaults under Settings » General... here's details directly from Apple!  🙂

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/iphone/iphea1c2fe48/ios

[CanadianPerson0]

Sounds good! The phone's luckily compatabile, and while I don't know yet, I'm assuming the phone hasn't been blacklisted (stolen).

[CanadianPerson0]

Alright, I checked both those links and the phone supports everything.

I'll definitely check if the phone is blacklisted, I'm assuming it isn't since it's not a sketchy friend, but obviously makes sense to be safe than sorry.

How would I do a 'Reset of the Network Settings'? (It's an iPhone)

[BlueB]

If it's from a friend, then things will be pretty easy... as you suggested, you just swapped SIM cards into that phone and you're good to go! 

We've seen some issues lately where phones are blacklisted and therefore unsable on any network, but shouldn't be an issue here.  If you want to be extra cautious, you can enter the IMEI of the phone (dial *#06#) here:

https://www.devicecheck.ca/check-status-device-canada/

Some phones are "locked" to a provider but can be unlocked as needed if it's not already usable on the Telus network (owner of Public Mobile).

[TheGx]

@CanadianPerson0 :Yup, just make sure new phone is unlocked and compatible with Public Mobile network - you can check by using compatibility tool by click activate SIM card below then use compatibility tool.

[esjliv · Accepted solution]

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@CanadianPerson0 wrote:

I'm thinking of buying my friend's old phone, and it uses the same SIM card size (nano). I've never used a pre-owned device before, but just wondering if it's as simple as taking my SIM card out of my current phone, popping it in the "new" one, and that's that?

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@CanadianPerson0 If it is the same size, then yes, it is as simple as that - just take your SIM out and place it in the other phone.

ALSO, make sure it is a PM compatible phone. Good to check whether a phone will work with any provider, especially Public Mobile. Use more than one source to be sure.

https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/CA

https://willmyphonework.net

If you know this person, hopefully this is not an issue, but always good to check if your phone is blacklisted here:

https://www.devicecheck.ca/check-status-device-canada/

When you do insert your SIM into another phone, a good idea would be to do a Reset of the Network Settings with your SIM card in it.

[Triguy]

Yes, just take your sim out of your current phone and swap it over to the other phone.