Otherwise, the device will still have a bad ESN (because it is still reported as lost) and will not be able to be activated by another user. Hint: If you lost your device, and reported it as lost to your carrier for insurance purposes, but then found the phone again – you need to call your carrier back and let them know you found the phone. The iPhone has been reported lost or stolen.The iPhone is still active one someone else’s account.
The iPhone is not paid off by the original owner.What makes an iPhone have a bad ESN?Īn iPhone can have a bad ESN for multiple reasons: Very confusing, I know! Now, I’m sure you are wondering what a bad ESN even is. ESN stands for Electronic Serial Number and is another name for the IMEI number.įor the purposes of checking if your device has a clean ESN, the IMEI number is what should be used.
