What is an ESN, IMEI, or MEID? Why are you telling me that it’s active, lost or stolen?

The electronic identification numbers are all tied to carriers (such as Verizon, AT&T, etc.). They will to record the status and activity from the device. Before we inspect the iPhone, we will contact the carrier to be sure that any of these identification numbers have been deactivated. If your number is set as “Active”, your offer amount will be reduced. We will not accept the iPhone if it is being listed as a stolen or lost account

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Please Note: Devices that are reported “Active”, stolen or lost are under this status due to the carrier notifying us of its status.

ESN - Electronic Serial Number

MEID - Mobile Equipment ID

IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identity

An ESN and MEID provide a unique identity for a CDMA cellphone. Within the 2005 time-frame, the 32-bit ESN gradually was replaced by the MEID.

An IMEI is a number that is assigned to UMTS, IDEN or GSM cellphones to give them a unique identity.

An ESN, MEID or IMEI can be active for any of these reasons:

•  There still is an “Account” account status through the carrier
•  There is a balance that is outstanding
•  The device it is attached to has been reported stolen or lost

If the number is not cleared for activation, we will contact you by email and hold onto your item for a period of 5 days. You are required to tell us if you plan on clearing the Active account, or if you will Decline or Accept the new offer.

In order to clear “Active” number, you need to get ahold of your wireless service provide to clear up issues that are making it so the ESN is active. Then, will be able to complete the process.

After 5 days have passed, you will receive a new offer value that reflects a “parts only” condition for your phone. If you notify us that you plan on trying to clear your account, you will get an additional 5 days to consider if you want to Accept or Decline the revised offer.

If we do not get notified, we will automatically accept the new offer and put your revised payment through.

Please Note: After you get your payment, we likely will not be able to find your phone to return it.  

Helpful Hint - You may need this number as a reference.  On many  cellphones you can find your ESN, MEID or IMEI by typing in *#06# and your iPhone and the number will appear on your screen.

Verizon phones can now be checked through their "Activate Phone or Device" page.  For other carriers you may chose their Chat function on their Customer Service page.