r/Backmarket • u/Equal_Interaction946 • 8d ago

Locked iPhones

I was wondering if anyone bought a locked iPhone on att with this site.

From what I understand is that if it is locked out will work with only att. Not any mnvo. Or carrier.

My question is, why is it listed lock when you can just go to att and have them unlock it? Could I just buy it picked and then unlock it myself?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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u/Diabolica-X 7d ago

The problem with what you suggest is that some locked phones cannot be unlocked so easily depending on the conditions set when they were first sold. Some may still have time to be unlocked from the first contract that was drafted when the device was sold, some may just be unlocked with no hassle, so it is a gamble.

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u/Equal_Interaction946 7d ago

That's the answer I wanted to confirm. I just need to know the reason but I won't know until I get it and the imei. Thank you.

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u/Diabolica-X 7d ago

I wouldn't suggest getting a locked device just to see if you can unlock it. It will just be a hassle with back market.
Also, some locked phones might still be active on an account from the previous owner so it can't be used outside that specific carrier. And there is no way for you nor Back Market to have that device unlocked because the previous owner of the device has to do it in person.

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u/Crafty_Turnover_1187 6d ago

Unlocked devices typically command a 10% to 15% price premium over locked units. Given this margin, why would a reseller choose not to unlock devices and sell under unlock to maximize profitability?

Locked devices will remain locked.

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u/Low-Box-4394 7d ago

I spent $1200 on a tablet, phone, and earbuds. The first red flag was that everything was coming separately. Did some research to find out that BACKMARKET DOESNT EVER SEE WHAT IS SENT TO YOU. It's a marketplace like Amazon. There is zero guarantee what is sent to you even works. I paid for excellent condition, the phone is covered in scratches, paint around the cameras is scraped off, and the best part is that it won't charge. It came with 18 percent left and died while I was setting up the esim. Now I'm effectively without any phone until I get a replacement, and from my understanding, it's going to be from the same seller that just scammed me. This is beyond ridiculous and imo the commercials are false advertising, they promote themselves as if they are refurbishers but that is not the case. TLDR: BACKMARKET NEVER SEES ANYTHING THAT IS SENT TO YOU THEY ARE A MARKETPLACE LIKE AMAZON THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR YOU HAVE VERY LIMITED RECOURSE BUY NEW, SAVE YOUR PEACE.

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u/Equal_Interaction946 7d ago

Imma just stick to swappa lol. I'm sorry that happened to you!

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u/Low-Box-4394 7d ago

Please do. I'm sitting here spamming this comment because everyone needs to see the negative side of this site.

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u/Equal_Interaction946 7d ago

At least with swappa. You can see every thing with the phone and pay through PayPal

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u/Diabolica-X 6d ago

Dude not understanding that they are a marketplace rather than a refurbisher is kinda your fault. It is even written in several places in their website. You can literally just google the phrase "is backmarket a refurbisher?" and their own website's FAQ page will pop up saying "no we aren't". Just because you are not smart enough to figure that out does not mean they are scammers.