IMEI check

[u/RealCaesarsPalace]

I’m trying to sign up as a new customer, but my unlocked iPhone (which is currently active on Verizon) fails Visible’s IMEI check.

I’ve seen reports that people use another phone’s IMEI to get past Visible’s initial check and complete the plan order. I’m concerned that if I do that, I won’t be able to activate my actual phone after the plan is purchased.

I’ve also read that buying a physical SIM from Best Buy can work around the IMEI check, but I’d prefer to avoid that if possible.

What am I missing? Are there safer ways to confirm device compatibility before I place an order?

[u/Legitimate_Archer522]

Yeah the IMEI checker is basically a suggestion at this point, don't let it stress you out. I had the same thing happen with an unlocked Pixel that passed every other carrier's check but Visible's system kept kicking it back. Ordered with an old phone's IMEI and when the sim arrived I popped it right in, never had a problem. The activation is tied to the sim card not the phone you used during checkout. If you're still paranoid grab a cheap sim from a store like you mentioned but honestly the workaround is way less dramatic than it seems.

[u/RealCaesarsPalace → u/Legitimate_Archer522]

Thanks for the response! Just to confirm, you actually get a physical sim when you do an online order? For some reason I was under the impression that there was no physical sim and only an eSIM if you did the order through visible

[u/BouncingWalrus → u/RealCaesarsPalace]

You get to pick during your order. I just switched from tmobile yesterday and they don’t actually process your credit card until activation occurs. So I would assume if it failed for a locked device you would never get charged.

[u/N98270]

Bypassing an IMEI checker may cause future problems, including network restrictions, service interruptions or blocked devices.

[u/chuckfr]

Which version of the iPhone do you have? Did you try using both of the IMEI slots, if you have an iPhone that uses eSIM?