Question

dutch169 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2010, 03:46 PM

A "friend" of mine has a droid. He reported it lost and was sent a replacement. A few days later the original phone was found with a little damage and the replacement was already activated. For some reason the phone was wiped and needs to be reactivated. If the phone was to be reactivated ( on Verizon) would if turn off the replacement and alert Verizon that it was found? I also just saw a post about flashing droids to metro pcs. Will it matter that the ESN number/phone was reported lost. Or is their some way to get the phone set up to use its programs and wifi.

tvandyck7 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-25-2010, 04:21 PM

It probably won't be able to be activated. I think Verizon automatically places an alert on missing phones (to avoid fraud). As far as Metro PCS goes, I still don't think it'll work with a bad ESN, but ???. If the phone is found, it is supposed to be returned to the insurance company. If it is not sent in and they find out, they'll charge full retail for it. If "your friend" wants to keep it, I suggest just using it for spare parts and don't risk trying to activate it. You have to realize that Verizon deals with this everyday. They know what they're doing. It won't hurt their feelings one bit to charge $500 for a device that is not returned properly.

**banden** · #3 (**permalink**) 03-25-2010, 06:06 PM

If you reported the phone as lost, asurion will report it as lost or stolen to verizon.

phullofphil · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2010, 04:29 PM

you can use it. just not on the same line. i dont think they care that much since they make there money on the plan anyways and you have to get a internet plan to activate it.

bsweetness · #5 (**permalink**) 03-27-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phullofphil

you can use it. just not on the same line. i dont think they care that much since they make there money on the plan anyways and you have to get a internet plan to activate it.

Negative. When a phone is reported as being lost, the ESN is flagged as a lost phone. It will not be able to be easily activated on Verizon while the ESN is flagged.

As far as activating it on a different carrier, that might be a different story.

dutch169 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-2010, 05:58 PM

He got done what he needed/wanted done. He was able to access or use the programs on the phone without *228. From their he hooked it up wi fi, added his google account and the phone works. FYI I read on another site (apologies but forgot the name) to access the programs without activating the phone you touch the 4 corners of the screen in a clockwise manner. This is done when the phone boots up and the android is on the screen with the pointing finger. Thanks for everyones help. I'll be back soon with some noobish questions soon.