Transactions
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Sell a blacklisted phone for parts if you accidentally purchase one.
It is the best case scenario, though usually at a substantial loss.
- You will likely incur a substantial loss.
one person who lived it
Set up a SIM PIN to prevent thieves from using your SIM card in another device if your phone is stolen.
Prevents thieves from using your info if they put your SIM in another phone.
one person who lived it
Communicate via email only until a buyer is ready to meet in person; do not post your phone number in listings.
One user reported selling thousands of items without problems using this method.
one person who lived it
Donate old smartphones to battered women's shelters.
Shelters have a need for these devices.
one person who lived it
Be aware that phones bought on contract and sold quickly may be blacklisted if the original owner reports them lost or stops paying.
Sellers may report the phone as lost or stolen to carriers after selling it for quick cash.
one person who lived it
Shred your old SIM card after your number has successfully transferred to the new carrier.
Treat it like a credit card to prevent misuse.
one person who lived it
Print one-time passwords for critical accounts and store them in your wallet.
Having printed OTPs helped recover access after a phone was pickpocketed.
one person who lived it
Use a scrubbed-clean old phone with only Wi-Fi connectivity when traveling through countries with strict customs agents to avoid exposing personal data.
It allows you to pass customs without revealing social media accounts or other private data.
- The phone must be scrubbed clean.
- Requires Wi-Fi to connect for emergency communication.
one person who lived it
Meet strangers at police station parking spots reserved for such meetings, as these are likely safe locations where criminals will not go.
These spots are specifically reserved for meeting strangers and are perceived as unsafe for bad actors.
one person who lived it
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Dedicate multiple old phones to specific car functions like navigation and engine data monitoring to preserve the main phone's battery.
Listening to music all day won't drain the battery of the phone used for communication during long days outside.
one person who lived it
If a retail representative insists on activating a temporary number before porting your existing one, leave and demand a direct port.
There is no reason for a temporary number; this request may indicate a scam or laziness.
one person who lived it
If you buy or sell phones, check the IMEI before completing the transaction.
one person who lived it
Visit corporate carrier stores rather than authorized retailers for better customer service during carrier switches.
Corporate employees receive bonuses based on customer experience, whereas authorized retailers do not.
one person who lived it
Use an old smartphone exclusively for gaming to preserve the battery of your primary communication device.
It prevents draining the battery on the phone used for calls and messages.
one person who lived it
Organize apps into alphabetical boxes classified by type to help with reorganization on a new phone.
It makes redoing the organization easier.
one person who lived it