Note: This article was originally written over 10 years ago. Android has matured a lot over that amount of time. We’ll come out with an updated version of this soon and link to it.
Update:
If the code below does not work for you, try this method instead.
Step 1
Tap your Phone app and open up the dialer.
Step 2
Using the touchscreen keypad, dial ##786# (aka ##RTN#). No need to press dial; the phone should automatically open up to the RTN screen. From here, tap View Note: If this code doesn’t work, try ##786## instead. Stars and numbers must be entered in the correct order.
Step 3
Scroll down the RTN screen to Reconditioned status. Here there are only two possible status entries:
Yes – Your phone is a refurbished model.No – Congratulations, your phone is not a refurbished model. Instead, it is factory new.
Why should I care if my phone was refurbished?
Refurbished or “reconditioned” means your phone was previously used or damaged and then returned, repaired, and polished up to make it look “like new.” In most cases, this means there is no longer anything wrong with the device, and it should work just like a new one. However, sometimes ‘refurbs’ have issues. The warranty is usually never as good for a refurbished device if it even has one at all… The build quality might also be lower on a refurb since third-party replacement parts are sometimes used rather than the OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Refurbished devices also have a lower sale value, and this also applies to resale value. If at some point you want to sell your phone on eBay or elsewhere, a refurbished phone won’t garner the same price point as one that is straight from the OEM. Before buying a phone, or after receiving one you bought online – the first thing you should do is check to see if it is a refurb. If the sale description did not mention that it was a refurb, you can return it and get a full refund or file a fraud claim. For example, I recently had Sprint send me a replacement after experiencing problems with my phone, and sure enough –it was a refurb. I spoke to Sprint about the finding, and they sent me a new one. I’m only teasing you partner The Launcher doesn’t work either. I can see only com.motorola stuff, but no com.android Does anybody have a clue? Thanks! It may work on other phones running Cyanogenmod as well. i have samsung galaxy sprint mobile So before selling your old phone, the first thing you shoud do is to erase everything on it permanently and keep your personal data safety. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQcwLBctwI0 Take care. Quite suspicious. What do I do? Any suggestion? Another thing is why they will modify refurbished status and If refurbished by local company then they will try to remove this function so you can’t find about it and they will get profit by selling refurbished mobile as new mobile specially “unlocked mobile” sold on ebay type website. Someone help me out Comment Name * Email *
Δ Save my name and email and send me emails as new comments are made to this post.
