Reselling a stolen phone used to be very simple. Thieves could simply post an offer on an online resale platform and wait to be contacted.

However, a blacklist was created a few years ago, making it much more difficult to resell stolen phones.

So, what is a blacklisted phone? How can you make sure that a phone isn’t on the list before you buy it?

In this article, the Recycell team answers these questions and more.

What is the blacklist for cell phones?

The National Stolen Device Blacklist is a tool that was established in Canada in 2013. The list is used to identify cell phones that have been reported lost or stolen.

According to the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), the purpose of the list is to reduce theft and disincentivize the resale of lost and stolen devices.

When a phone is reported lost or stolen and blacklisted by a mobile service provider, it can no longer be activated on a Canadian, American or European network.

How the blacklist works

The device blacklist is a huge database that contains a list of all lost or stolen cell phones. The list includes IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and ESN (Electronic Serial Number) numbers that serve as identifiers for specific devices.

With these identifiers recorded, anyone who tries to reactivate a phone that is on the blacklist will be unable to do so because service providers will refuse to sell them a plan. Furthermore, service providers who identify a blacklisted device are likely to report it to the authorities.

How to tell if a phone is blacklisted

The vast majority of cell phones have an IMEI number, an ESN or both. To check whether a device is blacklisted, you will need to find the IMEI number to access the database.

There are several simple ways to do this:

• Dial *#06# on your phone and the IMEI number will appear automatically on-screen.
• If you can, check under your phone’s battery. For iPhones, the number can be found on the little tray that holds the SIM card.
• If you still have your phone’s original packaging, you should be able to find the IMEI number on the label.

Once you have the IMEI number, go to Device Check Canada, a website created by the CWTA. Just enter your IMEI to access the Canadian national database of lost and stolen devices.

Device Check Canada is a really useful tool for anyone considering buying a used cell phone. By checking its status, you can make sure that you are buying a legitimate device and avoid losing money on an unusable one.

How to remove a cell phone from the blacklist

The only way to remove a cell phone from the blacklist is to contact the original carrier. Unfortunately, they are unlikely to do so without a very good reason. The only situation where a provider will remove a phone from the blacklist is if they are the ones who sold it to you. In that case, they are obliged to do everything in their power to remove the device from the list or reimburse you for it if they cannot.

You can also alert the police, but they don’t always open an investigation for this type of situation.

If you have gotten a used smartphone that turns out to be on the blacklist, even if you acquired it legally, you are likely to be left with an unusable phone.

What to do with a blacklisted phone

So, you’ve paid for a device that’s impossible to connect to mobile networks. What can you do with it?

Although basic functions like call and text won’t work on a blacklisted phone, its other functions can still be used.

You can still use the device to access WiFi and listen to music, watch videos, play games, etc.

However, most people don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a cell phone that can’t be used for calls or texts.

The best thing to do is check the status of a used phone before you buy it. This is especially important for less secure resale platforms like Kijiji. If the seller refuses to give you the IMEI, consider it a red flag.

It’s important to note that it can take a few days for phones to appear on the blacklist. A phone that was stolen the day before may not be listed when you check it. To make sure your purchase is legitimate, it may be a good idea to wait a few days before checking the status of the device.

Find great quality used cell phones at Recycell

A blacklisted phone is practically impossible to use for basic functions like calling and texting. If the device is on the list, it’s because it was reported lost or stolen and it will be basically impossible to reactivate it, even if you purchased it legally.

Want to buy a used cell phone from a reputable seller so you can be sure it won’t be on the blacklist?

Recycell buys used devices in large quantities from major companies and refurbishes them. When you buy a device from us, you can rest assured that it’s not on the national blacklist.

Visit our used phone store to find a used phone that works for you!

Looking to purchase a good quality smartphone without spending a fortune? You might want to consider buying an older iPhone model.

To help you choose the best model depending on your needs, here is a comparison of two excellent Apple products: the iPhone SE and iPhone 7.

iPhone SE vs iPhone 7 performance

Let’s start by comparing the performance of the iPhone SE and iPhone 7.

The iPhone SE has the same A9 processor as the iPhone 6S.

The iPhone 7 is equipped with the A10 Fusion processor, which uses two high-performance modules for advanced tasks and two other ones for more basic tasks.

The iPhone 7’s processor has been shown to be 30% quicker than the SE’s, but this difference is not necessarily noticeable to the user. Even a used iPhone 7 is the more scalable of the two phones.

iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE design

In terms of design, the two devices do not necessarily have anything that sets them apart from previous models.

The iPhone SE looks almost the same as the iPhone 5, whereas the iPhone 7 is a slightly bigger version of the iPhone 6. It therefore depends on if you prefer having a more compact device (iPhone SE) or a bigger screen (iPhone 7).

One difference that may influence your decision is the 3.5mm port on the iPhone SE to plug earphones. Apple has removed it from the iPhone 7, so the iPhone SE might be the better choice if you want to avoid using an earphone adapter.

Which phone has a better camera?

It cannot be denied that the iPhone 7 has a better camera than the iPhone SE. Pictures and videos taken with the iPhone 7 have much better definition. The image noise on pictures taken in low light is also much better than on those taken with the iPhone SE.

Finally, the front camera of the iPhone 7 is much more powerful, with 7 megapixels rather than 1.2 megapixels for the SE.

Battery life and storage capacity

The battery of the iPhone 7 is bigger to power a larger and brighter screen.

However, the iPhone 7’s battery does not last as long as one might hope. The iPhone SE’s battery life is much better than the iPhone 7’s for normal daily use.

As far as storage is concerned, the iPhone 7 has an advantage. While the iPhone SE is available at a respectable 64GB storage capacity, the iPhone 7 is available with 128GB and 256GB storage capacities, which is necessary to store a large number of photos and HD videos.

iPhone SE vs iPhone 7: which one to choose?

So which device is better between the iPhone SE and iPhone 7? Let’s summarize:

• The iPhone 7 performs better than the iPhone SE
• The iPhone SE is more compact and has an earphone jack
• The iPhone 7’s camera is better than the iPhone SE’s
• The iPhone SE’s battery life is better than the iPhone 7’s

Considering these points, one isn’t necessarily better than the other between the iPhone SE and iPhone 7. Your decision will depend on the cell phone features you prefer.

Keep in mind that since the iPhone 7 is a newer model, it will probably be better adapted for software updates than the iPhone SE. This might be important if you are planning on keeping it for a long time.

Are you looking to buy a used iPhone? Visit our online store!

Buying a used or new smartphone? This question has certainly sparked much debate.

Do you want to replace your smartphone, but you are hesitating between a used or new model? Discover the advantages and disadvantages of both options in this article.

Advantages and disadvantages of buying a used smartphone over a new one

As a guide to help you make an informed choice, here are a few advantages and disadvantages of choosing a used smartphone.

Why you should buy a used smartphone

Today, smartphones are becoming increasingly expensive. This can make it difficult to get a recent model at a decent price. Luckily, you can have more leeway with used smartphones. In fact, you can get a high-end device for a fraction of the price.

What’s more, when you buy a used phone from a reputable company, you can rest assured that it has been inspected by experts. This means you won’t have to worry about the performance and excellent condition of your phone.

The small downside of buying a second-hand smartphone

Although buying a used smartphone is more affordable than buying a new one, you still need to check where it came from. If you deal with a certified company, you’ll have peace of mind. However, if you buy a used device through an ad, make sure that the seller is reliable and that the phone is in good condition. You want to avoid buying a cell phone that is more outdated than yours.

The pros and cons of buying a new smartphone over a used one

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to buying a new smartphone. Here are some of them.

The benefits of buying a new smartphone

A new smartphone will obviously be brand new in its entirety. This means that its appearance, packaging and accessories will all be original when you buy it. The functionalities of new phones are also more developed to offer users a fresh experience.

In addition, some cell phones such as the iPhone have a one-year warranty at the time of purchase. If you are concerned about newness and performance, this can be a good choice.

The downsides of buying a new smartphone

Among the drawbacks of buying a new smartphone are price and environmental considerations. Buying a new phone is much less affordable than buying a used one, without a shadow of a doubt.

And as far as the environment is concerned, it is of course preferable to recycle your phones and buy a reconditioned or used model to avoid over-consumption.

Buying a new or used smartphone: a question of preference

In short, if you’re not sure whether to buy a new or used smartphone, start by asking yourself the right questions. This will help you decide on a model that’s right for you.

If the advantages of buying a used phone have convinced you, then why wait to get one? At Recycell, we offer our customers an impressive selection of used mobile devices for all tastes. Browse our website now to find a phone model that suits your style!

By the end of the year, it is projected that there will be approximately 9.2 billion active mobile phone subscriptions worldwide. This staggering number also accounts for a substantial number of phones that need to be replaced annually.

From an ecological standpoint, it is important to consider the advent of “green” phones. But do these environmentally friendly phones really exist? Find out more as we cover the subject for you here.

Environmentally friendly phones: the market trend

While there aren’t that many eco-friendly phones on the market, a growing number of companies are moving towards producing more eco-friendly models. Several manufacturers are creating smartphones that charge more efficiently and use less energy.

Progress is also being made in the recycling of materials used for mobile phones. Some companies, such as Samsung, are introducing new greener models every year. For example, the Galaxy Exhilarate is an Android smartphone made from 80% post-consumer waste. This phone has a lower impact on the environment and radiation levels emitted during its production are minimal.

If you want to be part of the green movement, buy smart and trust companies that offer these types of smartphones.

Recycled phones: turning old into new

Whenever a new phone enters the market, old models are quickly forgotten. Fortunately, many companies buy these older models and resell them at a lower cost. This new way of consuming helps you save money and reduce your carbon footprint through active recycling.

You can also buy mobile phones that were previously obsolete or used in order to give them a second life. These devices are inspected by experts and returned to excellent condition. The advantage is that they are generally much cheaper. You can even choose between different carriers since the phone will be unlocked.

These simple actions can make a big difference to the environment and to your wallet.

Environmentally friendly phones in 2020: a smart move for the planet

There you go! Now you know a little bit more about eco-friendly phones. Although there are few of them on the market, we can still see some great advances from manufacturers.

Contact us now to find the smartphone you need or for more information. At Recycell, we have a wide variety of used and recycled phones to offer you at a fraction of the price.

Today’s new phones tend to be priced way outside the range of affordability for those of us with a reasonable budget. The latest iterations from popular brands like Samsung or Apple’s iPhone can go for upwards of $1,400, a price point which can easily break the bank for many shoppers.

This is why an increasing number of consumers are turning to used cell phones, which can offer the same level of quality at a much more budget-friendly price if you know what to look out for.

If you feel like brand-new smartphones are prohibitively expensive and want to consider a refurbished phone instead, here is how to check a used phone before buying to ensure that you are 100% happy with your purchase.

Have an idea of what you want in a used phone before buying

First and foremost, when you decide you want to shop for a used phone, you should first have a general idea of what you need. Make a list of every feature you think you want, going from essential to negotiable. This might include things such as:

• Minimum required specifications (memory, storage, etc.)
• Screen size
• Camera quality
• Preferred brand
• Color
• Budget

Find a trusted used phone seller

Once you have a good idea what kind of used phone you want and the budget you are willing to spend, it’s time to find a trustworthy seller. Some shoppers will opt for classified ads platforms like Kijiji or eBay since they tend to be on the cheaper side of the spectrum.

However, keep in mind that you will be dealing with third party sellers on these platforms and they often come with a greater risk than online shops that have a proven track record of selling used phones to satisfied customers.

Established sellers like Recycell will inspect every phone to ensure high quality standards, offer a reasonable return policy and provide customer support to guarantee that you are satisfied with your purchase. This gives you more time to determine if the smartphone meets your expectations, whereas buying a phone from a random person on Craigslist often forces you to rapidly check the device in person.

Used phone checklist: what to inspect before committing

Whether you are meeting someone in person to inspect a used phone before buying or you are receiving your phone in the mail from an online store, there are certain things you will always want to check before committing to your purchase.

Visual inspection

Before booting up your used phone, you will first want to perform a quick visual inspection for any visible damages. Check for any noticeable scratches or dents on the screen and camera and press the different buttons to make sure they are functional.

Touch screen

Boot up the smartphone to make sure the entire screen area responds well to your touch and you don’t find any deadspots. You should also test the screen brightness at this point and make sure there is no off-color tinting or splotching that will affect your browsing experience.

Microphone, headphone port and speakers

Open the built-in voice recording app included on most smartphones and record a short sentence. Play back audio with and without headphones to make sure everything is in working order. This will also ensure that the headphone port is undamaged.

Camera

Load the camera application and take a few pictures and video using both the selfie cam and rear-facing camera. The picture quality should look crisp and unobstructed by any visual anomalies (from an undetected crack for example).

USB connectivity

Finally, you will want to test the charging cable that comes with your used phone. Make sure the phone battery charges properly when plugged in. If you have your laptop with you, check if you can access the phone folder without any issues.

Watch out for red flags and always check a used phone before buying

Checking a used phone before buying is always worth the time to make sure you are comfortable with your device. When not buying from a trusted online seller, be aware of any potential red flags such as the seller being hesitant to let you test the phone or unable to answer your questions.

Recycell offers a wide range of high-quality, pre-inspected used phones and cell phone accessories at competitive prices and has completed over 10,000 successful transactions with satisfied customers.

Every one of our smartphones is rated on a scale of 1 to 10 for condition to prevent any unpleasant surprises. Contact us today if you have any questions about our used smartphone products and we will be happy to answer you!