Best way to buy a used iPhone 3Gs?

I lost my iPhone on a New York City bus today and I doubt there's any chance I'll be getting it back I belong to AT&T and unfortunately my contract isn't eligible for renewal and won't be for another year. I don't want to pay full price for a new 3Gs or a 4G, so I am thinking about buying a used phone to last me for another year, until I can renew my contract and get a new phone. Does anyone have any tips or advice about where to buy a used iPhone and what to lookout for? I'm a little bit nervous about buying from Craigslist or Ebay, but it seems like these sites may be my best option.

Craigslist. There are always pretty cheap phones there and some people take care of their stuff really well

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Buying a used iPhone 3GS

Hi all,
I'd like to buy an iPhone but I can't afford a brand new one, so I decided to buy a used 3GS, and I wondered what should I take care about, what are the points that may be defective (misworking buttons...)
Thank you for your answer

1. Inspect for liquid damage, this tells you where the indicators are:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3302
2. Verify that the IMEI number has not been blacklisted(some carriers will blacklist lost or stolen phones).
3. Are all accessories are included? USB cable, USB charger, original box, stereo headset with mike, etc:
In the box
* iPhone 3GS
* Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic
* Dock Connector to USB Cable
* USB Power Adapter
* Documentation
4. Is the phone carrier locked or officially unlocked? Will it work & activate on the carrier network you want to use? DO NOT PURCHASE A HACKED PHONE!
5. Plug the SN in here:
http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html
This will even tell you when the phone was made.
Also, plug the SN in here to see if any warranty remains:
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
6. See what OS is currently on the phone. Most current version for a 3GS is iOS 4.3. Settings>General>About>Version.
&. Inspect for physical damage: Cracked screen, cracked case, bent pins in dock connector, headphone jack work, mute switch work, volume buttons work, speaker work, mic work, home button work, sleep/wake button work:
!http://images.apple.com/iphone/images/sspecscontrols20090608.jpg!
!http://images.apple.com/iphone/images/specsconnectors20090608.jpg!
8. As always, BUYER BEWARE: A defective or stolen phone can wipe out any cost savings you would otherwise enjoy.

Best way to upload photos from iPhone 3GS?

I have an iPhone 3GS. I just took a bunch of photos on vacation. Now I would like to upload them to my Windows XP PC. I know I can send them via email one at a time, but I'd like a way to send them all at once. I do have a Dropbox account. I tried to download the Dropbox app, but it says it requires iOS 7. I tried to download iOS 7, but was told it can't run on the 3GS.
Is there a way that I can send all of the photos on my iPhone to my PC all at once?
Thanks

You don't need any App. Attach your iPhone to a USB port on your computer and follow the instructions here: Import photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac or Windows PC - Apple Support

Buying a used iphone 3gs online - are all the unlocked ones jailbroken, too?

Hey there :-)
My iphone was stolen recently, and as I wasn't banking on having to replace it until about a year later, the replacement will need to be a used one so I don't totally blow my budget I looked locally but there's nothing interesting, so my only choice is probably going online, specifically ebay.
Now, the issue is, I need one that's unlocked, because I won't be using it in the same country it's bought (and the odds of finding a phone locked to the specific network are slim to none). But I keep finding iphones that are marked 'unlocked and JAILBROKEN'. Trouble is, I'm not sure I want a jailbroken phone, because I've heard jailbreaking ends up causing all sorts of problems with the software, and I don't need that: I see absolutely zero benefit in sacrificing any of the reliability I've come to know and love just for the opportunity to download a bunch of potentially lower-quality apps, many of them games which I don't use anyway - not when there's so many interesting apps I can get without bending/breaking the rules (not judging those who do this, just explaining my own perspective, how it works for the kind of use I make of this).
But most of the phones listed as 'unlocked' also have 'jailbroken' in the description. So now I'm beginning to worry that these two go hand-in-hand - like maybe, jailbreaking is a first step or something for unlocking the iphone, so that by definitiion, an unlocked iphone is also a jailbroken one. Is that the case?
And if so, what should I pay attention to when buying so that I can minimize the chance of getting a dud? If not, can I ask one of these sellers to undo the jailbreaking somehow and just send the phone unlocked only - is that a possibility? I'm reasonably experienced buying on ebay (studying feedback, etc) but this is the first large purchase of this kind, so ANY advice you can think of for this will be very very welcome indeed

Dave Sawyer -
yes, unfortunately a new iPhone is completely beyond my means right now. I tried to figure it out but the money just isn't there for that kind of purchase It doesn't help that iPhones are priced at a high premium where I am - it took me a few months to save up for the one that was stolen! and worse, older model iphones don't get discounted more than a couple dozen euros at most here, and even when you can find demonstration devices, you'll be lucky to get 5% off a device that is a complete mess.
Okay, enough wingeing I really want to thank you for the detailed post - I can honestly say you saved me a lot of grief because other advice I received was that I could buy a JB iphone and then get rid of the JB with a simple restore! Which sounds like it's definitely not the case.
What you said confirms the wisdom of my decision to stay away from JB iPhones. They honestly sound like they are better suited to people who just like to tinker with their device, and if the tinkering interferes with the phone's reliability, that's not a big issue to them because it's used more as a toy or educational aid than a fully fledged tool, as it is for me.
I have found a few listings for 'factory unlocked' iphones. What do you think of these? Are they legitimate? One of them seems to be from a larger business seller who sells only this type of thing, and the others are original owners (who bought them from the carrier or Apple) selling their own used phones.

HT1349 I lost/had my iPhone stolen. Tried using Find My iPhone and it's offline. It was set up. What do I do now? Do I report it stolen? What is the best way in getting back my iPhone if any? Thank you in advance.

Tried using Find My iPhone and it's offline. It (Find my iPhone) was set up. What do I do now? Do I report it stolen? What is the best way in getting back my iPhone if any? Thank you in advance.

Find My iPhone is good for misplaced iPhone but not good for thief and it was never meant to be.
You chance of getting it back is very small.
There are a few things you can try.
Try remote lock/wipe your iPhone through Find My iPhone.
https://www.icloud.com
You can report to the police, cell carrier (expensive cell charges for international calls, roaming etc)
Change all the passwords used in iPhone: Apple ID, E-mail, Bank Account ....
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2526

TS3694 I am using iphone 3gs, I upgraded my i-os to 6.0 from 5.1.1 however I am facing performance issue, along with this all the applications including settings or any other shuts down automatically. Is there any way by which I can use my phone in better

I am using iphone 3gs, I upgraded my i-os to 6.0 from 5.1.1 however I am facing performance issue, along with this all the applications including settings or any other shuts down automatically. Is there any way by which I can use my phone in better way?

No, downgrading from any version of iOS to an earlier version is not supported.

I can't decide what to buy ipad or iphone 3GS

I can't decide what to buy ipad or iphone 3GS Can you request me some ideas or solutions...

I have both an iPad and a highly capable smartphone (HTC Incredible), which while not an iPhone, fills the same needs in my life. If I had to choose one device, phone or iPad, it would have to be phone as text messaging is my primary mode of communciation, everyone has my phone number and text messaging on the iPad would not be as convenient and an iPad won't fit in my pocket.
The iPad sits somewhere between my Macbook and my phone. It has pretty much replaced the Windows XP netbook I used to take out and about. With it's stellar battery life, huge screen and instant on, it's much pleasanter to use while sitting in a coffee shop or while eating lunch alone.
However, without knowing your needs, it would be pretty hard to make a recommendation.
Best of luck.

Best way to buy a Macbook Pro at an apple store

I am going to purchase my first macbook pro next week. I am switching from Windows to Apple after 10 plus years of use. I am very excited to make the switch. My question is this, I was wondering what is the best way to buy one at an apple store? Should I schedule a one on one to make sure i get a rep? The reason I say this is because the store i go to is constantly busy and seems as though i probably wouldnt be able to get a sales rep for a while. Also i was wondering if this is something people use alot or does scheduling a one on one not happen very often. The last question I have is should i call ahead to the store to see if they have the macbook that i want in stock? If they dont can i order one over the phone and schedule a pickup at the store? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
It never hurts to get a rep, as they may be able to show you things about the machine you may not have known, and if they are well trained, they can answer all your questions and make you feel more comfortable about your purchase.
For custom configurations that are not listed in the store online by default, you will likely need to go online, though some stores have a fully featured configuration with the maximum custom addons all prebundled. For more customization online is better.
Ordering over the phone to the brick and morter store is not as likely to be doable, though some stores may offer it. Each store has their own policy, and I suggest calling them ahead to find out what it is.
You can at least for http://www.apple.com/retail/ set a genius bar appointment ahead of time, to discuss your needs.

I am using iphone 3gs can it be support with icloud ?

in november 2010 i buy mobileme ID so now it became free,
and i am using iphone 3gs now it is showing not applicable with this device,
so, what can i do now,
my current ios is 4.3.3..

You need to setup the account using the MobileMe ID you chose when signing up for the service.
It will be in form of an @me.com email address e.g. [email protected]
http://www.apple.com/mobileme/setup/iphone_ipod.html
You can't setup a full MobileMe account using a different Apple ID, such as the one you may use for these forums or the iTunes Store.

Where is the best place to buy second hand iPhones?

Someone said that Melbourne had the longest turnaround times for Apple service work. Let me tell you the guys at the St Kilda Apple Service Centre turned my job around in 2 days... but my question is where is the best place to buy second hand iPhones in Melbourne?

There is no reliable place to buy any second-hand iPhone other than from someone you know personally. There is no way to know for certain that any iPhone you buy from a stranger isn't jailbroken, stolen, or reported lost and replaced (and hence probably blocked by the carrier). The only reliable place to buy an iPhone is from Apple or an authorized iPhone dealer.
This is the iMac forum, by the way.
Regards.

Hi. I am using iphone 3gs running on ios 5.1.1. I didn't find any software update option at any place in setting. Please tell me how can i get it or how i would be able to download and install ios update without using computer

Hi
I am using iphone 3gs running on ios 5.1.1
I didn't find any software update option at any place in setting.
Please tell me how can i get it or how i would be able to download and install ios update without using computer

Just use the phone the way it is, forget the apps.

Steps after buying a used iPhone 6

I'm buying a used iPhone. What steps should I take immediately after I receive the iPhone, to make sure that everything is OK, that I got what I paid for, and that I'm not receiving a lemon?
For instance, it might be nice to check that it wasn't reported stolen / blacklisted. Also, I am buying a factory unlocked phone, so it'd be useful if there is an easy way to check to make sure I am receiving an unlocked iPhone. Also, if there is any hardware that is frequently broken / not working on used devices, it might be useful to have a checklist for checking that hardware.

**IMPORTANT** You should check the Activation Lock Status before buying the phone:
https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/
If you buy a phone that is activation locked, it will be useless.
There is no universal list of phones that have been reported stolen. Also, in the U.S., if the phone was on an account that was cancelled for non-payment, you may not be able to activate that phone again on the same carrier until the debt is resolved.

Using iPhone 3Gs with noise canceling headset

I recently upgraded from a 3G to a 3Gs. I used the 3G with a corded connection from the audio jack to a Lightspeed Zulu aviation noise canceling headset. It worked great. However, with the 3Gs I can hear the person I am talking to fine, but they say they can barely hear me. This never happened when I used my 3G phone with the NC headset. Is there a volume adjustment on the outgoing audio in the 3Gs?

So my question is, can i use IPhone 3Gs with my network instead of AT&T?
No, if the phone is bought from AT&T in the US, it is locked to AT&T and AT&T do not offer unlocking, so it would only be able to be used with AT&T.
There doesn't appear to be an official iPhone provider in Egypt, so you would have to buy an unlocked one from another country:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1937
Note that for any repairs or service the iPhone would have to be returned to the country of purchase.

Used iPhone 3gs

My iPhone 4 32gb was stolen Friday night and of course my contract isn't up for 1 more year. In lieu of buying a new iPhone, I bought a used iPhone 3gs 16gb online. What do I need to do to activate the phone once I recieve it? My husband has the iPhone 4 32gb that we synced together on his mac. Will I have any problems syncing with his phone since I now have the 16gb?
Thanks!

All the Information you need is here:
http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/
iPhone User Guide
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iphone_user_guide.pdf

Respected sir/mam , I m using iphone 3gs and it was running properly since todyesterday but today I have updated my iphone 3gs to ios 6.1.3 after downloading and installing the update it stuck on "connect to itunes symble on my iphone screen?

I m using iPhone 3gs (ios5.1.1) but today I update it to ios 6.1.3 after the update it got suckon " connect to itunes " symble. And when I was trying to connect it to iTunes it showed restore and update? When I selected that it start downloading ios 6.1.3 on iTunes . I m unable to use my iPhone what to do pls tell me?

Unable to Update or Restore..?
See Here > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1808
You may need to try this More than Once... Be sure to Follow ALL the Steps...
But... if the Device has been Modified... this will Not necessarily work.
Unauthorized modification of iOS > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3743

Best way to buy a used iPhone 3Gs?

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