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User profile for user: 808liz
808liz Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

iPhone 11 not compatible w/ carrier

I had to buy a new phone when traveling 11/19 as my iPhone 6 Plus died. I got an iPhone 11 & was told it would work fine in the states. I used the phone for 6 days & haven’t been able to use it since as it is not compatible w/ Boost. I have reached out to our local Apple store & called customer support as I want another 11– just swap them out as this was used for just 6 days but no go. They are saying I have to change providers but I have a great cheap plan w/ Boost which will be doubled w/ any of the larger carriers. Any suggestions? Anyone want to buy a brand new iPhone 11? Lol

Posted on Jun 17, 2020 2:49 PM

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User profile for user: Phil0124
Phil0124
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
205,189 points

Posted on Jun 17, 2020 3:02 PM

Why is it not compatible with Boost? What happens when you try to use Boost?


When you bought the phone did you choose a carrier abroad? If so it may be locked to that carrier. See here: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support

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User profile for user: 808liz
808liz Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

Jun 17, 2020 3:30 PM in response to Phil0124

It’s an unlocked phone. When I was traveling I was using my 6plus & just switching out SIM cards depending on where I was. I did ask if the phone would work in the states & was told yes. Basically for some strange reason Boost just doesn’t recognize the IMEI number & so it can’t be used on their system. I was with Virgin Mobile before it got switched to Boost & they said the same thing. I really just wanted Apple to switch out this brand new phone with a local one so I could use it on any provider but no luck there either. I may just have to go with a more expensive provider which I really don’t want to do.

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User profile for user: Phil0124
Phil0124
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
205,189 points

Jun 17, 2020 3:54 PM in response to 808liz

If its unlocked, then the issue is not with the phone itself, but rather Boost.


Unless you bought the phone in China, there is nothing preventing an unlocked phone from working on Boost. Boost should be able to add the IMEI / MEID number to their database. Whether they are willing to do so, is entirely up to them however.


You can try to escalate the issue to a higher tier support person with Boost or you can let Boost know they are losing a customer because of their lack of flexibility.


I did find this in their support forums, you may have more luck with a private message to them there as it appears some where able to resolve the issue through it.: https://community.boostmobile.com/t5/Samsung-Phones-Devices/Galaxy-s9-Plus-IMEI-not-found-in-NMS-database/m-p/52030#M4206






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iPhone 11 not compatible w/ carrier

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