Are Asurion replacement phones unlocked?
The answer to this question depends on the network carrier you use, as Asurion does not lock or unlock phones. Asurion may choose to send you a new device as a replacement, or send a refurbished one, while you send your broken phone to them. Your replacement device will be locked for a certain time, usually up to 24 hours. The only exception to this rule is when you use Verizon, as their LTE devices will come unlocked, which is a requirement of the Terms and Conditions from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).
If Asurion covers your cellphone and it malfunctions, gets damaged, or stolen, you will need a replacement phone; and once you get it, you will need to activate the device on your chosen network. In many cases, the device should not remain locked for a long time – and if this happens, you need to file a complaint with the FCC.
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Steps to unlocking a replacement smartphone
In case you find your replacement smartphone from Asurion is locked, you will need to unlock it, through following the steps we will outline below. While these apply to Verizon cellular phones, you can use them as guidelines if you are on another network.
Preparing to activate
- There are several things you will need as you activate the phone, especially your PIN. Since the phone is activation-locked, you will need the device’s four-digit PIN number that you will allow you to access the network services. If the PIN is not an option, you can use the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- You must have an account for the phone – if it is an iPhone, you should create an iCloud account, and if it is an Android device, you must create a Gmail account for it.
- Back up any information you want to save before continuing. This will apply if you have any information such as contacts that you want to save on your phone, and the process depends on your smartphone. If you use an iPhone, back up the information on iCloud or iTunes, while Android devices can backup through their settings menu.
- Disable iMessage if you need to – that is, if you are changing from an iPhone to an Android device, or an older phone.
- Switch off the old phone and remove its SIM card. However, you can skip this if you want to use a new SIM card.
Activating an iPhone device
- Insert the SIM card into the replacement device, and then switch on the phone.
- If prompted, enter the PIN number or your Social Security number. Note that it is not in all circumstances that you will need to enter your PIN number, so you do not need to worry if the option is absent.
- Follow the instructions the device gives on setting it up.
- Restore the data that you backed up in the iCloud or Gmail account. However, if you are changing the type of device, such as from Android to iPhone or iPhone to Android, you will need to skip this step for your contacts as you will handle them later.
- Finish the remaining parts of the setup by following the on-screen instructions.
- When the screen prompts you, tap on the ‘Get Started’ button, and the activation process will begin. This can take up a few minutes at most.
- Once the process is complete, you can activate a service plan or 4G, depending on the carrier you use.
- If there are issues with activation, ensure you contact the network provider for assistance or visit the network carrier’s retail outlets.
Activating an Android device
- Insert the SIM card into the device.
- Insert the battery if possible, especially for older Android devices.
- Switch on the device.
- If the device prompts you, enter the Verizon PIN, or your Social Security number; this will depend on what it asks.
- Follow all the on-screen instructions to setup the device, then restore your backup from your Gmail account.
- When the device prompts you, choose the link it provides to activate the phone. The process may take a few minutes at most.
- Activate your preferred service plan or 4G, depending on your network carrier. In case you encounter issues, contact the network provider or visit their retail outlets.
Summary of How to activate an Asurion-locked cellphone
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Conclusion
Asurion does not unlock the device they will send to you, regardless of whether it is new or refurbished – that task is for the network carrier to handle. If you find that the device is locked, the most you can do is call the tech support of your network carrier and ask them to update the device IMEI number so that it is eligible for unlocking.
FAQs
Does Asurion send new phones as replacements?
Not in all circumstances – they will decide whether they will send a new or refurbished device to you after they approve your claim.
Are replacement phones from Asurion new?
Not in all cases. In many instances, they will send a refurbished device, depending on what they have in stock.
Are replacement phones unlocked?
Not all devices are unlocked, and chances are high that you will get a locked one depending on your carrier.
Are AppleCare replacement phones unlocked?
Yes, all AppleCare replacement phones come unlocked.
Can Asurion phones be unlocked?
Yes, they can, although it will take certain time limits to do so depending on their agreements with your network carrier.
Are Asurion replacement phones good?
Yes, they can function efficiently for a while. However, their status depends on the parts used to refurbish them, which you may not know until getting the device.
