iPhone Bought on eBay Shows as Replaced on Apple Support Website
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iuser3gs • January 12, 2013 at 5:27pm
I purchased a used iPhone 3GS on eBay and attempted to have AT&T unlock it. After restoring the device to iOS 6 via iTunes, I received an activation error. When checking the serial number on Apple's support website, it states the device has been replaced and that I should provide a valid serial number. Now the iPhone is stuck at the activation screen and cannot be used. Is there a way to resolve this serial number issue and activate the phone?
Answers
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iClarified • January 12, 2026 at 4:55am
When Apple's support website indicates that a serial number has been replaced, it means the device was previously exchanged at an Apple Store or through mail-in service for a replacement unit. Technically, the original device should have been returned to Apple and taken out of circulation. Because it is marked as replaced, Apple has removed its unique identifier from the activation servers. This is why you are receiving a server error during the iOS 6 setup process. Unfortunately, there is no software fix to bypass this server-side block for official activation. Your best option is to contact the eBay seller for a refund, as the device was essentially a decommissioned unit that should not have been resold. While you mentioned having SHSH blobs for iOS 5.1.1, even a downgrade may not solve the activation issue if the server refuses to issue an activation token for that serial number.