A cell phone's ESN is a unique combination of letters and numbers that lets the phone company activate it. The ESN can also show the history of the cell phone. If a phone is reported missing or stolen, the cell phone company can disable the ESN so that nobody else can use the phone, or they can simply lock the ESN so nobody else can activate it. There is only one certified way you can verify a clean Sprint ESN.
Before you buy and attempt to activate a used Sprint phone, you'll want to run a check on the electronic serial number (ESN). You can typically find the ESN in the battery compartment of the phone. Video of the Day.
Turn off the Sprint cell phone and remove the battery cover. Take out the battery and look at the sticker label underneath it. The ESN starts with 'DEC.' Write down this number.
Call the Sprint phone company at 800-639-6111 to reach the ESN department if you need to check a Nextel phone. Call 888-211-4727 for a Sprint phone ESN check.
Sprint Serial Number Lookup
- Look for the number that appears on your cell phone screen. This fifteen digit code represents the serial number of your phone. Make a note of the serial number and keep it in a safe place until you need it.
- Select I need a new phone number in the same area. Google Voice users: Before proceeding with step 2, disable your Sprint number in Google Voice™. Sprint Phone Connect: No plan discounts apply. Domestic only. Text, data, fax & other landline svc.
- Bring your mobile number to Sprint and activate on Sprint Lease or 24-Month Installments. Trade in the phone tied to your phone balance or Early Termination Fee. We'll send you a Prepaid Mastercard® for your switching cost minus the trade-in credit already provided.
Tell the Sprint representative your ESN and ask if it is clear. He will tell you if you are able to activate the phone.
Warnings
Sprint Phone Serial Number List
Always verify an ESN before you buy a used cell phone online.
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- man on cell phone image by Cora Reed from Fotolia.com