You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

💡 Did you know?

⏺ If you can't accept iCloud Terms and Conditions... Learn more >

⏺ If you don't see your iCloud notes in the Notes app... Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

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

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

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

4 replies

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.

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






iPhone 11 not compatible w/ carrier

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.