Forgot your Apple ID recently? Still trying to guess the password and login? It can be a real headache when you just can’t remember your Apple Password because you’ll be instantly locked out of everything from iTunes to the App Store.

To get you back on track take a look at these handy hints and tips that will allow you to be browsing freely however you choose in next to no time!

Forgot Apple ID: Relax, it happens to the best of us

The first thing to do is take a step back and relax. Getting stressed out or worked up about the situation won’t help matters, and it certainly won’t persuade your beloved iPhone to let you log in! Even though you have to enter and re-enter your Apple Password multiple times every day, Apple knows that people will forget what they set it to and need a secure way to reset it.

Remind yourself of this when you just can’t remember what you chose to set it as, and you’ll be in the right frame of mind to work through the quick and easy steps that Apple have created to enable you to sort things out.

Resetting Your Apple ID’s Password

The thing to note here is that we’re focusing on the password, not on changing the ID itself. Your Apple ID stays with you for life and moves from device to device as you upgrade to the latest tablets, laptops, iPhones, you name it! Resetting your Apple ID wouldn’t help because if you were to then log in with a new one, all of your data, apps, and photos would not necessarily be on your device if you’ve saved them to iCloud.

The best piece of advice here is to keep things simple and only focus on resetting your password; not on creating a brand new Apple ID.

How to Reset Apple ID’s Password

Fortunately, Apple has made this nice and straightforward so that you can work through a few simple steps in a couple of minutes and get back to doing what you love to do.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way:

• Step 1: You’ll first need to head on over to the Apple ID page
• Step 2: Once you arrive you’ll need to click on ‘Forgot Apple ID or Password’
• Step 3: Enter the ‘email address that is linked to your Apple ID’ when prompted to do so and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next stage
• Step 4: A Captcha will open that checks you’re not a robot. That may seem like a nuisance, but it’s an extra layer of security that Apple has added to make sure automated programs can’t crack your password and access your Apple ID
• Step 5: Answer the ‘security questions’

Because step 5 can be a little, tricky, we’re going to focus on it in more detail below so that you know exactly what to expect when you get this far.

What are security questions?

This is the part that catches many of us out, especially if you’ve never had to do it before. Take your mind back to the day you set up your Apple ID; you’ll have been asked some questions that only you know the answer to. They’re not passwords; they’re actual questions and answers for an additional layer of security. Mother’s maiden name, first school, favorite pet, that kind of thing. Sound familiar?

If that has given you the prompt you need, then you can carry on with step 5. To make things simple, you can even follow these expanded steps that talk you through everything you need to know:

1. You’ll first be asked to enter your ‘date of birth’
2. Your Apple device will then ask you two different security questions. When you answer the correct answer for both, you’ll then be redirected to the Reset Password Page.
3. Now is the moment you’ve been waiting for: you can finally select your new password. To make sure you get this right (and crucially don’t forget it first thing tomorrow morning) take a look at the section below that will talk you through everything you need to know

Password Restrictions and Guidance

Forgot Apple ID and looking to make your replacement password genuinely memorable? Stop right there because you need to make sure that you follow Apple’s advice and restrictions if your new password is going to be effective at securing your device online.

That may sound like a lot of fuss but think of it like this: it’s no use never forgetting your password and always being able to gain access if the rest of the world can too.

To avoid typos causing havoc Apple ask you to enter your new password twice. Additionally, they have made it so you can’t just copy and paste your first entry into the input field for the re-typed password as you try to save yourself a few precious seconds.

Before you start trying to come up with a password you’ll never forget, take a look at the following restrictions so that you can create a password that is safe and secure:

• Your password must be composed of ‘8 or more ’
• These 8 or more characters must include ‘a mixture of upper and lowercase ’
• They must also include at least one number
• Spaces do not count as characters and so cannot be included in your new password
• You’re not permitted to use the same characters more than twice in a row
• If you’re thinking of re-using a password, then you can’t choose one that you’ve used within the last 12-months
• As a cybersecurity rule it’s bad practice to re-use a password, ever; regardless of how long ago you last used it

You’ll then be prompted to enter your new password into every other Apple device you have the first time you use them. This is important because it is a way of Apple checking that you (the device owner) were the one who authorized the password to be reset in the first place.

While this process is quite straightforward, you may need, a little extra help in the right direction if you’ve forgotten your security question answers. As with forgetting the password in the first place; don’t worry it happens to the best of us. Take a look at the section below, and it will guide you through everything you need to know to straighten things out.

Forgotten the answers to your security questions?

This will slightly increase the length of time it takes you to regain access to your beloved device(s), but it’s something Apple took care of a long time ago to make sure you can still securely reset things.

First, take a look at these simple checks to make sure you’re not missing something simple:

• Did you enter the ‘correct spelling?’ This may sound like an obvious question but double check it before proceeding as this is a common mistake many of us make when we’re rushing to get something sorted out
• Did you ‘abbreviate your answer?’ Again, take the time to work through the options, and if in doubt use the ‘abbreviation and the full spelling’ and see if that helps things

If these two quick pointers didn’t help matters, then the next thing you want to do is request Apple send you a Password Reset Email. When you’ve Forgotten your Apple ID and your security questions this is always the way to go…

What is the Password Reset Email?

This is a secure way that bypasses the need to answer the security questions. Rather than being a workaround, it’s perfectly safe and secure. The security questions are just there so that you can speed things up a little bit.

The clever bit here is that Apple will send the email to a second email address. Instead of the address linked to your Apple ID, they’ll send the email to the secondary backup email address you’ll have had to enter during your initial introduction to the world of all things Apple. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: On the Reset Password screen you’ll need to select ‘Get an email’ and then click Continue
• Step 2: The email should arrive at your secondary email address with the subject header: ‘How to reset your Apple ID password.’ If you don’t see it come through after a couple of minutes ‘then double check your junk folder’ in case, it’s been diverted
• Step 3: Click the link entitled ‘Reset now’ in the password reset email you’ve just received
• Step 4: You’ll then be sent an email from Apple where they are double checking that it was indeed you who requested the reset

This will then take you through the same steps we’ve discussed previously and have you back up and running. There is, however, one other thing to discuss, and it’s known as ‘Two-factor authentication.’ Read on to find out everything you need to know…

The two-factor authentication beginner’s guide

From iOS 10 onwards this has been the standard way in which Apple has addressed the issue of forgotten passwords. As well as entering your new password you’re requested to enter a one-time-only code Apple sent to your iPhone or Mac. This may seem a little long-winded, but, it’s a secure way of ensuring that you are, who you say you are. Meaning it’s an extra layer of protection, and you have to have physical access to the device to do it.

During the same reset process as we’ve discussed above, you’ll be asked how you want to receive your code; there are two options open to you at this point:

• Choose to reset your password from another device
• Choose to reset your password from a trusted phone number

If you choose the latter, then the reset code will be sent to your phone via SMS, so it’s essential that you ensure you have a signal and access to that number. This is really the only thing different about two-factor authentication, and once you get started, you’ll have it sorted in no time.

There is one last possible scenario you may be faced with: you can’t remember your password, and you’ve also forgotten your Apple ID email. Read on to see what you can do in this case…

When you’ve forgotten your email and password

If you don’t have access to a second device that is logged into your Apple ID and your mind has gone blank as to which email you used to set up your ID in the first place, then there’s still hope. All is not lost!

What you’ll need to do is work through these simple steps, and you’ll be back up and running before you know it:

• Step 1: Go to the Apple ID page
• Step 2: Click ‘Forgot Apple ID or Password’
• Step 3: You’ll then be asked to enter your ‘full name and an email ’
• Step 4: Apple will then search and see if there’s an Apple ID registered with those details

Unfortunately, this may take some time to sort out, but, you’ll get there with some patience and persistence. Alternatively, you can search on ‘iTunes and browse your purchase history.’ Any payments you’ve made online for Apple content will be linked to your Apple ID so you’ll be able to see the email address you used to set it up.

Anything else I should know? 

The final thing to remember here is that we’re concerned with security first and foremost. It may seem like a good idea to use someone’s name for your new password or to write it down or store it in a notes app. What we always recommend is picking something you can commit to memory for a few days and never write it down anywhere.

The name of the game is keeping your data safe, and it is always worth the slight inconvenience of having to remember 8-characters when you compare it to the headaches that can ensue if someone gains access to your data without your permission.

How to Screenshot on Mac – it’s Easy 

There’s always a time and a place for a screenshot. Whether you want to instantly capture something to look at later or ping someone an email to clarify that you’re looking at the right thing without the hassle of trusting that links load correctly, a screenshot is a handy tool that nobody should be without.

If you’ve grown up using Windows, you’ll be familiar with the print screen key, but if you then venture into the world of Apple, you may well be left scratching your head because you don’t know how to screenshot on Mac.

To put those questions to bed once and for all take a read of this handy article I’ve put together, and you’ll never be left scratching your head again.

How to Screenshot on Mac: A Beginner’s Guide

When you want to know how to screenshot on Mac, there’s a little more to it than meets the eye. Rather than the print screen button on Windows that captures the whole screen and then leaves you to it, Apple has a few different options that make their approach that little bit more user-friendly.

The Full-Screen Approach

Capturing the full screen on a Mac is nice and straightforward and only requires a 3-key combination. Work through these simple steps, and you’ll know everything you need to make use of this useful little shortcut:

• Open the files and windows that you want to capture and lay them out on your screen how you want them to appear in your Mac screenshots.
• Press Cmd-Shit-3 and you’ll hear a photo capture sound if you have your sound turned on. It’ll sound similar to the screen grab on your
• The file will be saved to your desktop automatically in .png format with a file name that lists the time and date; the screenshot was captured.

That is everything you need to know to capture a full-screen screenshot, to learn a few of the more advanced options read on…

How can you modify your screenshot file?

There’s rather a lot of options when it comes to changing your file: cropping, changing the name, altering the file type. To find out a little more about each of these options take a look at the handy hints and tips that follow.

Changing the filename

The name of a Mac screenshot is set to display the time and date they were created to allow you to keep track of your files. The only issue with this is that in a day or two you won’t remember what they contain. Which makes it awkward, if you have a dozen or more files to look through to find what you want.

In OS X you can change the filename of any file, including images, by ‘single clicking’ on the icon and then ‘choosing enter.’ That will highlight the text in the filename and allow you to change it to whatever makes the most sense.

One thing to have in mind is that the file type cannot be changed from .png by merely adding .jpg to the filename. More on that below…

Changing the filetype

You can quickly and easily change the file-type by ‘dragging and dropping’ your new screenshot into Preview. This will load up the screenshot and allow you to save it with a different extension. The most common conversion will be changing from .png to JPG but feel free to explore your options so that you find something that works for you.

Cropping your screenshot

Loading your screenshot into a program like Photoshop will allow you to crop and resize your image to remove any information you don’t want or need in the image.

Here are a few reasons to consider cropping your screenshot before you email it to a colleague or upload it:

• Are you unwittingly displaying any sensitive information such as login details, private notes, or information regarding your online banking?.
• Can you clearly see what you’re trying to highlight? If not then you could ‘crop out ‘some of the superfluous information so that your screenshot provides additional clarity?
• Do you have plenty of blank space that would look better if it were removed?

There’s another handy feature that Apple has added that actually removes the need to do any of the croppings we’ve talked about. Take a look at the following section, and you’ll be an expert when it comes to knowing how to screenshot on Mac and focus on any part of the screen you need to.

How to screenshot only the part of the screen you want

This is an excellent little addition that the print screen button on Windows does not allow you to do:

• Open the items you want to capture so that they’re clearly You don’t need to worry about clearing the screen as long as you have a clear view of what you want to capture.
• Press Cmd-Shit-4 and a crosshair cursor will appear on the screen.
• Click and drag it around the area you want to screenshot, and when you release it, you’ll hear the same photo capture sound like the whole screenshot method.
• The file will again be added to your desktop with a filename that contains the time and date it was created.

That covers the basics of how to screenshot on Mac when you want to focus on a specific area of the screen. However, there are a few more useful tips to know if you really want to master this useful little feature.

Advanced screenshot options

Look closer at the screenshot crosshair, and you’ll see some small numbers. These are the number of pixels of the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the image you’ll capture.

Counting the pixels

Creating an image with a set number of pixels is useful because it allows you to create an image that you don’t have to resize at a later date. Here are a few valuable tips that will enable you to get a perfect size every time:

• Set the size of the item you want to capture so that everything is clearly visible by toggling the zoom function. Doing so will ensure that you don’t run the risk of capturing a tiny screenshot and then losing some of the clarity if you have to enlarge it at a later date for ease of viewing.
• Drag the crosshairs across the screen so that you see the number of pixels that your image will take up. If you’re capturing your image with a specific use in mind, such as a profile picture, then you’ll be able to look up the suggested image size that your chosen platforms
• Remember that if you want to alter the size of your image at a later date, you can still load it into a program like Photoshop and crop and resize it in there.

Free up your hands 

When you want to capture the perfect screenshot, you’ll need a steady pair of hands. The moment the crosshairs appear on your screen you can stop holding down the 3-key combination that you use to bring them up. That will free up your hands so that you can focus on the task at hand and get a crisp and clean screenshot every time.

Escaping is easy

If at any point you want to abort your screenshot just hit the ESC key. This will instantly turn the crosshairs back into the cursor, and no further screenshots will be captured until you press the 3-key combination again.

You can fix the dimensions when you screenshot

When the crosshairs appear you can start your screenshot by clicking your mouse or trackpad, and dragging it over the area of interest. If you press the Spacebar at any point, you’ll be able to move your selected area around the screen so that you can overlay it wherever you like.

Alternatively, you can hold down the Spacebar and the Shift button, and you’ll be able to move the area along the horizontal axis of the screen. These two quick tips are handy if you want to take your screenshots to the next level and create the right size image every time.

Skip the keyboard shortcuts

If you don’t want to memorize keyboard shortcuts there’s a quick and easy way to get around that issue: it’s called Grab.

Grab is a built-in program that comes preinstalled on every Mac Apple ships. Here’s how to find it and get started:

Step 1: Grab is saved in the utility folder; you’ll find it inside your Mac’s Applications folder. Double click on the icon, and you’ll see the same icon appear in your desktop dock along the bottom of the screen. If you find it to be a particularly useful program you can also pin it there, so you never have to go searching through your folders and files to track it down.

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the options that are listed under the Capture menu in Grab. They also display the keyboard shortcuts if you decide that you prefer that approach after all.

Grab is a rather simple and user-friendly program that will only take you a couple of clicks to get familiar with. As with the keyboard shortcuts we’ve already taken a detailed look at, you’ll be able to capture screenshots of the entire screen or a specific area of interest.

You can also focus on a given window that’s open on your desktop. There is, however, one very-powerful feature that you won’t find anywhere else…

Using Grab to take timed screenshots

Timed screenshots are particularly useful if you want your cursor to be in the shot so that you can point to something for a friend or colleague to see. This allows you to highlight items on the screen without having to load your screenshot into a drawing program and add an arrow at a later date.

By pressing Cmd-Shift-Z, you will enable the timed screenshot option with a simple 3-key combination. You also have the opportunity to change the way in which your cursor displays.

The default setting for it does not display at all, but if you want it to be captured so that you can use it as a pointer, you can choose anything from a cursor to a pointing figure. There’s even a question mark that you can use to highlight queries you have about what you’re seeing. This all helps you to customize your screenshots so that they convey exactly what you want them to.

Special uses for screenshots

As you’ve probably seen by now, there’s a whole host of powerful ways that you can quickly and easily capture screenshots using your Mac. With options at your fingertips why not take a look at a few of the reasons why they’ll prove to be useful tools for years to come:

• They allow you to show someone else exactly what you’re looking at without worrying whether the link you’d otherwise be sending will display the same on their screen.
• You can use screenshots to show a remote friend or colleague what you see on your desktop so that you don’t have to give them remote access to your workstation.
• You can customize screenshots by setting them to the exact pixel size you need. Plus there’s the option of using a range of different cursor icons to convey different information to the intended recipient.
• A picture is worth a thousand words. This means that screenshots act as the perfect guide. That is especially true when you’re creating anything from a walkthrough article, to an instruction manual.

By clearly capturing exactly what you’re talking about you’ll be able to increase your productivity and power through your work

We hope this guide helps to show you how quick and easy screenshots are to capture on your Mac and that you’ll be able to use some the advanced hints and tips that we’ve covered today.

When you pay good money for an iPhone, whether it’s old or new, it’s annoying if you’re then faced with a limited choice from the network that it’s locked to. To find out how you can have the freedom to shop around for a deal that works for you, take a look at our handy guide that will tell you everything there is to know about how to reset iPhone handsets.

How to Reset iPhone : What does it really mean?

Resetting or unlocking your iPhone is where you remove the restrictions that currently mean you can only use it on a specific network. This works in your favor because it means you’ll have the freedom to choose a carrier package that works for you. When your handset is locked to a specific carrier, they know they can charge you basically whatever they want. So, it certainly pays to invest a little bit of time in liberating your iPhone from this restricted setup.

Is what I’m doing legal?

This is a big question that many people rightly ask because they don’t want to fall foul of rules and regulations. Especially, when all they’re trying to do is get a better deal for themselves from the phone carriers.

The critical thing to note before you unlock iPhone handsets is that you need to own them outright. If you’ve bought an old device from a friend, then you own it outright, and if you’ve finished your fixed term contract, then you also own it outright. In these cases, you have complete freedom to unlock your iPhone and use it however you please.

If on the other hand, your handset is still under contract then you don’t fully own it, you’re still paying it off just like the mortgage on your house or the finance on your car. Play it safe and check with your network carrier that they’re happy for you to unlock. There are no guarantees what they’ll say, but it’s always prudent to ask first.

The first steps to unlock your iPhone

Ok, so you’ve decided you want to unlock an iPhone and give yourself the freedom to choose from the many networks which cover your area. Now all you have to do is start working through the steps below:

If step 4 is successful, then you’ve just learned how to reset iPhone handsets, and you now have the freedom to shop around. There are however a few things that can go wrong so let’s double back and go through each of those 4-steps in a little more detail…

What should I say to my provider when I contact them?

There are two central questions to ask here once you know they’re willing to let you unlock iPhone:

Unfortunately, this is where things start to diverge a little bit as the level of service and help you can expect from your carrier will vary from network to network.

A small admin fee of $10-20 is not uncommon, while times will vary from within 48-hours to up to about 7-days. As I say, there is variation at this stage of the unlocking process. So, it’s definitely worth making sure you ask those two critical questions above straight off the bat.

That way you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with and whether or not you still want to figure out how to reset iPhone handset.

Do I have to do it via my provider?

No, there’s plenty of other ways to liberate your iPhone. Many people opt to use third-party unlocking companies to get around the restrictions placed on them by their carriers. What’s important is that you find a reputable company as there are so many out there and some will be much better than others…

What should I look for in a third-party unlock company?

Follow these simple tips and ask the questions below and you’ll be able to find a company that will get the job done to the high standards you deserve:

The last question is one that people often overlook. A potential issue with going down the third-party route in the hope of speeding things along is that not every company possesses the ability to grant you a universal unlock.

There can be variations in the level of access and choice you will have, with the most influential determining factor being where you live. Most third-party companies provide good coverage for the US and Europe, but it’s certainly worth making sure you know what you’ll be getting for your money before you decide to part with it.

Anything else I should know about third-parties?

Absolutely! With many less than reputable third-party companies out there, it pays to check the following:

With that covered let’s look in more detail at step 2 from above: resetting your iPhone and removing the old SIM.

How do I reset my iPhone?

The jargon can get a little confusing because resetting your iPhone is a bit different to just popping it on standby like you would when you’re done browsing for the day. Here’s everything you need to know to power through step 2:

Resetting your iPhone means that you’re going to set everything back to the original settings. You can do it like this:

If the iPhone unlock provided from your carrier is valid then this should be all you need to do. Keep reading though as there are a few common pitfalls that it’s always worth being aware of before you get started.

How do I remove my SIM?

The SIMs in iPhones are much smaller than with the old Nokia phones you may have used 10-15 years ago. There’s a little access port on the side of your handset that allows you to remove a tray and load in a new SIM card. The exact position will depend on your model, but what you’re looking for is a long thin rectangular shape with a small hole in one corner.

Many people try and push it and expect it to pop out with a spring but you, in fact, need a special tool that comes in the iPhone’s box when you buy it. If you’ve lost it or bought your handset from a friend then straightening out a small length of wire will work just as well in the hole.

Now all you have to do is pull the tray out and insert your new SIM card from the network that you want to use. Pop it back in and power up your iPhone.

How can I check if my unlock was successful?

Once your unlock is successful, you should always receive a notification from your carrier. If you find you are left waiting, then my advice is always to chase them up and find out what’s causing the delay. Make sure to get a definite answer as to how long they think it will take so that you avoid the frustration of having to wait indefinitely.

Once you’ve taken care of that you can quickly and easily work through the following simple steps to check that your unlock has been successful:

What if my unlock was unsuccessful?

This can be a frustrating turn of events, but stay calm, work through the following checks, and you’ll be unlocked in no time at all.

I hope all of the above helps you on your way to unlocking your iPhone so that you can use it on any and every network you please. There are a few steps there that you’ll want to take your time working through, but I know that with a little patience and persistence you’ll be there in no time at all.

How to buy a used Samsung?

Opting for a used Samsung Phone is a great way to save yourself a lot of money and to still end up with the same great handset that you would have if you paid out for a far more expensive brand new phone and the contract that comes with it.

There are however a few common pitfalls that it is essential to be aware of if you are to save yourself from disappointment and the whole host of headaches that come with buying something that is not as it first appears. Luckily for you, this is where our handy buyer’s guide that you’ve just started reading comes to the rescue!

By covering anything and everything you’ll need to know when you go shopping for a cheap used Samsung Galaxy, you’ll be able to find the right device, at the right price. Perfect for shopping with the peace of mind that you are buying at the right place, and asking all the right questions. 

Why buy a used Samsung Phone?

It’s a good question and one that has a whole host of answers…

#1 There’s Amazing Value to Be Had!

A used Samsung Galaxy  will give you years of happy calling, texting, and browsing if that’s the model you’re after. With new models coming out every single year, and sometimes twice a year, you’ll have plenty of choices which means there are lots of bargains to be found. This is perfect as it means you’re dealing with a buyer’s market. One where you can negotiate for better deals safe in the knowledge that there will always be other avenues open to you.

With so many people looking to sell or trade in their unwanted phones the prices are coming down every single day. Perfect for allowing you to start shopping around and finding the bargain that you’ve been waiting for.

#2 You’re not tethered to a contract

An unlocked Samsung Galaxy is the perfect way to save yourself money because it gives you the option to shop around for a contract and a carrier network that fits within the confines of your monthly household budget.

With the freedom to choose, you’ll be able to free yourself from the higher fees providers charge users, who they know is tied to contract. Perfect for negotiating a custom deal that works for you from day one so that you only pay for what you need, and you never have to pay extra for a whole host of add-ons that you have little or no use for.

#3 You can shop a larger range of handsets

Phone networks only really supply the latest couple of generations of phones with their contracts. That makes sense from their point of view because it makes them more money and it’s what the phone manufacturers want them to do.

The downside is that with every generation companies like Samsung add features and functions that some of us just don’t like. That doesn’t mean that these new additions are bad or unsuitable, it’s just a matter of personal taste. If you have your heart set on a used Samsung Galaxy S4 because you’re not a big fan of the options that have come after it you won’t be able to find one provided as part of a contract, but you will be able to find plenty of viable used options online.

The secret here is in knowing where to shop, and what to look out for so that you don’t end up disappointed when a deal falls through that with hindsight was actually too good to be true. Once you know both of those things, you’ll have covered all of the bases and will dramatically reduce the risk of spending your hard earned money on something that you’re just not happy with from the moment it arrives at your door.

How much do they cost?

With so many models to choose from when it comes to shopping for your next used Samsung phone it certainly pays to shop around. You could, for example, be able to go back one more generation but get double the storage for barely any extra money.

Deals like that are well worth looking out for as they will save you a lot more money in few months’ time when you have to pay for extra storage anyway!

To give you an idea of what you can get for your money, why not take a look at these starting prices for a selection of the most popular used handsets:

• Samsung Galaxy S5…………. Starting from $75
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge…..Starting from $174
• Samsung Galaxy Note 4……..Starting from $119
• Samsung Galaxy S7…………. Starting from $195

Next, we’ll take a look at where to buy cheap Samsung phones, and we’ll also cover a few of the pitfalls of the places that you are better off avoiding all together…

Where should I buy a used Samsung Phone from?

There is a whole host of online marketplaces that you can buy a used Samsung phone from; the art is in finding one you can trust and where it’s not hit and miss whether you get a great seller or a bad seller.

Let’s take a look at some of the common ways people go about it and the pros and cons of each:

eBay: Can be hit and miss so proceed with caution

We’ve all bought stuff from eBay, and on the whole, it’s a great platform that enables you to find those rare items that you just can’t find on Amazon as they’re no longer in print or production. It’s important to remember however that Samsung phones are absolutely everywhere, so you won’t have any difficulty in finding a huge range of offers and models to choose from.

The downside of this is that on busy marketplaces like eBay some buyers will be keen to catch your eye by posting deals that are actually too good to be true. While this doesn’t apply to every single seller on there, the risk alone should be enough to make you think again if you want a hassle-free buying experience. After all, if you can’t be certain that you’re going to be dealing with someone who cares about your buying experience and satisfaction, isn’t it better to shop around for someplace else?

Craigslist: Can be difficult to receive a refund

Craigslist is another option where you can get a lot of things at a whole host of prices. As with eBay, it’s worth being wary of what you’re being offered before you part with your hard-earned money.

Purchasing from huge marketplaces can be risky as you don’t know who you’re dealing with and they may just be someone who is keen to make a quick profit at your expense. If you encounter problems, then it can be a long time before you get refunded, if you do at all.

Swappa.com: Simple, dependable, affordable

Swappa is a great alternative because you’re dealing with a specialist seller who puts the customer first. They stand by every item that is sold on their platform, and they’ll be by your side 24/7 if you wish to raise an issue or concern with the quality of your purchase.

That alone gives you the peace of mind that you’re being offered the same protection as a consumer that you would expect when buying a brand new handset online or in a physical store.

Another thing to consider is that you can search, by unlocked handsets, and also by the carrier network. Unlocked handsets will often be a little more expensive as you’re paying a small premium for the freedom to use it on any network, but in the long run, you’ll certainly save money as you’ll have the freedom to choose which provider you go with. By knowing exactly what you’re getting for your money well before you buy you’ll be in the best position to find something that fulfills all of your needs

Social Media: Best avoided

Many of us will have friends or acquaintances who tag us in all manner of things that are for sale that day. While often on social media you’ll be able to buy locally and inspect the device in person before you buy, the general quality may not be the best.

If you see something pop up on your Facebook feed that seems like the bargain of the century, please do remember that if something seems like it’s too good to be true, then it often is!

For this reason alone, avoiding social media purchases altogether can be the safest way forward. Play it safe and shop with a reputable specialist seller and you’ll avoid a whole host of stress because you’ll have the peace of mind every step of the way that you’re dealing with a team that has your best interests at hear

Assessing The Quality of Your Phone

When you want to figure out whether you have found a bargain or whether you’re facing the prospect of parting with too much money for what you get in return, it’s essential to work through the steps below. Do that, and you’ll be a giant step closer to finding the used Samsung Phone you have been searching for.

#1: Make sure you get the IMEI

Your first question will likely be: ‘what’s the IMEI?’

Every phone in the world will have an IMEI; it’s a unique 15-digit code that is used to identify the handset. It plays a crucial role in getting your handset unlocked because it tells network providers whether they can use it, or if it is tied to one particular network.

It may not seem like the most important thing to get when you’re in the middle of getting excited about a shiny new handset, but without it, you’ll struggle to get the full suite of functionality that you expect from a used Samsung phone you can use on any network you wish 

#2: If you’re paying for an unlocked phone…read on…

We said a little bit earlier on that you can expect to pay a small premium for an unlocked phone. That is because the process of unlocking costs money, and someone else will have already paid for it to be carried out.

One thing to be aware of are listings that don’t specify whether the phone is unlocked or not. As an unlocked phone is a definite selling point, it’s most likely that the phone is locked to a particular carrier and that the seller has opted out of explicitly stating this as doing so would make their listing less attractive to potential buyers.

Make sure you get written confirmation that your handset is unlocked if that’s what you’re paying extra for. That way you’ll be able to use that as insurance should it turn out to not be the case. One potential pitfall here is if you purchase a phone described as unlocked on a vast nonspecialist marketplace like eBay only to find it is locked, you may struggle to get your money back in a timely fashion, if at all, from the seller.

Step 3: Make sure you know how to unlock your handset

If you find you need to unlock your phone, or you decide to pay a little less upfront and purposefully opt for a locked handset, then you’ll need to make sure you know how to get it up and running!

Let’s be clear; you’ll be able to use it if it’s locked, but you’ll be constrained to just the one network. Because the supplier will know you can’t go anywhere else in search of a better deal, they won’t give you the best rates. That is why having a locked phone is such a big deal; you miss out on savings from the minutes it arrives

Unlocking your phone isn’t that difficult, but it’s important to be aware of some of the common mistakes people make. Learn about that here.

First of all, there are a lot of companies out there who advertise their services as specializing in unlocking any type of phone and getting you on any carrier. This may not be the best way for you to proceed because while the offers and rates they advertise will no doubt stand out as quite enticing, they offer limited protection to you should something go wrong. It’s not uncommon for you to pay for a universally unlocked phone, only to find that you only have access to a couple of additional networks. While this is better than what you had to begin with it isn’t the service that was advertised, and it won’t allow you to shop around for the most attractive monthly contracts.

Instead, the best way forward is to deal with the networks directly. While they won’t want to lose your business, they won’t want to do anything that damages their reputation either. This is true now more than ever, with millions of consumers leveraging the power of Twitter to publicly name and shame companies and sellers they’re not happy with.

Make sure you have your new SIM to hand if you’ve already bought one, and try loading it in and powering your device back on as soon as you can. The best way to proceed is to get the estimated time to complete the unlocking from the original network, and then try your new SIM as soon as they say it’s done. You can also save yourself time and energy going through call centers if you ask for a direct number to the point of contact that you’re dealing with.

#4: Any other business?

One thing to be aware of is that Samsung phones come fitted with activation locks. These are something that you need to be mindful of because they can cause all manner of headaches.

They’re designed to make sure that if your phone is lost or stolen that someone else cannot illicitly begin using your phone. Essentially they’re an immobilizer for your phone, just like the one in your car that means the keys have to be in the ignition for the engine to run.

If they aren’t disabled by the seller before purchasing, then you will be unable to use the phone at all, regardless of whether you’ve bought a locked or an unlocked phone. Remember ‘unlocked’ only refers to the choice of network provider. If you unwittingly purchase a phone that has had the activation locks turned on by the seller, or if the phone has been sold without the real owner’s permission, then you won’t even be able to get onto the home screen.

The Conclusion

There are plenty of great options out there if you’re willing to shop around.

Be safe and always ignore deals that appear too good to be true, and listings that omit some of the critical details we’ve covered above.

Stick with a reputable specialist dealer, and you’ll have more choice, more options, and increased peace of min

The next release of Samsung next generation Galaxy S9 is expected very soon.  We will be monitoring  the events and updates around the new release and news features to determine the best ways to safely unlock your phone so you can use it for any network or carrier around the world.   The best methods for existing Samsung unlock methods can be found in this site.  Feel free to peruse the different resources below:

Unlock your Samsung S8

Unlock your Samsung S6

Unlock your Samsung S5