Brand New vs Refurb: How to Find Out

[Frisco]

Some users don't care, many do care. Here's how to find out if your Android device is brand new or a refurbished model (and if so, when it was refurbished):

If you have hidden menus enabled, bring up the dialer (sorry, Galaxy Tab users ) and input ##786#, no need to hit the green dial or send button.

You'll see "edit," which you want to leave alone, and "view," hit that.

Lots of info in there; scroll down and you'll find the "reconditioned status" section, offering either, "no" or a date and time the device was gone over and de-bugged by the manufacturer's techs.

 

[snapper.fishes]

Is it possible to wipe that with a reflash?

 

[Frisco]

Is it possible to wipe that with a reflash?

Good question. I don't know for certain, although I strongly doubt it.

Time for me to Google around a bit....

 

[snapper.fishes]

You are not supposed to be able to change the imei either, but many people has done it already, although by mistake.

 

[Frisco]

My brave friend from Oklahoma just tested it on his Fascinate refurb he acquired (2nd one) after GPS issues and no ability to receive updates. Wiping twice had no effect on the time/date of refurb.

He ran the menu > settings > privacy > factory data reset, then rooted and flashed ClockWorkMod, then a ROM, then de-rooted via OCLF, then ran Odin stock apps, then ran the reset again.

 

[snapper.fishes]

That's great to know. Thanks.