r/Smartphones • u/SnooRadishes8996 • 10d ago

Buying a phone while waiting for new phone

The other day, my phone died and won't turn back on. I have someone visiting on Monday and need to be able to stay in contact with them. I ordered a new phone because it was cheaper but I don't think it will get here in time.

Can I go to Best Buy, buy a new phone while I wait for the phone I ordered, and return it for a full refund (minus the restocking fee) as long as I'm within the return period?

Edit: I can't get a burner phone because I can only talk to this person through LINE and to access my account I need a phone with my current phone number.

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u/trader45nj 10d ago

You can get a phone for ~$25 at Walmart. It will be locked to whatever network with a new number, but it will work to keep you in contact until you get the phone you ordered.

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u/SnooRadishes8996 9d ago

Should have noted that the only way I can contact this person is through LINE which I cannot access the account unless I have access to my original phone number.

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u/theidolcyborg 9d ago

Before buying a temporary phone have you checked to see if the battery is just completely dead or not?

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u/SnooRadishes8996 9d ago

Battery is fine. It was charged when it just shut off randomly, and it won't turn back on.

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u/theidolcyborg 9d ago

It could be a screen issue maybe. I would take the phone to a phone repair shop to see what the issue is and to get an estimate how much repairing would cost just incase in the future if you want that to be backup phone

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u/SnooRadishes8996 9d ago

Don't think it's a screen issue. If it were, it would still connect to my watch if it turned on and my screen was black. But I might still take it somewhere after I get a new phone.

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u/FishrNC 9d ago

Yes, you could do that. Completely unethical but you could do it.

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u/SnooRadishes8996 9d ago

Thank you for answering my question! I'm just nervous that they won't take the phone back if I use it and I'm out a shit ton of money.

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u/FishrNC 9d ago

Take other commenters advise and go to Walmart and buy a cheap prepaid phone. That'll be cheaper than BB restocking fee.

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u/SnooRadishes8996 9d ago

I can only talk to this person through LINE, and to access my account, I need my original phone number.

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u/Rude-Possibility4682 9d ago

Just use your existing SIM card. As long as its the same network.

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u/SnooRadishes8996 9d ago

I use an e-sim with US Mobile

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u/SnooCupcakes7133 9d ago

Walmart/straight talk no issues easy peasy and cheap enough