Chosen Solution
I bought the phone used from an independent seller - everything appears to work except that it won’t connect to cellular networks. Tried the tips from Apple support - resetting to default, making sure everything is updated, taking the SIM out and putting it back in - nothing helps. Took it to the Apple Store, waited around two hours to have of their “genius"s basically shrug his shoulders and offer to sell me a refurbished one for another $300. Took it into a repair shop, they dug around, tried switching out the lightning port, nothing. Their best guess was that the chip is fried. I’m terrified that this is the case and that I’m simply out the money minus what I can sell off for parts, but I figured I’d ask on here just in case anyone knows anything else it might be.
Who is this independent seller; face-to-face, eBay etc? Do you still have recourse with this seller? It sounds like you received a dud and chances are they knew about it. Connecting to the network is pretty standard stiff for a phone ;>). I would certainly try to get my money back if it isn’t too late.
