Renewing or Swapping an iPhone

Andrea pointed out something I didn’t know, and it is probably going to happen sooner than we realize so we should have everyone trained for it before hand and it becomes a customer situation.  

Let’s say a customer has an iPhone active on their line. Their line is eligible so they want to use the line with the iPhone to get a new phone for a different line on the account. When the associate goes to put the iPhone back on the original line, before it will work the phone has to have a factory data reset otherwise it will not be able to receive calls, or use data. (This only applies for currently active iPhones)

 In that scenario it is critical that the associate backup the iPhone to the iCloud or iTunes (steps below) BEFORE removing it from the line during the renew and swap process. This is a major departure from any of our previous phones US Cellular has carried.

 Hopefully this helps prevent any customer issues.  If you are unfamiliar with the iCloud back up and restore process, here is a how to guide:

iCloud

How to back up

iCloud automatically backs up the most important data on your device using iOS 5 or later. After you have enabled Backup on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in Settings > iCloud > Backup & Storage, it will run on a daily basis as long as your device is:

• Connected to the Internet over Wi-Fi
• Connected to a power source
• Screen locked

You can also back up manually whenever your device is connected to the Internet over Wi-Fi by choosing Back Up Now from Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup.

To learn more about what is backed up, see the iCloud: Backup and Restore Overview article.

How to restore from a backup

To learn more about what is backed up, see the iCloud: Backup and Restore Overview article.

When you go through Setup Assistant on a new device using iOS 5 or later, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" and enter your iCloud account and password. You will see the three most recent backups for each of the devices on which you enabled Backup. Choose from which backup to restore.

If the home screen icons appear on your device and you wish to restore from an iCloud backup, erase your device (by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings). When prompted to set up as new or to restore from previous backup, select Restore from iCloud Backup. Enter your AppleID and password when prompted.

After your device restarts, your settings and accounts are restored and Backup starts downloading your purchased music, TV shows, apps, books, Camera Roll, and other content^*. For best battery performance, leave your device connected to a power source until the restore is complete. You may be prompted to enter the passwords for all accounts enabled on your device.

A progress bar will appear underneath the apps that are being downloaded. To prioritize the restore of a specific app, tap its icon. Restore will attempt to download the same version of the app that you had installed previously. If that version is no longer available, the latest version of the app will be restored.

To check if the restore is complete, go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup.