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# How To Know the Activation Date of Your Android Phone
- URL: https://www.techloy.com/how-to-know-the-activation-date-of-your-android-phone/
- Published: 2025-09-17T11:11:07.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-17T11:11:07.000Z
- Description: It could save you from wasting money on a so-called ‘like-new’ phone that’s already near retirement.
- Author: David Adubiina
- Tags: / Tech Guide, Android, Samsung Galaxy Phone

In a high-inflation economy, [smartphones](https://www.techloy.com/tag/smartphone/) are one of those things we can’t really do without after food, and that’s not even an exaggeration. Think about it: we use them to stay in touch, send money, order food, run businesses, apply for jobs, even get entertainment when the day gets heavy. For most people, the phone in their hand is their office, their bank, and their TV rolled into one. The only catch is that not everyone can afford the [latest Samsung](https://www.techloy.com/fold-flip-or-fe-which-of-samsungs-new-foldables-is-worth-buying/) or [Pixel](https://www.techloy.com/google-pixel-10-vs-google-pixel-10-pro-vs-google-pixel-10-pro-xl/) fresh out of the box. So a lot of people go for UK-used or refurbished Android phones, which are usually cheaper and still get the job done. However, the problem is that sellers aren’t always upfront. You’ll hear things like “It’s barely six months old” or “The person just used it lightly.” But unless you [know how to check](https://www.techloy.com/8-ways-to-check-if-your-samsung-phone-is-genuine/), you have no idea how long that phone has really been in use. Here in this guide, we will show you how you can check it in seconds to save you from stories that touch the heart.

[How to Find Your Android Phone’s IMEI Number with Google’s Find My DeviceHaving this backup method ensures you’re never left scrambling for your IMEI number when you need it.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-3532.png)TechloyOyinebiladou Omemu![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1599016012665-13b74bb3b528-9)](https://www.techloy.com/how-to-find-your-android-phones-imei-number-with-googles-find-my-device/)

## 3 Steps To Check the Activation Date on Android

### Step 1\. Open your dial pad.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/09/1000213065.jpg)

### Step 2\. Type "\*#12580\*369#" and tap send.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/09/1000213071-1.jpg)

### Step 3\. A screen will show up with detailed information about your device. Look for **RF Call Date,** that’s the date your phone was first activated.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/09/1000213072-1.jpg)

[How To Check Your Android Version and Device InformationIn this guide, we will walk you through simple steps to access and verify your Android version, as well as explore the detailed device information that can help you make the most of your Android experience.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-3533.png)TechloyGabriel Ojeh![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1628953164815-6620326538bb.jpeg)](https://www.techloy.com/how-to-check-your-android-version-and-device-information/)

### Conclusion

Getting to know the activation date of your Android phone is like asking to see the receipt before you hand over your money. It keeps you from being misled and wasting cash on what is not worth buying. You don’t want to spend good money on a phone that’s already close to retirement age.

So the next time you’re tempted by a “like-new” UK-used or refurbished Android, don’t just take the seller’s word for it. Run the code to check, and know exactly what you’re getting.

*Image credit: David Adubiina/Techloy.com*