14 Things to Check before Buying A Refurbished iPhone

When purchasing a refurbished iPhone, do you struggle with a gazillion doubts before pressing your cursor on the "buy now" button? You cannot help yourself but wonder whether it is going to be worth it or not.

PhoneBot is here to ensure you experience the best possible service. You must still check a few things before buying a used iPhone. Let's inform and discuss these 12 essential things together.

14 Top Things To Check When Buying A Used iPhone

Buying a pre-owned iPhone is tricky until and unless you know the basics things to Check before buying a refurbished iPhone.

Purchasing a refurbished iPhone is not as easy as pie; it is not just about rapidly rolling your eyes through the description section. There is much more to check, and there are differences between refurbished and new phones.

1. Check Refurbished iPhone Data Is Erased.

One thing to check before buying a used iPhone is making sure it's ready for sale. The seller often erases the previous data of the refurbished iPhone. If you wish to test and check the used iPhone before buying it, you can request the seller to slide their SIM card into the iPhone to activate it.

2. Check Used iPhone For Any Visible Damage.

Another thing to check when buying a used iPhone is to monitor its current condition and precisely keep a tab on the dents and scratches. Even slight dents in the phone's framework can affect its overall performance.

3. Check Refurbished iPhone Battery Health

Checking a refurbished iPhone battery health is crucial. The primary purpose of this step is to scrutinize the maximum capacity and performance capability as you will get the exact percentage of battery health of the refurbished iPhone.

To inspect your iPhone's battery health, go to

• Settings
• Scroll down to Battery
• Go to Battery Health and Charging

There you can see maximum capacity and performance capability. It is quite crucial to check this when buying a used iPhone.

3. Perform A Hardware Parts Test.

Carrying out a hardware test is the most significant part. Any major and minor defects in iPhone hardware can result in a big mess. Observing the hardware performance when purchasing the phone is better than being filled with regret later. You can perform the test with 3uTools.

4. Check That Used iPhone Cameras Work As Advertised.

Always Keep an eye on the functioning and capability of the camera, apart from monitoring the scratches and defects in the camera. Several sellers deceive buyers by replacing the original camera with a replica.

5. Check If Refurbished iPhone Speakers And Microphones Work.

Inoperative, defective speakers and microphones are the most difficult to catch. To monitor their current condition, you can request the seller to increase the phone volume to the max and send a swift outbound call or text. You can also record something on the microphone and then play it back to monitor the performance.

6. Check The Other Buttons Too

The iPhone also consists of other primary buttons that play an essential role. These buttons are situated on the left side of the iPhone and are utilized to capture photos, control the volume, and restart iPhone. Hence, an old, worn-out button is not the best idea.

7. Check Refurbished iPhone Parts And Service History

You can check if used iPhone is repaired by proceeding to

• Settings
• General
• About
• Look at the "Model Number"

If this model entry number begins with F, it indicates that Apple or a genuine carrier has refurbished the iPhone.

Furthermore, the relevant section beneath the "Model Number" field mentions whether the phone contains the original components and the software information.

8. What Is The Condition Of The Display?

The display does not affect the performance of the iPhone in any way, but who would want a blemished, tarnished iPhone? Check all lights if the iPhone has a traditional edge-lit LCD. You should check for permanent image retention if it has an OLED display.

9. Check Used iPhone For Water Damage

Poor and ill performance of the speakers and microphone means that the phone is flawed and water damaged. Hence, it cannot demonstrate a magnificent performance.

10. Check Refurbished iPhone Is Not Carrier Locked

Unlocked smartphones are better than locked phones as you do not have to go through the trouble of finding out later on that your newly purchased iPhone is incompatible. All the refurbished iPhones on PhoneBot are unlocked.

Therefore, if you want to confirm whether the iPhone is carrier-locked or not, you can directly call Apple to verify it or cast around for the iPhone's IMEI or MEID number in Settings or now ask the seller.

11. Check If The Used iPhone Is Not Stolen.

To check if the used iPhone is not stolen, look for the IMEI number on your iPhone, or you can directly ask your seller about it. Upon discovering the 15-digit number, you must head to the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker website and enter the number into the field provided. A green notice means it is safe to purchase the iPhone as it is not stolen.

12. Ensure The iCloud Activation Lock Is Disabled

iPhone iCloud Activation Lock can be checked through IMEI or MEID number on the iCloud lock page to check whether the iCloud Activation Lock is disabled.

You can follow these instructions to check the used iPhone's iCloud Activation Lock.

• Go to the iCloud lock page on your Mac or Windows PC.
• Type in the device's IMEI
• Type in the verification code
• Click Continue.

If the status of the iPhone is locked, you shouldn't buy this iPhone

13. Choose The Right Storage Capacity

Most users prefer buying older iPhone models due to the deflated, cut-rate price tag and several storage options. The storage space can range from a whopping 512GB to as little as 16GB. You must look out for your needs and budget and then decide which old or new iPhone model fits like a dream.

14. Check Warranty Details Using The Serial Number

You can monitor the iPhone's warranty details through the 15-digit IMEI number to establish that the phone you are purchasing has a standard iPhone warranty. Head over to Apple's site and mention the used iPhone serial number.

How To Protect Yourself Before You Buy A Refurbished iPhone?

This world is full of scams and deception, so checking the used iPhones before buying is essential. You must safeguard yourself and your savings beforehand when investing in a refurbished iPhone to save yourself from all the agony and inconvenience.

Make Sure The Seller Takes Returns

We are offering a "don't like it, return it" policy at PhoneBot. We believe in facilitating our clientele; hence, you can conveniently return the phone if its performance seems unsatisfactory.

You can smoothly return your iPhone without any hassle at Product Returns in case of dissatisfaction.

Get A Warranty

It is vital to get a warranty on the iPhone before buying it. If a device turns out to be faulty within the warranty period, we will provide a replacement within 10 working days. You can get our complete warranty information on our website.

Buy Only From Reputable Sellers

Our customers vouch for our service and unsurpassable, high-quality smartphones. Hence, when it comes to procuring a used iPhone, PhoneBot is your best bet.

Make Sure Your Refurbished Phone Is Working Properly

Confirm hardware, software, and all other components of the iPhone are operating smoothly without any glitches.

FAQ

Is It Safe To Have A Refurbished iPhone?

According to the Refurbished Mobile annual market report in Australia 2024, many users are turning to refurbished gadgets due to the skyrocketing prices of new ones. It is safe to have a refurbished iPhone as they are entitled to long update schedules. Even if the refurbished iPhones are 4-5 years old, they are as safe from hackers as the newer models.

How To Check If The iPhone Is Factory Unlocked Using IMEI Or Not?

After exploring your IMEI number, you can see if the iPhone is unlocked by plugging it into an online website. There are many of these sites available, like the "online IMEI checker". With IMEI number can also check if the iPhone is new or refurbished.  

How To Check If A Used iPhone Is Not Stolen?

The IMEI number will help you detect whether a used iPhone is stolen.

How To Check The iPhone Warranty Using The Imei Number?

You can enter the IMEI code on Apple's check coverage site and attain the warranty status of your iPhone.