With the newest mobile devices from Apple potentially setting you back over $1,000, settling on something used is a great way to get your hands on a nice phone without breaking the bank.
When it comes to purchasing a pre-owned iPhone, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First and foremost, always do your research on the seller before making a purchase (make sure they are trustworthy).
Second, take some time to familiarize yourself with the different types of iPhones that are available on the market. Finally, be sure to create a checklist of things you'll want to inspect before finalizing your purchase.
Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of items you should inspect when buying a pre-owned iPhone. By taking the time to review this list, you can be sure that you're getting a quality product and avoid any potential headaches down the road.
The easiest way to check if the device is unlocked and compatible with your carrier is to follow these steps:
Go to Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock
You’ll be able to see if the phone has restrictions or if you need to check with your service provider. You can also switch out the SIM to one from a different carrier to see if it works. When in doubt, meet the seller at your provider’s location like T-Mobile, Verizon, etc. and ask them to double check compatibility.
If there’s still a case on the phone, remove it and do a thorough visual inspection of the screen, edges, and back side. Since the phone is pre-owned, it’s generally acceptable to have some minor signs of wear. Any larger dents or deep scratches should be a red flag.
Examine the ports and exterior buttons for damage and gunk. Test each button to make sure it performs its proper function without any problems or delays. Turn on some music to verify the speakers are not blown or inoperable.
Ask the seller to have the phone fully charged before you meet them. Spend 5 minutes using the device (make a call, watch YouTube, record some videos) to confirm the battery is not completely useless. If you’re getting a great deal, even if this iPhone doesn't hold a charge anymore, it could be worth having the battery replaced by a mobile phone repair company like trufyx. You'll be surprised how cheap those can be, check it out on the free calculator.
With apps like TestM, you can automatically run an exhaustive test on all the iPhone's elements and capabilities. You’ll easily be able to pinpoint any major functionality problems and determine if the phone is worth buying or not.
There is no worse decision you could make with a mobile device than to buy one that has experienced water damage. Visibility inspect the phone and screen followed by inspecting the water damage indicator with a magnifying glass and flashlight in the SIM tray. If there is damage, you’ll see the color red.
No carriers cover water damage, so never buy a phone that has a red indicator strip.
This step is extremely important. To check if the phone is blacklisted or blocked (meaning it’s been reported stolen or bills were left unpaid) follow these steps:
Never buy a phone from someone that is blacklisted, or you won’t be able to activate it with your carrier.
By following this checklist, you'll be able to rest assured that you're getting a quality product when purchasing a pre-owned iPhone. Every step is worth completing to safeguard you from buying a faulty device. Happy shopping!
At trufyx, we’ve made it easy to get fast cell phone repair delivered right to your door no matter where you are. We offer screen replacements, battery and charger port replacement, water damage repair, and data recovery.
Our qualified service technicians are trained to handle and repair your device on site. Get a quote for your iPhone repair in under a minute.
Once a month, stay-in-the-know kind of relationship.