One of the most popular smartphones is undoubtedly the iPhone. However, if money is tight, you can purchase a used item for a much lower cost. A new iPhone might be pricey, and Apple rarely discounts new models.

A used iPhone does, however, carry some dangers. Not to worry! With due diligence, you can lower these risks. Are you curious about those? Explore the following ten items to look for before purchasing a used iPhone to ensure it is safe to buy a used iPhone.

1. Is It Safe to Buy Used iPhones?

There are some risks involved in purchasing a used iPhone. However, you can significantly lower the risk with specific checks. It’s crucial to purchase a used iPhone from a reputable dealer. Before conducting an online search, think about contacting family and friends. If they are selling their iPhones, inquire.

Meet in a public area with Wi-Fi if you plan to purchase an iPhone from a stranger. Never be afraid to ask questions. For a stress-free shopping experience, use the advice in this article. The best places to purchase a used iPhone are from family and friends. Additionally, you can search for local independent Apple resellers.

2. Which Used iPhone Should I Buy?

Do you need to know which used iPhone to purchase? Lower risk exists with newer used iPhones. Relatively recent iPhones make a lot of sense if you want trouble-free ownership. The icing on the cake is a used iPhone with a warranty. If properly maintained, iPhones can last up to 6-7 years.

The cost and features of a used iPhone model can influence your choice. The cost of the most recent iPhones is higher. It is recommended to avoid purchasing a device that has been in use for at least four years.

3. Use the Serial Number To Check the Warranty Information

You can check Apple’s warranty information, service, and support coverage. Enter the used iPhone serial number at Apple’s website. If the used iPhone is still covered by warranty, repairs and service coverage will be active. Additionally, you can schedule a repair whenever necessary and view the anticipated expiration date.

The iPhone is activated through the website according to the valid purchase date. Additionally, Apple stores the date of purchase or activation in the database.

4. Identify Previous Ownership

Establish the previous owner to make sure the iPhone is not stolen. Request the original purchase receipt from the seller. Make sure the receipt is authentic. Additionally, you can request the seller’s ID and keep a copy of it for your records.

Finally, use PayPal or a credit card to pay for the used iPhone. In this manner, a record of the transaction is created. You can request a refund from the bank if something goes wrong.

5. How to Ensure the Used iPhone is not Stolen?

Purchasing a stolen iPhone could get you into serious trouble. Making sure the device is not stolen is worth the time and effort. It is advised to use a tool to check for stolen phones. Enter your IMEI to see if the iPhone is marked as stolen. Fortunately, the tool allows you to perform five free queries each day.

Next, ensure that iCloud lock and Find My iPhone is not enabled. Request that the seller turns it off. If the seller doesn’t remove the Find My or iCloud activation lock, reject buying the phone. 

6. Check to see if the iCloud Activation Lock is Off

People can safeguard their iPhones with the aid of an iCloud activation lock. You won’t be able to operate the device once the lock has been turned on. Checking the activation lock is crucial before purchasing a used iPhone.

The following steps explain how to check it:

• Access the iPhone settings.
• Select About.
• Swipe up the IMEI number and write it down.
• You can also call *#06#.
• On your Mac or Windows computer, launch iCloud.
• Enter the IMEI number.
• Fill out the verification code.
• Choose Continue.
• Buy the iPhone elsewhere if the IMEI is locked.

Before purchasing, ask the previous owner to turn off the iCloud lock. Only after the seller removes the activation lock should you check the status.

7. Perform a Hardware Check 

Hardware problems are frequently expensive to repair. Additionally, it is very challenging to find hardware problems through a visual inspection. Getting in touch with Apple support and asking them to conduct a diagnostic remotely is advised. After a hardware evaluation, you can choose whether to purchase the used iPhone.

Alternatively, you can perform a hardware check using a third-party app like TestM.

8. Check your iPhone for Water Damage

Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) are a standard feature of most iPhones sold after 2006. Usually, only liquids like water or other liquids would cause the LCI to activate. Temperature and humidity changes do not affect it. You can determine whether the used iPhone has water damage by using an indicator.

Apple advises examining the item with a magnifying glass to look for water damage. Hold your device at an angle while opening the SIM tray. The LCI strip is visible because of the incident light. A red stripe indicates liquid damage. Avoid iPhones with liquid damage.

9. Check iPhone Parts and Service History 

Genuine Apple parts are pretty expensive and complicated to come by. Some owners of iPhones might unknowingly have their devices repaired using counterfeit or non-OEM parts. Such components could be problematic as they give up easily.

iOS 15 now includes a new Parts and Service History feature from Apple. You can use this to look up the history of your iPhone’s service. It also reveals whether repair facilities have utilised genuine components.

10. Which is preferable: Refurbished or Used iPhones?

Only some people want to purchase a used iPhone. Some might find buying a used iPhone more complex than worth it. In such circumstances, consider buying a refurbished iPhone from reputable sellers. There is a warranty and service support which makes buyers happy. 

Conclusion 

We sincerely hope this guide has improved the clarity of your purchase decision. Before purchasing a used iPhone, make sure to carry out all these checks and a pre-inspection. Additionally, feel free to pay reputable sellers a little more, as their used iPhone’s quality is worth it.