Buying a Secondhand iPhone? Check These 7 Things First and Buy Only from These 4 Trusted Places

There’s a unique craze for iPhones among the youth. It cannot be denied that iPhones surpass Android in many ways due to their security features.

However, there is a significant price difference between entry-level Android and iPhone models, making many think twice before purchasing one. As a result, many people consider second-hand iPhones. These days, second-hand iPhones are easily available at very low prices on various online resale websites. However, buying such iPhones can be risky. These cheap iPhones might be stolen, potentially landing you in trouble. Hence, it’s important to consider some key factors before buying an old iPhone.

In today’s informative news piece, we’ll discuss the precautions you should take when buying a second-hand iPhone. You’ll also learn:

• How is the iPhone different from Android?
• What to check before buying a used iPhone?

Question: What precautions should one take before buying a second-hand iPhone?

Answer: The main concern for most people when buying a second-hand iPhone is whether the phone is stolen. While purchasing a second-hand iPhone is a great way to save money, it’s essential to be cautious to avoid buying a fake one. Nowadays, many fake online websites claim to sell refurbished or second-hand iPhones, but they might be selling counterfeit devices. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to a few key aspects:

Before purchasing an iPhone, thoroughly check for scratches, dents, or any other type of damage. The phone’s screen should not be cracked or stuck. Additionally, make sure the side buttons of the iPhone are functioning properly.

Be sure to ask the seller about the battery health of the iPhone. You can also check it yourself by going into the phone’s settings and searching for “Battery Health.” Experts suggest that a battery health of 80% or higher is considered good. If the battery health is less than 80%, you should avoid buying the second-hand iPhone.

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique number for every phone, revealing details about its software and warranty. It can also indicate if the phone has been stolen. To find the IMEI number, dial *#06# on the phone’s dial pad, and the number will appear on the screen.

Check whether the phone’s headphone jack or charging port is functioning properly, as these can stop working due to water damage.

To learn about the phone’s ownership history, ask the seller who owned the phone before. If possible, cross-check the information provided by the seller about the previous owner. Also, make sure to get the original receipt for the phone.

By verifying these aspects, you can ensure that the second-hand iPhone you’re purchasing is genuine, in good condition, and safe to buy.

Question: Where to buy a second-hand or refurbished iPhone? 

Answer: Apple designs iPhones according to updated technology, allowing them to last for 5-6 years, so users can enjoy the product for a long time. This is why iPhones have more updated features compared to other smartphones. Hence, before buying a second-hand or refurbished iPhone, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

Question: How can we know if any internal part of the iPhone has been replaced?

Answer: These days, there are many pages on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook that sell 2-3-year-old iPhones, labeling them as demo phones or unused phones, while in reality, they are not. Most of the iPhones sold on social media have tampered parts. Components like the screen, body, camera, or battery are often replaced when damaged.

iPhones have a feature where you can check within certain settings if any part of the phone has been replaced. You can easily check the parts and service history of the device.

To do this, follow these steps:

• Step 1: If the iPhone’s model number starts with M, it is an original device bought from an Apple Store or retailer. If the model number starts with F, it has been refurbished and was previously used by a customer. A model number starting with N means it is a replacement device for another phone.
• Step 2: If you’ve purchased an iPhone, you can also check using the 3uTools application or by visiting its website. 3uTools provides a detailed report on the phone, such as:
  • Whether the phone is under warranty
  • Whether the phone is an Indian model
  • Whether any parts have been replaced
• Step 3: After the serial number, you can also view the parts and service history of your iPhone.

To do this:

1. Go to the iPhone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to the ‘General’ option and click on ‘About.’
3. Click on ‘Serial Number.’
4. Note down the serial number of your iPhone.
5. After this, check the serial number on Apple’s official website.

If the label on any part reads “Unknown,” it means that the part has been replaced.