Buying a used iPhone? Follow these essential steps to ensure you get a good deal

Are you considering buying a used iPhone? Here's a quick guide on what to check to ensure you're getting a reliable device.

Power On and Check Lock Status: When buying a used iPhone, start by powering it on to confirm it boots up correctly. Ensure the device isn’t locked to a previous owner. If the iPhone is locked, it might be stolen. Avoid trusting sellers who claim the battery is dead or that the phone is locked for them to unlock later. A legitimate seller should be able to unlock the phone in front of you, proving ownership and allowing a full functionality test. (Unsplash)

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1/8 Power On and Check Lock Status: When buying a used iPhone, start by powering it on to confirm it boots up correctly. Ensure the device isn’t locked to a previous owner. If the iPhone is locked, it might be stolen. Avoid trusting sellers who claim the battery is dead or that the phone is locked for them to unlock later. A legitimate seller should be able to unlock the phone in front of you, proving ownership and allowing a full functionality test. (Unsplash)

Inspect for Screen Issues: Examine the iPhone screen for any signs of burn-in, where static images permanently affect the display. This issue, which affected some iPhone 15 Pro Max models, might be noticeable with static images or colours. Use test videos to check for burn-in and inspect for any backlighting issues on older models with non-Super Retina XDR displays by displaying a solid white screen. (AP)

2/8 Inspect for Screen Issues: Examine the iPhone screen for any signs of burn-in, where static images permanently affect the display. This issue, which affected some iPhone 15 Pro Max models, might be noticeable with static images or colours. Use test videos to check for burn-in and inspect for any backlighting issues on older models with non-Super Retina XDR displays by displaying a solid white screen. (AP)

Test the Camera Functions: Inspect the camera system by opening the camera app and testing all functions. Take photos and record videos to ensure the cameras are working properly. Confirm that both the rear and front cameras, as well as any additional lenses on Pro models, function as expected. This helps ensure you are getting a fully operational camera system. (Pexels)

3/8 Test the Camera Functions: Inspect the camera system by opening the camera app and testing all functions. Take photos and record videos to ensure the cameras are working properly. Confirm that both the rear and front cameras, as well as any additional lenses on Pro models, function as expected. This helps ensure you are getting a fully operational camera system. (Pexels)

Test the Camera Functions: Inspect the camera system by opening the camera app and testing all functions. Take photos and record videos to ensure the cameras are working properly. Confirm that both the rear and front cameras, as well as any additional lenses on Pro models, function as expected. This helps ensure you are getting a fully operational camera system. (Pexels)

4/8 Test the Camera Functions: Inspect the camera system by opening the camera app and testing all functions. Take photos and record videos to ensure the cameras are working properly. Confirm that both the rear and front cameras, as well as any additional lenses on Pro models, function as expected. This helps ensure you are getting a fully operational camera system. (Pexels)

Inquire About Past Repairs: Ask the seller if the iPhone has undergone any repairs, such as screen replacements or battery changes. Request repair receipts and verify if the repairs were done by an Apple-authorised service provider. Unauthorised repairs might use inferior parts that could affect device performance. For iPhone 11 or later models, check the Parts and Service History in Settings to confirm the authenticity of replaced components. (Pexels)

5/8 Inquire About Past Repairs: Ask the seller if the iPhone has undergone any repairs, such as screen replacements or battery changes. Request repair receipts and verify if the repairs were done by an Apple-authorised service provider. Unauthorised repairs might use inferior parts that could affect device performance. For iPhone 11 or later models, check the Parts and Service History in Settings to confirm the authenticity of replaced components. (Pexels)

Verify Repair Documentation: Request documentation for any repairs done to the iPhone. Apple-authorised repairs will have records that confirm the use of genuine parts. For newer iPhones, this information is accessible through the Settings menu, showing if the device has non-genuine components. Ensure that any replacement parts, like screens or batteries, are authentic to avoid potential issues. (Pexels)

6/8 Verify Repair Documentation: Request documentation for any repairs done to the iPhone. Apple-authorised repairs will have records that confirm the use of genuine parts. For newer iPhones, this information is accessible through the Settings menu, showing if the device has non-genuine components. Ensure that any replacement parts, like screens or batteries, are authentic to avoid potential issues. (Pexels)

Request Proof of Purchase: To avoid buying a stolen iPhone, ask for proof of purchase. This can be a hard copy receipt or an email confirmation. The seller should be able to provide this proof, showing their name or confirming the previous owner's details. For financed phones, ensure it has been paid off and confirm the seller’s right to sell the device. (Pexels)

7/8 Request Proof of Purchase: To avoid buying a stolen iPhone, ask for proof of purchase. This can be a hard copy receipt or an email confirmation. The seller should be able to provide this proof, showing their name or confirming the previous owner's details. For financed phones, ensure it has been paid off and confirm the seller’s right to sell the device. (Pexels)

Assess the Phone's Condition: Beyond the technical checks, assess the overall physical condition of the iPhone. Look for signs of wear and tear that might indicate heavy use or abuse. Check the frame, buttons, and ports for any damage. A thorough visual inspection helps ensure the phone hasn’t been heavily used or mishandled. (Pexels)

8/8 Assess the Phone's Condition: Beyond the technical checks, assess the overall physical condition of the iPhone. Look for signs of wear and tear that might indicate heavy use or abuse. Check the frame, buttons, and ports for any damage. A thorough visual inspection helps ensure the phone hasn’t been heavily used or mishandled. (Pexels)