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Buying a used iPhone can be a smart choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option as buying a brand new iPhone can be quite expensive. However, there are several things that you need to keep in mind before making the purchase. In this article, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision when buying a used iPhone.
Buying a used iPhone can be a bit tricky as the device’s history and previous usage remains unknown to you. It’s very important to make sure that the used iPhone is in a good condition, works correctly, and is worth the money you are spending. Besides, you must take precautions to avoid online scams and meet-in-person payment scams. By following the tips in this guide, you can avoid potential pitfalls and find a reliable used iPhone that meets your needs and budget.
We may divide these essential checks into four different parts – Physical Condition, Hardware condition, Software Condition and finally the Safety measures.
iPhone Physical Condition
The physical condition of the iPhone is the first thing you need to consider when buying a used iPhone. Scratches, dents, and cracks can affect the iPhone’s overall performance and aesthetics. In this section, we’ll guide you through the key areas to check for physical damage:
- Scratches and Dents: Check the iPhone body for any scratches or dents especially on the edges and corners. Minor dents or scratches may not be a deal-breaker, but deep scratches and dents can affect the phone’s overall look and performance.
- Cracks: Look for any cracks on the screen or on the back panel of the iPhone. Cracks on the screen can affect iPhone touch sensitivity, and cracks on the back panel can indicate that the phone has been dropped in the past. Moreover the overall cost to repair/replace the screen or back panel is quite high.
- Water Damage: You need to check if there is any signs of water damage in the iPhone. Look for any discoloration or corrosion on the SIM card tray or the charging port in the iPhone.
iPhone Hardware Condition
The second thing you need to check is the hardware condition of the iPhone. Here are a important things to look out for:
- Camera: Test the iPhone camera. Take a few photos and videos to make sure that the camera is working correctly.
- Buttons: Check if all the buttons on the iPhone can be easily pressed and working correctly. Test the volume up and down buttons, the power button, ring-silent switch and the home button (in case of older iPhones). Make sure all of these buttons are working properly.
- Connectivity: Check if the Wi-Fi connection and cellular networks are working on the iPhone. Test the phone’s connectivity by browsing the internet and also making a phone call.
- Sound Check : Check if the sound on both the speakers and the Ear speaker are enough and make sure there is no distorted sound from any parts.
iPhone Software Condition
The third thing you need to check is the software condition of the iPhone. Here are the important things to check for:
- iCloud Activation Lock: Make sure that the iPhone is not locked with the owner’s Apple ID. If yes, then ask the iPhone seller to remove the iPhone Activation Lock before purchasing it. Also, check if the iPhone is erased, reset and ready for a new user.
- Operating System: Check if the iPhone is running the latest iOS version as supported by the iPhone model you are purchasing. Older versions may have security issues that can compromise the iPhone’s performance or privacy.
- Battery Health: Check for the battery health of the iPhone. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see the maximum capacity and the peak performance capability of the battery. If the iPhone is having a battery capacity of more than 80%, then it can be considered normal and good to go for a one to three year old used iPhone.
Safety Measures
When buying a used iPhone, it’s very important to protect yourself from potential fraud or scams. Here are few safety measures check before buying a used iPhone:
- Check iPhone’s IMEI number: You can use a website or app to check the device’s IMEI number to see if it has been reported lost or stolen.
- Verify seller’s identity: It is better to ask the seller to provide identification and verify that the name matches the name on the iPhone’s registration or original receipt.
- Meet in a public place: It is highly recommended to meet the seller in a public place, such as a mall or a coffee shop, rather than a private residence or isolated location.
- Use a secure payment method: Pay only after all doing the checks and only if you are satisfied with the iPhone. It is better to avoid sending money or wiring funds. Instead you may use a secure payment method such as PayPal or cash in person.
Conclusion
It is very well agreed that buying a used iPhone can be a great way to save money, but it is essential to make sure that the iPhone is in good condition that satisfies you after doing all the mentioned checks before making the purchase. By following the tips in this comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision and avoid any potential future problems with your used iPhone.