Second Hand iPhone : What to look for when buying used iPhones

Apple is a popular and well-established brand globally. In India, too, it has gained immense popularity as a smartphone that not only offers advanced operating systems and features but has also become a status symbol. This is true for new purchases as well as iPhone second hand purchases. 

Second hand iPhones are an affordable alternative to owning a brand-new iPhone. It allows you to use all the functionality of the Apple iPhone within your budget. For instance, if you buy a new iPhone, it costs you around Rs. 1 lakh. The same costs you around Rs. 50,000 if it is a second hand model. This makes it accessible for smartphone users to purchase iPhones. 

One important thing about purchasing a second hand iPhone is to look for certain factors. What are those factors? Let’s find out.

Things to look for when buying an iPhone second hand

Here are the top factors that you should have a look at when you buy a second hand iPhone. 

Choose a reliable platform 

Where you choose to buy a second hand iPhone matters a lot. You should only choose platforms that you can trust or that have a good reputation. For example, you can physically purchase it from an Apple Store. If you are looking to make an online purchase, you can choose an online marketplace like OLX that can aid in your overall purchase experience.

OLX also offers you a wide range of options for iPhones from older versions to the latest ones.

Verify its authenticity 

Now comes the part to check the authenticity of the used iPhone. To avoid legal troubles and ensure a hassle-free ownership experience, it is important to verify that the device has not been reported as stolen or lost. 

You can do this by checking the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number online. Additionally, it’s important to verify whether the device is carrier-locked, as then you may face implications for its usability with different network providers.

Align the purchase with your needs

As you know a new iPhone is released in September every year with unique features and capabilities. So make sure that you align your iPhone second hand purchase with your specific requirements. 

For this, you need to consider factors such as camera quality, gaming capabilities, storage capacity, and battery life to see which model best suits you. For instance, if you are a heavy user who uses an iPhone mainly for gaming, you should opt for a model with a longer battery life, such as a used iPhone 13.

Evaluate the iPhone’s condition

Here are the steps that you should take to evaluate the condition of the iPhone to make sure the purchase is worth it. 

1. See for any physical damage

You need to inspect the iPhone for any visible damage. This includes scratches, scuffs, and dents on the display, sides, and back. Additionally, check the Lightning connector for any signs of damage or debris.

2. Check for replacement parts 

Once the iPhone is unlocked and set up, you need to navigate to Settings > General > About to check for any part-replacement. Here, you should pay attention to the iOS version and the Parts and Service History section to see the authenticity of the iPhone’s components.

3. Check the overall connectivity

This step is important for using the iPhone effortlessly. For this, check whether the iPhone is locked to a specific network provider by accessing the Network Provider Lock information in Settings. Also, connect the iPhone to a Wi-Fi network to see if it is working.

4. Check the battery life

Now is the time to check the battery health of the iPhone. You can do this by going to settings. Also, try charging the device for 15-30 minutes and see how much time it takes and how long it lasts. This will help you make sure of the quality of the battery. 

5. Check the functionality

This is the last step for verification of your device. Check the audio and video of the iPhone. You can do this by playing different formats of audio and video. Also, call someone to check how the speakers and microphone are working. Lastly, also check the camera and its quality. This will help you understand the overall quality of the iPhone and help you make an informed decision. 

Overall, you need to check a few things: hardware, software, screen, display, audio, video, sensors, etc. to make sure the iPhone is worth buying and will also be durable.

6. Check the screen and activation lock

If the iPhone displays the Lock Screen, proceed to unlock it by swiping up or using the Home button. In the case of Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, you can request the seller to erase the iPhone so you can test it. 

If the device shows the Hello screen, it indicates that the iPhone memory has been erased and has to be set up before testing. However, if the iPhone is locked to an owner, ensure that the seller disables the Activation Lock before proceeding with the purchase.

Check for warranty 

When it comes to iPhone second hand purchases, you should check if it comes with any warranty from the seller. For new devices, the warranty period is one year, which you can extend by paying an additional amount. However, for second-hand purchases, this is not the case. Some resellers offer a six month warranty so you must check it. 

If you face any issues with your iPhone during this period, you can easily claim a refund or a replacement (as per the seller policy).

How long can you update the iPhone?

Usually, Apple supports its devices for updates for a period of 7 years. This means you can update an old iPhone only for 7 years from the time of its launch. So, if you have bought an iPhone 10 or iPhone 11, you can install the latest iOS update till 2025 and 2026 respectively. 

After this period, you can use your iPhone but there will not be any new updates. So, keep this in mind while selecting an iPhone model. 

Make an offer and negotiate

Once you are satisfied with the overall condition of a second hand iPhone, now is the time to make an offer to the seller. For this, research the market value of the specific iPhone model you are interested in based on its condition and storage capacity. For example, a second hand iPhone with a storage capacity of 256 GB or 512 GB will cost a lot more than 128 GB. This depends on your needs, too. 

If there are any scratches or dents, that can be a point to reduce the price of the iPhone second hand model. If you are not comfortable with the offer as per your budget, move on. There are many options available in the market, especially on online marketplaces like OLX which would help you stay within your means and still purchase a second hand iPhone.

Conclusion

Well, yes, buying an iPhone, even in second-hand condition can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to own a high-quality device at an affordable price. Before you move ahead with your purchase, make sure that you understand the factors you need to check. 

Also, always buy a second-hand iPhone from a credible online marketplace like OLX for an easy and seamless experience and enjoy a smooth buying process while getting numerous options to choose from.  

FAQs

Q: How do I verify if a second-hand iPhone is authentic?

A: Check the IMEI number online to ensure it has not been reported as stolen or lost. Verify the carrier lock status and examine the Parts and Service History in the settings.

Q: What should I look for in the physical condition of a used iPhone?

A: Inspect for any visible damage such as scratches, scuffs, and dents on the display, sides, and back. Also, check the Lightning connector for any signs of damage or debris.

Q: How can I check the battery health of a second-hand iPhone?

A: Go to Settings and check the battery health. Charge the device for 15-30 minutes to see how long it takes and how well it retains the charge.

Q: Why is it important to check the Activation Lock on a used iPhone?

A: Ensuring the Activation Lock is disabled prevents you from being locked out of the iPhone and ensures you have full access to the device after purchase.

Q: Can I get a warranty for a second-hand iPhone?

A: Some resellers offer a six-month warranty. Always check with the seller regarding warranty terms to ensure you have some coverage in case of issues.