Buying a used iPhone can save you money, but only if you know what to look for. Many people make costly mistakes by skipping some simple checks. Whether you’re buying from a friend, online marketplace, or local shop—this checklist will help you buy with confidence.

✅ 1. Check the Model & Software Support

First, decide which iPhone model you want (like iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone 8).
Make sure Apple still supports that model with iOS updates.

🔍 You can check the official Apple iOS support list to confirm.

📌 Avoid very old models like iPhone 6/6s/7—they no longer get iOS updates and may not support new apps.

✅ 2. Check Battery Health

iPhone batteries degrade over time.
Go to: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging

• Look for Maximum Capacity
• If it’s below 80%, the battery will drain quickly

📌 85%-95% is decent, over 95% is excellent.

✅ 3. Check Face ID or Touch ID

• If the phone uses Face ID, turn it on and see if it recognizes your face
• If it uses Touch ID, test it with your fingerprint

📌 If these don’t work, repairs can be expensive or even impossible.

✅ 4. iCloud Lock / Activation Lock

This is critical.
If the phone is still signed into the previous owner’s iCloud account, you can’t use it.

Ask the seller to:

• Sign out of iCloud from: Settings > [Apple ID] > Sign Out
  Or check the iCloud Activation Lock status using the serial/IMEI.

📌 Never buy an iPhone with iCloud lock—it’s a common scam.

✅ 5. Verify IMEI or Serial Number

Check the phone’s identity:

• Dial *#06# to get the IMEI number
• Compare it with the one in Settings > General > About
• Also check if it matches the number on the phone’s box (if available)

Use a site like IMEI.info to verify the phone’s status (lost/stolen/blacklisted).

✅ 6. Test the Screen

• Swipe across the screen to test touch responsiveness
• Use a white/black background to check for dead pixels, yellow tint, or screen burn
• Adjust brightness and turn on True Tone if available

📌 Some refurbished phones may have cheap replacement screens—watch out.

✅ 7. Test Camera and Speakers

• Open both front and rear cameras
• Take photos and record videos (check audio too)
• Play a song or YouTube video to test speaker quality
• Make a test call to check earpiece & mic

✅ 8. Check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS

• Connect to a Wi-Fi network
• Pair with a Bluetooth device
• Open Maps to check if GPS is accurate

📌 These features often break after internal damage.

✅ 9. Inspect Physical Condition

Closely examine the body:

• Look for scratches, dents, or cracks on screen and back
• Check the camera lens for damage or cracks
• Inspect the buttons (volume, mute, power)

📌 A clean-looking phone indicates gentle use.

✅ 10. Check Storage Capacity

Go to: Settings > General > iPhone Storage

• Confirm that the storage matches what the seller claims (64GB, 128GB, etc.)

📌 Some shady sellers may try to pass off lower storage as higher—always verify.

✅ 11. Water Damage (Liquid Indicator)

iPhones have a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) that turns red if the phone was exposed to water.
Usually visible inside the SIM slot using a flashlight.

📌 Water-damaged phones often cause future problems—avoid them unless certified refurbished.

✅ 12. Price and Accessories

• Compare the asking price with market rates
• Ask if the original box, charger, or receipt is included
• Original Apple accessories are a bonus
• Having proof of purchase adds safety

📌 Too cheap can be risky. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

🧾 Quick Used iPhone Checklist

📌 Final Thoughts:

Buying a used iPhone is a smart choice—if you know what to check. Don’t rush the process. Test thoroughly and ask questions. If you’re unsure, take someone tech-savvy with you.

⚠️ Avoid buying locked or unverified phones, even if they seem cheap. One wrong move and your phone becomes a paperweight.