How to check a used iPhone before you pay
Locked, refurbished or with a replaced screen: a 10-minute check that protects you from the most common used-iPhone problems.
A used iPhone can be excellent value, but a few problems are expensive to discover after you have paid. These checks take about ten minutes and need no special tools.
1. Make sure it is not locked to someone else
Go to Settings → [name at the top]. The seller must sign out of their Apple ID and turn off Find My in front of you. Then Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. If the phone asks for someone else's Apple ID on the setup screen, do not buy it.
2. Match the IMEI
Dial *#06# and compare the IMEI with Settings → General → About and with the SIM tray. They should all match.
3. Look for replaced parts
On iOS 15.2 and later, Settings → General → About shows a Parts and Service History section if the screen, battery or camera was replaced. A replaced part is not a deal-breaker, but it should be reflected in the price.
4. Battery health
Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. Above 85% is good; below 80% means a replacement will be needed soon.
5. Face ID or Touch ID
Set up Face ID or Touch ID during the test. If it fails to set up, the sensor has likely been damaged or replaced, which is costly to fix.
6. The quick hardware round
- Call someone and test the earpiece, loudspeaker and microphone.
- Take photos and video with every camera, including the zoom lens on Pro models.
- Check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data with your own SIM.
- Press every button, the silent switch and charge it with your cable.
- Drag an app icon across the whole screen to find dead touch zones.
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