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Buying a second-hand phone: a 10-point checklist

A used flagship can be a great deal — or a costly mistake. Check these ten things before you hand over any money.

TechTicore Desk

· 2 min read

A white smartphone lying face down on a yellow and white background
Photo: Unsplash

A used phone can give you flagship features for a mid-range price. Take ten minutes to check it properly before you pay.

Before you meet

  1. Check the model and price history. Know the typical used price so a deal that looks too good raises a flag.
  2. Check the software support period. A phone that will stop receiving security updates soon is less valuable.

When you have it in your hands

  1. IMEI. Dial *#06# to see the IMEI and compare it with the box and the SIM tray label. Where your regulator offers an IMEI check, confirm the phone is registered and not reported stolen.
  2. Account lock. Make sure the seller has signed out of their Google account or Apple ID and factory-reset the phone in front of you. An activation-locked phone is unusable.
  3. Battery health. On iPhone, check Settings → Battery → Battery Health. On Android, use the built-in battery or device care menu where available. Below about 80%, budget for a replacement.
  4. Screen. Open a plain white page and a dark image to spot dead pixels, burn-in or discolouration. Check touch works across the whole screen.
  5. Cameras. Test every rear camera, the front camera, focus and the flash. Record a short video with sound.
  6. Calls and network. Insert your SIM, make a call, test the speaker, earpiece and microphone, and check mobile data and Wi-Fi.
  7. Buttons, ports and sensors. Charging port, volume and power buttons, fingerprint or face unlock, and vibration.
  8. Signs of repair. Misaligned screens, gaps in the frame or non-genuine-part warnings in settings suggest the phone has been opened.

Paying safely

Meet in a public place, avoid sending advance payments, and keep a written receipt with the IMEI. Buying from shops that offer a short warranty on used phones is often worth a small premium.

The bottom line

A careful check protects you from the two costly surprises: a locked or stolen phone, and a worn battery or screen you will have to replace soon.