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Buying guide

How to check a used iPhone before buying it

Updated October 2026

A used iPhone can be a great deal, as long as you know what you're buying. Here are the checks to make, in order, whether you buy it from us, on Avito or from a friend. Allow about fifteen minutes.

Your checklist

0/10 checked

Keep this page open while you check the phone, and mark each point.

  1. 1.The iCloud account: the one that can't be fixed
  2. 2.The IMEI
  3. 3.The battery
  4. 4.Replaced parts
  5. 5.The screen
  6. 6.Face ID or Touch ID
  7. 7.The cameras
  8. 8.Sound, microphones and calls
  9. 9.The network
  10. 10.Buttons, charging and speed

1. The iCloud account: the one that can't be fixed

An iPhone still linked to its previous owner's account can't be used: that's Activation Lock. Before paying, the phone must be erased, removed from the previous owner's account, and show the "Hello" welcome screen. If it shows "iPhone Locked to Owner" or asks for an Apple ID that isn't yours, don't buy it.

2. The IMEI

Dial *#06# or open Settings › General › About. The number must match the box and the invoice. A mismatch needs an explanation. Also check it isn't blocked (a phone reported lost or stolen).

General

About

  • NameiPhone
  • Model NameiPhone 13
  • Capacity128 GB
  • IMEI35 •••••• ••••••
  • Carrier LockNo SIM restrictions
  • Parts and Service History
Drawn example screen

3. The battery

Settings › Battery › Battery Health shows the maximum capacity. At 80% and above, the battery is healthy. Below that, it lasts less through the day and the price should reflect it. Our battery guide explains everything.

4. Replaced parts

Since iOS 15.2, Settings › General › About can show a "Parts and Service History" section if the iPhone has been repaired. It says "Genuine Apple Part" or "Unknown Part" for the screen, battery or camera. That isn't necessarily a defect, but you should know before buying: our guide on replaced parts explains what changes.

5. The screen

  • Touch everywhere: drag an icon from one corner of the screen to the other.
  • Dead pixels and spots: show an all-white image, then an all-black one.
  • Burn-in (OLED screens): on a plain grey background, no shadow of the keyboard or top bar should show.
  • Brightness and colours: turn brightness to maximum; colours should stay natural.

Test the screen from this page

Open this page on the phone you're checking, then start a test.

6. Face ID or Touch ID

Set up your face or fingerprint and unlock several times. A Face ID that no longer works is rarely repairable outside Apple: check it without fail.

7. The cameras

Test each lens (wide, ultra wide, zoom) and the front camera, and film a few seconds while walking: the image should stay steady and sharp, with no shaking or clicking.

8. Sound, microphones and calls

Play a video on the speaker, record a voice memo and make a test call: you should hear well and be heard well.

9. The network

In Settings › General › About, "No SIM restrictions" means the iPhone is unlocked. Insert your SIM card, then check the network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

10. Buttons, charging and speed

Volume and power buttons, vibration, charging through the cable: everything should respond, and the iPhone should stay smooth when opening several apps.