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Imagine you found an iPhone listed for sale at a fraction of its original price. You may think you’ve hit jackpot, but things may not be as simple as they seem. You need to be cautious before buying used iPhones, as they may have been stolen or have suspicious backgrounds. In this blog, we will cover the essential things you should do before purchasing a second-hand iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Checking Second-hand iPhones
Although you could save a lot of money by buying used iPhones, the challenge is to ensure that they are not locked, reported stolen, or have a background that is not clean. If you end up buying a locked or stolen iPhone, you’ll be left with a useless device and be at a substantial financial loss. That’s why it’s essential to know how to check the background of the phone and verify its authenticity before buying it.
Things You Should Prepare For
Before checking the iPhone, you should ensure that the phone is fully charged and can turn on by itself. You’ll need a computer to access the internet and iTunes to check the phone’s summary page. Also, make sure that you have an active internet connection and that your computer has Finder or iTunes installed. Finally, you’ll need to have the IMEI or MEID number of the phone.
Method 1: Check the Phone’s Activation Lock Status Via iCloud
Before purchasing the used iPhone, ensure that the Activation Lock Status is turned off. This feature is a security function that prevents someone from stealing your iPhone, wiping it, and then reselling it. If the iPhone’s activation lock status is off, it ensures that the iPhone is not linked with any previous owners and can be activated with your Apple ID.
1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Click on "Find My iPhone," located in the main screen of iCloud.
3. Click on "All Devices" once the next screen appears.
4. If the previous owner had activated "Find My iPhone" on the iPhone, it will appear on the screen.
5. If the iPhone is not listed, then the activation lock is deactivated, and you can proceed with your purchase.
Pros: You can quickly check the iPhone’s activation status with Apple ID on iCloud.
Cons: The Activation Lock status may be deactivated if a previous owner removes the phone from the "Find My iPhone" app before selling it, which could cause issues later.
Method 2: Check the iPhone’s Status via IMEI Number
You can also check if the iPhone has a clean background or is blocked by carriers by examining its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
1. Get the IMEI number of the iPhone by typing *#06# on the phone’s dialer.
2. Visit the following website https://www.imei.info/ and enter the IMEI number in the search bar.
3. Click on the "Check" button, and the website will display information such as the phone’s model, carrier, iCloud status, warranty status, and more.
Pros: With IMEI, it’s easy to check for a clean background and can show phone’s iCloud status and warranty status.
Cons: Websites may not offer 100% accurate or reliable data, and it’s essential to check multiple sites to get a comprehensive report.
Method 3: Check the iPhone’s Condition and Authenticity with Physical Examination
You should check the phone’s physical condition and authenticity. Ensure that the phone’s body and screen are free from cracks, dents, scratches, and other damages. Check if the Touch ID, camera, buttons, and other features are working correctly.
1. Check the phone’s body to see if it has scratches, dents or any deformities.
2. Check the screen for scratches, cracks, and clarity.
3. Turn on the iPhone and check if the battery is working correctly.
4. Access Siri and check if it’s responding correctly.
5. Check the phone’s cameras to see if they’re working properly.
6. Test the speakers and microphone by playing music, making calls, and recording voice memos.
7. Verify the authenticity of the phone’s serial numbers, hardware, and software by checking the product description on Apple’s website.
Pros: You can detect the phone’s physical and technical condition, which can help you determine its worth and identify fake products.
Cons: It’s challenging to detect all hidden damages, and checking the authenticity of the phone may require an expert’s assistance.
Method 4: Check the iPhone’s background with The Fone Guys
The Fone Guys is a phone checking service that will check the iPhone’s background and provide a report. This service is UK based, but anyone can use their services.
1. Visit the Fone Guys website at https://thefoneguys.co.uk/iphone-check/.
2. Enter the IMEI or serial number
3. Click on the "Check iPhone" button.
4. The website will display a report containing the phone’s lock status, blacklist status, iCloud status, warranty, and more.
Pros: Provides an in-depth report and offers a comprehensive background check.
Cons: This method is a paid service, and it may seem unnecessary to pay for background checks.
Why Can’t I Check Second-hand iPhones?
1. The phone’s Activation Lock status may still be active
2. The iPhone may be legally reported stolen
3. The iPhone contains unpaid balances or a negative financial status with carriers.
4. The iPhone’s IMEI or serial number is blacklisted due to being associated with criminal activities.
Fixes:
1. For Activation Lock status, you can contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the iPhone from their "Find My iPhone" app.
2. If the iPhone is reported stolen, don’t purchase it. You can report it to the police or give it to the authorized carrier or Apple store.
3. If the iPhone has an unpaid balance, request the seller to settle the balance or contact the carrier to resolve the matter.
4. Don’t buy iPhones that have been blacklisted due to suspicious activities. Always check your seller and the products before buying.
Additional Tips
1. Consider buying from authorized resellers and professional refurbishing service providers.
2. Check the seller’s reputation and feedback before making your purchase. Make sure the seller is reliable and trustworthy.
3. If possible, meet the seller in person and thoroughly inspect the product before buying it.
5 FAQs About Checking Second-Hand iPhone
Q1: How can I check if there are any unpaid bills or balances on my second-hand iPhone?
A: You can check the iPhone’s financial status by entering its IMEI or serial number on carrier or unlocking services sites. The report will display unpaid balances, overdue bills, or any penalties linked to the phone’s line.
Q2: Can I buy a refurbished iPhone online?
A: Yes, you can buy refurbished iPhones online, but make sure you buy from authorized resellers that offer warranties, return policies, and verified quality assurance.
Q3: Can I check the warranty status of my second-hand iPhone?
A: Yes, you can verify the warranty status using the IMEI number or the Serial number. Enter one of these numbers on the Apple’s website to display the warranty details.
Q4: How can I check if the second-hand iPhone was stolen?
A: You can enter the iPhone’s IMEI or serial number on the iCloud or other unlocking services. The report will display the blacklist status, which shows if the phone is reported stolen.
Q5: Does Apple offer unlocking services?
A: Yes, you can request an official unlocking service from Apple by calling their customer support or visit the nearest Apple store.
In Conclusion
Purchasing a second-hand iPhone is an excellent way to save money, but you must check the product’s background and authenticity before investing in it. By following the methods listed in this blog post, you can easily check if the iPhone is authentic and free from any issues. Always buy from authorized resellers, and stay away from shady sellers that offer suspicious deals. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help from Apple’s support, carrier’s customer support, or an expert if you’re unsure of the steps to follow.