How to Buy a Used iPhone

Buying a used iPhone can save you money, but it’s essential to ensure that the device is in good condition and won’t cause problems down the road. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a safe and informed purchase:


1. Decide Which iPhone Model You Want

  • Consider your budget and needs (e.g., camera quality, performance, size).
  • Research the specifications and features of various iPhone models.
  • Check software compatibility to ensure it supports the latest iOS updates.

2. Choose a Trusted Seller

  • Authorized retailers: Check Apple’s certified refurbished program or trusted third-party stores.
  • Online marketplaces: Use platforms like eBay, Swappa, or Gazelle with buyer protection policies.
  • Local sellers: Use apps like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, but prioritize meeting in public and inspecting the phone in person.

3. Verify the Phone’s Details

  • Check the IMEI/Serial Number:
  • Storage capacity: Confirm that it matches what the seller advertises.
  • Carrier compatibility: Ensure the phone is unlocked or compatible with your carrier.

4. Inspect the Physical Condition

  • Screen: Look for scratches, cracks, or discoloration.
  • Body: Check for dents, bends, or damage to the frame.
  • Ports and buttons: Ensure the charging port, volume buttons, and power button are functional.
  • Water damage: Look for signs of water exposure, such as corrosion or a tripped Liquid Contact Indicator (usually visible near the SIM tray).

Before you embrace the iPhone 4S, remember to back up your iPhone if you have an older model. If you’re an Android user contemplating the move to planet Apple, read our manual on how to switch.

When shopping, keep your carrier in mind. An unlocked AT&T iPhone can be used on fellow GSM provider T-Mobile, which is banking on just such a thing since it doesn’t carry the iPhone. It can’t be used on Verizon or Sprint, though, which both operate on the CDMA network. If you have and plan to stay with either Verizon or Sprint, be sure to purchase a phone that was already on your chosen carrier’s network.

The current selection of used iPhones might seem low on some sites, but stock will go up (and prices down) after the iPhone 5 ships. So, if you don’t see what you want at a good price, check back frequently, particularly around September 21 when those iPhone 5s start to ship.

If you want an iPhone and you’re looking for a sure thing instead of that “one more thing,” here are eight places where you might find your perfect match.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*