How to Inspect a Used iPhone

iPhones are generally pretty expensive, so buying a used iPhone is usually your best bet. Once in a while, however, the seller may not give you all the information on a particular phone. Here are some tips on how to check a used iPhone when you meet the seller.

1. Verify the IMEI Number

  Go to Settings -> General -> About, swipe down to IMEI. 'Swappa' has a free online tool to check your device’s IMEI number against the global blacklist.

2. Check the activation lock

This step makes sure the phone is not a stolen phone. Apple has the iCloud website to check the activation: www.icloud.com/activationlock/

3. Reset the iPhone

Before buying an iPhone, please remove current owner's Apple ID from Settings > iCloud. Then go to General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to remove everything from the iPhone.

4. Check Warranty

Go to the Apple website to check the warranty of the iPhone:

https://checkcoverage.apple.com/us/en/

Please always keep in mind that you should find a public area to meet with your buyer/seller!