Since there are so many online sites for buying and selling used phones, the market is flooded with legitimate and fraudulent listings. So how do you make sure that you find a reputable seller?

Nowadays, most people buy used phones and resell their old one. If you are not an expert in the mobile phone industry and aren’t sure how to check a used phone before buying it, this article is for you. 

In this article, we will provide helpful tips on how to do a pre-purchase check on a used phone that you want to buy.

10 Ways To Check Used Phone Before Buying

Here are some tips that will help you consider when buying a used phone and how you can get the best-used phone. So without further ado. Let’s get started.

Check For Authenticity 

Be sure your iPhone is real or fake before buying it. There are tons of fake iPhones on the market. It is necessary to consider whether the device is real or fake. 

How can you determine if your phone is real or fake?

Fake phones come in many shapes and sizes. While some are sold as counterfeit products, others are copies of the original device available on the market. Anyone interested in getting a phone should take time to verify its authenticity before buying it.

There is a reason why checking a phone’s authenticity is vital before buying it: fake phones have the potential to cause a lot of damage to a person’s financial state, especially if they buy them online. The best way to do it is by looking at the serial number on the back of the box and comparing it with a list of known serial numbers on a website like SerialCheck.com, which can be accessed through a browser and requires only an email address to be entered.

Verify the ESN, MEID, or IMEI Number

An ESN, MEID, or IMEI number is a unique identification number that identifies your device. A SIM card contains an ESN, MEID, or IMEI number.

Every mobile phone device has an ESN, MEID, or IMEI Number. This number is used to identify the person who owns the device and what network would work for the carrier for that device. The network must have a compatible ESN, MEID, or IMEI Number. Therefore in order to verify that you are authorized to use a particular mobile phone, you can either call the operator or verify your ESN, MEID, or IMEI Number through your mobile service provider’s website or their customer service phone line. 

Make Sure The Phone Isn’t Stolen Or Carrier Locked

Most people who buy a new phone will get it from a carrier and will pay for the cost of the phone in monthly installments. Once you’ve paid off your installment plan, you’re free to switch carriers or sell your phone if you want. Some carriers don’t allow customers to unlock their phones or sell them to other buyers.

So before buying a new phone, ensure it isn’t stolen or carrier-locked. Ensure that you are getting the best value for your money by ensuring that the carrier is not locking the device so you can resell it later on without any hassle.

Check The Phone’s Condition

When looking for used phones for sale online, carefully check the phone’s condition. Ensure there are no significant scratches or dents and that the screen is in good condition. It’s also a good idea to check that all the buttons and features on the phone are working correctly.

Watch Out For Water Damage 

Scammers know that water damage is a primary concern for potential buyers. They might try to conceal the cause of the water damage by lying or claiming it was done in an accident. Purchase things serviced, tested, and inspected by a professional. 

Check All Accessories Are Included

The thing you want to look at is whether or not they came with a charger or box with all its accessories intact when they were initially purchased. If so, then this is a good sign. However, if you don’t see the box in which it came with its charger and other accessories, you want to be sure that the phone will come with everything it needs to charge and work properly.

Check The Battery

When purchasing a used phone, look at how many times the battery was replaced. If the person you buy from is replacing the battery, it is a good sign of how well it has been cared for. However, if they have not replaced the battery, you need to be on your guard as it could mean that there are problems with the phone that could lead to a lot of trouble later on down the road.

Check The Price

Another important consideration is price. Used phones can be found for various prices, depending on the model and condition. Make sure to compare prices from different sellers before making your purchase, so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal.

Check All Ports

Before investing in a used phone, check all the ports to ensure they’re not loose. Also, check that all the buttons are working and that there is no water damage. You should also see if there are any other faults with the device.

Carefully Read The Return Policy 

If you’re buying a used phone from an individual seller, meet in a public place and inspect the phone before handing over any money. And if you’re buying from a website, read the return policy carefully if you need to return the phone.

The Final Thoughts

There are a lot of retailers and individuals out there who sell used phones; however, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. So, do your research before purchasing a used phone.