I Want To Buy A Used Iphone

There's a large market for previously used iPhones. You can buy used iPhones from private sellers, but refurbished phones are also sold seemingly everywhere, at retailers like Swappa, Amazon (Amazon's refurbished phones are called Renewed), and even Apple's own site.

i want to buy a used iphone

For the iPhone X, for example, there are two models: The iPhone X A1865 is a combination GSM and CDMA model that works on any carrier, while the iPhone X A1901 is GSM-only, intended for carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile, but not Verizon or Sprint. The bottom line is to check the details and make sure the used phone is compatible with the carrier you want to use.

There's always a risk that a used iPhone has been stolen, which means it might be Activation Locked and won't respond to your SIM card. The risk is greatest when you buy a phone from a private seller because most reputable retail and reseller sites will check this for you.

If you're interested in buying a used iPhone, check out more companies that sell used iOS devices and find one you like. If you're in the market for iPhones and other types of smartphones, check our list of the best places to buy phones.

Furthermore, you might want to insist that the iPhone includes a charger and wall adapter too. An iPhone without these items is more likely to be stolen (though the seller may simply have decided to keep them instead). If possible, check that the iPhone charges normally too; consider carrying a portable battery and Lightning cable if you have them.

For you to adequately test the iPhone, you should ask the seller to sign in with their own information so that the phone is in a functional state. This may require that they insert their SIM card to activate the device. You can then perform some of the checks listed below before deciding that you want to purchase the device.

Most used iPhones are going to have scuffs and scratches, even if they were kept in a case for their entire lives. If the iPhone is handed to you in a case, always remove it to get a better look. Fully inspect the device for any signs of visible damage, including scratches and small cracks around the edge of the display.

Dents in the chassis are a little more concerning since this could suggest damage to internal components like the battery. Check to see if the iPhone sits flat on a surface face down, since this will indicate if any force has caused the chassis to bend. Inspect the camera assembly to see if the lenses are damaged or scratched.

If you're interested in saving money on an iPhone, a used phone can save you hundreds of dollars. However, you can't just look at an iPhone and know that it's working properly; you can't see the corrosion inside of a phone with water damage or if a phone's battery will only last for five hours before dying. iPhones still use lithium-ion batteries and battery degradation is a problem after a couple of years. So you need to buy from a seller that's transparent about how the phone has been tested and refurbished, and will back up their products with a return policy and warranty.

You also need to be realistic in your expectations of a discount. If you're looking for an iPhone 13, most discounts are less than $50, as of the writing of this article, which makes buying used not worth it. The best deals are on iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models. They're new enough that battery life isn't a pressing concern, but old enough to come at a significant discount. You can go for an older model to save more, but unless the battery has been replaced, you should factor in an extra $69 to replace the battery.

You don't want a phone that is being sold "as is" that may have hidden hardware issues. Many retailers have a 30-day return policy. However, if you're buying from a marketplace with individual sellers, the sale is usually final unless the iPhone isn't as described.

When you buy a used iPhone, don't expect all of the accessories to come in the box (or a box at all); most just come with a charging cable. Read the fine print on the product description to know what you're getting before you buy.

Carriers also offer used devices, at least in theory. However, when I researched the inventory for this story, there were no used iPhones available from AT&T or T-Mobile, and only a small selection on Verizon. If you can find a used iPhone from your preferred carrier, they do offer pretty good protection plans. Verizon certified pre-owned devices come with a 90-day limited warranty and are eligible for their 30-day return policy and phone insurance. AT&T and T-Mobile have certified pre-owned device programs that offer a 90-day limited warranty and 14-day return window.

Given the lack of selection from Apple and the carriers, you'll likely end up at a third-party retailer. Popular sites like Gazelle, SellCell, and Swappa don't offer a return policy or a warranty (though some individual sellers on Swappa do offer warranties), so I would not recommend going that route. While it would be nice to trust that the seller has repaired the iPhone properly, you need recourse if it doesn't work a few weeks into ownership. You also want to buy from a seller that posts their refurbishing standards, including remaining battery capacity (Best Buy doesn't do this, which is why I don't recommend buying a open box, pre-owned, or refurbished iPhone from Best Buy, either). Reputable sellers also verify that the iPhone has not been stolen.

After researching the options, I recommend three sites for buying a used iPhone: Amazon, Back Market, and Decluttr. All check to make sure the iPhone is stolen, all have return policies, all have warranties, and all post their refurbishing process, including the level of physical imperfections you can expect and battery capacity relative to a new battery.

For current iPhone models, you'll want to head to Back Market and Decluttr. These sites offer three grades of refurbishment, so you can save more by choosing a model with more exterior imperfections. Back Market is a marketplace that connects sellers with buyers and has the largest selection of iPhones (about 1,800 at publication) and best prices. They don't do their own refurbishing, however, they do vet their sellers and hold them to a unified Back Market refurbishing standard. Decluttr falls in between Amazon Back Market, with about 650 iPhones in stock at publication, including current iPhone models, and pricing that's competitive with Back Market. The company does its own refurbishing, so there's a little less worry about refurbishing quality. However, I wouldn't hesitate to buy from any of the three sites.

I've been debating purchasing a used iPhone from a seemingly reputable seller (backmarket.com) and I've been trying to do some internet research on whether or not there are security risks with purchasing used iPhones? For example compromised security (passwords), bank apps etc. I know wiping the device and starting from scratch is a good first step (also checking for any MDM software installed). Are there any other threats to worry about or it not a credible threat?

If you wipe the device before using it, then it's as-new. The only security risk at that point is you. That said, I would discourage you from buying a used device from a non-Apple reseller. Stick to a new phone or refurbished one from Apple. If you buy used devices, then you are at risk of the Find My Phone activation lock.

Are you considering an iPhone for your next phone? You've come to the perfect place. With an expansive inventory of iPhones and other quality personal devices, Gazelle makes it easy to get the products you want at an affordable price. Our iPhones vary in model, color, condition, carrier and storage space, so we have something for everyone.

At Gazelle, we strive to make life easier for every customer. Our no-contract services let you get the phone you want with no strings attached. If you change your mind, we have a 30-day return policy to give you plenty of time to send back your iPhone.

If you take precautions, buying a used iPhone can be a great way to save money. If you buy through a private seller online, meet up in a safe place. Your regional police services may offer a Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zone close to police stations and under surveillance by video.

Privately selling your old smartphone is the best way to get the most money for your device, but it comes with some risks. You may have to wait to get the price you want, the buyer may change their mind, and you need to make the transaction in a safe place.

Smart shoppers can buy a used iPhone model for a fraction of the original price. You can opt for a refurbished model through your phone carrier, or even turn to private sellers on sites like eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist.

A premium reseller like Mobile Klinik sells certified pre-owned iPhone and Android smartphones in addition to repairing your old device. As an authorized in-warranty repair shop for popular brands including Apple, Samsung, Google, and LG, these used smartphones receive premium or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts during refurbishing.

Mobile Klinik regularly trains its certified technicians on all new models, so used iPhones bought at Mobile Klinik can be as good as new and come with a full one-year warranty on parts. Another option is to buy a refurbished iPhone directly from the Apple Store, but the selection is smaller and often costs hundreds more.

With the money you save on buying a used cell phone, Mobile Klinik can further protect your purchase. Add a protective case starting at $24.99, and change it out at any time for $10 through its Case Club. Buy a screen protector, and a Mobile Klinik technician will install it for you. After a year, you can replace it with a new one for just $10. 041b061a72