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    3 min read 5 stepsMay 3, 2026Verified May 2026

    How to Safely Buy a Used or Refurbished Phone

    A used phone can save you hundreds of dollars — but only if you know what to check. Here's exactly what to look for before handing over money.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Buying Guides
    Difficulty
    Intermediate
    Read Time
    3 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    used phone
    refurbished
    buy phone
    phone safety

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Choose a reputable source
    2. 2.Check the IMEI for stolen status
    3. 3.Test the screen, buttons, and cameras
    4. 4.Check battery health
    5. 5.Confirm the phone is unlocked
    1

    Choose a reputable source

    ~18s
    For the safest experience, buy certified refurbished directly from Apple, Samsung, or Best Buy — these come with warranties and return policies. Back Market is a trustworthy marketplace for third-party refurbished phones. Avoid buying from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist unless you can inspect the phone in person and verify it is not stolen.
    2

    Check the IMEI for stolen status

    ~24s
    Every phone has a unique IMEI number. Dial *#06# on the phone to display it, or find it in SettingsGeneralAbout (iPhone) or SettingsAbout Phone (Android). Enter the number at imei.info or checkmend.com to verify the phone is not reported stolen or locked to another carrier.

    Warning

    A stolen phone may work briefly but can be remotely locked or disabled. Never buy a phone without checking the IMEI first.

    3

    Test the screen, buttons, and cameras

    ~18s
    Run your finger across the entire screen. It should respond evenly everywhere. Test the Home button, volume buttons, and side buttons. Open the front and back cameras and take photos. Make a phone call to test the microphone and earpiece. Connect to WiFi. Charge it briefly to confirm the charging port works.
    4

    Check battery health

    ~21s
    On iPhone: SettingsBatteryBattery Health. A phone showing 100%-85% battery health is excellent. 80-85% is acceptable. Below 80% means the battery will need replacing soon (cost: $69-$100 at Apple). On Android, battery health reporting varies by manufacturer.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: If the battery health is below 85%, try to negotiate a lower price that accounts for the eventual cost of battery replacement.

    5

    Confirm the phone is unlocked

    ~15s
    An "unlocked" phone works with any carrier. A "locked" phone only works with one carrier. Ask specifically: "Is this phone unlocked?" or check in Settings. If buying from a carrier store, ask them to confirm the unlock status before purchasing.

    You Did It!

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    Buying a used or refurbished phone can save $200-$500 compared to buying new. But it comes with risks if you do not know what to check. This guide helps you make a smart purchase and avoid common pitfalls.

    Refurbished vs. used:

    "Refurbished" means the phone was returned, inspected, repaired as needed, and resold — often by the original manufacturer or a certified reseller. Certified refurbished phones from Apple, Samsung, or reputable resellers like Back Market come with a 90-day to 1-year warranty and are tested to confirm they work properly.

    "Used" means a private seller is selling their old phone. These have no warranty and higher risk, but also potentially lower prices.

    Best places to buy refurbished:

    - Apple Certified Refurbished (apple.com/shop/refurbished): Apple tests and certifies these iPhones. They come with new batteries, outer casings, and 1-year warranty. Excellent value. - Best Buy Certified Refurbished: Inspected and sold with a 90-day return window. - Back Market (backmarket.com): Reputable marketplace for refurbished electronics, grades phones clearly, and offers a 12-month warranty.

    What to check on a used phone (from a private seller):

    Screen: look for cracks, dead pixels (spots that stay black or one color), or unresponsive areas. Camera: open the camera app and take a few photos in both front and rear cameras. Battery: in Settings, check battery health — below 80% means the battery may need replacement soon. Check the IMEI (a unique phone ID) using the code *#06# — verify it is not reported stolen using imei.info.

    (Source: Consumer Reports, consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/should-you-buy-refurbished-electronics-a9384325045)

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