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Things you Need to Know When Buying a Used iPhone

Last Updated on April 25, 2023 by Jason Ben

Buy a Used iPhone

If you want to buy a used iPhone and want to do so within your budget, then you should know that you are not alone. Most people prefer buying a second-hand iPhone to save some money.

Essentially, platforms are available that you can use to get a cheap iPhone for sale. They include eBay , Swappa , Craigslist , and Kijiji , which offer the cheapest options.

The only thing you need to consider is the risk of doing so. In case the used iPhone gives you a problem, then you would have lost your money. This is because once you buy an old iPhone handset, you may not hear from the seller again.

buy used iPhone

Some companies help eliminate these risks. They do so by eliminating the risk and inspecting your phone and providing a 30-day warranty free. However, it is cheaper to go through the inspection process yourself to eliminate the risk.

Therefore, if you have decided to use the classifieds to buy a used iPhone and save money, you need some information on what to do.

Things you Need to Know When Buying a Used iPhone

Part 1: How much is a used iPhone Worth

When you visit a classified site to get a cheap iPhone for sale, there are numerous listings for different models. Therefore, you need to know the perfect fit for you.

Here are some of the listings available when you buy old iPhone for your use. They include the following with their prices presently in the market.

Price of Different Used iPhone from Different Second hand Dealer

VerizonAT&TT-mobileSprintCheap Unlocked iPhone
iPhone X $815+$775+$780+$680+$790+
iPhone 8$515+$525+$515+$465+$495+
iPhone 8 Plus$625+$569+$580+$539+$625+
iPhone 7$295+$309+$310+$260+$295+
iPhone 7 Plus$439+$414+$365+$330+$424+
iPhone 6S$180+$150+$195+$154+$159+
iPhone 6S Plus$200+$230+$243+$210+$229+
iPhone 6$120+$111+$135+$115+$120+
iPhone 6 Plus$200+$185+$180+$169+$198+
iPhone SE$95+$119+$135+$120+$103+
iPhone 5S$70+$70+$60+$80+$70+
iPhone 5C$50+$65+$95+$64+$61+
iPhone 5$65+$66+$63+$84+$66+

Last Updated: 24/06/2018
Data Sources: Swappa

All these phones are available at a sales price when you get an iPhone unlocked. Therefore, you get a cheap unlocked iPhone at a pocket-friendly budget.

You do not need to worry about issues such as how to set up the used iPhone model that you need to buy. You get the phone and it is ready for use upon purchase. There is no need to worry about having a phone that will require an additional fee before use.

Part 2: Avoid the Trap of Cheap iPhone for Sale

Find out which Used iPhone model is Blacklisted

When you visit a classifieds, this information is necessary. A blacklisted phone is a phone that has been reported stolen. Therefore, it will not connect to the network that you use.

As such, when you buy used iPhone models from an e-commerce site or the classifieds. Ensure you confirm that the phone is not on the blacklist. If you happen to buy a used blacklisted phone, it may work well until you try to connect to your carrier.

This essentially means that all you did is buy an expensive iPod.

Solution: Check the International Model Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the Used iPhone

Before you decide to get an iPhone for sale cheap, you need to ask for the IMEI number. This number is the unique identification number for the used iPhone. Using this number, you can find out if it is among the blacklisted iPhones that are reported stolen by their owners.

How to Find IMEI Number of the Used iPhone

As such, you confirm this information using this number.

Use your local IMEI checker online, hit the search button, and verify whether the phone is stolen or not. Before you buy old iPhone models, meet up with the seller and confirm that the IMEI on the phone is the IMEI you checked before.

Use the universal *#06# to check if the IMEI given earlier is the same IMEI for the used iPhone you want to purchase. If it matches, then you are in the clear and can complete the purchase.

Understand the Risk

When you buy iPhone for sale, there is no guarantee it will not be reported stolen after purchase. In case the owner has the iPhone model under insurance, they can report it stolen once the sale is complete.

In this case, they will gain from insurance for loss of phone; conversely, your phone will no longer be useful to you.

Once reported stolen, only the one who does the reporting can have the phone removed from the blacklist. If reported stolen upon purchase, try to contact the seller. However, in most cases, you have been conned.

Part 3: Hardware Test before Buying a Used iPhone

When you are done with all the above steps, ensure that you make some tests to ascertain the phone works well. If possible, meet the seller with a friend that has a similar iPhone.

Test for speakers and microphones, buttons, screen, cameras, ports, connectivity, and liquid damage. By referring to your friend's iPhone function, this will be easy.

Part 4: How to Set Up Used iPhone in case of Activation Lock

If you are sure that the used iPhone is not blacklisted another step should be taken. You do not want to end up with a cheap unlocked iPhone.

Therefore, ensure that you check for activation lock before purchasing the iPhone. The activation lock is the Apple ID passcode that may create problems when using your SIM card.

As a result, follow the following steps while still with the seller.

First, you need to have your SIM card. Then follow the following steps.

  1. Go to the used iPhone home screen
  2. Go to settings
  3. Navigate to reset
  4. Erase all content and settings

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  5. Finally, insert your SIM card and begin the activation process

In case you are requested to insert the Apple ID as well as Passcode to proceed, you know that the activation lock in the iPhone is active. However, this may not mean that the seller is trying to sell you a stolen phone. They may not know that the activation lock is on.

Therefore, ask them to follow these steps to unlock before making the purchase.

  1. Go to the iPhone Apple ID settings located at the top of Settings
  2. Click on the iCloud tab to highlight your iCloud settings
  3. Scroll down the menu to “Find my iPhone” and ensure it is turned off
  4. Click on the back tab to Apple ID where you will find the sign out tab
  5. After you enter the Apple ID password, the phone is unlocked

Learn more on How to Unfreeze an iPhone.

Once this is done, you will manage to use your SIM card without a problem and set up your own Apple Passcode ID. Then, you can transfer all your media file, like music and photo from your Computer or Mac to your iPhone with iPhone Transfer.

For more information:

Once you have followed the steps above, you can walk away knowing you have spent your money well and have a functional used iPhone for your connectivity needs.

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