Things to Check Before Buying a Used Smartphone

Hey learners,

Buying a used smartphone can save you a lot of money, but only if you know how to inspect it properly so that you can get the best deal. A lot of ways are available to make a checklist before buying any old smartphone, but many people fail at it.

Things to Check Before Buying a Used Smartphone

This article covers everything you need to check before purchasing a second-hand phone, along with useful apps, websites, and tools to help you verify the device’s condition and authenticity. All you have to do is just go through this article and follow the mentioned ways.

Check Physical Condition

The basic method is to check the physical condition of the smartphone, simply

• Inspect the screen, body, and camera lens.
• Use a flashlight to detect hairline cracks or internal screen damage.
• Test all physical buttons and ports (charging port, headphone jack).

Check the Battery Health

Simply look for battery health in settings or use a battery health app.

• iPhone: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
• Android: Use Ampere App

Verify IMEI Number and Blacklist Status

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique 15-digit number assigned to each mobile phone, serving as a digital identifier that plays a key role in network verification, tracking, and device security.

• Dial *#06# to get the IMEI.
• Cross-check IMEI on IMEI.info websites to see if it's blacklisted, reported stolen, or locked.

Test Performance and Functions

This includes camera (front/rear), microphone, speakers, vibration, touchscreen, flashlight, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile data.

Apps to use:

• CPU X – Mobile & Hardware Testing (Android & iOS)
• Phone Doctor Plus (Android & iOS)

Check for Software and Account Locks

Check for the follow things:

iCloud lock (Apple devices)

• The iCloud lock, also called Activation Lock, is a security feature on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs. It protects the device from unauthorized use if it’s lost or stolen by requiring the original owner's Apple ID and password to reactivate it.

Google FRP lock (Android)

• Google's FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock is a security measure on Android devices that helps prevent unauthorized access following a factory reset. It requires users to sign in with the credentials of the last Google account associated with the device before it can be used again.

To ensure this:

• Perform a factory reset and see if setup is blocked by an account.
• Go to settings and check OS version and security patch level.

Check Storage and Expandability

This checklist totally depends upon your need.

• Use File Manager or Settings > Storage to check storage capacity.
• Insert your own SD card to test expandability and functionalities.

Check Accessories and Charger

If other essentials with the smartphone are available, ask for the original charger and accessories.

• Test the charging speed and data transfer using a laptop/PC.
• Use the Ampere app to measure charging current (Android only, if needed).

Above is the essential checklist before buying an old smartphone, but despite it, you can also consider the below things.

• Compare prices before buying on various websites like Cashify (India), Amazon Renewed, and so on.
• Check for warranty and return policy if applicable

How to check its warranty:

• Others: Visit brand websites or use IMEI-based checkers.
• Tip: Always ask for a bill or invoice copy for warranty claims.

Therefore Using these tools and checks, you can confidently inspect any used smartphone before buying.

Don’t rush the process—take your time, test everything, and only buy from a trusted source. A few extra minutes of checking can save you from a costly mistake. That's all for this post. If there is a query, let me know in the comments section.