Check that the IMEI matches, test the screen, cameras, speakers, buttons and charging, make sure the previous owner's Apple or Google account is removed, ask for proof of ownership and meet somewhere safe.
A second-hand phone can be a great deal, or an expensive mistake. A few checks before you hand over money will protect you from most of the problems, and none of them needs technical skill.
Check the IMEI
Every phone has an IMEI, a unique identification number. Dial *#06# on the phone to see it, and compare it with the number on the box, on the phone's SIM tray or back, and in Settings under About phone. If the numbers do not match, or the seller will not let you check, walk away. A phone with a missing or altered IMEI is a warning sign.
Ask about the accounts
- iPhone: the seller must sign out of their Apple ID and turn off Find My iPhone. A phone still linked to someone's account can be locked and unusable. Ask them to do it in front of you, and confirm that the phone offers to set up as new.
- Android: the seller must remove their Google account and, ideally, do a factory reset in front of you. Otherwise, the phone may ask for their Google account when it is set up.
Test the phone properly
- Turn it on and look at the screen for dead spots, discolouration, burn-in and dead touch areas. Drag your finger across every corner.
- Test both cameras, the flash, the speakers, the microphone and the earpiece with a real call.
- Check the buttons, the fingerprint sensor or face unlock, and the charging port.
- Put your own SIM in and check that it gets a signal and mobile data.
- Connect to WiFi and Bluetooth.
- Look at the battery. On an iPhone, check the Battery Health screen. On any phone, note how quickly the percentage drops.
- Check for signs it has been opened or repaired: uneven gaps, marks around the screws or a screen that does not sit flush.
Ask for proof and a fair story
Ask where the phone came from and why it is being sold. A seller who is vague, in a hurry or offering a price that seems too good to be true should make you cautious. If they have a receipt, the box or proof of purchase, that is a good sign.
Meet somewhere safe
Meet in a public place in daylight, ideally somewhere with good phone signal and other people around. Do not go alone to somewhere secluded to collect a phone, and do not pay before you have checked it.
After you buy
Set up your own accounts, update the software, and change the passwords. If you want a second opinion on how healthy the phone is, we do a free phone health check every Sunday, no appointment needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a phone's IMEI?
Dial *#06# on the phone. Compare the number with the one on the box or SIM tray and in Settings, under About phone.
Is it safe to buy a phone that is still signed in to someone's account?
No. It can be locked and unusable. Make sure the previous owner's account is removed before you pay.
What if the phone stops working soon after I buy it?
That is a risk with any second-hand purchase, which is why testing before paying matters. Keep the seller's details, and get the phone looked at as soon as you notice a fault.
Bought a phone and want to know how healthy it is? Every Sunday you can walk in for a free health check on your phone, with no appointment.
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