iPhones are the most sought-after mobile phones because of their sleek design and seamless functioning. The latest technologies are imbibed into an iPhone and moreover, it has become a status symbol for the current generation.

Unfortunately, the iPhone costs do not fit into everybody’s pocket. A new iPhone costs $1000 or more and yet most people want to own it. Luckily, now people have the option of buying a refurbished iPhone at half the price or even lesser at times. However, there are some factors you need to consider while buying a refurbished iPhone.

① Buy Refurbished or used iPhones online

Many users buy refurbished or used iPhones online. There are several websites that sell these phones and they are quite dependable and reliable. Choose the best site to buy used iPhones online.

It is a common notion among people that they can buy an iPhone directly from the Apple Store. The benefits are you can return the phone within 14 days if you have found a glitch or faulty functioning and you also get a one-year warranty. However, the prices of refurbished or used iPhones in the flagship store are not that appealing. So there is nothing wrong in checking other options and online shopping websites.

There are thousands of websites selling refurbished iPhones and offline places as well from where you can buy your much desired iPhone at a cheap price. We may not vouch for all the websites that they are genuine but there are a few reputed companies that are legitimate and have been in the business for a number of years.

Similar to Apple, these websites use a third-party to test a used iPhone before they are put it on sale online. These competitive tools check the iPhone thoroughly and then certify them as fit enough to be sold. Moreover, the benefit of buying refurbished iPhone from external websites rather than the Apple Store is the low pricing. The stiff competition in this segment actually works for the benefit of the customer. Some of them even give you a longer warranty.

② Quality check of your refurbished iPhone

It is very important to know the risks associated while buying a refurbished iPhone before you jump into it. Remember that there are several iPhones that are stolen and still sold as refurbished iPhones in the market. Thankfully, there are several ways to ensure that you are buying a legitimately used iPhone and that your investment is safe.

2.1 First of all check the serial number of the second-hand iPhone or the IMEI number and it is a unique number that can identify any phone in the world. Every phone’s IMEI number is different. In case of stolen iPhones, the IMEI number will be reported to the carrier by the owner and will be locked. You can double check the IMEI number online.

• Check the serial number of the phone by opening the settings option on the iPhone and then scroll down to ‘About.’ There you will find the serial number listed. Note it down in a notepad.
• Now visit the Apple Store official website and enter this serial number to check the date of activation of the refurbished iPhone and the warranty period and if it has an extended warranty.
• The next is the battery health of the iPhone. The iPhone is built to last and gives a long battery life. But the same cannot be said about refurbished iPhones. An easy way to do this is going to settings in your iPhone and check the percentage of charge. If it drops below 80% then you should consider changing the battery. There are third party apps as well that can check the battery health and lifecycle.

③ The third step and the most important one are to check the hardware.

The hardware of the phone is extremely important but not all of us are that technically savvy to check it. Just follow the below tips to ensure your used iPhone is in good shape.

• 3.1 iPhones are not water resistant and if they suffer from the water-in syndrome,   you can identify it. Turn on the music and put the volume at its maximum level. If you can try to turn on music and turn the volume loud and see if the sound is clear. iPhone with water usually has a problem with its sound system.

• 3.2 Check the keypad by pressing the volume key, home button and the number pad on the iPhone. It should be quick and fast. Turn the camera on and try clicking some pictures. Check for dirt or cracks in the camera. It will definitely show up on the pictures.

• 3.3 The screen and digitizer also play an important role in the functioning of the refurbished iPhone. Download pictures that have blank white, pure black, green or bright red photos. Turn the brightness on and to its full strength. This will let you know if there is any light leakage.

• 3.4 All iPhones come with face recognition and touch ID software. Check them by using your fingers and face recognition to see if they are functioning normally.

• 3.5 Check the Wi-Fi and the settings and see if it is able to pick up connections normally.

• 3.6 The Gyro sensor of the iPhone is an app-based compass and you should check this one also.

• 3.7 Most people love their iPhones for their camera. So, it is important to check the features of the camera like autofocus and flashlight. Take a few pictures on your refurbished iPhone.

• 3.8 Every smartphone and device these days has a Bluetooth option. Check this feature on your iPhone to see if it is picking up Bluetooth signals from other enabled devices by pairing.

• 3.9 Check the microphone and the voice memory by recording your voice.

• 3.10 Check the vibration mode by putting the phone on silent or mute.

• 3.11 For the phone safety, check if it has network lock and enter the IMEI number here.

• 3.12 If the back cover of the iPhone has been opened before, then take the phone to a technician and get it checked thoroughly.

   

These are the three most essential checks that you have to conduct after you purchase a used or refurbished iPhone. It will ensure you enjoy seamless performance from your smartphone.