What To Know When Buying A Used Iphone ❲2026 Edition❳

Go to Settings > General > About and look for "Carrier Lock." It should say "No SIM restrictions" . If it lists a specific carrier, it will only work with that provider's SIM cards.

Turn on the device. If you see an "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen, the phone is likely stolen or not properly wiped. The seller must remove their Apple ID in front of you. what to know when buying a used iphone

Before inspecting buttons or screens, verify these three absolute requirements. If a seller refuses any of these, . Go to Settings > General > About and look for "Carrier Lock

Dial *#06# to get the IMEI number. Use a free online IMEI Checker to ensure the device isn't blacklisted due to being reported lost or stolen. 2. Hardware Health Checklist If you see an "iPhone Locked to Owner"

Buying a used iPhone can save you significant money, but it requires careful vetting to avoid ending up with a "paperweight". The most critical factors are ensuring the device isn't stolen (Activation Lock), verifying its physical and internal health, and confirming it isn't restricted to a specific carrier. 1. The "Big Three" Dealbreakers

If the phone passes the initial security checks, perform a hands-on hardware inspection. Buying my 1st iphone 2nd hand, what should I look out for?