The latest iPhone, with model numbers as SE, iPhone 5s, and even the iPhone 6, are all secondhand phones that you can buy used on the cheap. The only catch is that you need to know what to look for before making a purchase.
Fortunately, the iPhone has been one of the most popular smartphones for years, meaning tons of unlocked models are used for sale. The problem is that every model comes in so many different versions that it’s almost impossible to keep track of them all—until now.
In this article, we will explain to you how to choose a used iPhone 13 and what aspects you need to consider before buying a secondhand phone. It’s not a complicated process at all, but having a checklist is always good.
Here is a checklist
We compiled a few things that must be considered when buying a used phone, whether it is an iPhone 13 used or any other phone.
Proof of Purchase
A receipt or proof of purchase is always necessary when buying a used phone. If the seller can’t provide proof of purchase, the item cannot be sold as new. The problem is that a lot of people throw away the original packaging. That is why you should also ask to see the phone’s box where it will be stated if the phone is new or used. The phone is most likely used if the seller refuses to show you the original box or doesn’t have it.
This will tell you that the phone is legitimate and not stolen. It will also let you know what model you are buying and if there are any existing issues with the phone.
IMEI Number
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a unique 15-digit identifier for your phone that can be used to identify the model, serial number, and activation status. You can find this number by going to Settings > General > about on your phone.
It’s important to double-check the IMEI number on the phone you are thinking of buying. You can do this by typing *#06# into your phone. If the number you see is the same as the IMEI number written on the phone, then you can be sure it’s the same.
This will tell you what model you are buying and if there are any existing issues with the phone. It’s also an excellent indicator of whether the phone has been stolen.
Serial Number
The iPhone’s serial number is a unique identifier that’s the same for every model of iPhone. It’s the same number you can find in the device’s settings. When buying an iPhone 13, you should always ensure the phone’s serial number matches the one written on the box. If not, you can be sure that the phone isn’t what the seller says it is.
It’s important to note that the serial number isn’t the same as the IMEI number. It’s only used to identify the model of the iPhone. That is why the serial number is the same on every iPhone, but the IMEI number isn’t.
Warranty
Most new iPhones come with a one-year limited warranty. If you’re buying an iPhone 13, you should always ensure that it has this warranty. If it doesn’t, it’s probably a stolen phone or one that has been blacklisted and removed from the network. You can check this by looking up the model on the Apple website.
If you can’t find the model you are looking for, then it’s likely that the phone has been blacklisted. It can be difficult to tell whether an iPhone has a warranty. If you are buying from a reputable seller, then the chances are that the warranty is still valid. If you are buying from a stranger, it’s always a good idea to ask if the phone is still under warranty. If it isn’t, then you can ask for a lower price.
Check If It’s Unlocked
Most iPhones are locked to specific network providers. The only way to know for sure is to check the details inside the phone’s settings. You can see if it’s unlocked by going to Settings > General > About > Carrier. If the carrier is listed as “Not locked” or “Unknown,” the phone is unlocked. The phone is locked if it’s listed as a specific network.
If the phone is locked, you can’t use it on any network provider. You can either unlock the phone yourself or buy one that is unlocked.
Part Authenticity
Most iPhone parts are interchangeable between models. That means you can use a screen or battery from a different model if you have to. That said, some parts are authentic to a specific model. You can quickly check if a specific part is authentic by googling the model and part number together. If you find a webpage that lists the part as authentic, then you know you are in the clear.
When buying an iPhone 13 used, you should always check if the screen, battery, or other parts are authentic to the model. You don’t want to buy a phone with a defective battery or screen only to discover that it’s from a different model.
Touch Test
Since you are buying an iPhone 13 used, there is a chance that the touchscreen has become unresponsive. If that’s the case, you can use the touch test to see if it’s a software or hardware problem.
- To do the touch test, turn the phone off and plug it in to charge until it’s 100%.
- Next, press the home button and the power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- If the phone vibrates and the screen goes black, it’s a software problem.
- If it continues charging and nothing happens, it’s a hardware problem.
This will tell you if it’s a software or hardware problem and if you can fix it.
Room Test
If you buy a used iPhone 13, you should always do a room test. A room test checks all of the audio functionality on the phone. You should plug in some headphones and play a variety of different songs. If you hear crackling or distortion, the speakers could have an issue. If you don’t hear anything or there is a deficient volume, there could be an issue with the headphone jack.
This will tell you what needs fixing and if there are any existing issues with the phone.
Battery Test
A battery test checks how long a battery will last when fully charged. When buying an iPhone 13 used, you should always do a battery test. You can use a free app called Geek bench to perform this test. Once the app is installed, go to the testing tab and select “battery.” After the test, you can see how long the battery lasts and if it needs replacing. The battery test is the best way to tell if a used iPhone 13 has a faulty battery. If the test shows that the battery needs replacing, you can always ask the seller to replace it before you purchase.
Conclusion
You need to consider many things when buying an iPhone 13. First and foremost, you need to make sure the phone is unlocked. You also need to check if it’s in good condition and has all the original parts. Most importantly, you need to make sure you test the functionality of the phone. With this checklist in hand, you can find a great used iPhone 13 at a discounted price.