Buying a used iPhone can be a smart way to save money, as long as you know what to check before making the purchase.
A used or refurbished iPhone often costs significantly less than a new equivalent model, sometimes 30-50% less depending on condition and age.
Before buying, confirm the device is not tied to someone else’s iCloud account. Ask the seller to sign out of Find My iPhone in front of you, or use Apple’s activation lock check.
Check the battery health percentage under Settings > Battery. Anything below 80% suggests you should factor in a battery replacement or negotiate the price down.
Look for a genuine parts warning in Settings > General > About, which can indicate a previous non-Apple screen or battery replacement.
Check the IMEI against a carrier or manufacturer blacklist database to confirm the device isn’t reported lost, stolen, or still under an active carrier payment plan.
Our technicians handle these issues every day — see our full iPhone repair services.
Want your iPhone checked out? Visit your nearest CellPros — Ashlan Ave, Peach & Kings Canyon, or Tower District — for a diagnostic and same-day service on most repairs. Contact us to book.