Inspect Before Buying:

To save money used mobiles can be bought but it is risky. Make sure to inspect before buying it, if you not do you might face many kind of issues like a device which no longer function, expensive repairs or much more.

A detailed check on pre-purchase can be a defense against scam. In this way you can pay the amount without any worries. Now I will help you through some important tips, and will make sure you make a smart and informed decision.

Common Issues with Pre-Owned:

There are many people who fixed a little bit before selling but the purchaser will never know whats gonna happens with him/her after a while. So to immediately found the flaws make some key inspections.

Here are the Common Issues to Look Out:

• Crack Screens or Display Malfunctions: A broken screen will effect visibility and can also show previews drops and physical damage.
• Battery Wear and Tear: A reduced battery will not hold a charge well, means you might need to plug the charger again and again.
• Limited Storage space: It means old device’s old owner’s might have used it too much that cause space issues and you will face issues in saving photos, videos, files etc.
• Financial Impact: Once you buy a second-hand device without proper inquiry, you might face problems in device like sound issue, pic blur issue, sim card problem and many more.

Essential Physical Inspection Guide

Here are some key steps that will helps you ensure you are getting money’s worth:

Step 1: Check Exterior Condition before buying: Examine it’s outer shell. check scratches, dent or cracks

• Body & Frame: Check for bends or deformities, especially near corners.

• SIM Slot & Charging Port: Make sure they’re clean and undamaged—issues here can lead to poor connectivity or charging problems.

• Back Panel & Sides: Look for signs of wear, like scuffs or chipped edges.

• Bezel & Screen Border: Check closely for hairline cracks or chips.

Step 2: Screen Health and Performance: Check the display which is the heart of your interaction with people.

• Visual Check: Turn on the device and check flaws, dead pixels.
• Touch Response: Try to touch the screen from all part to see tap works or not and respond immediate or take time.
• Brightness Adjust: Try the brightness on low and high level to see if the screen adjust on these levels or not.

Check the Buttons, Ports and Speakers

• Press every button — including the volume controls, mute switch, and power button — to make sure they respond properly.

• Plug in a charger to confirm the charging port is working.

• Play a song or video to test the speakers. Listen for any distortion or uneven sound.

Test the Camera Quality: Take some pics and videos to to sure the is in the top shape.

• Try Front and back both cameras in different modes (Portrait, Landscape, Video).
• Check the clear focus of camera and natural colors.
• Do not forget to check the autofocus and flash feature.

Now let’s see how

to check Software Requirements:

Before buying an used Mobile check the software is outdated or not because the outdated software may cause poor performance and security issues.

1. iOS Version & Update Status

Make sure the device is running the latest version of iOS—or at least eligible for it.

• Go to Settings > General > About to see the current iOS version.

• Then head to Settings > General > Software Update to check for available updates.

Tip: iPhones that can’t update to the latest iOS may lose access to new features and important security patches.

2. Battery Health Check

A strong battery means better daily performance. To check:

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

• Look for the Maximum Capacity percentage. Anything above 80% is generally considered healthy.

• Also, check if Peak Performance Capability is enabled—this tells you if the phone is delivering normal performance.

A battery below 80% may mean it’s nearing the end of its useful life and might need a replacement soon.

3. Storage Capacity & Usage

Avoid surprises by checking how much space is available and what’s using it:

• Go to Settings > General > About to view total storage.

• Then check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see what’s taking up space.

Watch out: Phones that are nearly full can run slower and may require a factory reset to clear out unnecessary data.

Now Let’s learn how to verify it’s Authenticity And Ownership Before Buying:

This will helps you check it is stolen or locked or not. Here is a simple breakdown of what to check;

1. IMEI Number Verification

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is like the iPhone’s fingerprint—unique to each device.

• Find it in Settings > General > About, or dial *#06#.

• Use Apple’s official Check Coverage tool or a trusted IMEI checker to:

  • Confirm it’s a genuine Apple device.

  • Ensure it’s not blacklisted, stolen, or under a carrier lock.

Verifying the IMEI helps you avoid fraudulent or blocked devices.

2. Check for Activation Lock & iCloud Status

An iPhone still linked to the previous owner’s iCloud account is basically unusable.

• Ask the seller to erase the device completely:
  Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

• After reset, if the phone asks for the previous Apple ID and password, Activation Lock is still enabled.

• Ask the seller to remove the device from their iCloud account in person via iCloud.com.

Never buy a phone with Activation Lock turned on.

3. Confirm Warranty & AppleCare+ Status

Want peace of mind? See if the device is still under warranty or AppleCare+.

• Get the serial number from Settings > General > About.

• Enter it on Apple’s Check Coverage page to view:

  • Warranty status

  • AppleCare+ coverage

  • Purchase date confirmation

A valid warranty can save you money on repairs and signal that the device hasn’t been tampered with.

4. Use Apple’s Official Verification Tools

Apple provides multiple tools to verify a device’s authenticity and service eligibility:

• Check Coverage – Confirm warranty and support coverage.

• Support Tool – Enter the serial number to ensure it’s a legitimate Apple product.

• Activation Lock Status (no longer public, but can be tested via device reset).

Always use official Apple resources for verification—avoid risky third-party tools unless they’re reputable.

Bottom line? Taking a few minutes to verify these details can save you from a bad investment. If something feels off, walk away—it’s not worth the risk.

Be-aware of Red Flags Before buying: In the case of getting mobile in lower price as compare to market price is also a kind of red flag sign. In this type of conditions many sellers are afraid of device’s suspicious History.