Pre-owned, refurbished, second-hand: what's the difference?
- Second-hand / used: sold by a previous owner, usually as-is, often with no warranty.
- Refurbished: repaired or restored to working order; may include replacement parts (ask which ones).
- Certified pre-owned: a used phone that has been tested, reset and graded by a business, sold with a warranty and returns policy, like our iPhones.
- Reboxed / "brand new" grey imports: be careful: some are refurbished phones in new boxes.
12 checks before you pay
- Activation Lock is off. The phone must be erased and show the "Hello" setup screen, or let you sign in with your own Apple ID. If it says "iPhone Locked to Owner", walk away.
- IMEI matches and is clean. Dial *#06# and compare with Settings › General › About and the box. See our IMEI check guide.
- Battery health. Settings › Battery › Battery Health. Below 80% means a replacement is due soon. More on battery health.
- Parts and service history. On recent iOS versions, Settings › General › About shows if the screen, battery or camera has been replaced and whether the part is genuine.
- Face ID or Touch ID works. Set it up during the test.
- Screen. Check for dead pixels, burn-in on OLED models, and touch response across the whole screen.
- Cameras. Test every lens (0.5×, 1×, zoom) and the front camera, and record a short video.
- Speakers, microphones and calls. Make a call on speaker and record a voice note.
- Charging and port. Check it charges by cable and, if supported, wirelessly.
- SIM and network. Insert your SIM (or set up eSIM) and check signal and mobile data.
- Water damage. The liquid indicator in the SIM tray slot should be white or silver, not red.
- Receipt and warranty. Get proof of purchase. Under the Consumer Protection Act, goods bought from a business carry an implied six-month warranty of quality.
How to spot a fake iPhone
Fakes often run Android dressed up to look like iOS. Check that Settings › General › About shows a real model and serial number that you can enter at Apple's "Check coverage" site, that the App Store opens, and that the phone appears in Finder or iTunes when connected to a computer. Prices far below market are the biggest warning sign.
Our grading
Grade A: minimal signs of use. Grade B: light scratches or scuffs on the frame or back, screen in good condition. Every phone is fully functional, tested on 60 points and comes with a 6-month warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy a second-hand iPhone?
Yes, if you check Activation Lock, the IMEI, battery health and that the phone works fully, or buy from a business that offers a warranty and returns.
What does refurbished mean?
A refurbished iPhone has been restored to working order, sometimes with replacement parts, and is usually tested and cleaned before resale.
What battery health is good for a used iPhone?
Above 85% is good. Below 80% the battery is considered worn and should be replaced.