I keep getting queries about how to verify if a used iPhone is genuine or not. It’s quite obvious that a buyer is skeptical about investing a huge sum of money on a used device, especially from a completely unknown source.
So I am compiling a list of check points to reduce the risk of purchase as much as possible.
1. A valid serial number. Head over to http://checkcoverage.apple.com and key in the device serial number. This will give you the date up to which the telephone support is valid for and date up to which the warranty is valid for. If a device does not show a valid serial number then it’s mostly a replica and not original iPhone. If a device shows no activation details then it is an unactivated and unused iPhone.
2. iCloud activation. Go to settings -> iCloud and ensure no account details are present and it’s completely logged out. Or go to this link https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/ and key in the device IMEI number to verify iCloud lock status.
3. Physical damages - observe hairline cracks on screen, dents, dings, cracks or whatever physical damage on the device. The resale value depends on how good the device has been maintained.
4. Water damage - each iPhone model has different indicators that turn to orange colour in case there is a water damage so ensure the device you are purchasing has no water damage. More details here https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204104
5. Home button, 3D Touch and Finger print scanner. Depending on which iPhone you are purchasing check if these features are working or not.
6. Screen test. Check for dead pixels and touch sensitivity of screen, there is a possibility that a few areas of the screen do not display content and few areas don’t respond to touch. Open this link on the iPhone to test the screen http://iphonedpt.awardspace.com
7. Battery test. Install some battery indicator app and check the battery status of the phone. In general, a used phone which has 70% to 80% health is good enough.
8. Network interfaces. Check WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular connectivity, GPS, compass and ensure all work.
9. Ports. Check the headphones jack and the charging port to ensure they work
10. Cameras. Check both, front and rear, cameras to ensure they work. Click pictures and video samples and view them to verify.
11. Call clarity and speakers. Make sample calls and ensure that first of all the phone is accepting your sim card, which means it is unlocked, then the call clarity and speaker clarity is good.
12. Accessories and box. Make sure you have all the accessories provided along with original box having matching IMEI, Serial number and other details as in the iPhone itself. Remember that original Apple Accessorise are expensive and ensure you are being provided original accessories.
So I am compiling a list of check points to reduce the risk of purchase as much as possible.
1. A valid serial number. Head over to http://checkcoverage.apple.com and key in the device serial number. This will give you the date up to which the telephone support is valid for and date up to which the warranty is valid for. If a device does not show a valid serial number then it’s mostly a replica and not original iPhone. If a device shows no activation details then it is an unactivated and unused iPhone.
2. iCloud activation. Go to settings -> iCloud and ensure no account details are present and it’s completely logged out. Or go to this link https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/ and key in the device IMEI number to verify iCloud lock status.
3. Physical damages - observe hairline cracks on screen, dents, dings, cracks or whatever physical damage on the device. The resale value depends on how good the device has been maintained.
4. Water damage - each iPhone model has different indicators that turn to orange colour in case there is a water damage so ensure the device you are purchasing has no water damage. More details here https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204104
5. Home button, 3D Touch and Finger print scanner. Depending on which iPhone you are purchasing check if these features are working or not.
6. Screen test. Check for dead pixels and touch sensitivity of screen, there is a possibility that a few areas of the screen do not display content and few areas don’t respond to touch. Open this link on the iPhone to test the screen http://iphonedpt.awardspace.com
7. Battery test. Install some battery indicator app and check the battery status of the phone. In general, a used phone which has 70% to 80% health is good enough.
8. Network interfaces. Check WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular connectivity, GPS, compass and ensure all work.
9. Ports. Check the headphones jack and the charging port to ensure they work
10. Cameras. Check both, front and rear, cameras to ensure they work. Click pictures and video samples and view them to verify.
11. Call clarity and speakers. Make sample calls and ensure that first of all the phone is accepting your sim card, which means it is unlocked, then the call clarity and speaker clarity is good.
12. Accessories and box. Make sure you have all the accessories provided along with original box having matching IMEI, Serial number and other details as in the iPhone itself. Remember that original Apple Accessorise are expensive and ensure you are being provided original accessories.
