Buying a Used or Refurbished Phone? Check These Things First

With the holidays coming up, many people are looking at used or refurbished phones, for themselves or as a first phone for a teenager. A good used phone can save a lot of money. A bad one can be locked, worn out or full of problems you only discover later. Here is what to check before you buy.

Where you buy matters

• Refurbished from the manufacturer or a major carrier usually comes with a warranty and a battery and parts check.
• Reputable resellers often grade condition and offer returns. Read what the grade actually means.
• Private sales can be the cheapest, but there is usually no warranty and no recourse. Meet in a safe public place, and do every check below before paying.

1. Make sure it is not locked to someone else

This is the most important check.

• iPhone: make sure the seller has signed out of their Apple ID and turned off Find My. A phone with Activation Lock still on cannot be set up.
• Android: make sure the seller's Google account has been removed. Otherwise, the phone may ask for their account after a reset.
• Best practice: ask the seller to factory reset the phone in front of you, then check that it goes to the setup screen.

2. Check the carrier lock

A phone locked to a carrier will not work with a different one. Check the phone's settings or ask the carrier whether it is unlocked, and try your SIM card in it if you can.

3. Check the battery

Batteries wear out with use, and a worn battery is the most common complaint with used phones.

• iPhone: go to Settings, Battery, Battery Health to see the maximum capacity.
• Android: some models show battery health in settings; others need a diagnostic app.

A worn battery is not a dealbreaker, since battery replacement is a routine repair, but factor it into the price.

4. Check the screen

• Look for cracks, scratches, dead spots and lifting edges.
• Display an all-white image to spot discoloration and an all-black one to spot bright spots.
• Test touch everywhere, including the edges and corners, by dragging an app icon around the whole screen.

5. Test everything else

• Front and back cameras, including focus and flash
• Speakers, microphone and ear speaker (make a quick call)
• Charging port with your own cable
• Buttons, Face ID or fingerprint unlock
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular signal

6. Look for replaced parts and repair history

On recent iPhones, Settings, General, About shows a parts and service history, including whether parts are genuine or unknown. A repaired phone is not necessarily a bad buy, but you should know what was done. Our guide to OEM and aftermarket parts explains the difference.

7. Watch for warning signs

• The price is far below everything else for the same model
• The seller will not reset the phone in front of you
• Signs of water damage, such as fogging behind the camera lens or corrosion in the port
• A screen that lifts or a back that bulges, which can mean a swollen battery

Already bought one?

If your used phone needs a new battery, a screen, a charging port or a full check, our iPhone and smartphone repair service can help. We can also move your data from your old phone and set up backups. We help customers from Canton, Holly Springs, Woodstock and across north metro Atlanta.

Get a used phone checked at Alpha Computers

Chuck and our team have more than 26 years of experience and over 20,000 devices repaired. Every repair includes our 1-year warranty and No Fix – No Fee promise. Walk in to our shop on Hickory Flat Hwy, call 678-899-6800, or request a free quote.