If you are planning to buy an iPhone, it is essential to check whether the iPhone is ‘refurbished’ or not. A ‘refurbished’ iPhone means that the iPhone was previously owned and has undergone restoration before being put on sale. Although refurbished iPhones can save you a lot of money, they can still cost you a fortune if you don’t know what to look for when buying them. This blog will guide you on how to check whether an iPhone is refurbished, how to verify the seller, and things to consider when buying a refurbished iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
• The iPhone you are interested in buying
• A computer or any other device with an internet connection
• Internet search engine like Google or Bing
• IMEI or Serial Number of the iPhone
• A SIM card from a cellular carrier
• Your time and attention
Method 1: Check if the iPhone is Refurbished via Settings App
The easiest way to check whether an iPhone is refurbished is through the Settings application. Follow these steps:
1. Turn on the iPhone and go to the Home Screen.
2. Find the Settings icon and click on it.
3. Scroll down and click on the ‘General’ option.
4. Tap on ‘About’.
5. Scroll down and look for the ‘Model’ option.
6. Finally, search for the alphabet ‘M’ at the start of the ‘Model’ identifier.
Q: Can refurbished iPhones have clean serial numbers?
A: Yes, some refurbished iPhones can have clean serial numbers.
Although serial numbers can help you determine whether an iPhone is stolen or not, they don’t indicate whether an iPhone is refurbished or not. Therefore, don’t rely on serial numbers alone when you are checking whether an iPhone is refurbished or not. You should use other available methods as well.
Method 2: Check the iPhone’s Activation Lock Status
Activation Lock is a security feature that Apple introduced to prevent iPhone theft. It enables a user to lock an iPhone remotely whenever the iPhone is stolen. When buying an iPhone, check the Activation Lock Status to verify that the iPhone is not stolen. Also, Activation Lock Status can help you determine whether the iPhone is refurbished or not. Follow these steps:
1. Turn on the iPhone and go to the Home Screen.
2. Find the Settings icon and click on it.
3. Click on the iCloud option.
4. Scroll down and click on ‘Find My iPhone’.
5. Toggle on the ‘Find My iPhone’ button.
6. Go back to Settings and click on ‘General’.
7. Tap on ‘About’.
8. Look for the ‘Serial Number’ option.
9. Copy the serial number and go to the Apple Activation Lock Status website.
10. Enter the serial number and click on ‘Continue’.
11. If the Activation Lock Status indicates that the iPhone is locked despite you holding it, this might indicate that the iPhone is refurbished.
Q: Can I verify the Activation Lock Status without a SIM card?
A: Yes, you can verify the Activation Lock Status without a SIM card.
You don’t need a SIM card to check the Activation Lock Status. However, for some methods, you need a SIM card to activate the iPhone before you can verify the Activation Lock Status.
Method 3: Check the iPhone’s Warranty Status
If an iPhone is refurbished, its warranty status changes. Apple gives a new warranty for refurbished iPhones. Check the warranty status of the iPhone you are buying to determine whether it is refurbished or not. Follow these steps:
1. Turn on the iPhone and go to the Home Screen.
2. Find the Settings icon and click on it.
3. Click on the General option.
4. Tap on ‘About’.
5. Scroll down to find the ‘Serial Number’ option.
6. Copy the serial number and go to the Apple Warranty Status website.
7. Enter the serial number and click on ‘Continue’.
8. If the warranty status indicates that the iPhone has recently had its warranty reinstated or shows no warranty, then it might indicate that the iPhone is refurbished.
Q: Can refurbished iPhones have Apple Care?
A: Yes, refurbished iPhones can have Apple Care.
Refurbished iPhones can have Apple Care, which is a paid-for insurance policy that covers iPhone repairs, technical support, and other services offered by Apple. Therefore, don’t rely on Apple Care alone to determine whether an iPhone is refurbished or not. Use other available methods as well.
Why can’t I Determine whether an iPhone is Refurbished: Reasons and Fixes
1. The iPhone has no physical signs – When you buy an iPhone, check for scratches, dents, or any physical damage. Refurbished iPhones look like new, but they could have minor scratches and dents. No physical sign may indicate that the iPhone is new.
Fix: For this, you can corroborate the physical examination with other methods, as in method two or three.
2. Unreadable Model Identifier – Sometimes, the iPhone’s model identifier is not clear or legible, and you can’t determine whether it’s refurbished.
Fix: In this case, try other methods such as the Activation Lock Status or the Warranty Status.
3. Apple does not acknowledge refurbished iPhones – Although Apple gives refurbished iPhones to its customers, Apple doesn’t recognize these devices as refurbished.
Fix: Search for the term “remanufactured iPhone” instead of “refurbished iPhone” in the Apple Warranty Status website.
Suggestions
• Verify the seller – Always check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making any purchase.
• Check the refund policy – Make sure that the vendor has a good return policy in case you are dissatisfied with the iPhone.
• Inspect the physical elements of the iPhone – Check the iPhone for scratches, nicks, and scrapes. Also, check the power button, earpiece, and camera.
• Buy from verified resellers – You can buy a refurbished iPhone from a reputable third-party vendor or brand that restores and sells refurbished iPhones.
• Check the iPhone’s battery life – iOS 12 and above includes a "Battery Health" feature that allows users to evaluate an iPhone’s current battery life and performance.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone?
A: Yes, it is safe to buy a refurbished iPhone.
Refurbished iPhones have been restored to their original condition and tested thoroughly before being put on sale. Therefore, if you are buying from a reputable vendor, such iPhones are safe to purchase.
Q: What is the difference between a refurbished iPhone and a new iPhone?
A: A refurbished iPhone has been owned before and tested to ensure optimal functionality, while a new iPhone has never been owned nor used by anyone else.
Refurbished iPhones have undergone restoration and inspection before being put on sale, but offer a more affordable alternative to new iPhones that have never been used before.
Q: Can I still use the iPhone if it’s refurbished?
A: Yes, you can still use a refurbished iPhone.
Refurbished iPhones are restored to optimal functionality and can work just like a new iPhone. However, you need to ensure that the vendor has restored the iPhone to its original settings and checked for any damage before putting it on sale.
Q: How much can I save by buying a refurbished iPhone?
A: You can save up to 30% of the original cost by buying a refurbished iPhone.
Refurbished iPhones offer a more affordable alternative to new iPhones that have never been used before. However, always verify that the vendor has restored the iPhone to its original settings and checked for any damage before putting it on sale.
Q: Can I trust third-party vendors that sell refurbished iPhones?
A: Yes, you can trust third-party vendors that sell refurbished iPhones, but make sure they are reputable.
Choose vendors that have a good reputation and ratings from previous buyers. Also, check the refund policy and ensure the vendor restores the iPhone to its original settings, checks for any damage, and guarantees optimal functionality before putting it on sale.
Conclusion
Checking whether an iPhone is refurbished is essential when buying one. Refurbished iPhones offer an affordable alternative to new iPhones that have never been used before, but they can be costly if you fall for scams. Therefore, always verify the seller, use multiple methods to check for refurbishing, and scrutinize the physical aspects of the iPhone before making any purchase.
