Safety Tips When Buying a Used Phone

1 Check the Seller's Reputation

The first and most important step when buying a used phone online is to check the seller's reputation. Don't deal with sellers who have no ratings or reviews from previous buyers. Look for sellers with a long history of positive transactions.

Request direct contact information from the seller such as phone number or email. A serious seller will provide this information easily. Avoid sellers who refuse to provide any direct contact method or insist on communicating only through the platform.

Look for seller ratings and reviews from previous customers. Read negative comments carefully to understand potential problems faced by previous buyers. If the seller is new with no ratings, ask for more guarantees or additional details.

2 Request Detailed Photos of the Phone

Good photos are your first tool to assess the phone's condition. Request clear photos from all angles that clearly show the phone's condition. Make sure there are photos of the screen both lit up and turned off to see any scratches that might not be visible when the screen is on.

Request a photo of the IMEI number (usually found on the back of the phone or in settings). This number is unique to each phone and can be used to check the phone's status and whether it's stolen or lost. Make sure the photo is clear and the number can be read easily.

Don't accept blurry or unclear photos. If the seller refuses to provide additional photos or makes excuses, consider this a warning sign and look for another seller.

3 Verify the IMEI Number

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is like your phone's unique fingerprint. Using this number, you can verify a lot of important information about the phone.

Use IMEI verification websites like IMEI.info or SNDeepInfo. These sites provide detailed reports about the phone based on the IMEI number.

Make sure the phone is not stolen or lost. A stolen phone may be blocked by network operators, making it useless. Also verify that the phone specifications match what is advertised (model, capacity, color, etc.).

Some websites also provide information about warranty status and purchase date. Use this information to ensure the seller is honest about what they claim about the phone.

4 Test All Phone Functions

Before purchasing, make sure all phone functions work properly. Ask the seller to record a short video showing the phone working, including switching between apps and opening the menu.

Make sure the front and rear cameras work. Request photos taken with the phone to verify camera quality. Test the speaker, microphone, and control buttons (power, volume, etc.).

Ask the seller to run an app like YouTube to test sound and video quality. Also make sure the sound, light and proximity sensors work. These sensors are important for normal phone operation.

5 Check Battery Condition

The battery is one of the components that deteriorates quickly in smartphones. Ask the seller about the current battery age and remaining capacity. Most modern phones provide information about battery health in settings.

On iPhones, you can check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A percentage above 80% is considered acceptable for used phones. Use apps like AccuBattery for Android phones that give a detailed report on battery health.

Ask the seller how long the phone stays charged during normal use. If the battery needs frequent charging (more than once a day with normal use), you may need to replace it soon, which means additional cost.

6 Inspect Ports and Connectors

Charging ports and headphone jacks are among the parts most prone to damage in used phones. Make sure the charging port works properly with all cables and not just with a specific cable.

Test the headphone jack if available. Some modern phones have eliminated the headphone jack, so check the phone specifications first. Check the SIM card slot and memory card slot (if available).

Ask the seller to provide a video showing the normal charging process of the phone. Also make sure wireless charging works if the phone supports this feature.

7 Ask About the Reason for Selling

Asking the seller about the reason for selling can give you a good idea about the phone's condition and history. An honest seller will provide a logical and convincing reason for selling the phone.

Ask the seller the real reason for selling the phone. Common reasons include: upgrading to a new phone, the phone was a gift and the recipient didn't like it, or a change in user needs. Be wary of vague or unconvincing answers.

Prefer straightforward sellers who openly mention device defects. This indicates the seller's integrity and saves you from unpleasant surprises after purchase. If the seller mentions minor defects, they are usually honest about major defects as well.

8 Check Warranty and Invoices

Warranty and original invoices add significant value to a used phone. Ask for the original invoice and purchase date. A phone that is still under official warranty gives you peace of mind for some time.

Check if the phone is still under warranty. This can usually be checked through the manufacturer's website using the IMEI number or serial number. Keep records of conversations and agreements with the seller. These records can be important in case of disputes.

If the phone is still under warranty, make sure the transfer process is allowed according to the warranty terms. Some companies allow phone ownership transfer while retaining the warranty, while other companies cancel the warranty upon ownership transfer.

9 Choose a Secure Payment Method

The payment method you choose can protect you from fraud or mitigate your losses if it occurs. Avoid direct bank transfers to unknown sellers, especially if they request full payment upfront.

Use trusted platforms that offer buyer protection like PayPal or cash on delivery. These services allow you to inspect the product before completing payment. Prefer cash on delivery when possible, especially when buying high-value phones.

If you're using a platform like eBay or Amazon Used, make sure you understand their protection policies. Some platforms offer limited buyer protection when purchasing used products. I suggest reading the article about best secure payment methods.

10 Meet the Seller in Person If Possible

If the seller is in your city or nearby, suggest a personal meeting to inspect the phone. A personal meeting gives you the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the phone and make sure it meets your expectations.

Choose a public and safe place for the meeting like a shopping center or café. Avoid going to isolated places or the seller's home unless you know them personally. Inspect the phone personally before payment. Bring a charger and headphones to test the phone immediately.

During the meeting, test all the functions we mentioned earlier. Don't rush the inspection, as you're about to spend what could be a significant amount. If you notice any problems not mentioned by the seller, use this to negotiate the price or reconsider the purchase.