Buying a Used Phone? Check These 7 Things Before You Pay

2026-09-14 · Marion Phone Repair

A used phone can save you $300-600 compared to buying new. But buy the wrong one and you're stuck with a $400 paperweight. Here's what we check when customers bring in used phones — and what you should check before you buy.

1. Check the IMEI (Is It Stolen or Blacklisted?)

This is the single most important check. A blacklisted phone cannot be activated on any carrier.

• Ask the seller for the IMEI number (Settings → About Phone → IMEI, or dial *#06#)
• Check it at swappa.com/imei or imeipro.info — both are free
• If the seller refuses to give the IMEI, walk away. Period

2. Check for iCloud Lock / Google Lock (FRP)

If the previous owner didn't sign out, the phone is useless to you:

• iPhone: Go to Settings → tap the name at the top. If it shows someone else's name and they're not there to sign out, you cannot use this phone
• Android: Factory reset the phone at the store. If it asks for a Google account you don't have, it's FRP-locked

There is no legitimate way to bypass these locks. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or scamming.

3. Test the Screen Thoroughly

• Open a pure white image (search "white screen test"). Look for dead pixels, discoloration, yellow spots, or bright spots
• Open a pure black image on OLED screens (most modern phones). Look for bright spots or "burn-in" — ghost images of the keyboard or navigation bar
• Test the edges. Drag your finger along every edge of the screen. If touch doesn't register in a strip, the digitizer is partially damaged
• Check for screen lifting — look at the edges where the screen meets the frame. Any gaps = water damage risk or battery swelling

4. Test the Battery

• iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Below 80% = needs replacement ($49-69). Factor that into your offer price
• Android: Download AccuBattery (free) and check the health. Or dial *#*#4636#*#* on Samsung for battery info
• If the battery is at 70% or below, the phone will die by early afternoon. Budget $49-69 for a replacement

5. Check All Ports and Buttons

• Charging port: Plug in a charger. Does it charge? Does it need to be held at an angle? Loose ports = $29-49 repair
• Speakers: Play music. Test the earpiece (make a call) AND the bottom speaker. Both should be clear, not crackly
• Volume and power buttons: Press each one. They should click firmly, not feel mushy or stick
• Silent/mute switch (iPhone): Toggle it. If it doesn't work, it's a $49+ repair

6. Test the Cameras

Open the camera app and take photos with BOTH front and rear cameras. Check for:

• Blurry spots (cracked lens or dust inside)
• Purple or green haze (sensor damage)
• Shaky video (broken OIS stabilization)
• Front camera not focusing (common after screen replacements with cheap parts)

7. Check for Water Damage

• iPhone: Look in the SIM card slot with a flashlight. If the indicator is red/pink, the phone has water damage. White = no damage
• Android: Check the SIM tray slot and inside the charging port for pink indicators
• Water damage can cause random shutdowns, speaker issues, and corrosion that gets worse over time. Avoid these phones unless they're heavily discounted

Fair Prices for Used Phones (2026)

Where to buy: Swappa (verified IMEI + seller ratings), Facebook Marketplace (meet in a public place), and Apple/Samsung refurbished stores (most expensive but guaranteed).