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Used iPhone: what to check before you buy

5 minute read Editorial team

A used iPhone can be a great deal, but only if you check the right things. A phone still linked to the previous owner's account, a worn-out battery or a repair with non-genuine parts can turn a bargain into a headache. Here's what to check, step by step.

Before you meet: questions to ask the seller

Ask these questions in the platform's chat, so everything is in writing:

  • Exact model and storage (for example iPhone 13, 128 GB).
  • Maximum battery capacity as shown in Settings.
  • Any repairs: what, when and by whom.
  • Whether they have the receipt or invoice and if it's still under warranty.
  • Whether the phone is already removed from their Apple Account, or if they'll do it when you meet.
  • Whether it has ever been in water or had problems with Face ID or Touch ID.

Vague replies or pressure to close quickly are warning signs you shouldn't ignore.

The most important check: Activation Lock

Activation Lock stops anyone from using an iPhone that's linked to someone else's Apple Account. Apple is clear: don't take ownership of a used iPhone that's protected by Activation Lock, because you won't be able to use it.

How to check:

  • If you see an "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen when you switch it on, the phone is still linked to the old account.
  • If the passcode Lock Screen or the Home Screen appears, the phone hasn't been erased.
  • If the setup process asks for the previous owner's Apple Account, the phone is still linked.

The fix is simple: the seller needs to turn off Find My, sign out of their Apple Account and erase the iPhone, ideally in front of you. Then switch the phone on and start the setup: it shouldn't ask for anyone else's login.

If the iPhone asks for the previous owner's Apple Account, don't pay until the seller removes it in front of you.

Serial number, IMEI and warranty

Under Settings > General > About you'll find the serial number and the IMEI. On iPhone 13 and later models with a SIM tray, the IMEI is also shown on the tray. Compare these numbers with the ones on the box and the receipt: they should match.

  • Enter the serial number on Apple's coverage check page to see whether the phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare. You can also check under Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty.
  • Still under About, next to Carrier Lock you should see "No SIM restrictions": it means the iPhone isn't locked to a network.
  • Ask for the receipt or invoice: it's useful for the warranty and as proof of where the phone came from.

The legal guarantee only applies when you buy from a professional seller: under EU rules it also covers second-hand goods (some countries allow a shorter period, but no less than 1 year), while sales between private individuals aren't covered.

Battery: maximum capacity and warnings

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Maximum capacity shows how much charge the battery can hold compared with when it was new. According to Apple, batteries in iPhone 14 models and earlier are designed to retain 80% of their original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles under ideal conditions, and iPhone 15 models at 1000 cycles.

Watch out for two warnings:

  • A message saying the battery's health is significantly degraded: the battery will need replacing, so factor that into the price.
  • A notice that the iPhone can't verify it has a genuine Apple battery: in that case the health figures may not be accurate either.

Genuine parts: Parts and Service History

From iOS 15.2, if the iPhone has been repaired, a Parts and Service History section appears under Settings > General > About. Depending on the model, it can cover the battery, display, logic board and cameras.

  • Genuine: the repair used genuine Apple parts and processes.
  • Unknown: the part may not be genuine or may not be working as expected.
  • Used: the component was previously installed in another iPhone.

An unknown part isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it can affect value and how the phone works. Apple explains, for example, that with a non-genuine display True Tone might not work correctly.

Face ID, Touch ID, True Tone and the rest

  • Face ID or Touch ID: try setting up a new face or fingerprint. If setup fails, don't buy.
  • True Tone: check in the display settings that the option is there and switches on.
  • Cameras: take photos and videos with every camera, front and rear, in different light.
  • Audio: make a call with your own SIM, test the speaker and record a voice memo to check the microphone.
  • Buttons, screen and connectivity: volume, power, side button, brightness, touch across the whole screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data and charging with your own cable.

Water damage

iPhones have liquid contact indicators: they're normally white or silver and turn fully red after contact with water. On many models you can see them from the outside with a torch, and Apple's page shows where they are. Liquid damage isn't covered by Apple's limited warranty, so a red indicator is a good reason to walk away or negotiate.

Checklist for the meeting

  1. A public place, in daylight, with Wi-Fi or your own hotspot.
  2. Bring your SIM, a cable and a SIM-eject pin.
  3. Check the casing, screen, edges and charging port.
  4. Under About, compare model, storage, serial number and IMEI with the box and receipt, and check Carrier Lock.
  5. Check battery health and Parts and Service History.
  6. Test Face ID or Touch ID, cameras, audio, buttons and connectivity.
  7. Have the seller sign out of their Apple Account and erase the iPhone in front of you.
  8. Start the setup: there should be no "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen and no request for the seller's account.
  9. Pay only at the end and ask for a receipt with the date, model, IMEI and price.

The right price

Before you negotiate, find out what the model you want is really worth. If you're looking at an iPhone 13, start with our used iPhone 13 price guide and compare live offers with a search.

With Rovista you see listings from Subito, Vinted, eBay and Wallapop side by side: you compare prices straight away and find the best offer without opening four different sites. Find your next iPhone.

Information checked in September 2026: platform terms may change.