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Before paying for a preowned iPhone, ask for its serial number and check coverage through Apple, confirm the seller can remove Activation Lock, and get clear details about battery health, repairs, carrier lock, and returns. A serial-number lookup can show coverage, but it cannot verify the phone’s physical condition or prove that its features work. Inspect and test the device promptly when it arrives.
Before you pay: check the seller, listing, and return terms
Apple recommends buying from a reliable seller. Ask whether the seller certifies its preowned phones and what that process checks. Request clear answers about physical damage, battery health, and repair history rather than relying on a broad condition label.
Read the return policy before purchase. Note the return deadline, which reasons qualify, and how the seller requires a return to be made. A listing description and a seller’s assurances do not replace an inspection.
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Ask the seller for the iPhone’s serial number, then enter it in Apple’s View Coverage portal. Compare the displayed coverage and benefits with what the seller claims, and save the result for your records. Coverage is specific to the device and can change over time; the lookup does not establish the phone’s condition, verify the seller’s identity, or show whether Activation Lock is enabled.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Apple’s Limited Warranty covers manufacturing issues for one year from the product’s purchase date. It does not cover accidental damage or batteries that wear down through normal use, and it is additional to consumer-law rights in the buyer’s country or region. Apple says its service and replacement parts are guaranteed for 90 days or the remaining warranty term, whichever is longer. These terms do not mean a particular used iPhone has coverage remaining. Ask for purchase or service documentation where available, and check the device’s current coverage directly through Apple. See Apple’s iPhone service and repair information.
Make Activation Lock a purchase-stopping check
Ask the seller to remove their account and erase the iPhone, then verify that setup can proceed without an “iPhone Locked to Owner” screen. Apple’s guidance is explicit: “Don’t buy an iPhone if Activation Lock is enabled.” If that screen appears on an iPhone bought online, Apple says to return it. Do not rely on a promise that the seller will unlock it later. See Apple’s preowned-iPhone guidance.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Ask about battery health and repairs
Battery health
If the seller can show the iPhone unlocked and set up, open Settings > Battery > Battery Health. On iOS 16.1 and later, Apple labels the page Battery Health & Charging. iPhone 6 and later running iOS 11.3 or later can show maximum capacity and important battery messages, including degraded-health notices.
A battery-health reading is not available for unknown or nongenuine batteries. If the reading is missing, treat that as unknown information—not evidence that the battery is healthy. Ask the seller to explain any warning or missing reading.
Rank #3
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Parts and Service History
On iOS 15.2 or later, go to Settings > General > About and look for Parts and Service History. Depending on the model and repair, it can report service involving the battery, display, logic board, front camera, or rear cameras. Apple’s labels mean:
- Genuine: the repair used genuine Apple parts and processes.
- Unknown: the part may be nongenuine, malfunctioning, unverified, modified, or otherwise unverifiable.
- Unverified: the logic board was previously replaced.
- Used: the part was already used or installed in another iPhone.
Apple says only the most recent service appears when a part has been serviced more than once. A missing history section therefore does not prove the iPhone has never been repaired. An Unknown part might affect trade-in value, while an Unverified logic board might affect features such as Apple Pay. For details on the labels and their limits, see Apple’s Parts and Service History guide.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Check carrier lock before choosing a phone
On an accessible iPhone, open Settings > General > About and check Carrier Lock. Apple says No SIM restrictions means the phone is unlocked. If a carrier is shown, the iPhone can be used only with that carrier. Confirm compatibility with the carrier you intend to use before buying.
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Inspect the phone and test its functions
If the seller permits an in-person check before purchase, remove the case and examine the display, sides, and back for scratches, scuffs, dents, or other damage. Check the charging connector for damage or debris. Confirm that the iPhone turns on and charges; Apple advises against buying one that will not charge.
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
After setup, test the buttons, camera by taking photos and recording video, speakers, microphone, and display brightness. These checks can uncover problems, but they are not a professional diagnostic and cannot guarantee that every component is fault-free.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Inspect promptly after delivery
Compare the phone with the listing and the seller’s condition description as soon as it arrives. Check its appearance and functions, and verify that it matches what you agreed to buy. If it is not in the expected condition, follow the seller’s return terms. Keep screenshots of the listing and copies of seller communications in case you need to explain a mismatch.
Compare listings on the facts that affect your decision
Apple does not set a universal numerical grading scale for used iPhone condition. When comparing phones, use the same checks for each listing:
- Apple coverage result and available purchase documentation.
- Whether Activation Lock can be removed and whether the phone is carrier-unlocked.
- Battery-health information and any battery warning.
- Parts and Service History labels, including which parts the model can report.
- Visible condition and demonstrated function.
- Seller certification process, return deadline, qualifying reasons, and return method.
AppleCare is separate from existing warranty coverage
Eligibility for AppleCare is not the same as having an active warranty. Apple says an eligibility check may involve a remote device check, photos, or an Apple Store inspection; availability and eligibility vary by device and country or region. Check the specific phone’s current eligibility directly with Apple rather than assuming a used iPhone can be enrolled. See Apple’s AppleCare eligibility guidance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
