Buying a used iPhone can save you money compared with buying new, but only if you know what to check before you pay.
A pre-owned iPhone that looks perfect can still be blacklisted, locked to someone else's Apple Account, have battery health you weren't told about, or have replacement parts nobody mentioned. This guide walks you through the checks that matter, whether you're buying from a private seller or a business.
Use the quick checklist below while you inspect a phone, then read on for what each check means and how to do it. If you'd rather have these checks done with you, see how Smartest Phone Deals handles them.
Used iPhone Checklist: Quick Answer
| Check | How to do it | What to look out for |
|---|---|---|
| Model and storage | Settings > General > About > Model Name and Capacity | Doesn't match what was advertised |
| IMEI number | Dial *#06# or go to Settings > General > About | The seller won't share the IMEI |
| Blacklist status | Ask for proof the IMEI has been checked against blacklist records | Seller refuses or can't explain |
| Activation Lock | Check the phone has been signed out of the seller's Apple Account, erased, and can be set up without their details | Phone asks for someone else's Apple Account after a reset |
| Battery health | Settings > Battery > Battery Health | A "Service" message next to the battery |
| Replaced parts | Settings > General > About > Parts and Service History | An undisclosed "Unknown" part next to the screen, battery or camera |
| Network lock | Settings > General > About > Network Provider Lock | Anything other than "No SIM restrictions" |
| Hardware | Test screen, cameras, Face ID or Touch ID, speakers, microphone, buttons and charging | Anything that doesn't work as it should |
| Warranty and returns | Ask what's covered, for how long, and how claims work | "Sold as is" with no recourse |
Buying from Smartest Phone Deals? At a Payment on Collection appointment, our consultant goes through these checks with you before you pay. See how Payment on Collection works.
1. Check the Model, Storage and IMEI Number
Every iPhone has a unique IMEI number. You can see it by dialling *#06# or by going to Settings > General > About.
Ask the seller for the IMEI before you meet. A reputable seller will share it without hesitation.
While you're in Settings > General > About, check that the Model Name and Capacity match what was advertised. If you see two numbers, IMEI and IMEI2, the iPhone supports two lines, typically a physical SIM plus an eSIM. iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US have no SIM tray and use eSIM only, so check this if you rely on a physical SIM card.
The IMEI also matters for the next check, because it's what networks use to block lost and stolen phones.
2. Make Sure the Phone Isn't Blacklisted
When a phone is reported lost or stolen, its IMEI can be added to blacklist records, and South African networks can block it. A blacklisted iPhone may work on Wi-Fi but won't make calls or use mobile data on a blocked network.
Ask the seller to confirm the IMEI has been checked against blacklist records. A reputable seller should be comfortable doing this. If they won't share the IMEI at all, walk away.
3. Check for Activation Lock
Activation Lock links an iPhone to its owner's Apple Account through Find My. If the previous owner hasn't removed it, you won't be able to set up and use the phone as your own. Only the previous owner can remove the device from their Apple Account, so make sure this has been done before you pay.
Before you pay, check that:
- The seller has signed out of their Apple Account on the phone.
- The phone has been erased using Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- After erasing, the iPhone shows the "Hello" screen. Continue through the initial setup steps to confirm it can be activated without asking for the previous owner's Apple Account or password.
If the seller says they'll "remove it later" or can't remember their password, don't buy the phone.
4. Check Battery Health
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see the battery's maximum capacity, shown as a percentage of its capacity when new.
The main thing to look out for is a "Service" message on this screen, which means Apple recommends the battery is serviced. Beyond that, what matters is knowing the battery health before you buy, so you can compare like with like.
That's where buying a graded iPhone helps. At Smartest Phone Deals, A-Grade iPhones have 85%+ battery health and B-Grade iPhones have 80%+, unless the listing states otherwise. You know the battery standard upfront instead of finding out after you've paid. Read A-Grade vs B-Grade iPhones for more on what each grade means.
Our guide to making your iPhone battery last longer has tips for getting the most from any battery.
5. Look for Replaced Parts
On iOS 15.2 and later, a repaired iPhone shows a Parts and Service History section under Settings > General > About. Depending on the model, it can show whether the battery, display or cameras have been replaced. It doesn't show every repair on every model, and the information available varies by iPhone and iOS version. See Apple's guide to Parts and Service History.
A "Genuine" label generally indicates that the repair was completed using genuine Apple parts and recognised calibration processes. An "Unknown" label can mean a non-genuine part, a part that isn't working as expected, or a part that hasn't been verified. It doesn't automatically mean the phone is unusable, but it's worth asking what was replaced, whether the part works correctly and whether the repair was disclosed.
6. Confirm the Phone Is Network Unlocked
Go to Settings > General > About and look for Network Provider Lock. If it says "No SIM restrictions", the iPhone is unlocked (Apple explains this here). You can also test a compatible SIM card to confirm calls and mobile data work. No signal alone doesn't prove a network lock.
7. Test the Hardware Properly
Spend a few minutes testing everything you'll use day to day:
- Screen: check for dead pixels, discolouration, touch problems and cracks under the screen protector.
- Face ID or Touch ID: set it up and make sure it works.
- Cameras: test the front camera and every rear lens, including Portrait mode, zoom and flash. Record a short video and play it back with the sound on.
- Speakers and microphone: play audio and record a short voice note.
- Buttons and switches: volume, side button and the silent switch or Action button.
- Charging: plug it in and make sure it charges.
- Connectivity: connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
8. Ask About Warranty and Returns
Buying from a private individual may offer fewer consumer protections than buying from a business, so it's especially important to inspect and test the phone before paying.
When you buy from a business, South Africa's Consumer Protection Act generally provides important protections, including rights relating to defective goods. These statutory rights are separate from any additional warranty or voluntary returns policy the seller offers. Before you buy, ask what warranty is included, how long it lasts, what it covers and whether returns are accepted.
9. Warning Signs When Buying Privately
- A price far below what the same model and storage sell for elsewhere.
- Pressure to pay a deposit or the full amount before you've seen the phone.
- A seller who won't meet somewhere public or won't let you test the phone.
- No clear explanation of where the phone came from.
- A seller who won't give you a written receipt showing the model, IMEI and price.
- Vague answers about Activation Lock, battery health or repairs.
How Smartest Phone Deals Handles These Checks
We sell new and certified pre-owned iPhones across South Africa, so these are the questions our customers ask us every day.
- Tested and IMEI checked: our pre-owned iPhones are inspected and tested before sale and checked against IMEI blacklist records.
- Clear grading: each device is graded as New, A-Grade or B-Grade, with the condition and battery-health standard shown on the listing. Read A-Grade vs B-Grade iPhones for the difference.
- Warranty and returns: eligible devices include our 3-month limited repair warranty, and we offer a voluntary 7-day return and exchange policy on eligible purchases. Clearance Deals are excluded from the 7-day policy. See our Warranty, Refund & Exchange page for full terms.
- Inspect before you pay: if you'd rather see the phone first, book a collection appointment via WhatsApp at one of our Payment on Collection points in Pretoria, Johannesburg or Midrand. You can inspect and test the device before completing payment. Our consultant takes you through a checklist at the appointment, including the model, storage, network lock, IMEI, battery health and cameras, then resets the device in front of you and gives you a receipt. See Delivery & Collection for details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Used iPhone
How do I check if a used iPhone is stolen?
Check the IMEI by dialling *#06# or going to Settings > General > About, and ask the seller to confirm it has been checked against blacklist records. Also make sure Activation Lock has been removed.
How do I know if a used iPhone has Activation Lock?
After the phone has been erased, it shows the "Hello" screen. Continue through setup: if it asks for the previous owner's Apple Account or password, Activation Lock is still on, and only the previous owner can remove it.
What battery health is acceptable on a used iPhone?
Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health and look out for a "Service" message. Most importantly, know the battery health before you buy. At Smartest Phone Deals, A-Grade iPhones have 85%+ battery health and B-Grade iPhones 80%+, unless the listing states otherwise.
What does "Unknown Part" mean on an iPhone?
It appears in Parts and Service History when a replacement part is non-genuine, isn't working as expected or hasn't been verified. It doesn't automatically mean the phone is unusable, but ask what was replaced and whether the repair was disclosed.
Is it safer to buy a used iPhone from a business or a private seller?
Buying from a business generally gives you more protection, including your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, plus any warranty or returns policy the seller offers. A private sale may offer fewer protections, so the checks in this guide become even more important.
Can I inspect an iPhone before paying at Smartest Phone Deals?
Yes. Book a collection appointment via WhatsApp at one of our Payment on Collection points and you can inspect and test the device before completing payment. Website orders are delivery only.
Bottom Line
A used iPhone is a smart way to get more phone for your money, as long as you check the IMEI, Activation Lock, battery health, replaced parts and warranty before you pay.
Looking for a pre-owned iPhone without the guesswork? Explore our current iPhone deals or Clearance Deals, or book a Payment on Collection appointment to inspect and test your chosen device before paying.