Apple launched the iPhone 12 lineup last month to widespread critical acclaim. As you would expect, tech enthusiasts everywhere are jumping on the chance to upgrade their devices — and sell their old phones to help cover the cost.
With every new iPhone launch, Apple discontinues popular older models to make room for the new generation. This means Apple no longer sells fan favorites like the iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone Xs, and iPhone X. This would normally be bad news for bargain shoppers hoping to save money on older models, but thankfully you can still find all these iPhones right here on Swappa — and for a much better price. Keep reading to learn how to check a used iPhone before buying.
1. Is the seller legitimate?
One of the biggest risks when buying a used iPhone is ending up with a stolen phone. This is one of the most important things to check when buying a used phone because if a phone is reported lost or stolen, it can no longer be activated or used on your wireless network. Luckily, Swappa eliminates this risk by checking the IMEI/ESN of every phone listed for sale to ensure it has not been blocklisted as a stolen device.
When you use Swappa, you don’t need to ask the seller for the IMEI or ESN because we’ve already done that for you. Swappa checks every listing before it goes live to make sure it’s clean and ready to work with your carrier. But if you buy elsewhere, get the IMEI / ESN and check it using our free IMEI check tool.
2. What is the condition of the used iPhone?
Before you buy a used iPhone online, you must check the condition of the phone. Swappa makes things easy by keeping out junk and damaged devices. Sellers must provide a description of the phone’s condition, along with photos of the device for verification.
Swappa doesn’t allow phones with water damage, chipped or cracked screens, or damage to the charging port, headphone jack, or home and power buttons. However, some phones may have minor wear and tear around the casing or small scratches on the screen. Check the condition of the phone carefully before you buy to avoid disappointment. If your phone has to be absolutely pristine, look for a listing marked as New or Mint condition.
3. Is the used phone compatible with your wireless network?
If you already have a mobile phone, you can take out the SIM card and put it into your new one. This allows you to transfer your original phone number and other data. However, this only works if your new phone is compatible with your existing wireless carrier.
Swappa lets you filter by carrier compatibility when browsing listings. Alternatively, buying an unlocked phone ensures that your new phone will work on your wireless network. Visit our unlocked iPhone guide to learn more.
4. Is the used phone jailbroken or rooted?
Rooted or jailbroken phones have been altered to grant access to the root of the file system. This provides a lot more control over the way the device operates, but it can also make the phone behave unpredictably. In general, it is not a good idea to buy a rooted phone unless you have a strong technical understanding of what that means.
5. What are the shipping costs?
When buying a used iPhone online, it is important to consider shipping costs. Swappa requires sellers to include standard domestic shipping costs in the listed price, so for buyers — standard shipping is free.
If you follow these five tips, you’ll be able to get a good deal on a great device. As with any purchase, it pays to look for red flags and take the time to read the product description carefully to make sure you get what you’re expecting. Click the green button below to save money by purchasing your next iPhone on Swappa. Happy shopping!
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