Second-Hand iPhone Buying Guide: 7 Crucial Checks (+ Free Warranty Tips)
Buying a second-hand iPhone can save you thousands, but only if you know what to look for. At iRenew.shop, we’ve certified over 5,000 pre-owned iPhones—here’s our expert checklist to ensure you get a perfect device.
1. Check the Physical Condition
🔍 What to inspect:
✔ Screen – No cracks, dead pixels, or unresponsive areas (test by swiping everywhere)
✔ Body – Minor scratches are normal, but avoid dents (could signal internal damage)
✔ Buttons – Volume, power, and mute switch should click properly
✔ Ports – Charging port should grip cables firmly
💡 Pro Tip: Use a bright flashlight to spot hidden scratches.
2. Verify Battery Health
⚡ Why it matters:
-
Below 80% = Needs replacement soon
-
Our certified iPhones guarantee 85%+ health
📲 How to check:
-
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health
-
Look for "Maximum Capacity" (85% or higher is ideal)
⚠️ Warning: If the seller won’t show this, walk away.
3. Test All Cameras & Microphones
📸 Camera Checklist:
-
Take photos with all lenses (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto)
-
Test flash and Night Mode
-
Record video with sound (check microphone clarity)
🎤 Microphone Test:
-
Open Voice Memos
-
Record and playback – should be clear without static
4. Confirm Face ID/Touch ID Works
🔑 Why this is critical:
-
If broken, the phone may be iCloud-locked or blacklisted later
✅ Test Face ID:
-
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
-
Set it up and unlock the phone multiple times
✅ Test Touch ID:
-
Same process (for older models)
5. Check for Hidden Liquid Damage
💧 Two ways to detect water damage:
-
SIM Tray: Remove it and check for red indicator (white/silver = safe)
-
Internal Sensors: Open the Settings app > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements > Analytics Data and search for "liquid"
🚫 Avoid phones with liquid damage—they’re time bombs!
6. Validate IMEI & Activation Lock
📌 Step 1: Find the IMEI
-
Dial
*#06#OR check Settings > General > About
📌 Step 2: Check Online
-
Use Apple’s Check Coverage Page (https://checkcoverage.apple.com)
-
Verify "Find My iPhone" is OFF (or it’s useless to you!)
⚠️ Red Flags:
-
"Activation Lock" enabled
-
Blacklisted IMEI
7. Always Demand Warranty
🛡️ Why a 6-month warranty matters:
-
Covers sudden battery drain
-
Protects against hidden defects
-
Gives you peace of mind
💎 iRenew.shop’s Warranty Includes:
✔ Free battery replacement if health drops below 80%
✔ Screen/button repairs
✔ No-questions-asked returns (30 days)
Bonus: Where to Buy Safely
Final Advice: Don’t Rush!
💰 Price too good? It’s probably a scam.
📱 Seller hesitant to show IMEI? Walk away.
🛒 No warranty? Too risky.
At iRenew.shop, every iPhone is:
✅ 30-point certified
✅ 85%+ battery health
✅ 6-month warranty protected
👉 Browse Our Certified iPhones Now – Shop Smart, Save Big!
Why gamble when you can buy certified perfection?