Buying Used Electronics Online: A 15-Point Checklist

Buying used electronics can save you hundreds, but only if you get a working device that is legitimately for sale. Run through this checklist before you hand over any money. It covers phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, monitors and consoles.

Before you meet

1. Research the real price. Look at sold listings on marketplaces, not asking prices. A price far below recent sales is a red flag.
2. Ask for the model, storage and serial or IMEI number. A genuine seller will share them. Use the manufacturer’s coverage checker to confirm the model and whether any warranty remains.
3. Check the seller. Look at their profile, ratings, account age and other listings, and know the warning signs of a fake seller. Be wary of new accounts selling several expensive gadgets.
4. Ask for proof of ownership. An original receipt, box with a matching serial number or order confirmation all help.

Account locks and blacklists

5. Make sure activation locks are off. iPhones, iPads and Macs have Activation Lock, and Android phones have Factory Reset Protection. The seller must sign out of their account and erase the device in front of you. A locked device may be unusable.
6. Check the IMEI isn’t blacklisted. Phones reported lost or stolen can be blocked by carriers. Many carriers and independent services offer IMEI checks.
7. Confirm it’s unlocked or on your carrier. A carrier-locked phone may not work with your SIM.

Hands-on tests

8. Screen. Display a plain white, black and colour screen. Look for dead pixels, lines, discoloured patches and backlight bleed. On OLED screens, look for burn-in: faint ghost images of keyboards or navigation bars. LCD Business explains the differences between LCD, OLED and Mini-LED and what each is prone to.
9. Battery. On iPhones, check Settings > Battery > Battery Health. On laptops, check the battery’s cycle count and health in system settings. Batteries wear out, so factor a replacement into the price.
10. Charging and ports. Plug in a charger, headphones and a USB device. Wiggle the cable gently to check for loose ports.
11. Buttons, speakers, microphones and cameras. Press every button, make a test call or recording, and take photos with each camera.
12. Connectivity. Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and, for phones, calls and mobile data with your SIM.
13. Signs of damage or repair. Look for gaps around screens, missing screws, swollen batteries or water damage. A bulging or warped case can mean a swollen battery: don’t buy it.

Closing the deal

14. Pay safely. Meet in public and pay only once you’re satisfied. For shipped items, use a platform checkout with purchase protection. See our marketplace safety guide for payment scams to avoid.
15. Get a written note. A simple message confirming the item, price, serial number and that it’s sold as described helps if something goes wrong.

Device-specific tips

Used, refurbished or open box?

Buying from a business rather than a private seller usually gives you more rights to return or refund.

• Used: sold as is by an individual; cheapest, but no guarantees.
• Refurbished: inspected, repaired and tested, often with a warranty. Manufacturer-certified refurbished units usually carry the strongest guarantees.
• Open box: returned items sold by retailers, often nearly new and with a return window.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to buy a used iPhone?

Yes, if Activation Lock is off, the IMEI is clean, the battery health is acceptable and you test it before paying.

What battery health is acceptable?

Batteries degrade with use. Many people consider 80% or above acceptable for an iPhone, but price should reflect the battery’s condition.

Should I avoid buying electronics with no receipt?

Not necessarily, but ask for other proof of ownership, check the IMEI or serial number and be extra cautious with expensive items.