Used phone buying checklist

12 checks you can do in person in about 10 minutes · Updated October 2026

Most bad used-phone deals come down to three things: the phone is stolen or blacklisted, it's still locked to the seller's account, or it has a hidden fault. This checklist covers all three. Do it before any money changes hands.

Before you meet

1. Ask for the IMEI and check it here. Make sure it's a valid number and the model matches the listing.
2. Check the stolen-phone list at stolenphonechecker.org (free, run by CTIA).
3. Check it works on your carrier. Most carriers have a free "bring your own phone" checker on their website. It will usually also flag phones that can't be activated.

When you meet

4. Match the IMEI. Dial *#06# on the phone. It must match the IMEI you checked, and the box if there is one.
5. Check the model and storage in Settings → General → About (iPhone) or Settings → About phone (Android).
6. Make sure the seller's account is removed and the phone is reset in front of you. This is the most important step. How to check iCloud and Google lock →
7. Test with your own SIM card. Make a short call. On iPhone, Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions."
8. Check the battery. On iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Under 80% means it will need a new battery soon.
9. Look for replaced parts. On recent iPhones, Settings → General → About shows Parts and Service History if the screen, battery or camera was replaced. Replaced parts aren't always bad, but they should be reflected in the price.
10. Test the screen. Open a white image and look for spots, lines or burn-in. Drag an app icon across the whole screen to test touch.
11. Test everything else: front and back cameras, Face ID or fingerprint, speakers and microphone (record a voice memo), buttons, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the charging port.

When you pay

12. Meet somewhere safe, like a police station "safe exchange zone" or a busy store. Pay in a way that leaves a record, and never with gift cards or wire transfers. Ask for a simple receipt with the seller's name, the price and the IMEI.