Buying a used phone: the checklist to run in front of the seller

A listing never shows hidden defects. Ten minutes on the spot can save you from a bad buy. Keep this list on your phone.

Before the meeting

• Ask for the original receipt and box.
• Bring earphones and a charging cable.
• Meet the seller in a public place, during the day.

On the spot, with the device on

• General condition: scratches, dents, a lifting screen, signs of moisture in the SIM tray.
• Screen: open the dead pixel test full screen and look for dots that don't change colour.
• Touch: with the touch screen test, colour the whole grid, edges included.
• Sound: speaker test and microphone test, recording yourself.
• Cameras: webcam test, front and back camera.
• Charging: plug in the cable and check the device charges.
• Buttons: volume, lock, and the fingerprint sensor or face unlock.

Checks not to forget

• The seller's account must be removed (iCloud or Google): otherwise the phone will stay locked for you.
• The IMEI number (dial *#06#) must match the box and the receipt.
• Battery health: on iPhone, Settings → Battery → Battery Health.

The device health check runs most of these tests automatically. Unsure about a listing? Ask here.