Used iPhones are everywhere — on Facebook Marketplace, Dubizzle, eBay, and from friends. They can be a fantastic deal, saving you hundreds compared to buying new. But buying the wrong used iPhone can be a very expensive mistake. This guide gives you a 10-point checklist to run through every time you buy a used iPhone, so you buy with confidence and never get scammed.
In This Article
The 10-Point Used iPhone Checklist
Go through every single one of these before handing over any money:
Check 1 — Run an IMEI Check
This is the most important step. Ask the seller to show you the IMEI (dial *#06#) and run a check at imei.ae. This tells you if the phone is blacklisted, carrier-locked, under finance, or has any other issues. Cost: $0.99–$2.99. Value: priceless.
Check 2 — Find My iPhone Must Be OFF
Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone. It must say OFF. If Find My is on and linked to the seller’s Apple ID, you cannot activate the phone after purchase — it will be locked to their account forever. Ask the seller to turn it off while you watch, by entering their Apple ID password.
Check 3 — Test the Screen
Check the screen carefully in good lighting. Look for cracks, dead pixels (small dark spots), discolouration, or yellow tinting. Test the touch in all corners. The screen is the most expensive part to replace.
Check 4 — Test Face ID or Touch ID
Ask the seller to enrol your fingerprint (Touch ID) or scan your face (Face ID) temporarily to confirm these features work. A failed Face ID can cost as much as the phone to repair.
Check 5 — Check Battery Health
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Anything above 85% is good. Below 80% means the battery needs replacing soon — factor this into your negotiation. Battery replacement at imei.ae is AED 120–160.
Check 6 — Test Every Camera
Open the camera app and test both front and rear cameras. Take a photo and check for blur, dark spots, or autofocus issues. Switch to video mode and record a short clip. Check the flash works.
Check 7 — Test Speakers and Microphone
Play music through the speakers — both earpiece and bottom speaker. Record a voice memo to test the microphone. Make a test call if possible.
Check 8 — Check All Buttons and Ports
Press every button — volume up, volume down, power button, silent switch. Plug in a charger and confirm it connects firmly and charges. Insert headphones or an adapter and check the port.
Check 9 — Verify the iPhone Model
Go to Settings → General → About and check the model number. Cross-reference with Apple’s website to confirm the phone is what the seller says it is. Scammers sometimes sell an iPhone 12 as an iPhone 13, for example.
Check 10 — Check for Water Damage
Inside the SIM tray slot, look for a small indicator dot. On a healthy iPhone it should be white. If it is red or pink, the phone has been exposed to water. Water damage can cause problems that appear weeks or months later.
Pro Tip
Never buy a used iPhone without completing at least Checks 1, 2, and 5. These three alone will protect you from 90% of used iPhone problems and scams.
Why IMEI Check is Non-Negotiable
The IMEI check is the one check that reveals things you simply cannot see with your own eyes:
- Is the phone on a stolen/blacklist database?
- Is it locked to a carrier? Which one?
- Is there an outstanding finance agreement on it?
- Has the phone been replaced by Apple (replacement devices can have complications)?
- What country was it originally sold in?
A seller who refuses to let you check the IMEI is hiding something. Walk away.
What is a Fair Price for a Used iPhone in 2025?
| Model | Grade A (AED) | Grade B (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | AED 900–1,100 | AED 650–850 |
| iPhone 13 | AED 1,200–1,500 | AED 900–1,150 |
| iPhone 14 | AED 1,600–2,000 | AED 1,200–1,550 |
| iPhone 15 | AED 2,200–2,800 | AED 1,700–2,100 |
| iPhone 16 | AED 3,000–3,800 | AED 2,300–2,900 |
Prices vary by storage, colour, and condition. These are approximate market prices in the UAE for 2025.
Common Used iPhone Scams to Avoid
- The Switcharoo: Seller shows you a working iPhone, then boxes up a different (broken or fake) one when you are not watching. Always keep the phone in sight.
- The Post-Sale Report: Seller reports the phone stolen after you buy it to collect insurance. Their carrier blacklists the phone, which stops working in your hands. IMEI check before buying does not help with this — always pay by bank transfer or card for traceability.
- The iCloud Locker: Seller sells you a phone with Find My still on, then claims they forgot their password. You are stuck with an unusable brick. Always verify Find My is OFF.
- The Fake Specs: Phone is marketed as 256GB but is actually 64GB. Check in Settings → General → About → Capacity.
FAQ
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