Any tips on buying an used iPhone from a pawnshop? (besides iCloud)

[FallenLegend]

Hello everyone I'm considering buying an iphone 6 from a pawnshop as I don't want to have a contract nor I can afford any of the newest models (right now). I might be able to afford a new iPhone 5s though... However I would like some tips to make sure the phone is actually usable and a good deal before buying it from a pawnshop

Checking that it doesn't have iCloud its a must of course. But what else should I be aware of?

How can I know it wasn't reported as stolen? (besides iCloud). As those phones aren't usable for any carriers.
How can I know it's remaining battery life is still worth it? If the previous owner gave it a heavy use it might not be worth it as it would just die and replacing the battery is just an unnesesay expense.

What else should I be aware of?

P.d I don't live in the USA.

Thank you

 

[lordofthereef]

If the pawn shop allows you to add your Apple ID to it in order to test, I'd go that route. This will let you know whether or not the Touch ID has ever been replaced (unofficial repairs and replacements disable the Touch ID).

At this point you can also install any number of battery apps that will tell you cycle count. Obviously, the lowest count is better.

I don't know that there is any reliable way to check if a device has ever been reported stolen. Generally speaking that is a lower risk assuming there is nothing else wrong with the device and it is not iCloud locked. If at all possible, choose devices that come with a box where the sticker marched the imei of the device; it's very unlikely a stolen/lost phone would have a matching box.

 

[FallenLegend]

If the pawn shop allows you to add your Apple ID to it in order to test, I'd go that route. This will let you know whether or not the Touch ID has ever been replaced (unofficial repairs and replacements disable the Touch ID).

At this point you can also install any number of battery apps that will tell you cycle count. Obviously, the lowest count is better.

I don't know that there is any reliable way to check if a device has ever been reported stolen. Generally speaking that is a lower risk assuming there is nothing else wrong with the device and it is not iCloud locked. If at all possible, choose devices that come with a box where the sticker marched the imei of the device; it's very unlikely a stolen/lost phone would have a matching box.

Great tips. Thank you.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Hopefully they would allow you to bring it back if found defective within so many days.

 

[willmtaylor]

IMEI check would be a good idea. Unless you never plan to use it in the U.S.

 

[Sunny1990]

That seems Las Vegas based pawn shop

 

[FallenLegend]

Yeah you haven't watched pawn stars?

That seems Las Vegas based pawn shop

Thanks.

Hopefully they would allow you to bring it back if found defective within so many days.

IMEI check would be a good idea. Unless you never plan to use it in the U.S.

 

[rijc99]

Learn where the liquid contact indicators are for the model of phone you want to buy and check them closely.

Check all the buttons. Make a test call on both internal earpiece and speaker. Make sure the mic works.

Turn the brightness to both extremes. Look for dead pixels and uneven lightning.

https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/

 

[HEK]

Could you afford a new SE? So many potential pitfalls when buying used. Usually pawn shops don't offer return policies.

Ask your self if you can afford to spend and loose money on a pawn shop phone. Perhaps saving for a month or two and getting a new phone from Apple Store, with warranty, exchange rights, doesn't that make more sense. I hate to see you loose money and/or have hassles.

 

[bufffilm]

I highly doubt that any pawnshop would allow you to run thru all the suggested checks on the iPhone before buying it.

So in other words...forget it.

 

[Beenblacklisted]

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