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Looking for tips about buying a used 6 or 6S
- Thread starter Ratatapa
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As someone who's been burned 2/3 times I've bought used iPhones, I don't recommend it.
Check the refurb section via Apple.
Check the refurb section via Apple.
Good point. Apple's refurbished program offers a nearly new iPhone with the warranty. There White Box program seems fairly consistent.
All three of mine came from Swappa. One came in far worse condition than advertised. The other came with a pile of scratches on the screen and activation locked, which took over a week to sort out with Apple.
The third was fine. All three sellers had 10+ 5 star ratings.
I've had the same luck. Swappa is great to sell phones , but sometimes buying one can be a pain. I'm about 2/5 for great buying experiences. If you can find one with AppleCare+ on it, go that route. That way you're covered.
Anyone asking about tips should always check for activation lock prior to purchase:
https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/
https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/
Saved you the time then. Perhaps it was a good thing. Good luck finding the iPhone you want.
I've purchased four iPhones on Swappa in the past. One was sold as mint, but scratched beyond belief, two were iCloud locked, and one was still active on a Verizon account. You'll eventually get your money back, without return shipping, but it's not worth the hassle. Buy the refurb from Apple. They even come with brand new batteries.
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Haven't checked lately, but Swappa use to tell its sellers to not disclose either IMEI or serial numbers to prospective buyers.
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Haven't checked lately, but Swappa use to tell its sellers to not disclose either IMEI or serial numbers to prospective buyers.
Well, this advice comes directly from Apple. Anyone who refuses to comply with Apple's advice will never get a sale from me, in fact it would make me think they're trying to hide something.
The previous owner will have to transfer AppleCare+ to your name. Otherwise you won't get it.
Very true. One of the many hidden issues buyers are not aware of.
The first point means doing the sale at one of the carrier's stores so you can verify that the phone is not on any kind of contract or financing program. I wouldn't sweat the receipt but I'd make sure that in addition to being free on the carrier that the phone has no activation lock still on (signed out of iCloud).
AppleCare+ stays with the phone. It's best to get it transferred though (as the previous owner could get a refund without you knowing). And, it can only be transferred once. So if you resell it, the 3rd owner will have coverage, but it won't be in their name. You'd just have to submit the plan confirmation number if requested.