Question before buying a iphone that needs repairing

[alberto2345]

Hi,

I've seen a guy selling iphones that have the screen smashed and I thought I'd repair the screen to resell or use as another phone.
I'm not an Apple user, so I don't know much about the software and hardware, but I want to make sure that its only the screen that is broken and nothing else.
I was told that they have been restored to wipe the data off them, but when I asked if everything else works and if there is a way to check it, he said that the iphone would not have restored if things like the sim slot, networking, etc weren't working.
is this true? I have a feeling that its not, but wanted to make sure so I thought I'd ask here.

 

[Ffosse]

Does it switch on at all?

I wouldn't bother with it but ymmv.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Hi,

I've seen a guy selling iphones that have the screen smashed and I thought I'd repair the screen to resell or use as another phone.
I'm not an Apple user, so I don't know much about the software and hardware, but I want to make sure that its only the screen that is broken and nothing else.
I was told that they have been restored to wipe the data off them, but when I asked if everything else works and if there is a way to check it, he said that the iphone would not have restored if things like the sim slot, networking, etc weren't working.
is this true? I have a feeling that its not, but wanted to make sure so I thought I'd ask here.

You would have to trust these people and I would NOT!

 

[Brandonjr36]

if you can't turn it on you don't know if has an iCloud or passcode on it.

 

[yanki01]

I wouldn't even bother.

 

[bufffilm]

If the seller cannot guarranty certain basic functions, do you really want to take the chance buying it?

Look elsewhere.

 

[nostresshere]

I would not get near this at all.

BUT - if you are, the first I would do is check the current market prices for that phone to see what you could reasonably be able to sell it for.

Then, check what it would cost you to repair the broken part.

Then, ask yourself - why is that person not fixing and selling it?

You are still taking a risk the device is locked to either a carrier - or locked totally if it still belongs to somebody else.

 

[bufffilm]

Moreover, these broken phones are really for people looking to take components out to transplant to other phones.

They are not phones where you can replace the screen and presto you have a functional phone.

You have been warned. Proceed if you are foolish.

 

[0007776]

he said that the iphone would not have restored if things like the sim slot, networking, etc weren't working.

No that is not true, you could have other issues besides the screen and it would work well enough to restore. It also could be iCloud locked so you can't do anything with it.

 

[alberto2345]

Thanks for all the replies, they are all really helpful. I dont think ill take the risk. I might have if he had a better answer than saying that the phone wouldnt have restored if things werent working properly lol.
Thanks again!

 

[Applejuiced]

I wouldn't buy someone else's problem and hope I can fix it in order to sale it.
You can get into it with way much time and money than it's worth.

 

[alberto2345]

I wouldn't buy someone else's problem and hope I can fix it in order to sale it.
You can get into it with way much time and money than it's worth.

Anything you would recommend to look for in order to get into it?

 

[Applejuiced]

Anything you would recommend to look for in order to get into it?

Depends how good you are with taking electronics apart and troubleshooting hardware faults.
If you have availability of cheap used replacement parts or cheaper 3rd party screens and other internal components.

 

[alberto2345]

Depends how good you are with taking electronics apart and troubleshooting hardware faults.
If you have availability of cheap used replacement parts or cheaper 3rd party screens and other internal components.

Taking apart electronics isn't really an issue. I have been doing it for awhile and I always want to learn more. I always do alot of research about taking apart the product before diving right in.
If I need parts, I usually look on eBay or AliExpress. They are normally cheaper than any of the parts that I could find at markets and electronic stores.

 

[Applejuiced]

Taking apart electronics isn't really an issue. I have been doing it for awhile and I always want to learn more. I always do alot of research about taking apart the product before diving right in.
If I need parts, I usually look on eBay or AliExpress. They are normally cheaper than any of the parts that I could find at markets and electronic stores.

Give it a shot then and see how it goes.
You wont know until you get your feet wet and start troubleshooting and working on repairs and replacement parts.
If you keep buying parts that they might not be needed just to test out it can get expensive so you will have to figure out if its worth your time, effort and money spend.
And if the end it results in any profit or loss made and take it from there.