Checklist for Buying a Second-Hand Smartphone
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Verify IMEI and original bill/box.
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Check screen, battery health, cameras, speakers/mics, charging port, buttons, and sensors.
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Ensure the phone isn’t iCloud/FRP-locked or blacklisted.
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Confirm 5G bands, OS updates, and service history.
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Factory-reset in front of you only after verifying everything.
1) Identity & theft-check
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IMEI match: Dial
*#06#and match IMEI with the box/bill; check both IMEIs for dual-SIM. -
Blacklist check: Use the Indian CEIR portal to ensure IMEI isn’t blocked (lost/stolen).
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Ownership proof: Original bill, seller’s ID name matches? Avoid “no bill” unless price reflects risk.
2) Screen & body
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Display: Full brightness—look for lines, dead pixels, yellowing, touch lag/ghost touch.
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Glass & frame: Check for bends, gaps, or non-OEM replacements.
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Water damage indicators: Some phones have visible LDI stickers (should be white, not red).
3) Battery & charging
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Battery health: iPhone shows % in Settings; Android varies (some brands show, else use manufacturer diagnostics).
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Charging: Test normal + fast charging if supported; wiggle cable to detect loose ports.
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Heat: Phone shouldn’t overheat during basic use.
4) Cameras & audio
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Rear & front cams: Photo/video in good light and low light; test autofocus and OIS/EIS.
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Mic & speakers: Record a voice note, play music, test earpiece during a call.
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Headphone & Bluetooth: Test pairing and wired output if port exists.
5) Buttons, sensors & connectivity
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Buttons: Power, volume, alert slider, fingerprint, face unlock.
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Sensors: Proximity (screen turns off near ear), gyro, compass; try a quick game/AR test if relevant.
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), mobile data, VoLTE/VoWiFi, GPS lock time, NFC (if needed), 5G bands used in India (n78, etc.).
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Dual-SIM: Test both slots.
6) Software status
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OS version & updates: Is the device still receiving security patches?
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Region/bootloader: Avoid rooted/bootloader-unlocked devices unless you know the risks.
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Accounts: Sign out of all accounts; ensure iCloud (Find My) or Google FRP is disabled before reset.
7) Storage & performance
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Storage health: Run a big file copy or camera burst to detect failing storage.
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RAM & multitasking: Open multiple apps quickly; watch for freezes.
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Sensors & diagnostics: Use the brand’s built-in diagnostic app/codes if available.
8) Price & warranty
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Compare market pricing by model, RAM/ROM, condition, and warranty left.
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If the back was opened (battery/screen replaced), ask who serviced it (authorised vs local).
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For refurbished units, ask for warranty terms and return window.
9) Payment & handover
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Verify the device thoroughly before you factory-reset it.
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Once satisfied, do a factory reset in front of you.
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Pay via traceable method; keep a written bill of sale with IMEI, condition, and accessories list.
Pro tip: If you can’t verify properly, walk away—especially from too-good-to-be-true deals.
