Checklist
Second Hand iPhone Checklist: 10 Checks Before You Buy
Every check comes from Apple support or the Government of India
Last checked: 28 September 2026
Buying a used iPhone from an owner is the cheapest way to get one — and the riskiest if you skip the checks. Do these ten things before any money changes hands. It takes about 15 minutes.
- 1
Check the IMEI is not stolen or blocked
Dial *#06# to see the IMEI. Then SMS KYM <15-digit IMEI> to 14422, or use the Sanchar Saathi website/app ("Know genuineness of your mobile handset"). A "blocked" or "invalid" result means walk away.
- 2
Match the IMEI everywhere
The IMEI from *#06#, in Settings > General > About, on the box and on the bill should all be the same.
- 3
Activation Lock must be off
Apple says: don't buy an iPhone if Activation Lock is on. Ask the seller to sign out of their Apple ID and erase the phone in front of you. If the phone shows "iPhone Locked to Owner", only the seller's password can unlock it. Apple no longer offers a public online lock checker — ignore third-party "iCloud check" sites.
- 4
Parts and Service History
Settings > General > About. Look for "Unknown Part" (non-genuine or unverified) on the battery, display or camera. On iPhone 15 and later with iOS 18+, "Used" means the part came from another iPhone.
- 5
Battery health
Settings > Battery > Battery Health. iPhone 14 and earlier are designed to keep 80% capacity at 500 cycles; iPhone 15 and later at 1,000 cycles (cycle count is shown on iPhone 15+). No health reading at all usually means a non-genuine battery.
- 6
Carrier lock
Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions". Test with your own SIM.
- 7
Warranty left
Enter the serial number at checkcoverage.apple.com, or see Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty.
- 8
Test the hardware
Face ID / Touch ID, both cameras and the flash, speakers and mic (make a call), charging port, buttons, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and look at the screen on a white page for dead pixels or yellowing.
- 9
Look for damage
Bent frame, cracked back glass, water-damage signs, loose buttons. Liquid damage is excluded from almost every warranty.
- 10
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a second hand iPhone is stolen in India?
Get the IMEI by dialling *#06#, then SMS "KYM <IMEI>" to 14422 or use the government's Sanchar Saathi website or app. It tells you the brand and model, or that the IMEI is blocked or invalid.
How to check a second hand iPhone is original?
Check Settings > General > About > Parts and Service History for "Unknown Part", confirm the model and serial on checkcoverage.apple.com, and make sure the IMEI matches on the box, the bill and *#06#.
Second hand iPhone lene se pahle kya dekhe?
*#06# se IMEI nikaalo aur 14422 par "KYM <IMEI>" SMS karo — blocked aaye toh mat lo. Seller ko saamne Apple ID se sign out karke phone erase karne bolo. Battery health, Parts and Service History aur camera/Face ID check karo. Paisa sab check hone ke baad hi do.
What battery health is good for a used iPhone?
A common rule of thumb is above 85% for a phone you want to keep for a while. Apple designs iPhone 14 and earlier to keep 80% at 500 cycles and iPhone 15 and later at 1,000 cycles — below 80% means a battery replacement soon.
Found the right iPhone? Bid for it.
Browse iPhones from owners on Bids44, bid instead of haggling, and use this checklist when you meet.
Browse Bids44 →Want a warranty instead? Where to buy a refurbished iPhone
Sources (checked 28 Sep 2026)
Platform terms change often — confirm warranty and return details on the seller's own page before you pay.