Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Before paying for a used iPhone, ask for its serial number and check coverage with Apple, confirm Activation Lock is off, and get clear details about battery health, repairs, carrier lock, and returns. A serial-number lookup does not reveal cosmetic condition or prove that every feature works, so plan to inspect the phone as soon as it arrives.
Before you pay: check the seller, listing, and return terms
Apple recommends buying from a reliable seller. Ask whether the seller certifies preowned phones and what that certification covers. Request specific answers about visible damage, battery health, and repair history rather than relying on a general condition grade.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read the return policy before ordering. Find the return deadline, which conditions qualify for a return, and the required method. A return window matters because you may not be able to inspect the phone fully before it is shipped.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Check the iPhone’s coverage by serial number
Ask the seller for the iPhone’s serial number, then enter it on Apple’s View Coverage page. Compare the coverage and benefits shown with the seller’s claims, and save the result with the listing details. Coverage is specific to the device and can change over time.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
The lookup is not a physical inspection, proof of the seller’s identity, or confirmation that Activation Lock is off. If available, ask for purchase and service documentation as well.
What Apple’s warranty does—and does not—cover
Apple says its Limited Warranty covers manufacturing issues for one year from the product’s purchase date. It excludes accidental damage and batteries that wear down through normal use, and it is in addition to consumer-law rights in the buyer’s country or region. Apple also says its service and replacement parts are guaranteed for 90 days or the remaining warranty term, whichever is longer. These are the stated warranty terms, not a promise that a particular used iPhone has coverage remaining; check that device’s status through Apple’s portal. See Apple’s iPhone service and repair information.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
AppleCare is separate from existing warranty coverage. Eligibility and plan availability vary by country or region and device; Apple says checking eligibility may involve a remote device check, photos, or an Apple Store inspection. Check the specific iPhone’s eligibility through Apple’s AppleCare eligibility guidance rather than assuming a used phone can be enrolled.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Make sure Activation Lock is off
Ask the seller to remove their account and erase the iPhone. If you can see it before purchase, confirm that setup proceeds without an “iPhone Locked to Owner” screen. Apple’s instruction is direct: “Don’t buy an iPhone if Activation Lock is enabled.” If an iPhone bought online displays that screen, Apple says to return it. Do not rely on a seller’s promise to remove the lock later. See Apple’s preowned iPhone buying guidance.
Rank #3
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Ask about battery health and repair history
Battery health
If the seller can show the iPhone unlocked and set up, open Settings > Battery > Battery Health. On iOS 16.1 and later, Apple labels the page Battery Health & Charging. iPhone 6 and later running iOS 11.3 and later can show maximum capacity and important battery messages, including warnings about degraded health.
A reading may be unavailable for an unknown or nongenuine battery. Its absence is not evidence that the battery is healthy; ask the seller why the information is missing. Apple’s preowned iPhone guide describes the battery check.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Parts and Service History
On iOS 15.2 or later, open Settings > General > About and look for Parts and Service History. Depending on the model and repair, it may show service information for the battery, display, logic board, front camera, or rear cameras.
- Genuine means the repair used genuine Apple parts and processes.
- Unknown can mean a part is nongenuine, malfunctioning, unverified, modified, or otherwise unverifiable.
- Unverified indicates a previously replaced logic board; Apple says this can affect features such as Apple Pay.
- Used identifies a part that was already used or installed in another iPhone.
Apple says only the most recent service appears when a part has been serviced more than once, and the section may not appear for every phone. A missing section does not establish that the iPhone has never been repaired. Apple also notes that an Unknown part might affect trade-in value. For details on labels and supported models, see Apple’s Parts and Service History guide.
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Check carrier lock and compatibility
On the iPhone, open Settings > General > About and check Carrier Lock. Apple says No SIM restrictions means the phone is unlocked. If a carrier is shown, the phone can be used only with that carrier. Confirm compatibility with your intended carrier before buying; a phone that works on one network may not work on yours.
Inspect the phone when it arrives
Remove the case and compare the iPhone with the listing and the seller’s condition description. Check the display, sides, and back for scratches, scuffs, dents, or other damage. Look for damage or debris in the charging connector. Confirm that the phone turns on and charges; Apple advises against buying one that will not charge.
After setup, test the buttons, camera with photos and video, speakers, microphone, and display brightness. These checks can reveal problems but are not a professional diagnostic. Inspect promptly so there is time to act within the seller’s return window.
If the condition differs from the listing or the phone has a problem, follow the seller’s return terms. Keep screenshots of the listing and copies of your communications in case you need to explain the discrepancy.
Compare listings using the same checks
When choosing between two or more iPhones, compare the evidence rather than relying on condition labels alone. Apple does not provide a universal numerical grading scale for used-device condition.
Quick Recap
- Coverage shown by Apple and any available purchase documentation.
- Confirmation that Activation Lock is off and whether Carrier Lock shows No SIM restrictions.
- Battery-health reading or warning, including whether a reading is unavailable.
- Parts and Service History labels and which parts the phone reports.
- Cosmetic condition and which functions the seller has demonstrated.
- Seller certification details, return deadline, eligible reasons, and return method.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
