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Make It Last

Buying used tech without getting burned

By Editorial Team Published 2 min read
os general tested 2026-09-09 retest 2027-03 by editorial team
Quick Fix
01 Two checks stop most bad buys: on a phone, verify the IMEI isn't blacklisted (carrier site or a checker) and battery health is 85%+; on a laptop, confirm it powers on, the screen is clean, and it's signed out of all accounts (no activation lock).
02 And always pay with a method that has buyer protection — never wire, crypto or gift cards.
tested general · 2026-09-09

Buying used is one of the most sensible ways to keep good hardware in service and save money — as long as you check the right things before handing over cash. Here’s the checklist.

Every used device: five checks

  1. Verify the seller. Reputable platform or a person who’ll meet in public? A seller who can’t provide the serial number or proof of purchase is a red flag.
  2. Confirm it’s clean. Not stolen, not locked to someone else’s account.
  3. Check condition and function. Physically and in software.
  4. Confirm what’s included — charger, cables, original box if it matters.
  5. Pay safely — a method with chargeback rights.

Used phones

  • IMEI check. Dial *#06# to get the IMEI, then check it isn’t blacklisted/reported stolen (carrier sites or a reputable checker). A blacklisted phone can’t be activated — this is the most important check.
  • Activation lock. Make sure it’s signed out of iCloud (iPhone) or the Google account (Android). A phone still locked to the seller’s account is a paperweight.
  • Battery health. On iPhone, Settings > Battery > Battery Health — aim for 85%+. On Android, check battery health where available.
  • Security support. Check the model in the tracker — a cheap phone with six months of updates left is a false economy.
  • Function test: screen (dead pixels, touch), cameras, speakers, mic, charging port, Wi-Fi, mobile signal.

Used laptops

  • Powers on and boots to a clean, genuine OS — not a locked account or a suspicious install.
  • Screen — check for dead pixels, flicker, discoloration or lines.
  • Body and hinge — cracks and a loose hinge suggest hard use; some wear is normal.
  • Battery — ask how long it lasts; a worn battery is a cheap fix but factor it in.
  • Ports, keyboard, trackpad, fans — test them all; listen for a grinding fan.
  • Security support — confirm the OS it runs still gets updates.

Scams to dodge

  • Off-platform payment. Never pay by wire transfer, crypto, gift card or friends-and-family — these remove all buyer protection. Use a method with chargeback rights.
  • Too-good deals on unknown sites. Check reviews and how long the domain has existed; a site registered weeks ago is a warning sign.
  • Fake listings using stock photos, asking for payment upfront before you’ve seen the device.
  • “Can’t meet, I’ll ship it” from a private seller who wants payment first — insist on a tracked, protected transaction.

Where refurbished shines

Manufacturer-refurbished and reputable-marketplace refurbished devices come with warranties and are verified — often the sweet spot between price and peace of mind, and a natural fit for keeping good hardware in use.

Frequently asked questions

Is refurbished as good as new?

Manufacturer-refurbished usually is, with a warranty and often a new battery. “Seller refurbished” varies — check what was actually replaced.

How do I check an IMEI?

Dial *#06# on the phone, then run the number through your carrier’s checker or a trusted marketplace’s tool to confirm it’s not blacklisted.

What’s a fair price?

Compare completed sales for the exact model and condition on a reputable marketplace. If a deal is far below that, ask why.

Sources