1.
Check Coverage – Apple
Before making a purchase, you should check the coverage status of the iPhone.
This step helps you verify the device’s warranty, service eligibility, and whether
it’s a genuine Apple product or a refurbished one.
How to Check Coverage: Visit the Apple Coverage Check website. Enter the
iPhone’s serial number to view its coverage status. This will give you insights
into whether the phone is still under warranty and if it’s an original or a
refurbished model.
Why It Matters: A refurbished iPhone might not have the same value as a
new one, and knowing whether the device has had previous repairs can
influence your buying decision.
2. How to Check the Display
The display is one of the most critical components of an iPhone. Checking it
thoroughly can save you from future headaches.
What to Check: Inspect the display for any dead pixels, color accuracy, and
touch responsiveness. Verify the resolution and ensure that the screen
sensors (like the ambient light sensor) are functioning properly.
Why It Matters: A faulty display can affect your user experience. Issues like
color inconsistency or non-responsive touch can indicate underlying problems
that may require expensive repairs.
3. How to Check Battery Health
Battery health is a significant factor in determining the longevity and
performance of a used iPhone.
How to Check: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health on the iPhone. The
battery health should be above 85% for optimal performance. Anything below
this could mean the battery is degraded and might need a replacement soon.
Why It Matters: A degraded battery can lead to poor performance, shorter
battery life, and unexpected shutdowns. Ensuring the battery health is above
85% is crucial for getting the most out of your device.
4. Security Checks: Face ID, Touch ID, and More
Security features like Face ID, Touch ID, and the passcode system are essential
to check before buying a used iPhone.
What to Check: Ensure that Face ID or Touch ID works correctly. Also, check
if the device is locked with a passcode and if you can reset it. Make sure that
the phone’s biometric features are fully functional.
Why It Matters: Security features are vital for protecting your data. A
malfunctioning Face ID or Touch ID could indicate hardware issues, and a
device locked with an unknown passcode could be stolen.
5. Check Wi-Fi Reception and Network Performance
Connectivity is a key aspect of the iPhone experience, so make sure the device’s
Wi-Fi and network functions are working perfectly.
How to Check: Connect to a Wi-Fi network and test the signal strength.
Check if the device can maintain a stable connection and that data speeds
are as expected. Also, make a phone call to test the network reception.
Why It Matters: Poor Wi-Fi or network performance can be frustrating and
indicate possible hardware issues that might not be easily fixable.
6. Never Buy a JV iPhone
In the Pakistani market, JV (Japan Variant) iPhones are often sold at a lower
price, but they come with [Link] to Check a Used iPhone Before Buying
What to Know: JV iPhones typically have network restrictions and may not
work with all SIM cards in Pakistan. These iPhones are usually locked to
specific carriers in Japan and require software workarounds that can cause
problems.
Why It Matters: Avoid buying JV iPhones because they may have
compatibility issues, making them unreliable for everyday use in Pakistan.
7. Verify the IMEI on the SIM Tray
The IMEI number is unique to every iPhone and can reveal crucial information
about the device.
How to Check: Compare the IMEI number on the SIM tray with the one in the
Settings app (Settings > General > About). They should match. Additionally,
verify the IMEI on the PTA website.
Why It Matters: A mismatch in IMEI numbers could indicate that the phone
has been tampered with, which could lead to legal issues or a non-functional
device.
8. Check PTA Compliance How to Check a Used iPhone Before
Buying
In Pakistan, it’s essential to ensure that the iPhone is PTA-approved. A non-PTA-
approved iPhone can be blocked, rendering it unusable with local networks.
How to Check: Visit the PTA website and enter the device’s IMEI number.
The site will inform you if the device is PTA-compliant.
Why It Matters: PTA compliance is mandatory for using mobile devices in
Pakistan. Non-compliance can result in the phone being blocked, which
means you won’t be able to use it with any Pakistani SIM card.
9. Test True Tone
True Tone is an advanced feature that adjusts the display according to the
surrounding light. It’s available on newer iPhone models and can greatly
enhance your viewing experience.
How to Check: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and toggle the True
Tone setting on and off. Observe how the display adapts to the light around
you.
Why It Matters: True Tone enhances visual comfort and display accuracy. If
this feature isn’t working correctly, it could indicate a problem with the
display or light sensors.
10. Refurbish Check
Refurbished iPhones are pre-owned devices that have been restored to factory
settings and are often resold at a lower price.
How to Check: Aside from using the Apple Coverage Check tool, you can
also identify a refurbished iPhone by looking at the model number.
Refurbished models typically have an “F” at the beginning of the model
number.
Why It Matters: Knowing if the iPhone is refurbished helps you determine its
true value. Refurbished phones can be a good deal, but they should be priced
lower than new models.
Conclusion: Don’t Get Scammed!
Buying a used iPhone in Pakistan can be a smart decision, but only if you take
the right steps to ensure you’re getting a genuine, fully functional device. Use
this guide to check the iPhone thoroughly before making a purchase, and always
verify its PTA compliance to avoid any future issues.
For more detailed guidance, check out my YouTube video where I explain each
step in detail, helping you make an informed decision and avoid getting
scammed.