Buying a Second-Hand Phone From a Private Seller? Check These 9 Things First

Short answer: before you hand over money for a used phone, check it isn't locked to someone else's Apple ID or Google account, isn't blocked, has a healthy battery and a working screen, and will run on NZ's 4G networks. If you can't check those in person, the low price may not be worth the risk.

We test every phone that comes through TechCrazy, and this is the same list our technicians work through. It works whether you're meeting a seller in a carpark or browsing listings online.

1. Is it still signed in to the old owner's account?

This is the big one. An iPhone with Find My (Activation Lock) still on, or an Android with the previous owner's Google account (Factory Reset Protection), can't be set up by you. Ask the seller to sign out and factory reset it in front of you, then check it starts at the "Hello" or welcome screen.

2. Is the phone blocked?

Phones reported lost or stolen can be blocked by NZ networks using the IMEI number. Dial *#06# to show the IMEI and check it with your network before you pay.

3. Will it work on NZ networks now 3G is gone?

NZ's 3G networks have been switched off, so a phone now needs 4G and VoLTE (calling over 4G) to make normal calls. Some parallel-imported phones don't support VoLTE on NZ networks. See our 3G shutdown guide for how to check.

4. Is it network locked?

Pop your own SIM in. If it asks for an unlock code or says "SIM not supported", it's locked to another network.

5. How healthy is the battery?

On an iPhone, go to Settings › Battery › Battery Health. Below about 80% you'll notice it running flat faster. Android phones vary, so watch for heat and fast drops while you test it.

6. Screen, Face ID and cameras

Open a white screen and look for dead spots, burn-in or yellow patches. Test Face ID or the fingerprint reader, both cameras, the speaker, the microphone (make a short call) and the charging port.

7. Signs of water damage or repairs

Fogged cameras, a lifting screen or mismatched screws can all point to past damage. On recent iPhones, Settings › General › About can show a "parts and service history" for some repairs.

8. Proof it's theirs to sell

An original receipt or box with a matching IMEI is a good sign. A seller who won't let you test the phone is a sign to walk away.

9. What happens if it fails next month?

Usually nothing. A private sale normally comes without a warranty or returns, so you carry the risk if the battery dies or the screen starts flickering.

The other option: tested, graded and covered

Buying refurbished from a retailer means someone else has done the checklist for you. At TechCrazy every pre-owned phone is:

• Tested by our technicians, and graded As New, Very Good, Good or Acceptable for looks. The grade only describes cosmetic condition.
• Network unlocked, so it works with any NZ SIM.
• Covered by a 12-month warranty (6 months on Acceptable grade) plus 14-day returns.
• Easy to sort out at one of three Auckland stores if something goes wrong.

We also sell on Trade Me, where we have 18,000+ positive reviews. Browse refurbished iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones or all phones, or see how we test and grade.

Got an old phone of your own? TechBack will give you a quote online, and we confirm the final value after inspecting it in store.