Buying second hand mobile phones is a great way to save money. Though despite the savings, there are always a few risks. Not every device is in perfect working condition.Every time a mobile phone changes hands there’s a chance it won’t stay in the same working order. This holds true for all used handsets, no matter their age.So when shopping for second hand mobile phones, you want to ensure what you’re buying is high quality. To help make your purchase stress free, here are seven smart essentials to keep in mind when purchasing your next used smartphone.
A driving factor behind buying second hand mobile phones is saving money. So obviously, price is very important to consider. You should approach the buying process like a used phone reseller.How do you get the cheapest second hand mobile phones?
One of the biggest risks of buying second hand mobile phones is finding out it has a bad IMEI. The IMEI is a unique serial number specific to each and every phone. If the IMEI is bad, it renders the phone worthless.Bad IMEIs come from phones that were lost or stolen. Or less frequently, the previous phone owner still owes money on their mobile service contract.To avoid this issue, ask the seller to send a photo of the IMEI, so you can ensure it’s clean. Next, use a mobile diagnostic app to make sure the IMEI isn’t flagged as “bad.” If the seller refuses your request, always walk away.
If you’re in the market for second hand iPhones, you’ll need to take extra precautions. Apple’s iCloud lock service allows customers to remotely lock their phones.The issue being, sellers of lost or stolen phones, or just forgetful sellers, won’t have the credentials to bypass the iCloud lock.If the iPhone you’re purchasing has the “Find My iPhone” activation lock status on, ask the seller to unlock the phone. If they can’t, move on.
Make sure any phone you buy is free from the previous user’s data. This protects both yourself, and the seller, from sharing anything private.Consider using mobile diagnostic apps that perform mobile data erasure. They’ll ensure all of the phone’s data is wiped, down to the smallest file.
This aspect of buying second hand mobile phones is often overlooked. The carrier or phone manufacturer often locks their handsets to specific networks.For example, if you buy a used smartphone with Verizon as the carrier, they’ll attempt to lock you into a Verizon contract.However, you can compel carriers to provide you with unlock codes that allow your phone to function on an expanded amount of wireless networks.
The functionality of the phone is a crucial part of buying second hand mobile phones. Phones that are priced to sell often have hidden hardware and software damage you can’t find from a quick inspection.Running a full mobile diagnostic test will allow you to know the phone is 100 percent functional. Which brings us to...
Not many people are aware, but there are third-party certifications that ensure any used mobile device is worth your money. Sellers want to give their customers 100 percent confidence to buy.A third-party mobile certification covers . . .
Purchasing from a seller who provides a mobile certificate guarantee is one of the safest ways to shop for a used mobile phone.When buying second hand mobile phones, make smart choices and stay wary of sellers with no descriptions, few images, and no IMEI numbers. If you take your time and take these tips into consideration, you’ll walk away with a great deal.
