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What Is Mobile Device Certification and Why Is It Important?

There's no denying that mobile device certification plays a big role in the secondary market. It makes buyers and sellers more confident.

As a used phone reseller, you can rest easy knowing that the phones you put up for sale are in a good working condition, haven't been stolen, and aren't under a lease. Thanks to thorough testing and third-party certification, buyers can come to you knowing they get value. There's no need to worry about Apple ID locks, bad batteries, or device authenticity.

Even if you receive thousands of tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices, the best part is that you can perform diagnostic tests quickly and easily with advanced all-in-one certification tools.

In this article, you'll learn about various mobile device certification tests, why you should certify, and what you can expect from Phonecheck's certification services.

What is mobile device certification?

A mobile device certification is an audit program used to verify that a particular used mobile phone has undergone diagnostic and data removal tests. These tests confirm hardware integrity and the authenticity of the device's make, model, and operating system (OS). Moreover, it confirms that sensitive information has been erased using a data destruction process that meets certain regulations. Data irrecoverability is a key factor in the certification.

Other points considered to certify a mobile phone include IMEI and network compatibility tests. Certified professionals who handle the tests for mobile phones possess the SANS institute's GMOB (GIAC mobile device security analyst) and CMDSP (certified mobile device security professional).

When do you need mobile device certification? 

When it comes to buying and selling pre-owned devices, it's essential to make sure that the item is in good working order — this is where mobile device certification comes into play. Third-party certification programs ensure diagnostic device tests comply with specific rules. In this way, resellers and buyers of used phones don't need to worry about the device's condition before entering into transactions.

Most importantly, certification is a surefire way to increase the resale value of iOS and Android devices. So, as a used phone retailer, it makes sense to get your devices certified by Phonecheck.

Another key benefit for the buyer is that certification shows that a particular device works flawlessly with multiple network providers, assuring connectivity. Device manufacturers typically follow particular configuration standards to ensure that devices are compatible with various mobile network platforms.

What does mobile device certification test for?

Certification tests cover a wide selection of technical aspects that ensure a device functions properly. These items include battery health, Apple ID locks, and hardware functionality. Figuring out whether anything is wrong with the phone is the trick. Having this information at your fingertips helps you decide if the device needs minor or major fixes to pass certification tests.

Below, we look at some of these diagnostic tests.

Phone make, model, memory, and OS version 

Certification tests also cover phone make, model, operating system (OS) version, and device memory to ensure end users get the best product and experience. For instance, jailbroken phones (software restrictions removed) are ineligible for resale. Meanwhile, hacked phones introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities to the operating system and can’t pass mobile security certifications tests.

By verifying the OS version, phone make, and model number, it's easier to determine whether the device is authentic. If you're a used phone reseller, the last thing you want is to deal with fake devices or phones with fake OEM (original equipment manufacturer) components.

So, it's prudent to rely on Phonecheck to check the devices or the components for authenticity. The service provider can produce accurate results, allowing you to see whether non-OEM parts appear on any devices that you receive.

Hardware functionality 

Although mobile technologies are built to last, they don’t work perfectly forever. Over time, you'll notice significant changes to the hardware condition and performance of the operating system. They're prone to physical damage due to accidental shocks and scratches.

Components like speakers, cameras, and the touch screen can also take a beating from continuous use. These changes apply to all mobile devices irrespective of the manufacturer or operating system. The average consumer can do little about common wear and tear besides buying a new device.

Fortunately, there's still a way for resellers to make some money from pre-owned devices. All it takes is thorough tests to determine the hardware's condition. Most used devices come with minor issues that don't require extensive repairs. With a few fixes, you can get a phone working and looking good as new. Then the devices undergo certification tests to make sure that all hardware components meet the minimum required standards for resale.

Although it's possible to test hardware using an internal feature in Android and iOS devices, this approach is impractical when you're a phone reseller. Thankfully, an automated solution like Phonecheck is the right tool to simplify hardware diagnostic tests and certification.

Once a device is certified, you can sell it confidently, knowing that the buyer gets value for money and a positive mobile experience.

Apple ID locks 

When you want to buy or sell an iOS device, make sure it isn't locked. An Apple ID allows users to access a wide selection of services like FaceTime, iCloud, the App Store, and Apple Music. The authentication details also include an email address and password for signing into Apple services or platforms. So, these details are vital when selling the device to a new owner because a locked Apple ID makes it impossible to access crucial mobile apps.

Therefore, the previous owner of an iOS device should reset it to factory settings to remove locking features and passwords. Mobile device certification tests can detect app locks automatically so they’re easy to identify. You don't want to keep locked devices in your inventory.

Phonecheck is capable of deploying advanced lock detection features to help you make informed device buying and selling decisions — a non-negotiable prerequisite.

Lost, stolen, or financed devices 

With countless used phones appearing on the secondary market, it's important to check that devices you buy and sell at your shop aren't lost, stolen, or still on a lease. If the previous owner hasn't paid all financial obligations linked to the device, you can't afford to ignore such an issue. The owner must pay off the remaining balance before reselling it.

On the other hand, you wouldn't want stolen devices in your stock. So, double-checking the blacklist and SIM lock status is a no-brainer for your organization. A stolen or blacklisted device is worthless to your business and customers, as it can't work on any mobile network.

Phonecheck's all-in-one certification solution can detect financed devices that don't qualify for resale. The good thing is that you can quickly and easily check the status of many phones. This feature is especially valuable when you buy and sell phones in bulk.

Any IMEI number allows the diagnostic tool to detect the device warranty, mobile device management (MDM) locks, previous owner's details, current career locks, and purchase date.

Battery health 

A battery's capacity to hold charge degrades as it chemically ages. So, checking battery health is a mandatory step when buying and selling pre-owned devices. You can diagnose your batteries based on performance capability and battery capacity metrics. Selling a phone with a bad battery is the last thing you'd want to do. Besides, you can't certify a device if a key hardware component like the battery isn't in good working order.

Automation of diagnostics allows you to test the batteries of multiple devices with ease. You may find devices with normal battery capacity, typically around 80% of their original capacity after 500 charge cycles. Some batteries may have a lower capacity (less than 80% of the original capacity). In such a case, you need to replace the batteries to pass certification tests.

Another way to detect bad batteries is to check for damage or swelling. When you notice swelling on a battery, the case or device screen is warping and bulging around the battery. A battery can also fail the health test if it doesn't fully charge or runs hot during charging. 

Depending on the type of certification tests or software used to determine battery health, it might be possible to tell how many charge cycles the battery went through.

If the device data has been securely erased and restored 

Protecting the privacy of previous owners is a big deal in the secondary market for mobile devices. You can't afford to pass a device to a new owner without completely wiping sensitive data from the phone memory and removable storage spaces. This step is one of the most important prerequisites for mobile device certification.

Performing a factory reset alone doesn't erase all the sensitive data from a device. So, it's advisable to rely on Phonecheck's data eraser to ensure that login credentials (for email, banking, and social media accounts), web browsing history, credit card details, photos, and other personal data become irrecoverable. As a used phone merchant, you can be liable for failing to erase users' data from devices.

What's good is that mobile device certification tools typically come with integrated data wipe software to help you automate data removal from multiple devices simultaneously. You'll have a much easier time complying with federal and state regulations. Asset disposal and information security alliance (ADISA) provides guidelines on how you should go about deleting confidential information from devices. On the other hand, mobile device security professionals recommend taking these steps to maximize data security.

Why should you certify used devices?

When someone buys a pre-owned mobile device, they expect it to work properly. With this in mind, it's important to test the devices thoroughly and get a third-party certification. In doing so, it becomes easier to instill confidence in the buyers.

A mobile device certification stamp issued by Phonecheck provides the guarantee that buyers need. This device-certification can reduce returns and boost customer satisfaction.

It proves that the device comes with reliable hardware and operating system — and doesn't contain sensitive user data. Another critical consideration is the device's ability to establish voice and data connections (Wi-Fi and LTE).

Increase resale value 

When you sell quality, certified used devices, you can confidently charge your customers what the phones are truly worth. Likewise, you're sure to reduce returns because the devices come with quality hardware and operating systems.

A certification label on your devices shows that you adhere to specific standards when inspecting and testing pre-owned smartphones. Mobile device certification boosts your company's reputation and competitive advantage. Consumers will associate your business with quality devices.

Phonecheck's smartphone certification is undoubtedly a mark of quality and compliance.

Transparency protects buyers and sellers 

Third-party used phone certification provides an easier way for buyers and sellers to determine the status of a phone. So, both parties can take advantage of transparent device audits and certification processes to build trust. 

Phones with certification provide proof of compliance with regulatory requirements concerning the condition of the phone's hardware, OS, IMEI status, repair history, SIM lock, and other parameters.

Get all-in-one certification for used mobile devices with Phonecheck

Now that you know how important mobile device certification is, you'll want to take advantage of Phonecheck's all-in-one certification service. The platform makes it easier to automate data wipes, diagnostics, IMEI checks, lock detection, and device certification with accuracy and speed.

If you want to discover the true power of Phonecheck's enterprise diagnostics and used device certification, check out the product demo today.

Phonecheck Certified History Reports are a must-have for used devices. By ordering a history report from Phonecheck.com for about the cost of a cup of coffee, you can avoid costly hidden issues.

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