A calm, step-by-step guide to buying safely

You've tried everything to recover it. Now it's time to move forward safely. We'll walk you through how to buy a used or refurbished phone without getting scammed.

Losing your phone is stressful enough – you don't need to worry about buying a stolen, blacklisted, or broken device. Below, we'll cover exactly what to check, where to shop, and how to protect yourself at every step.

Step 1: Always Verify the IMEI First

Before you even consider buying, ask the seller for the phone's IMEI number. Then check it immediately to verify:

• The device isn't blacklisted (reported stolen or lost)
• The IMEI matches the model being sold
• Find My iPhone is disabled (for iPhones)
• No activation lock is preventing use

If a seller won't provide the IMEI before purchase, walk away. This is a major red flag.

Step 2: Choose Trusted Sellers

Stick to platforms with buyer protection and verified sellers:

• Amazon Renewed: Certified refurbished devices with warranty and return policy
• eBay: Look for Top Rated Plus sellers with high ratings and return policy
• Swappa: Pre-verified phones with strict seller requirements
• Back Market: Refurbished electronics with warranty coverage

These platforms have systems in place to protect you if something goes wrong.

Step 3: Look for Warranty, Return Policy, and Seller Ratings

Don't skip the fine print. A safe purchase includes:

• Warranty: At least 30-90 days on refurbished devices
• Return policy: Clear terms allowing returns within 14-30 days
• Seller ratings: 95%+ positive feedback with recent reviews
• Detailed descriptions: Battery health, cosmetic condition, and included accessories

If any of these are missing, it's worth shopping elsewhere.

Step 4: Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

Red flags that should make you walk away:

• Price significantly lower than market value
• Seller wants to meet in person and avoid platform protection
• Urgency tactics ("must sell today", "first person wins")
• No IMEI provided or seller hesitates to share it
• Payment requested outside the platform (Venmo, Cash App, wire transfer)
• Generic stock photos instead of actual device photos

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

Step 5: Budget-Friendly Renewed Options

You don't need the latest model. These recent iPhones offer excellent value:

• iPhone 12 series: Great performance, still supported, affordable renewed pricing
• iPhone 13 series: Excellent cameras, faster processor, great value
• iPhone 14 series: Newer features while staying budget-friendly

All of these models will serve you well and come with ongoing iOS support.

Trusted Places to Buy Safely

Here are reliable options we recommend:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.