Buying a used phone: a step-by-step checklist

A used phone can save you half the price or more, but the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake is usually fifteen minutes of checking. This guide walks you through everything from the moment you see the listing until you take the phone home.

1. Before meeting: ask the right questions

• Does it come with the original box and receipt? The receipt helps prove the phone is not stolen, and the box shows the IMEI you will compare later.
• Has it been opened or repaired (screen, battery, back glass)? Non-original parts affect both price and performance.
• Was it bought outside Egypt? If so, ask whether it is registered and works on Egyptian networks without issues, because unregistered devices can lose service.
• Ask for real photos from every side, and a short video of the phone working if possible.

2. Check the IMEI

Dial *#06# to show the IMEI. Compare it with the number on the box, on the receipt and in the settings. If they do not match, treat it as a red flag and walk away.

3. The iCloud or Google account must be removed

This is the most important check. On an iPhone, open Settings and tap the user name: the seller must sign out and turn off "Find My". On Android, the Google account must be removed from settings before a factory reset. A phone still linked to someone else's account can be locked after you buy it.

4. Battery and charging

• iPhone: Settings › Battery › Battery Health. Below 80% usually means a replacement soon, so factor it into the price.
• Android: check battery usage, and test the charger and cable to make sure it charges steadily.
• Notice whether the phone gets unusually hot while charging or in normal use.

5. Screen, touch and cameras

• Open a full-screen white image and a black one, and look for spots, lines or burn-in.
• Drag an icon into every corner of the screen to be sure touch works everywhere.
• Test the front and rear cameras, flash and focus, and record a short video.
• Test Face ID or the fingerprint sensor.

6. Sound, network and sensors

Make a real call with your own SIM to check signal, microphone and earpiece. Test the loudspeaker, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume and power buttons, and the proximity sensor (the screen should turn off when the phone is near your ear during a call).

7. Price, payment and handover

• Compare the price with other listings for the same model, storage and condition. A price far below the market is a warning sign.
• Meet in a public place and never pay a deposit before seeing the phone yourself.
• After buying, factory-reset the phone and sign in with your own account. Keep the receipt, or write a simple bill of sale with the seller's name, ID number and the IMEI.

Quick checklist

1. The IMEI matches the box and receipt.
2. The iCloud / Google account is removed.
3. Battery health is acceptable and charging works.
4. Screen, touch and cameras are fine.
5. Calls and network work with your SIM.
6. Pay only after inspecting, in a public place.