How to Test iPhone Before Hand-Buying: A Comprehensive Guide

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A life hacker will help you not to fall for the tricks of scammers and buy an excellent smartphone.

What to take with you

When you go to buy an iPhone, take with you not only a friend who is well versed in Apple technology, but also several useful accessories that will help you check your smartphone and identify any malfunctions. It is highly desirable that you have with you:

1. SIM card nanoSIM format.
2. A clip for the SIM card slot.
3. Headphones.
4. External battery.
5. Charging cable.
6. Disc marker.
7. Magnifier.
8. Smartphone with mobile internet.
9. Notebook.

All this will be needed at different stages of verification.

How to check the external condition of iPhone

Take your iPhone in hand and carefully examine from all sides, paying attention to the smallest details. Ideally, you shouldn't let your smartphone out of your hands at all, so that an unscrupulous seller does not replace it during the transaction.

Damage

You can not be afraid of scratches and abrasions on the case and screen, if they do not bother you. These flaws do not affect the operation of the gadget and are easily hidden with the help of covers and films. Deformation of the case, chips and dents are much more dangerous. Such defects indicate falls, and therefore, possible damage to internal components.

Squeaks of the case, which are easy to detect by twisting the smartphone a little in your hands, will also tell about past flights. This does not bode well either.

Disassembly and repair traces

The iPhone, which did not fit anyone's playful pens, as a rule, creates much less problems for the new owner than the opened copies. In order not to risk in vain, do not buy a gadget with traces of disassembly. Upon close examination, they are quite easy to identify.

Take a magnifying glass, shine a flashlight on another phone and take a look at the screws that secure the charging connector. Their slots must be free of scratches and damage. This is a sign that the iPhone was not opened, and if any repair took place, then it was carried out in a normal service.

Any damage is a reason to be alert and ask questions to the seller.

Pay attention to the charging port bezel, buttons, SIM card tray. If their color does not match the color of the case, most likely, they dug into the smartphone and changed the details.

On early models, the same applies to the Home button: it should not be different in color from the front panel. If the button is skewed, deeply recessed, or protrudes above the bezel, the iPhone has probably been disassembled and the button changed. Due to poor quality parts, there may be problems with such a phone in the future.

Examine the interface between the display and the case. The transition should be as smooth as possible, without scratches and chips around the perimeter. Their presence and a sharp transition from glass to metal will give out poor-quality repairs and a possible replacement of the display module.

Excessively different gaps around the screen indicate a tamper-evident or swelling battery.

How to check the serial number and IMEI

Each iPhone is assigned a unique serial number and IMEI, which can tell a lot of important information about the device. They can be viewed in the settings (section "General" → "About this device") and on the sticker on the back of the box, if there is one.

On early iPhone models (5, 5s, 5c, SE, 6, 6 Plus), the IMEI was additionally indicated on the back of the case. On iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X and later, the IMEI is laser engraved onto the SIM card tray.

Of course, in all places the numbers must match (well, except that the box can be taken from another device for a more presentable look when sold). Different IMEIs on the device and on the SIM card tray indicate repair and replacement of parts, and such phones, as you already know, should be avoided.

The presence of the original box is an additional plus and a guarantee that the phone is not stolen. If there is also a check - generally excellent. The serial number and IMEI indicated in it must also match.

The serial number can be found on the Apple website for device information. This will make sure you are looking at the original iPhone of the exact model you are buying. So you can protect yourself from purchasing a copy or a previous model under the guise of a new one.

The remainder of the warranty period is also indicated here, if it has not expired, which will allow you to check the seller's words.

Please note that the product image on the verification page is for illustration purposes only - the color in the image does not match the actual iPhone color. You can make sure that the color of the case matches the original one on one of the third-party extended verification services, for example,.

It is also easy to determine by the serial number whether the smartphone was bought new or refurbished. If the combination starts with the letter F, then you have a refurbished, or refurbished, iPhone.

Refurbished iPhones are usually shipped in a plain white box marked with RFB or Apple Certified Pre-Owned on a sticker on the back. Not only the serial number begins with the letter F, but also the model code, as well as the part number.

These phones are officially tested and refurbished at the Apple factory. They come with a one-year warranty, but they are cheaper. Basically, there is nothing wrong with this, unless the seller has hidden this fact.

However, there is an opinion that it is better to take new, rather than refurbished iPhones. The choice is yours.

How to check if an iPhone is tied to an operator

There are two types of iPhone: neverlock and contract. The former work with any SIM card, the latter are tied to a specific telecom operator and can only be used with him.

With the help of special cards-substrates for SIM-cards, the contract iPhone can be unlocked. Due to the complexity and instability of operation, such phones are much cheaper than neverlock. If you do not have a goal of saving money on purchase, then it is better to avoid such iPhones. And to check that you really have neverlock in front of you, you can do this:

1. Remove the SIM card tray with your own hands and make sure there are no foreign objects in it.
2. Install your SIM card and make sure the phone finds the cellular network and connects to it immediately.
3. Make a test call to someone you know.
4. To be sure, open "Settings" → "General" → "About this device" and make sure that the name of your operator is in the "Operator" line.

If everything is in order, you can move on to the next item.

How to check if an iPhone is linked to iCloud

Starting from iOS 7 devices to the owner's Apple ID. This allows you to secure your data if your smartphone is lost or stolen. Through iCloud, you can locate your iPhone, lock it remotely or erase it.

You cannot use a locked smartphone without access to the account of the old owner.

If you buy such a device, then the only thing that can be done with it is to disassemble it for parts.

At the same time, it is not so difficult to protect yourself from such problems. It is enough to make a few checks.

Activation lock

When the iPhone displays such a screen and offers to enter your account information, and the seller does not know them and assures you that you just need to connect to iTunes, turn around and leave. This is exactly the situation when the phone is good only for details.

Find iPhone

If your device turns on and works, go to Settings → Apple ID → iCloud and check if Find My iPhone is turned off. If not, ask the seller to move the toggle switch. To do this, you will need to enter your Apple ID password, which the owner, of course, must know.

Make sure the function is actually turned off. Otherwise, after the transfer of money, an unscrupulous seller will be able to block the iPhone.

Reset

Finally, to be sure, perform a hard reset, then activate and sign in with your own Apple ID.

1. Go to Settings → General → Reset and select Erase Content and Settings.
2. If prompted, ask the seller for your Apple ID password.
3. Wait until the end of the erasing and loading procedure.
4. Go through the initial setup.
5. Activate your device and log into your account.

After that, you can be sure that the iPhone is no longer associated with the old owner and is ready for further use. The smartphone will be just out of the box.

How to check if your iPhone is working

Like any other gadget, the iPhone is a complex technical device, the malfunctions of which may not be immediately noticed. Even if the phone looks perfect on the outside, do not rush to rejoice and immediately buy it. Better to spend a few extra minutes, apologize to the seller for being meticulous and check everything properly.

Silent buttons and switch

All iPhone controls should work smoothly, but clearly - without false positives, excessive force, and failures. Check each key for backlash, crunching and other extraneous sounds.

1. Home button should have a small stroke and accurately respond to pressing. On iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, iPhone SE (second generation), it is not pressed, but responds with vibration that simulates a click. This button is almost impossible to fix, so it's better not to buy a problem device.
2. Volume keys should be pressed easily with a characteristic soft click. In this case, the volume changes strictly by one division. If the keys are difficult to press or there are false positives, repair is indispensable.
3. Silent Lever … The travel of the switch should be firm and instantaneous in response to vibration. Backlash, rattling and independent switching on from accidental contact are unacceptable.
4. Power button … Like other buttons on serviceable devices, it is pressed the first time and effortlessly. At the same time, it unmistakably recognizes a single and long press during blocking and shutdown.

Display

From the buttons you'll press every day, we move on to the display that you'll interact with most of the time.

1. Scratches … First of all, ask the seller to remove the protective film or glass. Scratches and even cracks can be hidden under them. And yes, it is good practice to remove all accessories to demonstrate the absence of defects. Protection is a matter of taste, and the buyer himself will stick the film or glass, if necessary.
2. Defective pixels … Check the matrix for dead pixels. To do this, turn your iPhone off and on again, or take a photo by covering the camera lens with your finger to get a black background. To check with a white background, open a blank page in Safari. In both cases, there should be no colored dots or stripes on the screen.
3. Backlight uniformity … Set the brightness to maximum and test the backlighting against white and black backgrounds. If it is uneven around the entire perimeter or there are spots - the module has defects or was replaced with a poor quality.
4. Highlights … In the same way, make sure there are no yellowish spots or streaks on the screen. They appear from overheating and squeezing of the display, for example, in a jeans pocket. These defects usually increase over time, so it's best not to buy an iPhone like this.
5. Touchpad … The functionality of the touchscreen is easy to check by typing all the characters on the keyboard or by drawing in the "Notes". You can also detect dead zones by dragging icons on the desktop to different areas of the screen.
6. Oleophobic coating … The iPhone display has a high-quality oleophobic coating that is fairly easy to test. Try drawing something on the screen with a disc marker. On the original screen, the marker will not write, and the paint will immediately collect in drops.

Speakers and microphones

The iPhone has two speakers: auditory and polyphonic. The first one is located under the mesh at the top of the front panel and is used during calls. The second one is located on the right at the bottom end and serves for speakerphone and for playing ringtones and sound in applications. There are only three microphones: the lower one is to the left of the charging connector, the upper one is under the earpiece mesh and the rear one is next to the main camera on the back panel.

It is convenient to use the standard Dictaphone application to test microphones and speakers. Make a recording and then listen to it. First, through a polyphonic speaker, and then, bringing it to your ear, and through the ear. The sound should be loud and clear, without wheezing, distortion and other interference.

Additionally, you can check all microphones by filming a short video on the camera.

Cameras

To check the cameras, first assess their visual condition. There should be no dust and condensation in the eye of the main camera, and there should be no scratches and chips on its surface. If the module is skewed, the lens is off-center, or the glass is sticking out over the bezel, the camera has most likely changed.

Launch the standard Camera application. It should turn on without delay and quickly focus on objects. Make sure that the autofocus mechanism does not rattle or make abnormal noise. Test the flash, switch to the front camera. Take some photos and videos - they should not have streaks, dots, blueness, yellowness or other artifacts.

Sensors

Sensor malfunctions or failures, as a rule, result in costly repairs. Be sure to check all sensors and in no case buy an iPhone that has problems with any of them.

1. Touch ID … To check the fingerprint scanner in models where it is available, it is enough to add your own fingerprint to the system and try to unlock the smartphone. Go to "Settings" → "Touch ID and passcode", select "Add fingerprint …", go through the setup procedure and make sure that the sensor is working correctly.
2. Face ID … The new unlock system is available on iPhone X and newer devices. You can check it by observing the seller or adding your own face and testing the unlocking yourself.
3. Proximity sensor … This infrared sensor dims the screen and prevents accidental taps during a call or when the iPhone is held to your ear. It is easy to check it during a call or by listening to a voice note in the "Dictaphone".
4. Light sensor … Thanks to this sensor, the auto-brightness function works when the backlight level adjusts to the ambient light. To check it, you need to turn on auto brightness in "Settings" → "Screen and brightness", and then cover the place near the front camera with your finger for a few seconds - the display should dim.
5. Accelerometer and gyroscope … To check the accelerometer, the easiest way is to start the calendar or notes and rotate the iPhone - the screen should also flip over to the appropriate position. The gyroscope can be easily checked by launching the Compass app and calibrating it.

Charging and headphone jack

The Lightning connector, unlike cables, does not break very often, but you need to check it when you buy it. To do this, connect your power bank to your iPhone and check if it will charge. The device should charge approximately 1-2% in 5 minutes. When connecting the cable, be sure to try inserting both sides of the cable.

If there is an audio jack, do not forget to make sure it is working properly. To do this, connect your headphones to your smartphone and start some kind of music or dictaphone recording. The sound should be clear, without noise and wheezing, and in both headphones. At the same time, the connector itself must be clearly inserted into the connector and securely fixed.

Wireless interfaces

1. Bluetooth … To test Bluetooth, all you need to do is connect a wireless headphone or speaker to your iPhone. If you don't have them at hand, try simply AirDrop the photo to another Apple device.
2. Wi-Fi … To test Wi-Fi, scan for nearby networks and connect to one of them. Launch Safari and open a few pages to make sure the internet is working. If public Wi-Fi is not at hand, share the Internet from another smartphone via tethering.
3. Gps … The functionality of the GPS module is checked using the standard Maps application. Open it and make sure the iPhone detects your current location.

Battery

Apple guarantees that iPhone batteries will operate without significant loss of capacity for 500 cycles. Depending on the intensity of use, this is about two years. However, you should not limit yourself to the seller's assurances that the battery holds like new. Better to check it out.

The easiest way is to observe the charge level while testing your smartphone. At the beginning of the inspection, turn on the display of the charge as a percentage in the "Battery" settings section and take a screenshot. If, after a few minutes of checking, the charge level has dropped by 1–2%, then the battery is in order.

Built-in iOS functions allow you to view the battery status and estimate its current capacity against a new one. Relevant information can be found under "Settings" → "Battery" → "Battery status". It also states whether peak performance is maintained or the processor frequency will be reduced so that the iPhone does not turn off under load.

And finally, the most accurate, but most difficult way is to view the number of recharge cycles and the current capacity using a special utility for your computer. That's what we needed a laptop for.

On Mac, you can use a free utility, for Windows there is a similar application -. Otherwise, the testing procedure is no different: we connect the iPhone with a cable to the computer and look at the information. If the cycles are over 500 and the capacity is less than 80%, keep in mind that the battery may need to be replaced soon.

Moisture sensor

Since the iPhone 7, smartphones have been waterproof, but the company still considers water damage to be an out-of-warranty case. Whatever one may say, but water and electronics are still incompatible. Immersion in liquids causes oxidation of electronic components and circuit boards, which almost always means a breakdown for a smartphone. If not immediately, then in the future.

Of course, you can't buy an iPhone-drowned man in any case. And it's not so difficult to recognize it.

All generations of iPhone have contact with liquid. Upon contact with water, they change color from silvery-white to rose-red. In modern iPhones, these markers are located inside the SIM card slot, on older devices - inside the charging or audio jack.

Shine a flashlight on the indicator and take a good look at it, determining the color. At the slightest hint of redness, it is better to abandon the purchase and look for another option.

Checklist

And finally, a short list of things to check before buying. Peek at it when you examine your iPhone so you don't forget anything.

1. Damage.
2. Disassembly and repair traces.
3. Serial number and IMEI.
4. Binding to the operator.
5. Activation lock.
6. Disable Find My iPhone.
7. Reset.
8. Home button.
9. Volume keys.
10. Silent Lever.
11. Power button.
12. Display status.
13. Defective pixels.
14. Backlight uniformity.
15. Matrix highlights.
16. Touchpad.
17. Oleophobic coating.
18. Speakers.
19. Microphones.
20. Cameras.
21. Touch ID.
22. Face ID.
23. Proximity sensor.
24. Light sensor.
25. Accelerometer.
26. Gyroscope.
27. Headphone jack.
28. Charging connector.
29. Bluetooth.
30. Wi-Fi.
31. GPS.
32. Battery.
33. Moisture sensor.

The text of the article was updated on January 28, 2021.