Buying a used iPhone: 8 things to check first
A used iPhone can save you thousands of kroner. But a locked, stolen or badly repaired phone is money down the drain. Here's the checklist we use in the workshop ourselves.
1. Activation Lock must be off
If the seller is still signed in with their Apple ID, you won't be able to use the phone. Ask to see Settings › [name] › Find My › Find My iPhone switched off, and the phone reset under Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone. When you switch it on, you should see the welcome screen, not a screen asking for someone else's password.
2. Check the battery health
Under Settings › Battery › Battery Health you'll find the maximum capacity. Over 85% easily lasts a day. If it says under 80% or Service, the battery will need replacing soon. That typically costs a couple of hundred kroner, so take it off the price.
3. Non-genuine parts
If the screen, battery or camera has been replaced with a copy part, newer iPhones show this under Settings › General › About › Parts and Service History. A good aftermarket screen can be perfectly fine, but you should know before you pay.
4. IMEI and blocking
Dial *#06# to see the IMEI number. It should match the number under Settings › General › About. If the phone has been reported stolen or blocked by a mobile operator, it won't work with your SIM card.
5. Screen, Face ID and camera
Slowly drag an app icon across the whole screen to find dead areas. Try Face ID, the front and rear cameras, the speaker during a call, and charging with a cable. It takes two minutes and reveals most faults.
6. Water damage
Condensation behind the camera glass, marks in the screen or a speaker that sounds hoarse can be signs of water. Water damage often shows up again later, so be extra careful here.
7. Price compared with new
A refurbished iPhone in good condition typically costs 30–50% less than a new one. If the price is much lower than that, there's usually a reason. Compare with our prices: iPhone 13 from 1.599 DKK, iPhone 14 from 1.999 DKK and iPhone 15 from 2.699 DKK.
8. Your rights
If you buy from a retailer, you have a 24-month right to make a claim and, when buying online, a 14-day right of withdrawal. If you buy from a private individual on DBA or Facebook, you only have what you agree between you. That's the biggest difference between used and refurbished.
Skip the checklist
Every iPhone in our shop has been checked against the list here: signed out and reset, battery and parts checked, IMEI verified and tested before dispatch. You get a 24-month right to make a claim, a 14-day right of withdrawal and free delivery in Denmark.
Questions
What's the difference between used and refurbished?
A used phone is sold as it is. A refurbished phone has been tested, reset and, where needed, repaired by a retailer, and you get a 24-month right to make a claim.
What battery health is good enough?
Over 85% is fine for everyday use. If iPhone shows Service or anything under 80%, the battery should be replaced soon.
Do I have a right to make a claim on a used iPhone?
Yes, when you buy from a retailer: 24 months under the Danish Sale of Goods Act, plus a 14-day right of withdrawal when you buy online. If you buy from a private individual, you only have the rights you agree between you.
