How to Check If iPhone Is New Or Used

Are you planning to buy a new iPhone? Or perhaps you’re looking to sell your old one? In either case, it’s crucial to determine whether the iPhone is new or used. Knowing the iPhone’s condition can significantly impact its value and the user experience. But how can you check if an iPhone is new or used? In this blog post, we will explore several methods to help you determine the status of an iPhone.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we dive into the methods, there are a few things you’ll need to perform these checks:

1. The iPhone you want to check
2. Access to the internet
3. A computer or smartphone
4. Apple’s official website or retail store information

What Requires Your Focus?

To determine if an iPhone is new or used, you’ll need to focus on the following:

1. Physical appearance: Inspect the iPhone for any signs of wear or damage.
2. Software information: Check the iPhone’s software version and history.
3. Warranty and activation status: Verify if the iPhone is still covered by warranty and if it’s activated or locked to a specific carrier.
4. Buying or selling source: Gather information about the seller or the store you’re considering.

Now that we have a clear understanding of what to focus on, let’s explore the methods to check if an iPhone is new or used.

Method 1. How to Check If iPhone Is New or Used via Physically Inspecting the Device

Inspecting the physical appearance of the iPhone is the first step in determining its condition. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Examine the exterior of the iPhone for any scratches, dents, or other signs of wear. Pay close attention to the edges, corners, and back of the device.

Step 2: Check the screen for any cracks or damage. Turn on the iPhone and ensure the display is fully functional without any dead pixels or discoloration.

Step 3: Inspect the buttons, including the power button, volume buttons, and home button, to ensure they are responsive and not damaged.

Step 4: Look for any indications of previous repairs, such as non-Apple authorized repairs or replacement parts.

Pros:
1. Easy to perform without any technical knowledge.
2. Provides a visual assessment of the iPhone’s condition.

Cons:
1. Limited to identifying visible physical damage.
2. Does not provide information about the iPhone’s software or activation status.

Method 1. Pros & Cons:

Method 2. How to Check If iPhone Is New or Used via iOS Settings

Checking the iPhone’s software information can reveal important details about its history and usage. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Ensure the iPhone is turned on and unlocked.

Step 2: Go to the "Settings" app on the iPhone’s home screen.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap on "General."

Step 4: Tap on "About."

Step 5: Look for the "Serial Number" and note it down.

Step 6: Open the Safari browser on your computer or smartphone.

Step 7: Visit Apple’s Check Coverage page (https://checkcoverage.apple.com/) and enter the iPhone’s serial number.

Step 8: Follow the instructions to verify the warranty status and purchase date of the iPhone.

Pros:
1. Provides information about the warranty status and purchase date of the iPhone.
2. Indicates whether the iPhone has been previously serviced by Apple.

Cons:
1. Requires access to the internet.
2. Limited to determining the software and warranty information only.

Method 2. Pros & Cons:

Method 3. How to Check If iPhone Is New or Used via Activation Lock

The Activation Lock status of an iPhone can give you insights into its previous ownership and activation history. Here’s how you can check it:

Step 1: Go to the "Settings" app on the iPhone’s home screen.

Step 2: Tap on your name at the top of the screen to access the Apple ID settings.

Step 3: Tap on "Find My."

Step 4: If you see "Find My iPhone" or "Find My [device name]" turned on, it means the iPhone is still linked to someone else’s Apple ID.

Step 5: If prompted, enter the Apple ID and password associated with the iPhone to disable the Activation Lock.

Pros:
1. Provides information about the iPhone’s previous ownership.
2. Helps ensure that the iPhone is not locked or linked to another person’s Apple ID.

Cons:
1. Requires access to the internet.
2. Limited to determining the Activation Lock status and ownership information.

Method 3. Pros & Cons:

Method 4. How to Check If iPhone Is New or Used via Buying or Selling Source

Gathering information about the buying or selling source can give you additional insights into the iPhone’s history and condition. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Research the reputation and customer reviews of the seller or store where the iPhone was purchased or is being sold.

Step 2: Check if the seller or store offers any warranty or return policy for the iPhone.

Step 3: Inquire about the iPhone’s history, including previous ownership, repairs, or any other relevant information.

Step 4: If buying from an online marketplace, check if the seller has a high rating and positive feedback from previous buyers.

Pros:
1. Provides insights into the reputation and trustworthiness of the seller or store.
2. Allows you to inquire about the iPhone’s history and any additional warranty or return policy.

Cons:
1. Requires additional research and communication with the seller or store.
2. Limited to the information provided by the seller or store.

Method 4. Pros & Cons:

Why Can’t I Determine If an iPhone Is New or Used?

There are several reasons why determining the status of an iPhone may be challenging. Here are a few common reasons and their respective fixes:

1. Restricted access to settings: If you’re unable to access the iPhone’s settings, it may be due to restrictions set by the previous owner. In this case, contact the seller or Apple support for assistance in removing the restrictions.

2. Unavailable warranty information: If the iPhone’s warranty information is not available or the serial number is not recognized by Apple’s Check Coverage page, it could indicate a possible counterfeit device or tampering with the serial number. In this situation, it’s best to avoid purchasing the iPhone.

3. Limited seller information: If the seller or store cannot provide any details about the iPhone’s history or warranty, it raises concerns about the transparency and trustworthiness of the transaction. Consider seeking alternative options with reliable sellers or authorized retailers.

Implications and Recommendations

Based on our exploration of the methods to check if an iPhone is new or used, here are some implications and recommendations:

1. Always examine the physical appearance of the iPhone before making a purchase. Visible signs of wear or damage can indicate previous use or poor maintenance.

2. Check the iPhone’s software and warranty information using the iOS settings and Apple’s Check Coverage page. This provides valuable insights into the iPhone’s history, ownership, and warranty coverage.

3. Ensure the Activation Lock is disabled and the iPhone is not linked to another person’s Apple ID. This helps prevent any issues with ownership transfer and iCloud lock.

4. Research and gather information about the reputation and trustworthiness of the seller or store. Positive customer reviews and a reliable return policy can increase your confidence in the purchase.

5. When in doubt, consider purchasing from authorized Apple stores or trusted retailers to ensure the authenticity and quality of the iPhone.

5 FAQs about Checking If an iPhone Is New or Used

Q1: Can I check the iPhone’s warranty without the serial number?

A1: No, the serial number is required to determine the warranty status and purchase date of an iPhone.

Q2: Is it possible to remove the Activation Lock if I forget my Apple ID?

A2: Yes, you can regain access to the iPhone by contacting Apple support and following their verification process for forgotten Apple IDs.

Q3: Can I trust online marketplaces for purchasing a used iPhone?

A3: While there are reputable sellers on online marketplaces, it’s essential to exercise caution and thoroughly research the seller’s reputation and feedback from previous buyers.

Q4: How can I identify if an iPhone has been jailbroken?

A4: Jailbroken iPhones typically have unauthorized applications, themes, or customizations. You can check for these signs or consult a professional for assistance.

Q5: Can I transfer the remaining warranty of a used iPhone to my name?

A5: Yes, if the iPhone is still covered by warranty, you can transfer the ownership and warranty using Apple’s support documentation and assistance.

Final Words

Determining if an iPhone is new or used requires careful inspection, software checks, and gathering relevant information from the seller or store. By combining these methods, you can increase your confidence in purchasing or selling an iPhone. Remember to prioritize transparency, authenticity, and warranty coverage to ensure a satisfactory experience with your iPhone.