Buzz
Despite the release of iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, and iPhone XR, iPhone X remains a hot choice for many looking to upgrade. However, due to the high cost of a new iPhone X, many choose to buy a used one at a lower price.
However, used iPhone X devices often come with some issues and defects. Therefore, to ensure a reliable user experience, buyers should thoroughly check before making a purchase.
Here is a guide to check a used iPhone X that you should be aware of when considering buying a pre-owned phone.
1. Thoroughly inspect the external condition of the iPhone X
Consideration of aesthetic aspects becomes crucial when opting for used products, and the iPhone X is no exception to this rule.
Buyers of a used iPhone X must meticulously inspect its appearance, paying special attention to the condition of the four corners for any dents or scratches.
Particular focus should be given to the Face ID camera or the rear camera lens of the iPhone X.
2. Check the touch screen of the used iPhone X
To assess the touch screen, place your finger on any icon to initiate movement (icons should wiggle, and there is a small X above). Hold down the icon and move it across the entire screen from left to right, and from top to bottom. If the icon stops at any point, there may be an issue with the touch sensitivity at that location.
For a more detailed examination of dead pixels, turn on an all-black or all-white screen. Then, look from top to bottom to identify any pixels that appear burnt or distorted in color. As illustrated above, this iPhone screen has a dead pixel located right in the middle.
3. Verify Product Code (IMEI, iPhone version)
This is a common procedure for checking used iPhones. The goal is to limit the chances of iPhone casing replacement and ensure that internal components remain unaltered.
Check the IMEI number on the back of the device. Next, verify the IMEI inside the device to ensure consistency. Navigate to “Settings => General => About” and scroll down to the IMEI line for verification. Then, confirm if the iPhone is genuine, check its activation status, and warranty information by accessing online IMEI check websites or Apple's official website.
4. Check for iCloud Activation Lock
iCloud is Apple's cloud computing service used to synchronize data such as contacts, messages, emails, etc., across iOS devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, MacOS, and personal computers (PC). To enhance personal security, Apple introduced the Activation Lock security feature, integrated when enabling Find My iPhone in iCloud. This feature aims to restrict users from purchasing or using stolen iPhones.
In simpler terms, if your iPhone is stolen or has Find My iPhone enabled, performing actions like factory reset or turning off Find My iPhone will prompt you to enter the iCloud password stored on the device. These iPhones are known as iCloud locked, and users should strictly avoid using them.
To check if a used iPhone is iCloud locked, visit this website (Apple's official site). Enter the IMEI or Serial Number, and click continue to verify. If the result shows: 'Activation Lock: Off,' you can confidently purchase the device.
5. Inspect Device Connections
Thoroughly check call functionality, Wi-Fi signal reception, camera, external speaker, and fingerprint sensor to ensure a seamless user experience. After primary checks, focus on smaller details like audio quality, camera, and included accessories:
Used iPhones, especially those with replaced casings, often encounter signal issues, causing significant disruptions during usage.
Don't forget to test the device's touch capabilities. Begin with the gyroscope sensor, activated by rotating the screen. Then, try rotating the iPhone at different angles to observe screen changes. For iPhones 5s and later, equipped with fingerprint sensors, users should check the sensitivity and response speed of this feature.
