Buying a used iPhone & iPad: You have to pay attention to this

If you want to buy a new iPhone, iPad or Macbook, you don’t always have to look at the new devices. Instead, it’s worth taking a look at remanufactured electronics. In our article we explain which dealers are worthwhile and what you have to pay attention to.

Refurbished iPhone, iPad or Macbook from the manufacturer

If you want to have a refurbished Apple device, you can look directly at the manufacturer. On the Refurbished side Apple offers, among other things, used iPhones (from iPhone 11 to 12 Pro Max), iPads and Macbooks as well as various accessories and smart home gadgets. However, the price reductions are limited: a refurbished Macbook Air (13 inch) costs 1,349 euros (see Apple), which is even more expensive than the normal price (see Amazon).

But Apple is serious about the “general overhaul”: According to the manufacturer, the respective devices will become one extensive test subjected to, among other things, the operating system is checked. Likewise, the products thoroughly cleaned. Then new accessories are included in the scope of delivery in addition to the device.

Do you want to buy a new iPad, but are you overwhelmed with the choice? Here we have 3 recommendations for you:

Rebuy and Co.: iPhone and iPad from used dealers

In addition to Apple, other retailers also offer used and refurbished Apple products. Although you usually also have one with these Warranty on the electronics you have to make a few compromises compared to the manufacturer, but you pay for it low prices.

Some online retailers are:

Depending on the condition in which you buy the respective device Signs of wear on the case possible. However, the description of the seller explains how well the item is preserved. Other disadvantages: The accessories that are usually included in the scope of delivery are not always original Apple. Defective Apple components may also have been exchanged for components from other manufacturers.

Tip: Buying a used car from a reputable dealer is usually not a problem and you can save a lot. After receiving the device, you should immediately check its functionality properly.

We took a look at how Rebuy tests electronics:

Be careful when selling privately

A private purchase, for example via eBay classifieds, is much less secure. No guarantee, no right of return, a (mostly) unknown person selling. There is a great danger of “handicraft device” to guess – in other words: the display or other components have been replaced in the past or are simply broken.

So you should do it as soon as possible carefully examine the used device before buying it: Any indication that parts have been replaced? Signs can be, for example, a worn exterior or color differences between the housing and the home button. So if you have the opportunity to test the device before you buy it, then by all means do it.

If the seller replaced the battery, you can have the invoice shown to you: Did a reputable workshop carry out the repair? To that end, it speaks for the seller if they have such invoices as well as the proof of purchase and the original box own. It also doesn’t hurt if you ask for the model number of the device if the technical data is incomplete.

Important: In addition to the hardware check, you should also make sure that the previous user’s anti-theft protection is deactivated via iCloud (settings → accounts → Where is → Find my iPhone) and signed out the Apple ID on the device (settings → accounts → De-register) would. If this function is not switched off, you can use the smartphone even after the Factory reset do not use extensively.

Would you like to read more about sustainability? Then we have suitable articles for you here:

Don’t want to miss any more news about technology, games and pop culture? No current tests and guides? Then follow us
Facebook
or Twitter.