How to Check a Used iPhone Before Buying: Complete Checklist (2026)

Before buying a used iPhone, check 7 things: Activation Lock (iCloud), battery health, the IMEI, carrier unlock, the screen and parts, the cameras and speakers, and the seller’s warranty. Here’s how to do each check in about two minutes.

1. Activation Lock removed

Settings → top of the screen: no iCloud account should be signed in. At the setup screen, the device must not ask for the previous owner’s account. An iPhone still locked to an iCloud account is unusable — walk away, no exceptions.

2. Battery health

Settings → Battery → Battery Health. 85% or higher = healthy. Below 80%, plan for a replacement and negotiate the cost off the sale price.

3. Clean IMEI

Dial *#06# to show the IMEI, then confirm it matches the one in Settings (General → About) and that it isn’t flagged lost or stolen using a Canadian verification tool. A blacklisted IMEI won’t connect to any Canadian network.

4. Unlocked for all carriers

Settings → General → About → the “Carrier Lock” line should read “No SIM restrictions”. Ideally, test with another SIM card before you pay.

5. Screen and genuine parts

Settings → General → About: iOS shows an “Unknown Part” warning if the screen, battery or camera were replaced with non-genuine components. Also test Face ID / Touch ID and True Tone — features that often stop working after a repair with non-original parts.

6. Cameras, mics, speakers

Take a front and back photo, film a 5-second video, make a test call. Two minutes that save you nasty surprises once you get home.

7. Seller and warranty

Ask for a written warranty (3 months minimum) and an honestly stated cosmetic condition. Person-to-person, you have no recourse if the device fails the next day.

The shortcut: have it checked (or test it) in-store

At SubSell, every iPhone has already passed these checks — and about thirty more: 30+ point testing, certified wipe, iCloud/IMEI verified, unlocked, 6-month warranty. And you can redo every one of these tests yourself, in hand, before paying.

See what’s available: refurbished and used iPhones
Shop vs classified ads: used phones in Montreal
The full picture: the refurbished iPhone guide

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a used iPhone is stolen?

If Activation Lock is present, the previous owner's account is still active — do not buy it. Also check the IMEI (dial *#06#) against a verification tool before buying: a device flagged lost or stolen won't connect to any Canadian network.

What battery health is acceptable for a used iPhone?

85% or higher. Between 80% and 85%, negotiate the price; below 80%, plan for a battery replacement and deduct the cost.

Is it better to buy from a private seller or a shop?

A private seller can cost a little less, but with no warranty and no recourse if the device fails. A serious shop tests, unlocks and warranties in writing. At SubSell, every iPhone is tested on 30+ points and covered by a 6-month warranty.

How to Check a Used iPhone Before Buying (2026 Checklist)