Buyer safety guide · New Zealand · Updated 14 September 2026
A used iPhone can offer excellent value, but a clean-looking device is not automatically ready for a new owner. The safest purchase is one that proves its ownership status, network compatibility, battery condition, repair history and core hardware before you pay.
Quick answer
What should you check before buying a used iPhone?
Before paying, confirm that Activation Lock is off, check the IMEI against New Zealand's block list, verify that Carrier Lock says No SIM restrictions, inspect Battery Health and Parts and Service History, then test the display, biometrics, cameras, microphones, speakers, buttons, charging and connectivity. Get the condition, known faults, warranty or return terms, and proof of purchase in writing.
Four hard stops: walk away before discussing price
Price and cosmetic grade only matter after the phone passes the checks that determine whether it can be safely owned and used.
Activation Lock remains on
If setup shows “iPhone Locked to Owner” and the seller cannot remove it, do not buy the device.
IMEI is block-listed
A red result from the NZ Telecommunications Forum checker means the device is currently blocked.
Battery is swollen or will not charge
A lifting display, bulging back, unusual heat or failed charging can indicate a safety or repair issue.
Seller prevents basic checks
Pressure to pay quickly, refusal to show Settings, or unexplained serial, repair or account issues are not worth the risk.
Used, refurbished and cosmetic grade are not the same thing
Used generally means the phone has had a previous owner and is being sold in its current condition. Refurbished normally means it has also been inspected, tested, cleaned and possibly repaired, but the process differs between sellers. Ask what was tested, what was replaced and what support is included.
A cosmetic grade such as A Grade describes appearance; it does not by itself prove battery condition, genuine parts, network status or internal reliability. Read the exact listing rather than assuming every seller uses the same grading standard.
Complete used iPhone inspection checklist
| Check | Where or how | What you want to see |
|---|---|---|
| Activation Lock | Erase/setup state | No previous-owner Apple Account request |
| IMEI status | Settings › General › About; NZ TCF checker | Numbers match and are not currently block-listed |
| Carrier Lock | Settings › General › About | “No SIM restrictions” for an unlocked phone |
| Battery | Settings › Battery › Battery Health & Charging | Recorded health where available, explained warnings, stable charging |
| Parts history | Settings › General › About | Any repair labels are understood and match the listing |
| Display and biometrics | Touch grid, brightness, Face ID or Touch ID | No dead areas, flicker, major burn-in or biometric fault |
| Cameras and audio | Photos, video, Voice Memos, speaker playback | Focus, stabilisation, microphones and speakers work clearly |
| Connections | SIM/eSIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, charging cable | Reliable connection with the services you plan to use |
| Physical condition | Remove case; inspect frame, glass, ports and screws | Condition matches its grade and every fault is disclosed |
| Seller terms | Listing, receipt, return and warranty terms | Model, storage, grade, faults and support are in writing |
1. Confirm ownership, Activation Lock and setup state
Activation Lock is the first check because it can make an otherwise functional iPhone unusable to a new owner. Apple says not to buy a phone if Activation Lock is enabled. If “iPhone Locked to Owner” appears, the seller must remove the device from their Apple Account before the transaction continues.
A normal Lock Screen is not proof that the phone is clear, and a Hello screen only shows that it has been erased. Have the seller remove their account and erase the device, then complete activation far enough to reach the Home Screen before testing it. Do not ask for or share the seller’s account password. If an online purchase arrives Activation Locked, contact the seller about returning it. Apple’s pre-owned iPhone guide explains the setup checks.
2. Check the IMEI for New Zealand networks
Find the IMEI in Settings › General › About or by dialling *#06#, then use the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum's IMEI checker. A red result means the device is currently block-listed on participating NZ networks.
Treat a green result as useful evidence, not an absolute guarantee. TCF explains that reporting and fraud investigations can take time, so a handset may be added later. A receipt and a traceable seller remain important.
3. Verify carrier lock, SIM and eSIM compatibility
Open Settings › General › About. Apple says an unlocked iPhone shows No SIM restrictions next to Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock. If a provider name appears, confirm the restriction and do not rely on a promise that Apple will unlock it; the current carrier controls that process.
Also confirm how your number will move. Physical SIM, dual-SIM and eSIM capability vary by model and region. An imported model can differ from a New Zealand model, so check the exact model number and your carrier's current activation support.
4. Read Battery Health and repair history together
Battery Health
Open Settings › Battery › Battery Health & Charging on supported models. Look at Maximum Capacity, performance or service messages, charging behaviour and whether the phone becomes unusually hot. There is no single percentage that makes every used iPhone a good or bad deal—the model, price, warranty and likely replacement cost all matter.
If a listing advertises 100% battery health on an older device, ask whether the battery was replaced and request evidence for that exact phone. A replacement is not automatically a problem, but a percentage alone does not prove that the battery is new or genuine.
If Battery Health is unavailable or the phone cannot verify the battery, do not substitute an assumed percentage. Apple says unverified battery health information may be inaccurate. Ask the seller to explain any conflict between the title, specification and condition notice in writing before buying. For a device that needs assessment, see our iPhone battery replacement information.
Parts and Service History
With iOS 15.2 or later, check Settings › General › About. The parts listed depend on the iPhone model; not every model reports every component. Only the latest service for a repeatedly repaired part appears, so a missing entry is not proof that the phone has never been repaired.
- Genuine: Apple parts and repair processes were used.
- Used: the part was previously installed in another iPhone. This is different from Unknown; availability depends on the model, part and iOS version.
- Unknown: several causes are possible, including non-genuine parts, a malfunction or incomplete verification.
- Unverified: a logic-board warning that may affect features such as Apple Pay.
- Finish Repair: calibration remains incomplete; related biometric functions may be unavailable.
Match the exact message to Apple’s model-specific Parts and Service History guidance and ask for the repair record. Do not treat these labels as a certificate for the entire phone.
5. Test the physical condition and every feature you rely on
Frame, glass, ports and charging
Remove the case. Look along the frame for bends, separation or impact marks; inspect front and rear glass, camera lenses and the charging port. Cosmetic marks can be consistent with a used grade, but lifting glass, corrosion, scorch marks, loose components or a swollen battery deserve immediate caution.
Connect a known-good cable and allow the phone to charge. Test wireless charging if it matters to you and the model supports it. A port should not require the cable to be held at a particular angle.
Display, touch and Face ID or Touch ID
Use a bright, plain screen to look for discolouration, dead pixels, flicker or image retention. Drag an icon around the whole display to expose unresponsive areas. Change brightness, rotate the phone and enrol or test Face ID/Touch ID. Biometric failure can be inconvenient and costly, so it should be disclosed.
Cameras, microphones and speakers
Take photos with every available lens in bright and lower light, tap to focus, record video and play it back. Record a Voice Memo, make a test call if practical, and check the earpiece and loudspeaker. Muffled recordings, persistent focus problems or distorted audio deserve further investigation.
Buttons, haptics and connectivity
Test volume, side and mute/action controls, vibration, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular service. Confirm GPS or hotspot behaviour if it is central to your use. Test with your own accessories where possible.
6. Confirm model, storage and software support
Do not buy by colour and screen size alone. Settings › General › About identifies the model, storage capacity, serial number, iOS version and IMEI. Match those details to the listing and receipt. A Pro, Plus, mini or standard model can have different cameras, battery size, SIM setup and accessories.
Choose enough storage for the years you expect to keep the phone, and check that the model supports the apps and iOS features you need. An inexpensive older iPhone can still be poor value if it needs an immediate battery replacement or no longer fits your software requirements.
Retailer or private seller? Your NZ rights differ
| Buying from | What to clarify | NZ consumer context |
|---|---|---|
| A business or trader | Testing process, grade, warranty, returns and disclosed faults | Consumer Protection says second-hand goods bought from a trader have Consumer Guarantees Act protections, adjusted for price, description and reasonable wear. |
| A private seller | Ownership, receipt, exact condition and written seller statements | Private sales are generally not covered by the CGA or Fair Trading Act and offer fewer remedies. Inspect carefully and retain evidence. |
This is general buying information, not legal advice. Private buyers may still have remedies under other law; fewer rights does not mean no rights. Check the latest Consumer Protection guidance on second-hand goods for your situation.
A practical ten-minute in-person test
Use this as a quick sequence, not a complete diagnostic or a deadline. Account removal, activation, downloads and a meaningful charging test can take longer. Do not pay until the important checks are complete.
- Minute 1: Match the model, storage, serial/IMEI and listing.
- Minute 2: Check Carrier Lock and run the NZ IMEI result.
- Minutes 3–4: Review Battery Health and Parts and Service History.
- Minutes 5–6: Test the display, touch, Face ID/Touch ID, buttons and haptics.
- Minutes 7–8: Test every camera, Voice Memos, speakers and a call.
- Minute 9: Connect Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular service and a charging cable.
- Minute 10: Confirm account removal, erase/setup state, receipt, faults, warranty and return terms.
If you are buying online
- Ask for current photos of the actual device, not only stock images.
- Request screenshots of Battery Health, Carrier Lock and Parts and Service History.
- Confirm the exact model number, storage, SIM/eSIM format and included accessories.
- Save the listing, messages, invoice and tracking information.
- Understand how quickly you must report a mismatch and who pays return shipping.
- Inspect promptly after delivery and report problems in writing. Check the seller’s return process, but do not assume a store return window is the limit of your statutory consumer rights.
Red flags that outweigh a low price
Frequently asked questions
What is the single most important check?
Activation Lock. If the phone is still linked to the previous owner's Apple Account and they cannot remove it, Apple advises you not to buy it.
How do I check whether a used iPhone is stolen or blocked in NZ?
Find the IMEI in Settings › General › About or dial *#06#, then use the NZ Telecommunications Forum IMEI checker. Remember that its result is a point-in-time check, not a permanent guarantee.
What battery health is acceptable?
There is no universal number because the phone's age, price, replacement history, warranty and your daily use matter. Ask to see the actual Battery Health screen and price future replacement into the decision.
Does a repaired iPhone mean I should avoid it?
Not automatically. A clearly documented repair can be reasonable. Review Parts and Service History, confirm that all related features work, and make sure the description and price reflect the repair.
How can I tell if the iPhone is carrier-unlocked?
Open Settings › General › About. Apple says “No SIM restrictions” next to Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock means the iPhone is unlocked.
Are refurbished iPhones reliable and worth buying?
A refurbished iPhone can be worthwhile when its documented condition, battery evidence, test results and support justify the price. Compare any likely repair cost and the software support you need. The refurbished label alone does not establish reliability or guarantee a better deal than a well-documented used phone.
How can I tell whether an iPhone is refurbished?
Ask the seller what refurbishment involved and request the inspection or repair record for the actual device. A cosmetic grade, a clean case or a missing repair-history entry is not enough to establish its history. Match the seller’s claim to the listing, device checks and receipt.
Does a refurbished iPhone always have a new battery?
Do not assume so. Check the exact listing and ask whether the battery was replaced, what evidence supports its stated condition, and whether Battery Health can be verified. If a listing says health cannot be checked, do not read a separate 100% claim as verified.
Do I have more rights when buying from a NZ business?
Generally yes. New Zealand Consumer Protection explains that second-hand goods bought from a trader have Consumer Guarantees Act protections, while private sales usually have fewer protections.
What should be written on the receipt?
At minimum: seller details, date, price, iPhone model and storage, serial or IMEI where appropriate, cosmetic grade, battery statement, known faults, included accessories, and warranty or return terms.
Final buying rule
Buy the phone that can prove the unglamorous details. A verified account state, clean point-in-time IMEI result, clear carrier status, transparent battery and repair history, working hardware and written seller terms are worth more than a polished photo or a vague “excellent condition” claim.
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