The opportunities to buy a used mobile phone are many! However, there are also many “traps” and there are not few those who bought a used smartphone and regretted it.

To ensure that this purchase will be successful, you need to pay great attention to some important parameters. Let’s see then what are the steps you need to follow so you don’t… regret it!

The appropriate source

The first -and perhaps most important- parameter you need to pay attention to is the source from which you will buy the used mobile. If you have found your dream phone online, make sure to study if the site where you found it is reliable. Because if you really receive it, you can’t know in what condition it is.

So, research your supplier, read opinions from other users who have bought a used smartphone from the same source and pay special attention to the details. Do they accept returns? Does it include a warranty? Do they have a support department? Can you contact their technical department in case of a breakdown?

It’s a given that sellers who do not accept returns in case a mobile does not have all the features listed in its description, then they are not reliable. Trust the websites that give you the opportunity to return the product in case it is defective and also to have it checked by a specialist, in case it has damages that were not mentioned.

Moreover, in case you have set your eyes on an iPhone, it is essential to check that the Apple ID of the previous user has been deleted and the factory settings have been restored. The mobile phone must have returned to the form it had when it was brand new and unused! Otherwise, it will be locked and you will not be able to use it.

The risks are many

The importance of buying a used mobile from a reliable seller is huge, as this move not only hides “traps” regarding its correct operation. Purchasing the product from unknown individuals whose only guarantee is… their word, can hide many risks. Many stolen mobiles circulate in the market and such a purchase can get you into trouble.

At the same time, it may sound extreme to you, however, there have been cases where used mobiles had a bug! So, choose the appropriate purchase source and also, seek a second opinion from a friend who knows about mobiles, in case you are not an expert.

What to watch out for before purchasing

• Check the outer frame of the device for dents that reveal dropping. Scratches are not so crucial, to a certain extent.
• Look carefully at the screen for scratches and test it at full brightness. Also, press all points of the screen to see if there is a response.
• Test all the buttons on the mobile.
• Insert a Sim card to ensure that the device connects normally to the mobile network (call and data).
• Test the Wifi and Bluetooth.
• Use the GPS in practice, to see that it responds to motion.
• Play music and record to check the operation of the speaker and microphone.
• Test the cameras and their basic functions.
• Check if the battery is authentic. If the mobile is older than one year, it is most likely that we will need a new battery.
• Put the mobile on charge and see if it charges. The charger should be original.
• Insert a pair of headphones to see if the port works properly.