How to check a used iPhone before buying in Belgrade

Buying a used iPhone can be a great deal – but only if you know what to check. Here's a complete checklist that will help you avoid fakes, stolen devices and iPhones with hidden problems.

Exterior inspection

• Check the case for dents, chips and signs of drops
• Look at the camera bumps – they should not be bent
• Evaluate the screen under bright light and at an angle (scratches)
• Check where the display meets the frame – no gaps (a sign of disassembly)
• Look at the SIM tray – scratches and marks around it suggest opening

Screen check

Open a white-background page in Safari (e.g. google.com) and a black one. On the white look for dots (dead pixels), yellow spots or stripes. On the black look for backlight bleed around the edges.

Buttons and ports

• All physical buttons should click crisply, with no mushy feel
• Check that Face ID / Touch ID actually works
• Plug in a charger and make sure the iPhone actually charges (not just shows the icon)
• Plug in Lightning earphones or Bluetooth and test the speaker/microphone
• Take a test photo and video with both cameras

IMEI and lock check

The most important step. The IMEI on the box, on the SIM tray, and in Settings → General → About must all match. If they don't – that's a red flag.

1. 1Check the IMEI at checkcoverage.apple.com – it shows the warranty status
2. 2Make sure the iPhone isn't tied to someone else's Apple ID (it must ask for a password when reset)
3. 3Ask for the receipt and box – that significantly reduces the risk of buying stolen goods

Battery health

Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Maximum capacity below 85% is a reason to negotiate or plan a battery replacement. Below 80% – factor in another 3,000–4,500 RSD for a new battery.

Red flags – when NOT to buy

• iPhone is carrier-locked (ask about SIM-lock)
• No receipt, box or documentation
• Seller refuses to sign out of Apple ID or reset in front of you
• IMEI doesn't match on the device and in Settings
• Suspicious info in Settings → About (e.g. Network: unknown)
• Price significantly below market – almost always a catch

Red flags when buying a used iPhone

There are several serious issues that aren't always visible during a quick inspection but can lead to significant costs after the purchase.

• iCloud Lock – the iPhone is tied to someone else's Apple ID. Such a device is impossible to use without the previous owner's password
• Replaced parts warnings in Settings → General → About – non-original screen, battery, or camera
• IMEI mismatch – if the IMEI in Settings differs from the IMEI on the SIM tray or box, it could be a stolen or tampered device
• Fakes disguised as originals – externally similar devices running Android hardware inside. Verify through Settings → General → About and cross-check the model number
• Refurbished devices sold as new – check the model number prefix: M means new, F means refurbished, N means warranty replacement

How to check IMEI and serial number

The IMEI is a unique 15-digit device identifier. The serial number contains information about the model, manufacturing date, and specs. Both numbers should be checked before buying.

Where to find the IMEI and serial number

• In Settings: Settings → General → About
• Dial *#06# on the phone's keypad
• On the SIM tray (for models up to iPhone 14)
• On the original box (if available)

Where to check them

• checkcoverage.apple.com – Apple's official service, shows warranty and activation status
• ispy.services – IMEI check, lock status and Find My