Hi all! Buying a phone secondhand is a risky undertaking; you are buying a “pig in a poke.” You can buy a good device, or you can buy one with hidden defects. How to minimize risks?

The photo shows my used one. Sony XZ1, which has not yet been sold. Pictured is my used one. Sony XZ1, which has not yet sold

I am against buying phones second-hand, I always go out and buy a new one. For work, I need a fully functional and modern phone that will not let you down at the most crucial moment. But many people have a different opinion and buy it second-hand; it happens that financial capabilities do not allow you to purchase a brand new phone. Then you have to look for options at flea markets on social networks, Avito, Yula platforms and the like. There are always plenty of offers there, but before purchasing there are nuances that are worth paying attention to.

I have experience in such purchases and sales, since I buy from the population at retail outlets and resell used ones. phones, I restore some, also for sale. It is not possible to 100% check the functionality of the phone at the time of purchase, I will try to highlight the main points that will reduce the risks to a minimum.

• If you find an ad online, read the reviews about the seller, there is such an opportunity on Avito and Yulia. Please pay attention to this, if there are a lot of negative reviews, you may not want to contact this seller. Also pay attention to the date of profile registration, the number of advertisements; it happens that unscrupulous sellers create accounts for a one-time sale of goods with hidden defects or other problems, after which they delete the account and “cut off all the ends.” Also pay attention to the price, you should not buy a phone at a price below the market price, compare other offers. This point should be alarming.
• Ask if there are any documents left after purchasing this phone, box, accessories. A decent seller in most cases has a complete set.

The photo shows some of the documentation for my phone. The photo shows some of the documentation for my phone.

• When inspecting the phone, talk to the seller, ask leading questions about the operation of the gadget, the period of use, this will help determine whether this is the true owner of the phone.
• Conduct a visual inspection of the phone. Pay attention to visible signs of tampering, damage to the screws on the case, etc. If there are traces, then the phone may have been repaired. It is not known what was repaired in it and how long it will work after that, maybe it was restored after water got in. If you buy from a store that specializes in selling used. phones, then there may be restored ones, ask for certificates of repair work done or a guarantee, time to check the functionality after purchase.
• Check the operation of the volume and power buttons.

In the photo we check the functionality of the volume buttons In the photo we check the functionality of the volume buttons

• Check the charging and headphone socket. Bring a portable charger and headphones with you to your meeting. Be sure to check everything, pull the connected charger and headphones in different directions, just without fanaticism. There should be no defects.

The photo shows the process of checking the charging socket. The photo shows the process of checking the charging socket.

• Connect your SIM card. Does the phone see the network, make a test call to a friend, check the operation of the microphone and speaker. go online. Play music on your phone to test the music speaker.

The phone can properly see two SIM cards The phone can properly see two SIM cards

• If the back cover of the phone is removable, check the battery by touch to see if it is swollen. On the iPhone, there is a function in the settings where you can view battery wear.
• If you buy a smartphone, check the touchscreen response. I do not recommend purchasing with cracks on the screen, which, according to the seller, do not affect the operation in any way. Such a touchscreen will not last long, it will begin to crumble or simply refuse to respond to any touches. If you are satisfied with the option with a crack, then ask for a discount, since a replacement of the display module can expect you in the near future.
• If everything suits you, check whether the gadget is unlinked from all accounts. Ask the seller to untie everything in front of you.

Unlinking from accounts is an important point Unlinking from accounts is an important point

• After purchasing a phone, save the seller’s contacts, phone number, and account information. In case the phone turns out to be stolen, you can always provide the seller’s information in case of problems.

I outlined the main points, what I forgot, write in the comments. Who buys used phones from your hands, share your experience. Thank you all for your attention, subscribe to the channel so as not to miss new publications, I will be grateful for “like” the article.

I recommend reading the article on the channel: “Why do modern smartphones only last two years?”