Checklist for Buying a used iphone

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Checklist for Buying a used iphone

Hey,

I am about to purchase an iphone which was used previously. What are the things I should do before i make the purchase. Should the ownership be transferred from the current owners apple account into mine? If so, how can i get that done. Are there other things that I should look out for? Oh and in case anyones wondering. The phone under question is an iphone 5s which is factory unlocked. Please let me know on what should be done to ensure a trouble-free purchase.

Thanks in advance to all those who help 😀

iPhone 5s, Factory Unlocked iphone 5s

Posted on Mar 25, 2014 5:47 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Mar 25, 2014 5:50 PM in response to gokulfromon

Transfer money at an Apple Store or an outlet for the wireless carrier you will use. You need to ensure that the carrier has no liens against the phone (previous unpaid bills) AND that you can activate the phone under your own ID without a "cloud activation lock". Then hand over the money.

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Answer 2

gokulfromon Author

Level 1

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Mar 25, 2014 5:53 PM in response to steve359

Would i be able to verify the billing status with the wireless carrier at the apple store?.. Or is it best to meet up at one of the carrier outlets?

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Answer 3

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Mar 25, 2014 5:55 PM in response to gokulfromon

Whoever can access the records for the phone serial number.

Also agreeing to meet you in such a place (or refusing to!) tells you much about the seller's honesty.

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Answer 4

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,371 points

Mar 25, 2014 5:55 PM in response to gokulfromon

Make sure the previous owner removes the information from the device and from iCloud as outlined in this support document. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5661 otherwise you will not be able to activate the device.

As far as transfer of ownership, are you taking over someone's cellular account, or just purchasing the phone? If you are just purchasing the phone, the Apple account has nothing to do with it.

If you have any other questioins, just post.

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

141,264 points

Mar 25, 2014 5:57 PM in response to gokulfromon

Be present to personally observe its owner follow these instructions prior to buying it: What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

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Answer 6

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Mar 25, 2014 6:13 PM in response to gokulfromon

gokulfromon wrote:

Oh and in case anyones wondering. The phone under question is an iphone 5s which is factory unlocked.

Are you absolutely sure about this?

It must have been purchased directly from Apple as factory unlocked.

You cannot get factory unlocked phones from anywhere else.

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Answer 7

gokulfromon Author

Level 1

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Mar 25, 2014 8:20 PM in response to Chris CA

The seller says that he will provide the receipt which proves the purchase from the apple store. Will find out tomorrow i guess.

Oh and to everyone who've posted replies to the initial query.. thanks a lot. This info is crucial to the purchase of a used iphone. Much appreciated. Cheers

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Answer 8

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Mar 25, 2014 10:03 PM in response to gokulfromon

Good luck.

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