Q: Buying a used phone on Craigslist

iPhones which are unexpectedly cheap at places such as pawnshops, flea markets, or similar websites are likely activation locked or otherwise useless. They should be avoided.

(145392)

Hi

If you wish to buy a used iPhone, you may prefer to use a website that offers buyer protection. eBay, for example, offers the eBay Money Back Guarantee (subject to compliance with eBay's policies):

• http://pages.ebay.com/ebay-money-back-guarantee/

Prior to purchasing an iPhone, if it is not already stated, be sure to obtain written confirmation from the seller (if using eBay, be sure to do this via eBay's messaging system, not via external communication) that the iPhone is being sold with Activation Lock disabled. You may wish to refer the seller to this support article:

• What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Activation Lock prevents unauthorised use of an iPhone if it is lost or stolen. Unless this is removed by the previous owner, you will be unable to use the iPhone.

You can check the current status of an iPhone here (the serial number or IMEI is required), keeping in mind that Activation Lock status can change whilst the iPhone remains in the seller's possession:

• https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/ 

More information:

Find My iPhone Activation Lock - Apple Support

Well, the only way to verify an iPhone is real or NOT, is through it's serial number or IMEI/MEID. You can find the serial number or IMEI, by going to the "Settings -> General -> About" section of the iPhone. Once, you get the serial number or IMEI, you can then go to check coverage page of Apple: Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support and type in the serial number, or IMEI and check its coverage status. If the serial number shows in with device warranty information, then that iPhone is a real iPhone. However, this page will NOT be able to tell you if the iPhone is blacklisted or iCloud or carrier locked. Blacklisted iPhones are those iPhones, which are reported lost or stolen by the original purchaser. Once the device is blacklisted, you may NOT be able to use it with any carrier/network, as carriers do NOT allow blacklisted phones to be used on their networks. The only way to check if the device is blacklisted on NOT, is through going to some 3rd party sites which offers checkup using IMEI, but still I would NOT rely on the integrity of their results. Apart from it, there are lot of iPhones which do comes carrier locked, and you are required to use them on that particular carrier, or request that carrier to unlock it for you, by meeting their certain requirements. It entirely depends on the carrier and Apple will NOT be able to help you in this regard. So, to be just on the safe side, I would recommend purchasing it directly from Apple store, or any authorized retailer.

Hope this answer's your question!