Buying a second-hand phone and worried whether it is stolen or not? We are often caught by some crazy deals and bonus offers while buying second-hand phones, but what we forget to check is whether the phone is legal or if someone is just selling it to put the bills and charges on you. And to never let such unfortunate things happen to you, we bring you this guide where we will tell you all the steps on how to check if your second-hand phone is stolen or not.
Second Hand Phone Checks: Things You Should Keep In Mind
What are the smart second-hand phone checks that you should perform? Ever wondered why people often complaint about buying second-hand phones and stop you from buying them? It is because the offline market, and even many online portals, sell second-hand smartphones which are faulty, have some legal issues, or do not have a registered purchase in their name. Such frauds are common in the mobile phone industry, and people often forget to distinguish and end up getting the hammer on their heads.
But what are the smartest second-hand phone checks that I should keep in mind? Well, before we dive in, here are a few things you should know about second-hand phone status.
Also Read: Why Does My Final Price Differ From The Online Quote? Explained by Cashify
Smart Second-Hand Phone Precautions To Take
Never Buy From Unknown Sources: It is always advised to go to only trusted platforms [like Cashify] to buy a second-hand phone so that you avoid scams and fraudulent deals.
Don’t Fall For Crazy Deals: One of the important second-hand phone checks is checking the price. If the deal is too great, it is too great to be true, and this is a fact. If someone is selling you a one-month-old phone, which has a market price of 50000 for just 8000, then it’s a trap for sure.
Physical Status and Parts Should Be Satisfactory: You should research well about the parts, and then check whether the phone has original, refurbished grade, or compatible parts. If neither of these is in your phone, chances are that the seller is using third-class or stolen parts.
Original Papers Matter A Lot: It is essential to request original warranty papers when purchasing a second-hand phone, as these documents verify the legitimacy of the product. Additionally, obtaining the original receiver’s receipts is crucial, as they confirm that the seller acquired the phone from a legal and trusted source, ensuring the transaction’s integrity.
These precautions don’t end here, and moreover, who will decide whether these precautions will help you buy your second-hand phone with full legality and joy or not? Well, to solve your doubts and give you a clearer guide, we present you with 5 checks to ensure your second-hand phone is not stolen or blacklisted.
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5 Second-Hand Phone Checks to Ensure Your Second-Hand Phone Is Not Stolen Or Blacklisted
1- IMEI Check
IMEI Check is the most important second-hand phone check. Just dial the code *#06# on your phone, or go to the official IMEI website to track the legal history and details of the phone that you bought. Databases like CEIR or IMEI will help you to know whether the second-hand phone that you are buying is registered or not, whether it is a stolen phone, or a blacklisted phone, and many more official details.
2- Proof Of Ownership
You should always ask the seller to share the ownership receipts and details, along with warranty cards. Moreover, you should check the seller’s ID proof, ensure no outstanding finance via the CEIR portal. Also, confirm the phone is not blacklisted on mCep or carrier sites.
3- Check Battery Health
Checking battery health is the third important second-hand phone check. If you have bought an Android phone, just dial ##4636## to access hidden battery health settings and information. On iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Information.
4- Check Tracking Or Locking Apps
Inspect installed apps and permissions for unfamiliar device managers, anti-theft, or tracking software; review recent installs, disable unknown device administrator access, scan for malware, and factory reset after backing up data to avoid unauthorised monitoring. Google’s Find My Device can also help.
5- Features And Network Check
There are some additional steps to a second-hand phone check. Test essential device features and network compatibility by dialling #0#. Also, verify Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, cameras, speakers, and microphones. After this, check SIM recognition, signal strength and supported 4G/5G bands; run speed tests and inspect carrier settings.
Also Read: Buy Refurbished Phones with Original/Compatible Display Panels: Shop Smart With Us
Why Worry About Second-Hand Phone Checks? Cashify Does The Job For You
Worried about whether the second-hand phone you have bought is safe, secure, and legal or not? Dump your worries because Cashify is here to help you out. If you ever wonder which is the safest place to buy second-hand phones, then it is definitely Cashify! But why? Let us give justifications.
At Cashify, we perform all the mandatory security checks before selling you old phones. Every second-hand phone that you buy from Cashify undergoes multiple rigorous checks for safety. We always perform thorough second-hand phone checks, including IMEI verification, CEIR clearance, battery health (over 80%), and zero tracking locks. Each second-hand phone that we sell at Cashify is certified by our in-house experts.
Not just this, if you are a well-informed customer, or want to perform your security checks yourself, then our Cashify store managers also help you throughout your doubt-clearing process.
End Note
If you are going to buy a second-hand phone, then always buy it from a trusted source. Perform all these aforementioned steps to check whether the second-hand phone you are buying is stolen or not. And for the safest deal, always come to Cashify!
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If you’ve just bought a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old phone, then here’s your answer. Sell old mobile to Cashify and get the best price for it. If you are planning to buy a new phone, check out Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones. You can get your favourite phone at almost half price with six-month warranty, 15 days refund and free delivery.
