Question

How would you check an Iphone if you buy from a person?
I'm thinking about buying this Iphone 5s on Craigslist from this person. I give her cash and she gives me her phone. So what would I need to check to make sure the phone is in good condition and working properly? I don't mind a couple of scratches here and there but I want to make sure that phone is working.

Answer 1

i didn't know the answer, so...

Answer 2

I would check for any sort of physical damage on the phone, also make sure that the phone is not under contract, and that the phone is functioning properly when you turn it on/off/and make sure the touchscreen is responding.

Answer 3

she's selling it for $150 and she said it's in a mint condition. I just thought it's very good deal. Of course I still need to check the phone before buying it. That's why I'm asking this question

Answer 4

Also check that the camera is working... mic too

Answer 5

I own an iPhone 5s.

Answer 6

what happens if the phone is under contract? O.O

Answer 7

well, if you take over the phone and have the line put in your name... you would be under the contract but from what it sounds like, she is giving you a phone that is deactivated from the network

Answer 8

Well, I believe we have different carrier. I'm using t-moble, she's probably using a different one. And what does mean a phone is deactivated from the network?

Answer 9

It means that it is not registered to any specific carrier

Answer 10

You could put it on any network that you want depending on if it is GSM or CDMA

Answer 11

t-mobile I believe is gsm

Answer 12

Yeah, just like jtryon said, just look at it, and you should be fine. If she doesn't want you turning it on or checking features, that is a bad sign.

Answer 13

I never used an Iphone before so I don't really what GSM or CDMA mean.

Contract wise, suppose I and her are both using t-moble, and her phone is still under contract, does it mean I will pay her contract? I mean why would I pay? the contract is under her name. I'm just merely buying the phone

Answer 14

you don't have to worry too much about gsm or coma, it only matters when you are looking for phones and want to know the carrier

Answer 15

I don't think you would pay if it was under contract with her. If she is under the contract, then that means her payment account is too.

Answer 16

did she make an arrangement for you to have the phone and she will pay for it?

Answer 17

my other line of thinking is that you will just start a new line in your name and you pay for the phone

Answer 18

not yet but I already sent her an email about the arrangement. Let me post the picture of her ad.

Answer 19

Oh she said in the ad that the phone is unlocked, so that means it can be used with any carrier and is not tied to any specific one

Answer 20

Looks fine, especially since she says any carrier can be used, meaning you can use your desired carrier.

Answer 21

so there is also no contract for that phone...

Answer 22

Sorry, but on an unrelated note, the Google search:

I'm suspicious of everyone?

Answer 23

just take the necessary precautions to make sure you don't get ripped off and you will be fine

Answer 24

so here is list of things I need to check:

1) condition of the phones:
on/off
power buttons, volume buttons
camera, and microphone

2) make sure it's not under contract.

sounds good?

and @OrangeMaster lol I didn't know how to spell suspicious XD

Answer 25

you don't need to check #2

Answer 26

we already determined there is no contract

Answer 27

everything in #1 looks good

Answer 28

but how can you be so sure?

Answer 29

because it is unlocked

Answer 30

that means it is not on any network

Answer 31

I think it'll be fine.

Answer 32

oh ok :)

Answer 33

$150 for a used Iphone 5s is an awesome deal. Provided there is no scam lol

Answer 34

anyways, thank you every for replying :)

Answer 35

Your welcome.