Things to check before buying a used iPhone in Nigeria

before buying a used iPhone in Nigeria - ugtechmag.com
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Before buying a used iPhone in Nigeria, you might want to first this guide first.

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Many of the suggestions below are intended for buyers who will be able to inspect the iPhone in person. This is not feasible for internet sales, so you’ll have to conduct your research online instead. Reputable vendors will offer several images that show any scratches or other damage, as well as extensive descriptions of the item for sale. The feedback left by a seller is a good indicator of the item’s quality, but not everyone who sells their old iPhone has a lot of feedback.

When making an in-person purchase, prioritize your personal safety above all else. Meet at a public venue, like a shopping mall, and consider bringing someone with you. Avoid carrying huge sums of cash; if the seller insists on cash, verify the goods first, then withdraw (alone) from an ATM.

When possible, avoid meeting at night or in secluded locations such as parking lots. Before agreeing to meet the seller, agree on terms (such as a means of payment and the ability to properly inspect the goods), since this will help prevent any would-be fraudsters.

If the price appears to be too good to be true, it is most likely a hoax. If the seller refuses to let you view the goods beforehand, there may be a problem (or you’re buying an empty box). Don’t put yourself in danger if the vendor insists on you bringing the cash before even seeing the goods.

Genuine sellers will understand your need to be safe and smart. If they have nothing to hide, they will let you inspect the object. It’s in their best interests to meet in well-lit, public settings where they’ll feel comfortable.

Related:
How to track a stolen or lost iPhone
What to look out for when buying a used iPhone.
How to Check if an iPhone is “Activation Locked” by Apple

With all that in mind, here below are the things you should inspect before buying a used iPhone in Nigeria.

Contents

#1. Does the iPhone turn on?

The most crucial thing to look for is whether or not the iPhone turns on. This may seem basic, but some dishonest sellers may try to pass off a non-booting iPhone as having a dead battery. Don’t fall for it and ensure that your iPhone boots to the lock screen or “Hello” prompt.

You should also insist on the iPhone coming with a charger and a wall adaptor. An iPhone that lacks these features is more likely to be stolen (though the seller may simply have decided to keep them instead). Check that the iPhone charges properly as well; bring a portable battery and a Lightning cord if you have them.

#2. Check that the Activation Lock is Disabled

When the iPhone boots, you should see a lock screen prompting the owner to enter a passcode. If you receive a notification asking you to input a password to activate the iPhone, it is possible that the iPhone has been stolen. Even if it hasn’t been stolen, you can’t use it in this condition, so you’re better off going away.

Things to check before buying a used iPhone in Nigeria - ugtechmag.com

Insist on the seller typing their password to activate the iPhone. Activation Lock on an iPhone can be disabled by deactivating “Find My iPhone” under Settings > [Owner’s Name] > Find My.

#3. If the iPhone Has Already Been Erased

When you meet a seller, the iPhone may already be wiped and ready to sell. This isn’t inherently a bad thing, but it prevents you from really testing the device. If this is the case, you may notice a “Hello” or “Swipe to Begin” notification.

To properly test the iPhone, you should ask the seller to sign in with their own details so that the phone is working. To activate the phone, customers may be required to insert their SIM cards. You can then undertake some of the below checks before selecting whether or not to purchase the gadget.

Once you’re satisfied with the iPhone, demand that the seller remove the Activation Lock and wipe the iPhone using “Erase All Content and Settings” under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. This requires the seller to input their Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock, so you know you’ll be able to use the phone after you gain ownership of it.

#4. Is There Any Visible Damage?

Even if they have been maintained in a case their whole lives, most secondhand iPhones will have scratches. If the iPhone is given to you in a case, always remove it for a better look. Examine the smartphone thoroughly for apparent signs of damage, such as scratches and small fractures around the display’s edge.

Dents in the chassis are more problematic since they might indicate damage to interior components such as the battery. Check to see if the iPhone lies flat on a surface, face down, as this will tell if any force has caused the chassis to bend. Examine the camera component to determine whether the lenses are broken or scratched.

#5. How is the Battery Health?

Lithium-ion batteries weaken with time, and every used iPhone will have a battery that won’t hold 100 percent of its initial capacity. You can check two crucial indicators by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health: maximum capacity and performance capability.

The maximum capacity will give you an indication of how much charge the battery currently has. Anything above 90% is great, but the lower the amount, the less time you will have between recharges. What is more crucial is the battery’s performance capability.

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When the health of the battery degrades considerably, the iPhone may begin to slow down as it tries to balance performance and lifespan. If you see anything other than “Peak Performance Capability,” it’s time to replace the battery.

#6. Check the iPhone Performance and Cameras

Test the iPhone and observe how it works. Consider the device’s age, and keep in mind that older phones will be slower than newer ones. You’re looking for obvious evidence of slowness that might indicate a problem with an internal component.

Browse a responsive website like apple.com, search for an app using Spotlight, launch and browse the App Store, zoom and scroll around the built-in Maps app, access Notification Center and Control Center, and swipe between widgets and app icons on your home screen are some simple tests you can run.

Check each camera and lens. Switch to the front-facing camera in the Camera app, then use all of the cameras on the back of the iPhone (including ultra-wide and telephoto if you have them).

The image should be relatively clear and not grainy in good light. The image should change smoothly (rather than in a slide show format), and pressing the screen should focus on that specific location.

#7. Do the Speakers and Microphones Work?

You can quickly test the microphone by using Apple’s built-in Voice Memos app to record something. Play back the recording and preview a ringtone under Settings > Sounds & Haptics to test the speaker.

It’s also a good idea to check the earpiece volume, which can only be done by making a phone conversation. It can be really hard to use your iPhone if this speaker becomes damaged since the person on the other end of the phone may be too quiet or muffled.  If you don’t have a SIM card in the iPhone, connect to public Wi-Fi or a personal hotspot and use FaceTime instead.

#8. Check the Other Buttons Too

Finally, check that the mute switch on the left side of the iPhone is working properly. Volume rockers may be found beneath this. These keys are handy for increasing call volume and snapping photographs, and you’ll need them if you ever need to forcefully restart your iPhone.

The side button on the right side of the iPhone is used to wake and sleep your iPhone, summon Siri, force restart, and access Apple Pay and other Wallet operations. Check that everything works as planned and that pressing the buttons feels pleasant.