How to find out a new iPhone or not. How to Test iPhone Before Hand-Buying: A Comprehensive Guide

To help you make a successful purchase, not to experience disappointment and avoid unnecessary costs, here are some tips on how to correctly test your iPhone before buying.

How to check an iPhone when buying in an online store

Online stores offer iPhones much cheaper than branded stores. However, such an acquisition is associated with certain risks.

How to check an iphone correctly and what problems can you face when buying a phone over the Internet?

First of all, make sure of the very possibility of such a check. To do this, carefully read the terms of delivery and warranty. Do not hesitate to ask again those of interest. important points from the manager.

We will tell you in more detail how to check an iPhone for originality and performance, as well as what you need to pay attention to when buying:

  1. It is necessary to carefully check iPhone externally... There should be no dents, scratches, chips, cracks or other damage on the case and screen. Protective films iPhone should fit snugly to surfaces (no “bubbles” underneath). Please note that the box has not been opened before you. If you see signs of an autopsy, you should think about why it was opened before you and did not buy an iPhone.
  2. It is also necessary to check the completeness of the iPhone. Perhaps the charging adapter will not be placed under European sockets, in which case the seller will be able to replace them. Or give an adapter as a gift.
  3. To make sure that you are purchasing an original device, it is worth checking the iPhone on the official Apple website ( https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ru/ru). To do this, you need to know the serial iPhone number, as well as his imei number. The information required is usually marked on the iPhone itself and on the shipping box. Checking imei iphone on the apple website is not difficult. You will find out if such an iPhone is listed in the company's database, its model, color and release date. Checking an iPhone by imei is also useful to identify a used device, or a phone taken from a showcase.

  1. Make sure the online store is not selling you for a price new iPhone apparatus of category REF(an iPhone that has been repaired, refurbished, or returned to the seller for other reasons). To do this, you need to check that the serial numbers, as well as the imei numbers on the iPhone case, on the SIM card tray and on the box, are the same. Another sign of a refurbished iPhone is a white packaging without a pattern with the words “Apple Certified Refurbished” or “Apple Certified Pre-Owned.” You can also check it on through the official imei website. The refurbished iPhone will be activated before you and will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
  2. In Russia, iPhones certified according to the Rostest and Eurotest systems are most often sold. IPhones "Rostest" are officially imported into the country and adapted for its cellular networks"White" machines with a full warranty and service. "Gray" phones "Eurotest" are much cheaper, but they can be tied to one operator, not serviced in the Russian Federation and do not have a guarantee. The choice is yours. To distinguish one from the other, look at the packaging and documentation. If there are abbreviations "PCT" or "EAC" - this is "Rostest".
  3. Pay attention to the attached documents. Along with the box must be present - instruction, cashier's receipt, receipt (coupon) for the purchase and a letter of guarantee for the right to service. Documents must be certified by an official Apple dealer. They must contain - a description of the phone (model, serial number), date of purchase, cost, receipt or invoice number, contacts for contacting the dealer.
So, in order for the long-awaited purchase of an iPhone in an online store to bring you only joy, first read the terms of the warranty and delivery, carefully check the iPhone by number, make sure that everything suits you, and only then buy it.

How to check an iPhone before buying a used one

The situation is more complicated if you buy an iPhone hand-held. Such an acquisition requires a more careful approach and additional checks. To be sure of the purchase, completely protect yourself from possible fraud and correctly check the purchased iPhone, you will need the following:

  • A valid SIM card.
  • Charging cable and adapter.
  • Connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
Things to check especially carefully when buying an iPhone by ad:
  1. Need to check appearance iPhone, the presence of dents, chips, cracks and other damage. As a rule, it is better not to buy an iPhone with major mechanical damage. After another blow, the phone will stop working. In this case, repairs can cost a round sum.
  2. The safest way is to check the serial number of the iPhone on the official website. Apple (https://support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT201296). Here you can check all the information you need about iPhone model, color and release date.
  3. Having an iPhone box is always a plus for the seller... But here, too, you need to be careful. It is necessary to check the iphone again by imei and serial number. They must match those indicated on the iPhone packaging. If this is not the case and the previous owner of the iPhone kept silent about it, then perhaps he is hiding something.
  4. It will not be superfluous to check the iPhone at www.chipmunk.nl, imei.info or iphoneimei.info. Using the IMEI number here, you can check valuable information about your iPhone, such as model, color, release date, expiration date of the warranty, as well as check if the phone is on the list of stolen and wanted by the former owner.
  5. There are 3 categories of purchased iPhone devices: 1) compatible with SIM cards of any operators without additional settings"Uncooked" or Neverlock; 2) iPhone tied to a specific mobile operator and requiring additional settings to work with other GSM networks - "Chipped" or Lock; 3) iPhones reprogrammed to have no network restrictions - "Unlocked" or Softunlock... Recommended buy only iPhone category Neverlock... The rest usually have problems. You can check if the iPhone is locked by the presence of a substrate scheme in the SIM card tray, as well as by how easy the iPhone will be to connect to the network with your SIM card and whether it will require additional settings.

The rechargeable battery must withstand test operation in talk mode, watching video over the Internet with using Wi-Fi for several minutes with a maximum decrease in the charge level of no more than 1-3%.

  • Pay attention to the phone screen... Ideally, if it remains native, not repaired or replaced with a copy.
  • Check how the iPhone is charging. It should charge quickly and not get warm at this moment.
  • It is also necessary to check the work of frequently used applications - GPS navigation, text editors, media players, etc.
  • Be sure to ask the seller to disconnect the iPhone from account and reset the previous settings. You can check the binding of the iPhone to iCloud on the resource icloud.com using your serial number or IMEI number.
  • Now you know how to check an iPhone for authenticity, operability, integrity and linking to an account. If you have any doubts during the check, you can always bring your iPhone to our Service Center, where it will be professionally examined and tested by competent specialists. We will help you make the right decision and protect you from possible mistakes!

    We wish you a successful purchase and only positive emotions from using Apple appliances!

    You don't have to worry about whether the iPhone is genuine if the device is purchased at a hardware store or at one of the network offices cellular, like "MTS" or "". But if you intend to order an iPhone via the Internet (for example, from a Chinese store) or buy a gadget "off hand", you need to be careful and insist on preliminary verification of the gadget's authenticity via the Internet.

    This method is the most suitable, because to use it you don't even need to print the box and take out the device itself. Follow the instructions:

    Step 1... Look on the packaging for the serial number of the device - it should be located on the back of the box between the IMEI and the Part No. The serial number consists of 11 or 12 characters (numbers and letters).

    Source: cheerfuleboway.tumblr.com

    If the iPhone is printed and activated, check the "serial numbers" on the packaging and in the device settings (path " Settings» — « The main» — « About this device»).

    Content:

    What you need to know about the iPhone?

    The easiest way how not to get caught by a scammer is to buy only from authorized dealers.

    These can be proven online stores or technology supermarkets that have been selling Apple equipment for more than one year, have good feedback on different online sites and provide customers with warranty service.

    It is important to note that at official dealers the cost of the iPhone is 20% -30% higher. the price that Apple claims. That is why many order smartphones directly from the United States through distributors. Another way to save money is to buy a used device that is in excellent condition.

    Remember, there are many pitfalls to be aware of in all lower cost buying methods. The first way to save money is these are devices from the USA.

    In the States, it is really much cheaper than ours, and there are no problems with the availability of different colors either.

    However, you can't just pick up and order a device from the US. Such a purchase will not make sense, because the gadget will not work anywhere other than the United States.

    According to American law, every phone purchased must be assigned to one of the national cellular service providers.

    Such a link is carried out immediately upon purchase. Not a single American operator operates in the Russian Federation, so the smartphone will not work.

    The verification procedure should include an examination of the external parameters of the phone, as well as checking all serial numbers and software shell:

    • The condition of the case, including the external features of each iPhone model;
    • Examination technical characteristics models;
    • The authenticity of the serial number and IMEI code;
    • Apple ID verification.

    Stage 1. Checking IMEI, serial number and IOS parameters

    Never buy an iPhone without a manufacturer's box, because it can be used to immediately identify the authenticity of the phone.

    Go to device settings and open the tab "Basic"... And then "About this device"... A window will open in which all the factory settings of the smartphone will be displayed.

    They must match the information on the box. If the data is not identical - a fake or stolen device, and the seller is trying to sell it to you in a box from another model.

    Stage 2. Verification through the official Apple website

    Its authenticity can be verified by every user using the Apple website. This source is the most accurate and reliable. Examination will it take only how many minutes:

    note, the main purpose of the service is to check the possibility of service. We advise you to use the site even if you buy a phone at an official point of sale. Often, chain stores may try to sell an iPhone that was previously returned due to a non-working condition.

    Online service shows the following information:

    • Smartphone model;
    • Serial number;
    • Purchase date;
    • Availability technical support and the possibility of warranty service.

    Important! If the valid warranty period is an optional parameter for a used smartphone, then the field "The actual date of purchase" should be marked with a green check mark. This means that a genuine smartphone was purchased from an authorized dealer.

    Pay attention to the presence of the earpiece mesh (it is located on both sides of the charging socket). If there are no nets, this means that the phone has been disassembled.

    Make sure the two screws that hold the back cover mount are not damaged. They are located near the nest for charger.

    Hardware unlock check

    Unscrupulous sellers try to sell locked phones in an attempt to create. This is possible thanks to a special overlay on the SIM card.

    Before buying, be sure to remove the SIM card slot and make sure that there are no auxiliary elements on it.

    Checking communication modules

    Connect the device to the network and check if the Internet connection is working. Check the operation of Bluetooth, GPS, 3G in the same way.

    In case of problems with the connection, we can say that the antenna of the communication module is broken in the iPhone.

    Checking other software functions

    • Camera and mode autofocus ... Run the standard camera application and try to take a photo, record a video. Don't forget to turn on autofocus. Examine the camera lens itself - it should be clean and free of scratches. Test the flash;
    • Accelerometer ... Turn on any program and test the screen rotation. A quick response to a position in space indicates a working accelerometer;
    • Headphones . ;

    Outcome

    In conclusion, let's highlight the main tips that protect you from buying a fake iPhone:

    • Never pay in advance for a device you are not sure of the authenticity of. There is also no need to make a partial prepayment. It is better to make a deal in person, after checking your smartphone;
    • Carefully inspect the case, display and operation of all keys. Turn on the main and front camera and check their work, because often iPhones are sold with broken camera modules, and many buyers do not even check the serviceability of these elements;
    • Check the Activation Lock database and ask the seller to get out of it;
    • Ask the seller to provide a complete set of the smartphone and warranty service information.

    Thematic videos:

    A modern smartphone, especially when it comes to a brand new iPhone, is a rather expensive thing, so no one wants to accidentally buy a "pig in a poke". And unknowingly, it is very easy to become a victim of fraudsters and become the owner of a "gray" or, even worse, a second-hand device. Offices selling illiquid gadgets today are a dime a dozen. At the same time, their prices are noticeably lower than those of an authorized dealer, and the smartphones themselves can look perfect from all sides.

    However, let's not forget that for every advanced user who understands all the intricacies of Apple smartphones, there is always a sly one. Nevertheless, many of the tricks of unscrupulous salespeople can be avoided by knowing the information and being careful. In this article, we will tell you how to check your iPhone upon purchase and not let yourself be thrown.

    1 Checking the packaging and contents of the box

    Apple is kind to every little thing. Including the execution of boxes, which should be made of thick cardboard with a logo embossed on it. On the bottom of the box, the serial number and IMEI are always indicated, which must match the corresponding numbers in the settings of the smartphone and on its body. So feel free to open the box and check its contents.

    Of course, there must be a phone, documentation, a warranty card and additional accessories: wires, charger, headphones, etc. Again, let's not forget that we are talking about Apple products, so make sure that all cables and plastic joints on the wires are perfectly smooth and free from burrs, and the cables themselves are soft.


    2. Visual inspection of the iPhone upon purchase

    Depending on which model of the "apple" smartphone you have decided to buy, you should be extremely careful already during a visual examination. Let there be no catch at first glance, but if you definitely do not confuse it with other models, then buying / or / you can be the owner of an ordinary iPhone 5/6 or /. Outwardly, they are very similar, and differences can only be found upon close examination.

    But in the case of other models, you should keep your finger on the pulse and not relax. Chinese clones of iPhones can look very believable, and in a hurry, they can also be confused with the original. Especially if the seller hurries you up and distracts you all the time when checking. By the way, this is the first sign that they are trying to sell you a "left" device. And do not lose sight of the fact that in the original Apple smartphones, all parts should be tightly fitted to each other without backlash and squeaks, causing the feeling of a monolithic structure.

    In order not to be left with your nose, study in advance as much information as possible about the iPhone model you have decided to purchase. For example, the iPhone 5S smartphone was produced in several variations, and you can distinguish them only by the number, which should be indicated on the back cover. If you buy Apple iPhone 5S, make sure it is labeled A1456, A1507, A1516, A1529, or A1532, and nothing else. In the case of the iPhone 8 - A1905. Modifications A1863 and A1906 are made for other countries, and other numbers indicate that they are trying to slip you another model.

    3 Checking localization

    If the visual inspection did not raise doubts that this is the same iPhone model you dreamed about, it's time to move on to the health check. So - we turn on the phone. A smartphone intended for the Russian market must have Russian firmware, and if during the download you find any hieroglyphs or errors in the translation of the interface, you should be wary. Chances are, this is a perfectly executed Chinese clone.

    It is not difficult to check the fears: the voice assistant Siri or the "Find iPhone" option will not work in Chinese fakes, since it is very laborious to fake the functionality of these features. In addition, the serial number of a fake will never be verified on the manufacturer's website, but we'll talk about this a little below.

    You can also immediately go to the AppStore and see which application store the device will transfer you to. Before that, do not forget to look on the Internet or on your acquaintance's “apple phone” what the store interface looks like, so as not to be misled while checking the smartphone.

    4 Compare the serial number and IMEI

    After turning on the phone, you should make sure that the IMEI on the box matches the one indicated on the smartphone itself. This can be done by going to "Settings | Basic | About this device ”, either by entering the command * # 06 # in the dialing window, or by checking the SIM card tray, which should also contain the serial number and IMEI identifier.

    Did it all coincide? Fine. It remains only to punch IMEI on one of the many services on the Internet (for example: imei.info), where you can find out for sure whether the Apple smartphone that you are holding is officially sold in Russia, and whether it was stolen from another owner.

    When checking an iPhone, remember that a stolen smartphone can be blocked remotely by the former owner at any moment, after which the phone will turn into a brick, like a carriage into a pumpkin. And if the police also figure out such a device, there will be no problems. So if you have the slightest doubt, refuse to buy such a device.

    5 Make sure if you can call from him?

    "Gray" phones not intended for sale on the territory of the Russian Federation may be locked, that is, work only with certain mobile operators... To be sure of this for sure, immediately insert your SIM card into the iPhone at the stage of checking the corresponding tray. All the same, to enter the command for determining the IMEI, you will need it.

    If, after installing the SIM, the iPhone does not detect the Network and, accordingly, does not allow you to make calls, the situation is extremely simple: they are trying to sell you a "gray" device, for which you will have to pay a considerable amount of money to unlock, if you are not able to do it on your own to please saving finances.

    However, there is a little trick. A special thin-chip substrate can be installed in the SIM-card tray, which will allow a locked smartphone to bypass the binding to one operator. The presence of such a substrate in your Apple iPhone immediately indicates that it is locked.

    6 Checking the iPhone: is it really a new device in front of you, and not a used one?

    How else to check the "apple" gadget? The final action will be as follows: go to the smartphone settings and make sure that the "Find iPhone" option is not enabled, and there are no traces of the Apple ID account in the device itself. Also, make sure the account fields are blank in your iCloud, iTunes Store, and Apple Store settings. Otherwise, they are definitely trying to sell you a smartphone that already had an owner. Moreover, it is possible given iPhone was stolen, as we wrote above, and the consequences may not be long in coming.

    If the device has passed all your checks, you can safely pay with the seller and enjoy the purchase. And remember that "the client is always right", so do not let you rush you and do not let you fully familiarize yourself with the product you are purchasing, including interfering with any iPhone checks at the time of buying. The official Apple store will definitely treat this with understanding, but in little-known online stores, you can encounter some incidents.

    To help you make a successful purchase, not to experience disappointment and avoid unnecessary costs, here are some tips on how to correctly test your iPhone before buying.

    How to check an iPhone when buying in an online store

    Online stores offer iPhones much cheaper than branded stores. However, such an acquisition is associated with certain risks.

    How to check an iphone correctly and what problems can you face when buying a phone over the Internet?

    First of all, make sure of the very possibility of such a check. To do this, carefully read the terms of delivery and warranty. Do not hesitate to ask the manager again the important points of interest.

    We will tell you in more detail how to check an iPhone for originality and performance, as well as what you need to pay attention to when buying:

    1. It is necessary to carefully check iPhone externally... There should be no dents, scratches, chips, cracks or other damage on the case and screen. IPhone screen protectors should fit snugly to surfaces (no “bubbles” underneath). Please note that the box has not been opened before you. If you see signs of an autopsy, you should think about why it was opened before you and did not buy an iPhone.
    2. It is also necessary to check the completeness of the iPhone. Perhaps the charging adapter will not be placed under European sockets, in which case the seller will be able to replace them. Or give an adapter as a gift.
    3. To make sure that you are purchasing an original device, it is worth checking the iPhone on the official Apple website ( https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ru/ru). To do this, you need to know the serial number of the iPhone, as well as its imei number. The information required is usually marked on the iPhone itself and on the shipping box. Checking imei iphone on the apple website is not difficult. You will find out if such an iPhone is listed in the company's database, its model, color and release date. Checking an iPhone by imei is also useful to identify a used device, or a phone taken from a showcase.

    1. Make sure that the online store does not sell you a REF device for the price of a new iPhone.(an iPhone that has been repaired, refurbished, or returned to the seller for other reasons). To do this, you need to check that the serial numbers, as well as the imei numbers on the iPhone case, on the SIM card tray and on the box, are the same. Another sign of a refurbished iPhone is a white packaging without a pattern with the words “Apple Certified Refurbished” or “Apple Certified Pre-Owned.” You can also check it on through the official imei website. The refurbished iPhone will be activated before you and will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
    2. In Russia, iPhones certified according to the Rostest and Eurotest systems are most often sold. IPhones "Rostest" are "white" devices officially imported into the country and adapted to its cellular networks with a full guarantee and service. "Gray" phones "Eurotest" are much cheaper, but they can be tied to one operator, not serviced in the Russian Federation and do not have a guarantee. The choice is yours. To distinguish one from the other, look at the packaging and documentation. If there are abbreviations "PCT" or "EAC" - this is "Rostest".
    3. Pay attention to the attached documents. Along with the box must be present - instruction, cashier's receipt, receipt (coupon) for the purchase and a letter of guarantee for the right to service. Documents must be certified by an official Apple dealer. They must contain - a description of the phone (model, serial number), date of purchase, cost, receipt or invoice number, contacts for contacting the dealer.
    So, in order for the long-awaited purchase of an iPhone in an online store to bring you only joy, first read the terms of the warranty and delivery, carefully check the iPhone by number, make sure that everything suits you, and only then buy it.

    How to check an iPhone before buying a used one

    The situation is more complicated if you buy an iPhone hand-held. Such an acquisition requires a more careful approach and additional checks. To be sure of the purchase, completely protect yourself from possible fraud and correctly check the purchased iPhone, you will need the following:

    • A valid SIM card.
    • Charging cable and adapter.
    • Connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
    Things to check especially carefully when buying an iPhone by ad:
    1. It is necessary to check the appearance of the iPhone, the presence of dents, chips, cracks and other damage. As a rule, it is better not to buy an iPhone with major mechanical damage. After another blow, the phone will stop working. In this case, repairs can cost a round sum.
    2. The safest way is to check the serial number of the iPhone on the official Apple website ( https://support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT201296). Here you can check all the information you need about iPhone model, color and release date.
    3. Having an iPhone box is always a plus for the seller... But here, too, you need to be careful. It is necessary to check the iphone again by imei and serial number. They must match those indicated on the iPhone packaging. If this is not the case and the previous owner of the iPhone kept silent about it, then perhaps he is hiding something.
    4. It will not be superfluous to check the iPhone at www.chipmunk.nl, imei.info or iphoneimei.info. Using the IMEI number here, you can check valuable information about your iPhone, such as model, color, release date, expiration date of the warranty, as well as check if the phone is on the list of stolen and wanted by the former owner.
    5. There are 3 categories of purchased iPhones: 1) compatible with SIM cards of any operators without additional settings - "Uncooked" or Neverlock; 2) iPhones tied to a specific cellular operator and requiring additional settings to work with other GSM networks - "Chipped" or Lock; 3) iPhones reprogrammed to have no network restrictions - "Unlocked" or Softunlock... Recommended buy only iPhone category Neverlock... The rest usually have problems. You can check if the iPhone is locked by the presence of a substrate scheme in the SIM card tray, as well as by how easy the iPhone will be to connect to the network with your SIM card and whether it will require additional settings.

    The rechargeable battery must withstand test operation in talk mode, watching video over the Internet using Wi-Fi for several minutes with a maximum decrease in the charge level of no more than 1-3%.

  • Pay attention to the phone screen... Ideally, if it remains native, not repaired or replaced with a copy.
  • Check how the iPhone is charging. It should charge quickly and not get warm at this moment.
  • It is also necessary to check the work of frequently used applications - GPS navigation, text editors, media players, etc.
  • Be sure to ask the seller to disconnect the iPhone from the account and reset the previous settings. You can check the binding of the iPhone to iCloud on the resource icloud.com using your serial number or IMEI number.
  • Now you know how to check an iPhone for authenticity, operability, integrity and linking to an account. If during the check you have any doubts, then you can always bring the iPhone to ours, where it will be professionally examined and tested by competent specialists. We will help you make the right decision and protect you from possible mistakes!

    We wish you a successful purchase and only positive emotions from using Apple appliances!