If you are planning to buy a second-hand iPhone, you must read this

While second-hand iPhones sound like an affordable option, how will you know whether it is authentic or not? Your phone itself can tell you that. Here is how.

In Short

• iPhones can tell whether its parts have been replaced by third-party source or not
• Apple says third-party parts can damage the functioning of the device
• E-commerce websites sell refurbished iPhones after complete checkup of the specs

After the release of Apple Intelligence, the eligible iPhones have received an edge over others. While the iOS 18 update comes to most of the devices, only iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro models are eligible for Apple Intelligence features. Now, we know that the price of these high-end iPhones is touching the skies. Because of which, a lot of people who aspire to get an iPhone, but have a tight budget, look towards a second-hand purchase.

While there are platforms like Cashify, that ensure that refurbished devices have original parts even when they are replaced or repaired. However, that may not always be the case. If you are buying a second-hand device from an unofficial source, the device may be fitted with third-party components. But how are you supposed to know that? How can you verify it? There is a way to do that.

iPhones are designed in a way that they can tell a user if any of its parts have been replaced –– even if it has been replaced with a genuine Apple part. For instance, if your iPhone’s original battery has been replaced with a new Apple battery, your device will let you know that. And if the battery comes from a third-party source, even then your phone will be able to tell you that. How does that work? Read on to find out.

Buying a second-hand iPhone: You must check this

If you have decided to go for a second-hand iPhone, here is what you need to do first.

Step 1: Go to the Settings and tap on the General option.

Step 2: In this section, click on the first option, “About”.

Step 3: Scroll the page.

If the page shows “Parts and Service”, this means that the device has undergone some parts replacement. But this is not the deciding factor.

Step 4: Click on the “Parts and Service” option and go to “Status”

Here, the iPhone will tell you whether the parts are authentic. If the replaced parts are from an authentic Apple source, then the Status will say “Genuine”. However, if it shows any other option, like “Important Battery Message” or “Important Display Message”, this means that the parts used are from a third-party source.

Using third-party repair parts does not only take the user away from the Apple warranty, but can also damage the iPhone. Apple states, "Third-party parts may claim to be compatible with Apple products. These parts may or may not perform at the same level as genuine Apple parts or used Apple parts and may introduce privacy or safety risks." For instance, using non-genuine screen replacements on an iPhone can lead to problems with several features, particularly Multi-Touch and Face ID. This may result in poor touch responsiveness, unresponsive taps, or even random tapping on its own.

While minor issues, like slight brightness changes, might seem acceptable for cost-saving purposes, non-genuine screens can lead to more serious complications. Faulty displays can also harm other phone components, causing issues with ambient light sensors, inaccurate colour calibration, and increased battery drain.

Second-hand vs Refurbished iPhone

If you are looking for more affordable iPhones, we suggest going for refurbished iPhones. These devices are properly tested and checked for any faulty behaviour. E-commerce websites like Cashify, Amazon, and Flipkart, have dedicated micro-websites for the same.

Having said that, if you are looking to buy a second-hand iPhone, it may actually be a smart move, especially for people who like to switch phones frequently. However, the above-mentioned method of checking if all parts of your iPhone are genuine, just ensures that your time using the device is comfortable, and that you don’t face any issue after purchase.