Buying used? Check these first
Ten checks from Apple's support pages for iPhone and iPad, in order. Each one links to the Apple page it comes from. Buying a Mac? See the Mac checks
This site never asks for a serial number or IMEI. Where a check needs one, the link goes to Apple's own page.
Ten checks
Look for “iPhone Locked to Owner”
Turn the device on. If you see “iPhone Locked to Owner”, it is protected by Activation Lock. Don't buy it.
Make sure it has been erased
If you see a passcode Lock Screen or the Home Screen, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to erase it. It's ready only when you see the “Hello” screen.
Start setup
If setup asks for the previous owner's Apple Account, the device is still linked to them. Don't buy it until the seller removes it.
Check Carrier Lock
Go to Settings > General > About. “No SIM restrictions” next to Carrier Lock means the iPhone is unlocked. If a carrier is shown, it works only with that carrier. Only the carrier can unlock it, not Apple.
Apple: If you want to buy a preowned iPhoneApple: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier
Check Parts and Service History
On iOS 15.2 or later, look in Settings > General > About. “Unknown” can mean a nongenuine, used or incompletely installed part.
Check battery health
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health (& Charging). Battery health isn't shown for unknown or nongenuine batteries.
Check the software
See this model's last security update on its page here. Apple says older OS versions don't get every security fix.
Check the SIM type
Some models bought in certain countries take eSIM only and have no SIM card slot. Make sure your carrier supports eSIM.
Check coverage yourself
Use the serial number on Apple's coverage page. We never ask for it.
Test everything
Test the buttons, cameras, speakers, microphone, display and Wi-Fi, and know the seller's return policy.
Buying a device first sold in another country
It may be eSIM only
Apple sells some iPhone models as eSIM only in certain countries (for example, iPhone 17 and 18 Pro models bought in the US, Japan and ten other countries and regions, and iPhone Air everywhere). These have no SIM card slot. Check that your carrier supports eSIM.
Apple: Learn which type SIM your iPhone or iPad usesWarranty service may be limited
Apple's warranty says Apple may restrict warranty service for iPhone and iPad to the country where Apple or its Authorized Distributors originally sold the device.
Apple: Apple One (1) Year Limited WarrantyIt may be carrier-locked
Phones sold by carriers can be locked to that carrier. Check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock for “No SIM restrictions”.
Apple: If you want to buy a preowned iPhoneCheck network support by model number
Supported 5G and LTE bands differ by model number. Look up the model number on Apple's cellular page before buying.
Apple’s page lists only the models Apple sells now: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 16.
Apple: iPhone: Supported 5G and LTE networks
Checked against Apple's pages on 2026-10-11.
Buying a used Mac
Activation Lock on a Mac works with Find My. While it is on, the owner's Apple Account password or device passcode is needed before anyone can turn off Find My, erase the Mac, or reactivate and use it.
Which Macs have Activation Lock
Turning on Find My enables Activation Lock. It stays on as long as Find My is on.
- Mac with Apple silicon, macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, security policy set to Full Security (the default) and two-factor authentication for the Apple Account
- Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip, macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, startup security set to Secure Boot and "Disallow booting from external or removable media" (the defaults) and two-factor authentication for the Apple Account
Ask the seller to turn off Find My
Apple menu > System Settings > your name > iCloud > See All (or Show More Apps) > Find My Mac, then turn it off and enter the Apple Account password.
Apple: Activation Lock for MacIf the Mac is offline
Go to iCloud.com/find, sign in, select the Mac and click Remove.
Apple: Activation Lock for MacCheck for an unfinished repair
If a Mac with Apple silicon and macOS Tahoe 26 or later was previously repaired, or you are not sure, use Repair Assistant to check for an unfinished repair.
Apple: Activation Lock for MacIf Activation Lock is still on
With proof of purchase, you can start an Activation Lock support request.
Apple: Activation Lock for Mac
Checked against Apple's page on 2026-10-12.