Buying a used device: what to check before you pay

For a phone, use the phone-specific checklist.

1. Physical condition

Look closely in good light: cracks, dents, swelling, corrosion, missing screws, signs that the case has been opened, and damage around ports, seals and hinges. Smell for burning. Ask about anything you notice.

2. Basic operation

See it switched on and doing its main job — not only powering up. A washing machine should fill, wash and spin; a laptop should start, charge and connect; a speaker should play at different volumes. If you cannot test it, treat its condition as unknown.

3. Accessories

Check what is included: charger, cables, remote, hoses, mounting parts. Ask whether chargers are original or compatible, and avoid damaged chargers or cables.

4. Repair history

Ask what has been repaired, when, by whom and why. A seller who knows the history can usually answer in a few sentences. Repeated repairs of the same fault are worth asking about. See what a useful repair history contains.

5. Evidence

Ask whether invoices or job sheets exist. A seller may hide their own personal details on them, which is reasonable. An invoice supports what the seller tells you; it is not, on its own, proof that the work matches the description.

6. Model and serial consistency

Where it makes sense, compare the model (and serial number, if the seller is willing) on the label, in the settings menu, on the box and on the receipt. A mismatch is a reason to ask questions, not automatically a sign of wrongdoing.

7. Ownership and account locks

Many devices are tied to an online account. Ask the seller to sign out and remove the device from their account in front of you, then reset it. A device that still asks for someone else's account after a reset may be unusable. If in doubt, do not buy.

8. Documentation

A receipt shows where and when the product was bought, which helps with any remaining warranty. Note that buying from a private individual is generally not covered by the EU legal guarantee rules for consumer sales — see warranty vs legal guarantee.

9. Write down what is unknown

Before you pay, list what you could not check or confirm: earlier repairs, the age of the battery, whether parts are original. Unknown is a fair answer; it is better than an assumption.