How to check the iPhone before you buy with it: a comprehensive guide

What to bring

Going to buy iPhone, take with them not only well versed in the technology Apple other, but also some useful accessories that help to verify and identify all smartphone malfunction. It is highly desirable to have with you:

1. SIM card nanoSIM format.
2. Clip for a SIM card slot.
3. Headphones.
4. External battery.
5. charging cable.
6. Marker disc.
7. Magnifier.
8. Smartphone with mobile Internet.
9. A laptop.

All this will need at different stages of testing.

How to check the structural condition iPhone

Take the iPhone in your hand and carefully consider all around, paying attention to the smallest details. Ideally, do not be released from the hands of a smartphone to an unscrupulous seller is not substituted him during the transaction.

injury

Scratches and abrasions on the body and the screen can not be afraid, if you are not confused. These disadvantages do not affect the operation of the gadget and easily hidden by means of covers or films. Much more dangerous distortion of the casing, chips and dents. Such defects show a decline, and hence the potential damage to the internal components.

On previous flights of creaking also tell the body that are easy to find, a little twisting smartphone in hand. It also does not bode well.

Traces of disassembly and repair

iPhone, which does not fit anyone's playful hands, as a rule, creates the new owner much less trouble than shred copies. In order not to risk nothing, do not buy a gadget with traces of disassembly. A close examination of their relatively easy to identify.

Take a magnifying glass, shine a flashlight myself another phone and look at the screws at the charging connector. Their slots must be free of scratches and damage. This is a sign that the iPhone is not tampered with, or if any repair has taken place, it was conducted in a specialized service.

Any damage - it is an occasion guard and ask questions to the seller.

Note the rim of the charging ports, buttons, sim card tray. If the color does not match with the body color, most likely in the smartphone and digging changed part.

The same applies to the Home button: it should not be a different color from the front panel. If the button is skewed heavily recessed or protrudes above the panel probably, iPhone dismantled and changed the button. Due to the poor quality of parts with such a phone can be a problem in the future.

Inspect the joint display and housing. The transition should be as smooth, without scratches and chips on the perimeter. Their presence and sharp transition from glass to metal will be given low-quality repair and possible replacement of the display module.

Too big and different gaps around the screen indicate autopsy or swells battery.

How to check the serial number and IMEI

Each iPhone is assigned a unique serial number and IMEI, who can tell a lot about the structure of important information. Both numbers can be found in the settings ( "main" section → «This apparatus") and the label on the back of the box.

In early models iPhone (5, 5s, 5c, SE, 6, 6 Plus) IMEI further indicates on the rear panel. On iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X and later IMEI applied by laser engraving on the SIM card tray.

Of course, in all places of accommodation must be the same (well, except that the box can be taken from the other device for more presentable kind in the sale). Different IMEI on your device and SIM card tray indicate the repair and replacement parts, such as phones, as you already know, should be avoided.

The presence of the original box is an added plus and a guarantee that the phone is stolen. If there is a check and - generally excellent. Indicated in the serial number and IMEI it must also be the same.

The serial number can be check on the Apple device information. This allows you to verify that your original iPhone in front of the model itself, and in the same color that you buy. So you can protect yourself from buying a copy or iPhone 6 under the guise of 6s, and replaced with a device housing.

In addition to the verification page will be listed the remainder of the warranty period, if it is not expired, that will test the word of the seller.

And even the serial number to easily identify new or restored bought a smartphone. If the number begins with the letter the F, then refurbished in front of you, or restored, the iPhone.

Recovered iPhone comes in a plain white box marked RFB or Apple Certified Pre-Owned on a label on the reverse side. With the symbol F starts not only the serial number but also the model code, as well as PartNumber.

Such phones officially checked and repaired by Apple factory. They provided one-year warranty, but they are at the same time cheaper. In fact, there is nothing wrong with that, unless the seller has concealed this fact.

However, it is believed that it is better to take a new, not refurbished iPhone. The choice is yours.

How to verify iPhone Unlocked

There are two types of iPhone: neverlock and contract. The first work with any SIM card, while the latter are tied to a particular service provider and can only be used with it.

With the help of special boards, substrates for contract iPhone sim card unlock succeed. Due to the complexity and instability of the phones are much cheaper neverlock. If you have no purpose save on the purchase, the iPhone is better to avoid these. A check that before you really neverlock, you can:

1. With his hands, remove the SIM card tray and make sure that there are no foreign objects.
2. Set your SIM card and make sure that the phone is a cellular network and immediately connected to it.
3. Make a test call to someone of the familiar.
4. To be sure, open the "Settings» → «Basic» → «About your device" and make sure that the string "Operator" stands the name of your operator.

If everything is in order, you can proceed to the next step.

How to verify iPhone bind to iCloud

Since iOS devices 7 bound to the owner of the Apple ID. This allows you to secure data in loss or stolen smartphone. Via iCloud iPhone can determine the location, remotely lock or wipe it.

Without access to the account can not use a locked smartphone old owner.

If you buy such a device, then the only thing you can do with it, it is disassembled into parts.

At the same time protect yourself from these problems is not too difficult. Enough to make a few checks.

lock activation

When displayed on the iPhone screen and a proposal to enter the account information, and the seller does not know them and assures you that you just need to connect to the iTunes, turn around and leave. This is just the very situation when the phone is only good at the details.

The "Find iPhone»

If the device is turned on and running, go to "Settings» → Apple ID → iCloud and check if the function is switched off "Find iPhone». If not, ask the seller to move the switch. You will need to enter a password on Apple ID, which is the owner, of course, need to know.

Make sure that the function is actually disabled. Otherwise, after the transfer of money to an unscrupulous seller can lock the iPhone.

Reset

Finally, to be sure, perform a hard reset the device with subsequent activation and input into their own Apple ID.

1. Open the "Settings» → «Basic» → «Reset" and select "Erase All Content and Settings."
2. If necessary, ask the seller to enter the password from the Apple ID.
3. Wait until the erasing procedure, and download.
4. Complete primary setting.
5. Activate the device and enter in your account.

After that, you can be sure that the iPhone no longer linked the old owner and is ready for further use. The smartphone will be as if just out of the box.

How to check the performance of iPhone

Like any other gadget, iPhone is a complicated technical device, a fault which you can not immediately notice. Even if the phone externally looks perfect, do not rush to enjoy and then buy it. Better to spend a few extra minutes, apologize to the seller for meticulousness and all as it should be checked.

The buttons and the silent mode switch

All iPhone controls must work gently but clearly - without false positives, excessive force and failure. Check each button on the absence of backlash, crunch and other extraneous sounds.

1. Home button It should have a small stroke and accurately respond to the pressing. On the iPhone 7 Plus 7, 8 and 8 Plus it is not pressed, and responds to vibration, which simulates a click. This button is almost impossible to repair, so the problematic device is better not to buy.
2. the volume keys It should be easy to push, making a characteristic soft click. Volume in this case changes strictly on one division. If the keys are pressed with difficulty or have false positives, without maintenance is indispensable.
3. Lever silent mode. The course of the switch must be rigid and instantly triggered responding vibration. It should not hang out and be switched independently from accidental contact.
4. Power button. Like other buttons, it also must be pressed first time and effortlessly, accurately recognizing a single and a long press on the lock on and off.

Display

From the buttons that you press every day, go to the display, with whom you will interact most of the time.

1. scratches. First of all ask the seller to remove the protective film or glass. Under them may be hiding scratches and even cracks. And yes, remove all the accessories in order to demonstrate the absence of defects - a good tone. Protection - a matter of taste, and the customer will stick the film or glass, if necessary.
2. Defective pixels. Check matrix of the lack of dead pixels. To do this, turn off and on iPhone or take a photo, cover the lens with your finger camera to get a black background. To check on a white background in Safari open a blank page. In both cases, no colored dots and stripes on the screen should not be.
3. The uniformity of illumination. Set the brightness to maximum and check the lighting on a white and black background. If it is not uniform around the perimeter, there are spots, the module has been replaced by a not very high quality.
4. light up. In the same way, make sure that there are no yellowish spots and stripes on the screen. They come from overheating and compression of the display, for example, in a pocket of jeans. These defects usually increase over time, so it is best not to buy this iPhone.
5. Touchpad. The efficiency of the touch screen is easy to check, stamped by all the characters on the keyboard or draw in "Notes". Find the dead zone can also drag desktop icons to different areas of the screen.
6. oleophobic coating. iPhone display has an oleophobic coating quality, which is quite easy to check. Try to draw something on the screen, the marker disc. Screen on the original marker will not write, paint and then gather in drops.

Speakers and microphones

The iPhone two speakers: auditory and polyphonic. Origin is at the top of the mesh in the front panel and is used during conversations. The second is to the right on the bottom and is used for hands-free communication and playing ringtones and sound applications. Only three microphones: the bottom - on the left of the charging connector, the top - by the hearing mesh speaker and rear - close to the main chamber at the rear.

To test the microphone and speaker is convenient to use the standard application "Voice Memo". Make a record and then listen to it. First, through the polyphonic speaker, then, bringing the ear, and the auditory through. The sound should be loud and clear, no wheezing, distortion and other interference.

Additionally, you can check out all the microphones on the camera by removing the little video.

camera

To test the camera first assess their visual status. The eyelet of the main chamber should be free of dust and condensate, and on its surface - scratches and chips. If the module is skewed, biased toward the lens from the center of the glass, or sticks on the rim, the camera is likely to change.

Run the standard application "Camera". It must be included without delay and quickly focus on objects. Make sure the autofocus mechanism is not rattling and publishes extraneous noise. Check the flash switch to the front camera. Take a few photos and video - on them shall be no stripes, dots, blue, yellowing or other artifacts.

sensors

Malfunction or failure sensors tend to turn a costly repair. Be sure to check all sensors and in any case do not buy the iPhone, having problems with any of them.

1. Touch ID. To verify the fingerprint scanner models, where it is, just add in your own mark and try to unlock the smartphone. Go to "Settings» → «Touch ID and Passcode", select "Add mark ..." go the setup procedure and make sure the correct operation of the sensor.
2. Face ID. The new system is available to unlock iPhone X and newer devices. It can be checked by watching for the seller or by adding your own face to unlock and test yourself.
3. Proximity sensor. This infrared sensor blanks the screen and prevents accidentally pressed during conversation or in other cases, when the iPhone to your ear. It is easy to check in the time of the call or listening to the voice note in the "Voice Recording".
4. Light sensor. With this sensor works Auto Brightness function when backlight level adjusts to the ambient light. To check it is necessary to turn on Auto-Brightness to "Settings» → «Display and brightness", and then cover up the place in front of the camera with your finger for a few seconds - the display should be dimmed.
5. Accelerometer and gyroscope. To test the accelerometer is easiest to start the calendar, or notes and turn the iPhone - screen at the same time, too, must turn over to the appropriate position. Gyro is easy to check by starting the app "Compass" and calibrate it.

Charging and headphone jack

Lightning-connector, unlike cable breaks very often, but when buying it should be checked. To do this, connect your external battery for the iPhone and see if it will charge. Within 5 minutes the device should be charged about 1-2%. When connecting the cable, be sure to try to insert it by both sides.

If there is audio jack, do not forget to make sure it is working properly. To do this, connect your smartphone to your headphones and start some music or recording file. The sound should be clean, free of noise and wheezing, and in both headphones. Sam connector at the same time should be clearly inserted in the slot and securely fixed.

Wireless interfaces

1. Bluetooth. To test the Bluetooth, just connect to the iPhone wireless headphones or speakers. If they are at hand was not, just try to transfer pictures to another AirDrop Apple device.
2. Wi-Fi. To check Wi-Fi network nearby scan and connect to one of them. Launch Safari and go to several pages - so you make sure the Internet works. If a public Wi-Fi is not at hand, distribute online with another smartphone via modem mode.
3. GPS. The efficiency of the GPS module is tested using the standard application "Maps". Open it up and make sure that the iPhone detects the current location.

Battery

Apple iPhone battery is guaranteed to work without a significant loss of capacity over 500 cycles. Depending on the intensity of use is about two years. However, limited by Seller's assurances that the battery holds as new, it is not necessary. Better check it out.

The easiest way - to watch the charge level while the smartphone tests. At the beginning of the inspection switch on the charge display a percentage in the settings section "Battery" and take a screenshot. If a few minutes check the charge level has fallen by 1-2%, the battery is in order.

On the iPhone 6s and earlier devices, you can view the status of the battery charge and the current relatively new. To do this, open the "Settings» → «Battery» → «Battery status." Ibid indicate whether peak performance is maintained, or processor speed will decrease to iPhone not disconnected under load.

Finally, the most accurate, but the most complicated way - to view the number of recharge cycles and the current capacity by using special utilities for your computer. That laptop and needed to do to us.

On a Mac, you can use the free utility coconutBatteryThere is a similar application for Windows - iBackupBot. The rest of the testing procedure is no different: iPhone connect cable to your computer and watch information. If the cycles have passed for 500 and less than 80% capacity, keep in mind that soon may need to replace the battery.

moisture sensor

Starting with the iPhone 7 smartphones have moisture protection, but water damage company still considers non-warranty case. Like it or not, and the water and the electronics nevertheless incompatible. Immersion in liquid causes oxidation of electronic components and circuit boards that a smartphone is almost always means a breakdown. If not immediately, then in the future.

Of course, buying iPhone-drowned can not in any case. But recognize it is not so difficult.

In all iPhone generations have specific indicators contact with the liquid. When spilled on water, they change color from silvery-white to pinkish-red. In today's iPhone, these markers are located inside the slot sim card on older devices - inside the charging connector and audio jacks.

Shine a flashlight on the light and consider it well, to determine the color. At the slightest hint of redness better give up the purchase and look for another option.

Checklist test

And finally - a short list of what to check before you buy. Pry it into iPhone inspection time, so as not to forget anything.

1. Damage.
2. Traces of disassembly and repair.
3. The serial number and IMEI.
4. Binding to the operator.
5. Activation Lock.
6. Disabling the "Find iPhone».
7. Reset.
8. Home button.
9. the volume keys.
10. Lever silent mode.
11. The Power button.
12. Status display.
13. Defective pixels.
14. Uniformity of illumination.
15. Glare of the matrix.
16. Touchpad.
17. Oleophobic coating.
18. Speakers.
19. Microphones.
20. Camera.
21. Touch ID.
22. Face ID.
23. Proximity sensor.
24. Light sensor.
25. Accelerometer.
26. Gyroscope.
27. Headphone jack.
28. Charging connector.
29. Bluetooth.
30. Wi-Fi.
31. GPS.
32. Battery.
33. moisture sensor.

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