Hi I am thinking of buying a second hand i-phone off Ebay but before I do I just want to clarify the following:

1. If the seller claims the handset still has part of the 12 month gaurantee left can this be transferred to me? Also do I just have to get them to provide the original sales receipt for this to apply?

2. Are there any particular things I need to watch out for when buying a second hand i-phone except for the obvious stuff, such as I read that if a jailbroken/unlocked i-phone is upgraded to the latest software then this will reset the phone to be locked to the original network, for this reason I am avoiding jailbroken ones.

Thanks in advance!!


Thanks in advance.

Apple are pretty relaxed about their warranty, if the phone shows as in warranty ( you can check it on their website) then they will repair or replace any faulty iPhone, they don't ask for the receipt and there is no need to transfer anything for the warranty to still be valid for you.


there is no need to avoid jailbroken phones, a factory unlocked iPhone could be jailbroken. This only means that other apps (from other sources like Cydia) can be installed on the phone.

The problem arises with iPhones that are software unlocked (as opposed to factory unlocked or Network unlocked) as these will re-lock to the original network if you allow the phone to do a software update.

Upon receipt of the handset be sure to check that the liquid indicators are still white.

You'll need a torch to see them. They are located in the earphone jack and a inside the charging point. If these are pink/red the handset is liquid damaged- be sure to send it back ASAP.

Hi just wanted to check - I have read that a number of people have bought i phones off ebay and received the phone but after a couple of days the seller has reported the phone as stolen/lost, so the phone becomes blocked.

Is there any way to prevent this from happening?

Thanks

No, you can check the IMEI number before you buy. But there is nothing stopping the seller reporting it lost/missing after you've received it.
Given the likelihood of that happening and the possibility of there being waterdamage. I would exercise extreme caution if purchasing any secondhand phone.

No - and they get a shiny new iPhone 4 etc on the insurance. I'd avoid ebay, Gumtree etc for "desirable" phones. Too much trouble.

Just opt for a seller with good rep, I've had an iPhone off there with no problems

Have a browse on a good forum sales board, I bough a second hand iPhone last year for the wife, the screen started displaying funny colours and Apple swapped it out for another one no questions asked.

I put my iPhone up on eBay a few months ago because i was sick of the Apple clampdown and Android suited me fine.

First 'bidder' was a Nigerian scammer, second bidder decided she didn't want it after all, a week later, finally sold on the third attempt no problems.