How to Check a Used iPhone Is Genuine & Under Warranty

Buying a used iPhone can save you money, but only if the phone is genuine and still covered by Apple’s warranty. This guide walks you through verifying authenticity and checking warranty status using the iPhone’s serial number or IMEI, so you can avoid counterfeit devices and unexpected repair costs.

What You’ll Need

• The iPhone itself (or at least its serial number or IMEI number)
• Access to the Apple website (or the Apple Support app on another device)
• Optional: a computer with internet access

Step-by-Step

1. Find the serial number or IMEI. On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to find the Serial Number and IMEI. If the phone won’t turn on, look for the IMEI printed on the SIM tray (on most models) or on the back of the phone (older models). You can also find it in the original box or receipt.
2. Check the physical appearance. Genuine iPhones have a high-quality build: precise seams, smooth edges, and no loose buttons. The Apple logo on the back should be perfectly aligned and crisp. Compare the phone’s design to official Apple images for the model you’re buying. Look for any misspelled text, odd fonts, or misaligned camera lenses—these are red flags.
3. Verify the model number. In Settings > General  About, look at the Model Number (e.g., MQ0E3LL/A). The first letter indicates the source: M = retail unit, N = replacement/refurbished, F = refurbished, P = personalized (engraved). The suffix (e.g., LL/A) indicates the region. Cross-check this with Apple’s model number lookup to ensure it matches the supposed model and region.
4. Check the IMEI against the device. Dial *#06# on the iPhone’s keypad—this will display the IMEI. Compare it to the IMEI shown in Settings > General > About. They must match. Also compare it to the IMEI printed on the SIM tray or back. If any differ, the phone may have had its logic board replaced or be stolen.
5. Use Apple’s coverage check. Go to checkcoverage.apple.com on any browser. Enter the serial number and the CAPTCHA code. Click Continue. The site will show the model name, whether it’s genuine, and the current warranty status (e.g., “Active” or “Expired”).
6. Interpret the warranty results. If the warranty is Active, you’ll see the estimated expiration date. If it says Expired, the original one-year limited warranty has ended. If it says Coverage Expired but the phone is recent, it might have been purchased more than a year ago or have a third-party warranty.
7. Check for Activation Lock. If the phone is still signed in to someone’s Apple ID, you won’t be able to use it. Ask the seller to sign out of iCloud and erase the phone. You can also check the IMEI on iCloud’s Activation Lock status page (icloud.com/activationlock). If it’s locked, do not buy it.
8. Test core functions (if possible). Insert a SIM card, make a call, test the speakers, camera, Touch ID/Face ID, and Wi-Fi. A genuine iPhone will have all features working. If any fail, it could indicate a repair or counterfeit.

Common Mistakes

• Trusting the seller’s screenshot. Always check the serial number yourself on Apple’s website. Screenshots can be edited.
• Ignoring the IMEI on the SIM tray. On some models, the IMEI is printed on the SIM tray. If it doesn’t match the one in Settings, the phone may have been repaired with a different logic board.
• Assuming a warranty is transferable. Apple’s limited warranty is tied to the device, not the owner, and is transferable. However, AppleCare+ is not automatically transferred—it must be transferred to the new owner by contacting Apple. If the seller says “AppleCare+ is included,” verify it on the coverage check page.
• Overlooking the “Find My” status. A phone that is still linked to the previous owner’s Apple ID cannot be activated. Always check Activation Lock before paying.
• Not checking the model region. A phone sold as “US version” might actually be a Chinese or Japanese version with different LTE bands. The model number suffix reveals the region.

Tips

• Meet the seller in a public place, preferably with Wi-Fi, so you can check the coverage page on the spot.
• Ask for the original receipt. It helps with warranty claims and proves ownership.
• If the phone is still under warranty, Apple may require proof of purchase for service, so keep the receipt.
• Use the Apple Support app on another iPhone to run a diagnostic if you’re meeting in person—it can check battery health and other components.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. A genuine iPhone that is still under warranty rarely sells at a huge discount.

Troubleshooting

• Apple’s website says “This is not a valid serial number.” Double-check that you typed it correctly (zero vs. letter O). If it still fails, the serial number may be counterfeit or the phone may be a fake. Do not buy it.
• The coverage check shows a different model than the one you’re holding. This is a strong sign of a counterfeit or a phone with a replaced logic board. Walk away.
• The phone won’t turn on. You can still check the IMEI on the SIM tray or back. Use that IMEI on Apple’s coverage page. If it returns a valid result, the phone is likely genuine but may have a hardware issue.
• The seller refuses to provide the serial number. This is a red flag. A legitimate seller will have no issue sharing it.
• The activation lock page says the IMEI is invalid. This can happen with very new phones or if the IMEI was typed incorrectly. Try again, and if it persists, contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I check the warranty without the phone?
Yes, you only need the serial number or IMEI. You can find these on the original box or receipt.

Q: Does Apple warranty transfer to a new owner?
Yes, the standard one-year limited warranty follows the device, not the original owner. AppleCare+ can also be transferred, but you must contact Apple to do it.

Q: What if the warranty is expired?
You can still buy the phone, but you’ll be responsible for any repairs. Consider the price accordingly.

Q: How can I tell if an iPhone is refurbished?
Check the model number: an “F” prefix means it’s a refurbished unit. Apple’s coverage check may also indicate if it’s a replacement.

Q: Is it safe to buy an iPhone with a pending AppleCare+ transfer?
Only if the seller initiates the transfer before you pay. Apple requires the original proof of purchase and the new owner’s details.

Q: What does “Purchase Date Verified” mean?
It means Apple has confirmed the original purchase date, which is necessary for warranty calculations. If it’s not verified, you may need to provide proof of purchase to Apple.

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