Buying a Used iPhone? 10 Checks Before You Pay
Used iPhones can save you a lot of money. But a locked phone, a tired battery, or a cheap past repair can wipe out the savings. Meet in a safe place, and run these 10 checks before you pay.
⚡ Found a broken spot after you bought it?
Franchitti's Fix is at 4515 Texas St (92116), available 10 AM – 10 PM daily by call, text, or appointment. Call or text (720) 413-8150 or book an appointment online.
Booked or heading over? Please call or text (720) 413-8150 to confirm I'm available before you head over. Text us.
🔐 1–2: Make Sure It's Not Locked
- Activation Lock. Ask the seller to erase the phone in front of you. It should restart to the "Hello" screen and should not ask for their Apple Account. If it says "iPhone Locked to Owner," don't buy it.
- Carrier and IMEI. Dial *#06# to see the IMEI. Ask your carrier if it can be activated on your plan.
🔋 3: Battery Health
Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Lower capacity means shorter battery life. Factor a battery replacement into your offer if it's low. See iPhone Battery Health Below 80%.
⚡ Found a problem with a used phone?
Franchitti's Fix is at 4515 Texas St (92116), available 10 AM – 10 PM daily by call, text, or appointment. Call or text (720) 413-8150 or book an appointment online.
Booked or heading over? Please call or text (720) 413-8150 to confirm I'm available before you head over. Text us.
🧾 4: Parts and Service History
Go to Settings > General > About. On recent iOS versions, Parts and Service History shows if the screen, battery, or camera was replaced. An "Unknown Part" note means the part wasn't verified by Apple. It doesn't always mean a bad part, but it's worth asking about. Learn more in Plug-and-Play Screens and the Unknown Part Message.
📱 5–6: Screen and Touch
- Look at a white screen and a black screen for spots, lines, or dim patches.
- Drag an app icon around the whole screen to test touch.
- Check that True Tone is in Settings > Display & Brightness.
On an iPhone 14 or newer, Apple's diagnostics mode can test the display. See our iPhone diagnostics guide for warning signs.
📷 7–8: Face ID and Cameras
- Set up Face ID with your own face. If it fails or says it's not available, walk away or lower your offer.
- Take photos with every rear lens and the front camera. Look for blur, spots, or shaking.
🔊 9–10: Sound, Charging and Buttons
- Make a call. Check that you can hear and be heard.
- Play a video on the loudspeaker.
- Plug it in and make sure it charges without wiggling the cable.
- Press every button and flip the silent switch or Action button.
- Look for cracks in the back glass and the camera lenses.
🔧 Found a Problem?
Many issues are fixable, and the price can be part of your offer. Check our posted prices first: every iPhone model and price, iPhone screen repair prices, or model pages like the iPhone 13 prices, iPhone 14 prices, iPhone 15 prices.
Back glass cracked? Laser back glass repairs take about 3–4 hours. If your back glass has been replaced before, it's often done in under an hour. Call or text (720) 413-8150 for timing. See iPhone back glass repair.
Most repairs take about an hour once we start. Call or text (720) 413-8150 first and we'll confirm your part is in stock.
📍 Close to North Park and Normal Heights
We're at 4515 Texas St, San Diego, CA 92116, on the North Park and Normal Heights border near Adams Ave. It's a home-based workshop, so please call or text before you head over.
📚 Helpful reads: our iPhone diagnostics guide, every iPhone model and price, iPhone Battery Health Below 80%, Plug-and-Play Screens and the Unknown Part Message, Repair or Upgrade?.
🏘️ Neighborhoods we serve: North Park & Normal Heights, Hillcrest & University Heights, City Heights, Kensington & Talmadge, Mission Valley, South Park & Golden Hill.
⚡ Why Locals Choose Franchitti's Fix
🛡️ 1-Year Warranty
Repairs include a 1-year warranty against defects on undamaged parts.
🔍 Free Extras
Diagnostics and port cleaning are free with any repair. Screen replacements include a free screen protector.
⏱️ About an Hour Once We Start
Most repairs take about an hour once we start. Call or text (720) 413-8150 first and we'll confirm your part is in stock.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know a Used iPhone Isn't Locked?
After erasing, it should go to the "Hello" screen and not ask for the seller's Apple Account. If it says "iPhone Locked to Owner," don't buy it.
Where Do I See If Parts Were Replaced?
Settings > General > About, under Parts and Service History, on recent iOS versions.
What Battery Health Is OK on a Used iPhone?
Higher is better. If capacity is low, plan for a battery replacement and factor it into your price.
Can You Fix Problems I Find After Buying?
Usually, yes. Call or text your model and the issue for a price. Diagnostics are free with any repair.
What Warranty Do I Get?
Repairs include a 1-year warranty against defects on undamaged parts.
Book a Repair for Your New-to-You iPhone
Book an appointment online or call/text us to get a quote.
Booked or heading over? Please call or text (720) 413-8150 to confirm I'm available before you head over. Text us.
I run this shop and a family, so a quick call or text letting me know you're on the way means a lot.
📞 Call or Text: (720) 413-8150
📍 4515 Texas St, San Diego, CA 92116 • Available 10 AM – 10 PM daily by call, text, or appointment
Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, or any other device maker. Model names are used only to describe compatibility.