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How to Check if an iPhone Is Refurbished or New

Quick Tips
  • Go to Settings > General > About and check the Model Number. If it starts with the letter ‘F’, then the iPhone is refurbished.
  • A refurbished iPhone is a pre-owned or display model that undergoes a quality check process and is sold at a lesser price.
  • We recommend buying a refurbished iPhone from Apple or a reliable reseller, preferably a Grade-A, fully functional model.

Also Read: How to find the IMEI number on iPhone

Method 1: Check the Model Number to Know Its Origin Status

Open the Settings app, and go to General > About.

You will find your Model Number. The first letter of the Model Number will help you understand the iPhone’s origin status.

  • M: The iPhone is new.
  • F: The iPhone was refurbished by Apple or a carrier.
  • N: The iPhone is Apple’s replacement device.
  • P: It was sold as a personalized iPhone with engraving.

If you aren’t convinced by the previous method or are buying the device from an unreliable source (which we don’t recommend buying from), you can always reach out to Apple’s customer support. They might help you over a phone call or probably tell you to get your iPhone to the nearest Apple care center.

Also Read: How to check if iPhone is original or fake

New vs. Refurbished iPhone: What is the Difference?

A refurbished iPhone is a pre-owned or display model that undergoes a quality check process. Any faulty parts are replaced, and the phone is graded based on its age and condition. It is then sold at a lower price than a new iPhone.

However, refurbished iPhones may have cosmetic damages like scratches and visible signs of being pre-owned. They are graded as Grade A (Excellent), Grade B (Good), or Grade C (Fair).

Should You Buy a Refurbished iPhone?

We recommend buying a refurbished iPhone from Apple or a reliable reseller, preferably a Grade-A, fully functional model.

Avoid models older than three generations to ensure future iOS updates. Further, remember that due to prior usage, refurbished iPhones may be more prone to issues than newer models.

Apple vs. Carrier and Third-Party Refurbished iPhone

Apple ensures an iPhone goes through a rigorous process of quality checks before being branded as a refurbished iPhone.

Refurbished iPhones being sold by carriers and third-party sellers also go through a series of quality checks to ensure the device is functional, but you can trust Apple’s in-house process without a doubt. Thus, you’d be better off buying Apple-certified refurbished devices.

The big difference is that all refurbished iPhones bought directly from Apple come with a new battery and a standard one-year warranty. This has to be the biggest advantage of it all.

Also Read: What is the EID number on iPhone and how can you find it

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Last updated on 28 May, 2024

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