Q&A for How to Identify a Refurbished iPhone

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Question

What's the difference between a refurbished iPhone and a new one?

Spike Baron
Network Engineer & Desktop Support
Spike Baron is a Network Engineer & Desktop Support Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the owner of Spike’s Computer Repair. With over 25 years of working experience in the tech industry, Spike specializes in PC and Mac computer repair, used computer sales, virus removal, data recovery, and hardware and software upgrades. He has worked as an IT Systems expert for numerous companies, including Huntington Health, Blackbox, Honda, and Manufacturers Bank. In his spare time, Spike also builds and restores computers. He has his CompTIA A+ certification for computer service technicians and is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.

Spike Baron

Network Engineer & Desktop Support

Expert Answer

The main differences are price and warranty. Obviously refurbished phones are cheaper, but they usually only come with a three-month warranty. A new iPhone is more expensive, but comes with a one year warranty from Apple.

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Question

My iPhone 6S Plus is model NKU62LL/A, so is it refurbished? It came with the original box.

Community Answer

Since it starts with an "N" and not an "M," it’s refurbished. It's not uncommon for a refurbished phone to come in its original box, especially if you purchased it on eBay or somewhere similar.

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Question

I was told that if I press and hold the iPhone home button, something will display on the screen to indicate that the iPhone is high quality. Is that true?

Community Answer

No. That will just show you Siri.

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Question

How can I be sure my iPhone is not a clone?

Community Answer

Open AppStore and sign in to iTunes. If the app icon leads you to the Google Play store, then the phone is clone.

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Question

Is Walmart a good place to buy a refurbished iPhone 6?

Community Answer

Yes it is. I bought one there before and it looks brand new, just cheaper.

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Question

How do I determine what model iPhone I have using the serial number?

Community Answer

Go to "settings" and look at your serial number. The third digit represents the year it was made. For example, if the number is 6, the phone was made in 2016, so it's an iPhone 7.

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Question

My headphone port is scratched. Does this mean my phone is used?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. It could have been scratched in transit or at the store.

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Question

I bought an iPhone X in a sealed box with a one year Apple warranty, but I got it from the market and not from an authorized seller. The model name begins with an F. Do you think it is new or refurbished?

Community Answer

"F" means that it was refurbished by third party authorities.

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Question

Is Gamestop a good place to get a refurbished iPod?

Community Answer

Gamestop can be a fine place to get a refurbished iPod, but I would make sure they are offering the lowest price in your area before purchasing from them.

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Question

Mine start with ME. M is first word and E is second. Is my phone is original?

Community Answer

Yes, it is original.

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Question

What do the letters MP mean in my iPhone model number?

Community Answer

If those are the first letters of your model number, it means it's an original.

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Question

Do I have to use the old phone number on a refurbished phone?

Community Answer

No, you can activate it with your phone number.

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Question

Who sells refurbished iPhones?

Community Answer

You can buy one directly from the Apple store. Other good sellers are Walmart and GameStop. eBay also sells refurbished iPhones, but you do have to be careful with them, as the quality is not guaranteed.

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Question

How can I identify whether a used iPhone 6s Plus with a serial number starting with C is refurbished?

Community Answer

You can check it by using IMEI or serial number here: imei.tools/product/check-refurbishment-status-by-imei/

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Question

How do I find the manufacturing date on my iPhone?

Community Answer

The third digit on its serial number indicates the year it was made the company. So, always check that, along with checking the IMEI on Apple's coverage check.

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