How to check if an iPhone is refurbished, new or has been replaced

This article will share with you, those who intend to buy a new iPhone, tips to check if the iPhone is refurbished, new or has been replaced.

How to check if iPhone is refurbished or not?

The iPhone you just bought must be a new iPhone, not a refurbished one, because you paid for a new iPhone. To determine the condition of an iPhone, you just need to know the model of the device. First, the buyer needs to find the iPhone model, and then we will see how to check if the iPhone is refurbished or new.

Step 1: Go to iPhone settings, open the " Settings " app on iPhone.

Step 2: Next, open " General " and then tap on the " About " option to view information about the iPhone.

Step 3: Here, look for the " Model " entry, this value will be something like MN572LL/A.

Step 4 : The first letter of this model will indicate whether the iPhone has been refurbished, new, replaced, or even personalized with Apple's engraving service.

1. If the model number starts with M, it was purchased new from Apple.
2. If the model number starts with F, it means it was refurbished by Apple or an authorized carrier.
3. If the model number starts with P, it means the device was sold as a personalized iPhone with engraving.
4. If the model number starts with N, it means Apple offers this device as a replacement for a malfunctioning iPhone.

iPhone model number

If you don't see the model number above and it looks like A1661, just tap on it to reveal another model number like MN572LL/A, which is used to identify the condition of the iPhone.

There are many sellers, companies in the market and online that sell refurbished iPhones. They will not tell you which one is new, refurbished or replacement. Apple refurbished iPhones come with the original packaging and the same year of iPhone warranty. There is a buyer who can see the words ' Apple Certified Refurbished ' printed on the box, so be careful with devices that have F and N letters and pay the right price for it. So, before buying an iPhone, you must check and negotiate according to the condition of the device. If someone is selling you a refurbished or replacement device at a new price, skip it and find another place that is more reputable.

If you see that your phone is refurbished, don't worry. Apple puts its Certified Refurbished products through a rigorous process to make them look like new. This process thoroughly cleans each device, replaces any broken parts if necessary, and replaces the battery and outer shell.

Apple's Certified Refurbished products generally look and function like brand new iPhones, but for legal reasons, Apple can't sell them as new. Apple often offers these refurbished products at a significant discount, so they can be a bargain.

Third-party refurbished devices

Even if an iPhone's model number indicates that Apple sold it as new, it's possible that it was later refurbished by a third party. Few third-party vendors have as strict a refurbishment standard as Apple, so it's best to avoid third-party refurbished devices if possible when buying a used iPhone.
It can be difficult to tell if an iPhone is refurbished by a third party because the model number can't be changed. However, you can learn about the phone's history in the following ways:

1. Check the packaging: If the phone comes in an official Apple box that doesn't say "refurbished" anywhere, then the chances are lower that the phone was refurbished after purchase.
2. Check parts history: If your phone is running iOS 15.2 or later, you can see a list of replaced parts by going to Settings > General > About .
3. Take your phone to Apple: By making an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar, they can evaluate the quality of your phone's screen or internal components to detect if it has been unofficially repaired or refurbished in the past.

None of these measures are perfect for determining whether an iPhone is refurbished by a third party, but they will give you more information about the history and quality of the device.

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Kareem Winters

Update 15 January 2025