Buying a second-hand iPhone can feel like a great way to score a deal. But it can also land you with a useless brick if you’re not careful. The used smartphone market is full of legit sellers, but it’s also a playground for scammers and shady devices.
In this guide, we’re walking you through how to buy a used iPhone safely in South Africa. Let’s jump into some smart steps and red flags to avoid.
Start by choosing the right place to shop
You’re more likely to get scammed when buying through random online ads than through verified resellers. Here are the safest options in South Africa:
Where to look
- Reputable pre-owned tech stores like iStore Pre-Owned, Macshack, and Unboxxed
- Certified refurbished programs that offer warranties
- Tech groups on verified platforms like Carbonite or community forums with active moderation
Where to be cautious
- Facebook Marketplace
- WhatsApp and Telegram “tech plug” groups
- Gumtree
- Instagram tech resellers with no reviews or verified business presence
That guy selling an iPhone 13 Pro Max for R5,000 with “no box, no charger, just phone” might be real. But chances are, he’s not.
Don’t pay anything before you’ve verified the phone
One of the most common scams is the deposit trick. Someone claims they’re “keeping the phone for you” but disappears after you send money. Never pay before you’ve seen and verified the phone in person.
If the seller insists on a deposit or courier option without giving you time to inspect the phone, walk away.
Always ask for the IMEI and serial number
Before you meet, ask for:
- The IMEI number (dial *#06# on the phone)
- The serial number (found in Settings → General → About)
Once you have these, you can:
- Check the device’s warranty status on Apple’s coverage website
- See if the phone is blacklisted on a trusted database like IMEI Pro.
If the seller dodges this request or gives you inconsistent info, don’t even bother meeting.
Meet in a safe public location
Choose somewhere well-lit and secure, like a coffee shop with WiFi, a shopping mall food court, or a business park lobby. Public areas with CCTV or security are ideal.
Some buyers even meet at police stations or cellphone stores to stay safe and check the phone in real time.
Pro tip: bring a SIM card, portable charger, and a friend. Also, ask the seller to bring a charger and the box, if available.
Do a full hardware check before paying
Here’s what to look for before handing over any cash:
1. Make sure it’s not locked
Turn on the phone. If it shows a screen that says “iPhone Locked to Owner”, that means Activation Lock is still on. The seller needs to log out of iCloud before you can use the device.
If they “forgot their password” or say “I’ll log out later,” walk away. That phone could be stolen, and you won’t be able to set it up.
2. Look for signs of damage or fake parts
Check the body and screen carefully:
- Is the screen lifting? Could indicate battery swelling
- Any glue residue around the screen? It might be a cheap screen replacement
- Are the screws intact? Signs of tampering
- Back glass cracked or camera lens scratched?
Also, go to Settings → General → About and scroll to “Parts and Service History.” Newer iPhones will show if the screen or battery was replaced, and whether those parts are genuine.
3. Check the battery health
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
- If battery health is below 80%, you may need to replace it soon
- If it says “Unknown Part,” that means a third-party battery was used
- If you see a “Service” warning, the battery may be degraded
Test key functions
You want to know everything works before you commit. Here’s what to test on the spot:
Sound
- Play a song or video to test the speakers
- Try a voice memo to check the mic
Camera
- Take photos and videos with both cameras
- Test the flash and zoom
Learn more about how to fix an iPhone camera here.
Connectivity
- Insert your SIM card and make a test call
- Connect to WiFi
- Turn on Bluetooth
- Try location services with Google Maps or Weather
Buttons and screen
- Press the volume buttons, power button, and mute switch
- Tap around the screen to check for dead spots or delayed touch response
Check that it runs real iOS
Believe it or not, some scammers sell Android devices that are made to look like iPhones. The icons, menus, and cases look similar. But it’s all fake underneath.
How To confirm you’re holding a real iPhone:
- Open the App Store (not the Play Store)
- Download an iOS-only app like GarageBand or Pages
- Try using iMessage and FaceTime
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update to see if iOS updates are available
Fake iPhones won’t pass all of these tests.
Be suspicious of weird prices
A secondhand iPhone 11 Pro going for R4,000 with no scratches, no issues, and “battery 100%” should raise eyebrows. It could be:
- A scam
- A stolen phone
- A clone or fake
- A broken or refurbished phone being passed off as new
If the price is far below market value, it usually means something’s off. Compare listings across multiple platforms to get a feel for fair pricing.
Ask the right questions
Before you buy, ask:
- How long have they owned it?
- Why are they selling?
- Has it been repaired before?
- Any issues with battery, screen, mic, or signal?
- Is there still any warranty?
- Can they provide the box and charger?
How the seller answers these questions tells you a lot.
Know what the phone is actually worth
A lot of people overpay for secondhand iPhones simply because they didn’t do any research. Before buying, look up the going rate for the exact model, storage size, and condition.
Check current market prices
Compare listings across:
- Takealot Marketplace
- iStore Pre-Owned
- Mobitronics
- Bobshop
- PriceCheck
- Carbonite classifieds
Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. A 128GB iPhone 12 with a cracked back and 75% battery health is not worth the same as one in mint condition.
If the phone is selling at 30% or more below the average, there’s usually a reason.
Negotiate, but be respectful
Yes, it’s fine to negotiate. But make sure you’re doing it respectfully and with logic.
Here’s how to do it smartly:
- Point out flaws politely. A screen scratch, battery below 80%, or missing accessories are fair reasons to ask for a discount.
- Don’t lowball. If the phone is listed at R8,500 and you offer R3,000, expect to be denied.
- Be ready to walk away. If something doesn’t feel right, leave. The right deal will come.
After You Buy: What to Do Right Away
Once the phone is officially yours, here’s what to take care of immediately:
1. Do your own factory reset
Even if the seller says they wiped it, do it again yourself.
Go to: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
Then set it up fresh using your own Apple ID.
This guarantees the phone isn’t linked to anyone else and clears out any leftover settings.
2. Sign in to iCloud and enable Find My iPhone
This adds a layer of security and gives you full control of iCloud features.
Make sure you’re on a secure Wi-Fi network (not the seller’s hotspot) when logging in.
Essential iPhone Security Tips for Users outlines how features like “Find My iPhone” are a necessity.
3. Update to the latest iOS
Check for updates at: Settings → General → Software Update
This makes sure your phone has the latest security fixes and performance improvements.
Read more on “Understanding the Importance of Phone Software Updates”.
Things That Might Pop Up in the First Week
Some problems don’t show up right away. Keep an eye out for:
- Signal dropping out randomly – could mean the phone is blacklisted.
- Battery draining fast – may be a sign of damage or a fake battery.
- No option to set up Face ID or Touch ID – could point to a hardware issue.
- Random restarts – sometimes the result of water damage or board problems.
If any of these show up, don’t ignore them. Bring the phone to a trusted repair shop as soon as you can.
What to Do If the Phone Turns Out to Be a Dud
Bought a lemon? Here are your next steps:
1. Report the seller
If you used a known platform like Takealot Marketplace, Bobshop, or Facebook Marketplace, report the profile with all communication and screenshots.
If you suspect the phone is stolen, report the IMEI to SAPS and blacklist it using a service like IMEIpro.
2. Try to recover your payment
If you paid via EFT or a legitimate payment app and have proof, contact your bank fast. They might be able to help.
If it were a cash deal, recovery is harder, but still report it if you can.
3. Get a proper assessment
Some phones aren’t scams, they’re just broken.
Take it to a reputable repair shop that offers full diagnostics. Look for techs who do:
- Micro-soldering and logic board repairs
- Battery or screen replacements using genuine parts
- Warranty on their work
- Pickup and delivery
A solid repair could still turn that “bad deal” into a decent save.
How to Avoid the Headache Next Time
Skip the stress. Here’s how to buy smarter going forward:
Buy from verified resellers
These sellers are vetted, offer warranties, and clearly show the phone’s condition and battery health.
You’ll pay a little more, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.
Use trusted repair shops
If your used iPhone needs any fixing, avoid fly-by-night techs.
Look for shops that are:
- Upfront about pricing
- Happy to show diagnostics
- Using genuine or OEM parts
- Offering a warranty on the repair
That way, your phone lasts longer and stays out of the landfill.
Quick Checklist for Buying a Used iPhone
Before the meetup:
- Got the IMEI and serial number
- Blacklist check done
- Warranty or coverage verified
- Price compared with the market average
- Safe meetup location arranged
During inspection:
- Activation Lock is off
- The phone accepts a SIM and boots normally
- Screen, mic, camera, and speakers work
- Battery health checked
- Software matches what was promised
- No display issues or dead pixels
After purchase:
- Factory reset completed
- iCloud and Apple ID are logged in
- iOS updated
- Used it issue-free for at least 7 days
Ready to use it, or fix it up?
Whether you’re getting your iPhone ready for everyday use or planning to resell or gift it, a quick check from a trusted repair shoplike iAssist can save you hassle later.
The second-hand phone market in South Africa is growing fast. With a little knowledge and the right steps, your used iPhone deal doesn’t have to come with surprises; it can be one of your smartest buys yet.
Check out this article on Apple Repair Centre – How to make the right choice, and Apple Trade-In: How to Upgrade to Your Next Device Hassle-Free. Whether you decide to fix the iPhone or upgrade it with a reliable provider, iAssist has you covered.
