Used Phone Checklist: IMEI, Blacklist, Locks & Hardware

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Before you meet the seller

Ask for the IMEI (both IMEIs on a dual-SIM phone) and the exact model.Run them through the IMEI checker. The format must be valid and the TAC’s model should match the advert. An unknown TAC is not proof of a problem.
Run the official lost/stolen check for your country.See the official checks by country. Do it again on the day, because a phone can be reported after you first check.
Confirm the model variant works on your network.Regional variants (for example a China or US model) can lack bands your carrier uses. Our results show the variant when the source lists it. Check the bands against your carrier.
Ask whether the phone is fully paid off.Phones bought on a contract or instalment plan can be blocked later if payments stop, even if a check looks clean today.

Dial *#06# on the phone and compare the IMEI with the one you were given.Also compare it with the box label and, where it has one, the SIM tray. Any mismatch is a reason to walk away.
Check the model in Settings → About phone (or General → About on iPhone).It should match the advert and the TAC lookup.
Make sure the IMEI is not blank, “0”, “null” or “unknown”.That points to damaged or tampered IMEI storage, and networks may refuse the phone.

iPhone or iPad: the seller signs out of their Apple Account and turns off Find My.Then have them erase it in front of you (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings). If it restarts to an Activation Lock screen asking for someone else’s Apple Account, do not buy it. Apple no longer offers a public Activation Lock check.
Android: the seller removes their Google account, then factory-resets the phone in front of you.After the reset, set the phone up yourself. If it asks for the previous owner’s Google account (Factory Reset Protection), stop. Samsung phones may also need the Samsung account removed. Xiaomi phones need the Mi Account removed (Find device off).
Insert your own SIM and make a call and use mobile data.On iPhone, Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say “No SIM restrictions”. A “SIM not supported” message means the phone is locked to another carrier.
Check for company management.On iPhone, look in Settings → General → VPN & Device Management for profiles you did not install. On Android, look for “This device is managed by…”. Managed phones can be locked remotely by an organisation.

Screen: dead pixels, burn-in, touch response across the whole screen.
Battery health.On iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health. On Android the location varies by brand; some show it under Battery or Device care.
Repair history on iPhone.Settings → General → About shows “Parts and Service History” on supported models, listing replaced parts and whether they are genuine Apple parts.
Face ID or fingerprint, all cameras, speakers and microphone (record a short video).
Charging port, wireless charging if supported, buttons, SIM tray and water damage signs.

Ask for the original receipt or box. Check warranty with the manufacturer.Apple: Check Coverage. Other brands have support pages that take the serial number or IMEI.
Pay in a traceable way and keep a record of the seller and the IMEI.Meet in a public place. Some people meet at a carrier store so the SIM test can be done on the spot.