Used iPhone Craigslist Purchase

August 12, 2010 2:40 PM

Anything I should be aware of when buying a used iPhone 3GS via Craigslist (to be activated afterwards on my existing AT&T account)?

I have requested the Serial Number ahead of time to confirm the model number. I will be transferring the service from my current (company) 3G.

posted by joecacti to Computers & Internet (9 answers total)

You can call Apple ahead of time to see if the phone is still covered by phone support and/or a hardware warranty. Look in both the 30-pin connector (where you plug in the USB cable) and the headphone port to see if the normally white liquid contact indicators have turned red.

Hopefully the phone is given to you with a working SIM card in it, so you can test the audio and video. Go to YouTube and play a video. Are you able to hear it from the speaker? What about if you plug in headphones?
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:48 PM on August 12, 2010

liquid contact indicator
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:51 PM on August 12, 2010

I've used the Apple Support self-service page to check on warranty status. I would physically check for cracks on the plastic back, all of my 3G phones developed these in between the buttons/ports and if you're still under warranty, you can exchange it at the Apple store for a refurbished one (unless it has liquid damage, in which case you're on your own).

I've heard lots of phones whose MMS/video capability not functioning due to software issues. I would just have a checklist of features to check like Bluetooth, GPS, rotation, Wifi, 3G reception, etc. They're complicated items with a lot of things that can break.
posted by meowzilla at 3:39 PM on August 12, 2010

I would want some proof the phone is not stolen. A serial number check with Apple should help.
posted by Nelson at 3:44 PM on August 12, 2010

Actually, check with AT&T if you're concerned about stolen merchandise. Apple will support the product regardless of what the name on the account is. So even if it's stolen, as long as it's covered by a support option, you'll be able to get assistance from Apple.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:46 PM on August 12, 2010

Ask if they have the original box too. Thieves tend not to.
posted by R. Mutt at 3:50 PM on August 12, 2010

Response by poster: Excellent point on the liquid contact indicator, I did not know that :)
I'm a bit sketched out buying via Craigslist in Baltimore, they're probably mostly stolen. Is there a certified used service anywhere?
posted by joecacti at 4:16 PM on August 12, 2010

I wouldn't say they're necessarily mostly stolen. I'm sure a lot of sellers are hoping to offset the costs of upgrading to the iPhone 4. You can always call Apple and ask them if they see any case notes regarding the phone being reported as stolen. That won't help you, however, if the original owner never called Apple to let Apple know.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:34 PM on August 12, 2010

Is there a certified used service anywhere?

AT&T themselves seem to sell refurbished iphones; apple sells their other products refurbished but I didn't see iphones.
posted by advil at 6:49 PM on August 12, 2010