Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Refurbished Phone

Arinjay Srivastava @ Mar 27, 2025

Many people choose refurbished phones to save money but end up with faulty devices due to avoidable mistakes. In this blog, we will guide you on how to avoid these common mistakes step by step.

Buying from Unverified or Unknown Sellers

Always buy from trusted marketplaces or certified refurbished phone sellers to ensure quality and reliability. Consumers often buy from anywhere on the internet, which can be a good way to grab a deal, but it is crucial to buy only from trusted marketplaces. Even if you are not getting a discount from a trusted marketplace, it is still worth purchasing from them because they have a dedicated team at their headquarters to resolve any minor issues you may face while shopping. If you are unable to find a verified seller for a specific refurbished phone, check for seller reviews and ratings.

Do not rely on just one platform—there are numerous websites to check ratings. Some platforms may have artificially boosted ratings, but scammers cannot manipulate every review on every platform.

Avoid Deals That Seem "Too Good to Be True"

If a deal seems overly good, proceed with caution. If you come across a massive discount that even market leaders are not offering, be skeptical. While stock clearance sales exist, always take precautionary measures to avoid scams. Ask for an inspection certificate, request full COD (Cash on Delivery), and carefully review every policy. Additionally, check the website's UI/UX—scam websites often look shady and unprofessional.

Not Checking for Warranty and Return Policy

After thoroughly checking the product page, the next step should always be to review the Warranty and Return Policy. This section will provide crucial details about potential defects and hidden terms. For instance, one of our buyers was recently scammed—they purchased a refurbished mobile at a huge discount but later discovered in the terms and conditions that OEM parts had been replaced with non-original ones, which was the reason behind the low price.

Ensure the renewed smartphone comes with a warranty of at least six months, as certified refurbished devices typically include warranty coverage. Every reliable seller offers at least a six-month warranty on renewed devices, so always opt for those. Buying an electronic device without a warranty or guarantee can be risky for your finances.

Avoid sellers who do not offer any form of guarantee. Also, be cautious of sellers who do not provide a contact number. Always call them, record the conversation, and directly ask them about any hidden terms behind the discount.

Ignoring Battery Health

Check if the battery has been replaced or tested. The battery is the engine of any smartphone—if it is not in good condition, it will significantly affect the device’s performance. The minimum battery health should be at least 80% of the original capacity. Also, ask the seller about their battery replacement policy.

Overlooking Cosmetic and Internal Damage

Scratches and scuffs are common, but check for cracks. A refurbished smartphone will definitely have some minor scratches since it was pre-owned. However, if there are loose buttons, an unresponsive touchscreen, or faulty speakers, return or replace the device immediately.

Verify that all hardware components (camera, microphone, charging port, etc.) are working properly. There are numerous apps and software available to test both major and minor hardware components. One such tool is Phone Doctor Plus, which can check 30+ components of your device.

Not Checking for Software Issues and Compatibility

Sometimes, a refurbished phone may be carrier-locked to a different region, making it unusable in your area. For example, if you buy a refurbished iPhone 14 from Canada, but it is customized for Canadian telecom networks, it may not work in India. Always ask the seller about such details.

Finally, check whether all sensors (fingerprint scanner, Face ID, etc.) are functioning properly.