How to Save Money by Buying a Refurbished iPhone

June 8, 2022January 19, 2024 Mamta Sharma

Apple’s iPhones are some of the best smartphones available on the market today. While they share the same delicate screen that most smartphones sport, they are otherwise quite durable and sturdy. As iPhone is popular and has durability on its side, but also comes at a high price, especially when new. It is a surprise that there is an extremely popular market for refurbished iPhones. Here are the tips to save money by buying a refurbished iPhone.

What is a refurbished iPhone?

Due to the refurbished covers a lot of different aspects, it’s important to take your time and understand what you’re buying. A refurbished iPhone is an iPhone that the manufacturer or a trader has repaired and tested where required. It should come with a warranty, but it may not have the original packaging or accessories, and it might have some signs of cosmetic damage. Here are the tips to save money by buying a refurbished iPhone.

Some refurbished iPhones will be those devices which the owners returned because there was a fault or simply because they decided they didn’t want them. Others will have been used and then sold by the owner, perhaps to raise funds for a newer model.

Where to buy

You can find deals on refurbished iPhones at a range of retailers and carriers. Many online portals buy used iPhones and refurbish them, for resale. You can also buy refurbished iPhones directly from Apple now in some countries, including the U.S.

Buying a refurbished iPhone from Apple

Where better to buy your refurbished iPhone than Apple itself? Here all the handset is fully tested and in working order. They come with a new battery and a new cover, in a fresh white box. You get a 12-month warranty and Apple support is generally amazing if you should run into any problems. You also have the option of going into an Apple Store.

The downside is the discounts tend to be quite low. You may only be saving $50 compared to a new device.

Buying a refurbished iPhone from a big retailer

Big stores like Walmart and Best Buy also offer a wide range of refurbished iPhones, and they tend to offer more discounts than the manufacturer. Their iPhones are fully tested and come with a cable and charger, but there’s no battery or cover replacement like Apple offers, so expect scratches and other signs that the device has been used.

Buying a refurbished phone from an online service

There are plenty of services online like Gazelle, Decluttr, and Back Market that buy iPhones from people, refurbish them and resell them. You’ll often find larger discounts here than the manufacturer or big-box retailers will offer, but all iPhones are shipped and these services lack physical locations you can visit.

All the phones are completely tested and offer some details on the condition of the device you’re buying, but the specifics of their terms differ. Decluttr offers a 12-month warranty and Back Market offers 6 months.

Buying a refurbished phone from your carrier

Carriers often use the term “certified pre-owned” for their refurbished wares, but they amount to the same thing. They fully test used iPhones and repair them wherever necessary. You’ll get a charger with each one, but you might find signs of wear and tear.

The discounts aren’t usually good unless you go for an older device. There might be certain incentives and discount offers for existing customers and you can pick up and return devices in-store. Warranties are usually limited to 90 days.

When to buy

Most people sell their old iPhones when Apple releases new iPhones and that’s in September every year. In this calculation, you would find the best deals between August and October. Lots of different factors also impact the prices, which fluctuate daily, so it’s worth shopping around and doing your homework to find the best deal.

Check the warranty

You should always check the warranty of the refurbished iPhone as it has received high-quality repairs and the cost is much lower than a new phone. Still, it comes with a warranty. Usually, you should get a quality guarantee or money back guaranty if you have any issues with the phone after you buy it.

If you can, select a phone that has a one-year warranty. Be sure to read the warranty thoroughly, so you have a complete understanding of what it covers and who is responsible for repairing or replacing the device. It’s important to know who to contact (the seller or manufacturer) if you experience issues with your refurbished phone. You must also know what your warranty covers.

Remember that even when you return your iPhone for a replacement or refund, you will most likely be responsible for paying for necessary postage. Better to read reviews and ratings for the seller you want to buy your restored phone from. Doing so will give you an idea of how the seller interacts with other customers, the positivity of the customers’ experience, and what (if anything) you should look out for.