How to

How to check if your phone is refurbished or new

Michael Mensah August 25, 2022 2 min read

When buying a smartphone, it can be hard to know exactly what you’re getting. Retailers, as well as manufacturers, offer refurbished devices, such as Amazon’s Renewed programme and Apple’s official refurbished store.

In some cases, the phone will have had parts replaced (such as the battery) while in others, traded-in phones have simply been sorted into various categories depending upon their condition and state of operation.

For this reason, you need to have your wits about you because it can affect things such as the warranty offered. With this in mind, here’s how to use your detective skills so you’re sure of what you’re getting before you press that ‘Buy’ button.

How to check if your iPhone was refurbished

Open the Settings app and navigate to General
Click on About
Once you tap on About, you’ll be presented with a list of important information about the iPhone, including the device’s name, its software version, and a model number.

Note: Pay careful attention to the model number, because this will reveal the origin of the iPhone.

If the model number starts with M, it was purchased new from Apple.
If the model number starts with F, it was refurbished by Apple or a carrier.
If the model number starts with P, it was sold as a personalized iPhone with an engraving.
If the model number starts with N, Apple provided it as a replacement device for a malfunctioning iPhone.

How to check if your Android was refurbished

Open the dialer on your Android phone
Now dial ##786# on your dial pad
Those who are unable to access the RTN screen with the above code can try *#*#786#*#*
Ensure that you enter the code in the right sequence to open the page
Your Android phone will automatically open the RTN screen. You don’t have to press the call button.
Tap View on this screen
You will get some details on your screen
Go right down on the screen and you will find the Reconditioned tab
Under this tab you will find your answer in Status – it will either be YES or NO