Figuring out how to check a used phone takes just twenty minutes, whether you're sitting at a café table or standing on a street corner. Review the paperwork and the device's history beforehand, verify the IMEI against the box and system settings on the spot, test the display, battery, cameras, and network, and only hand over the money once the inspection is complete. This checklist outlines the exact steps buyers need to take, formatted perfectly for reading right on your mobile screen.
There are plenty of ads for secondhand phones out there, but the quality of the offers varies wildly. One seller might offer a year-old device with the original receipt, while another is offloading a dropped phone with a cracked frame and a replaced screen. You'll mostly figure out the difference based on what the seller tells you upfront and what they show you in person. The more questions you ask via messages, the fewer surprises you'll face during the meetup. The following procedure is based on standard practices for inspecting electronics. It isn't legal advice, nor does it guarantee the phone will be flawless. It simply gives you a clear script so you don't have to improvise on the spot. Listings on EX & GO are subject to posting rules, which you can review in advance.
- Before the meetup, request photos of the IMEI, the receipt, and details of any repairs.
- On the spot, compare the IMEI on the box, in the system settings, and on the device label.
- Test the display, battery, cameras, audio, and cellular network.
- Only pay after the inspection and make sure you get a handover receipt.
What should you find out from the seller before the meetup?
First, clarify the phone's origin and current condition. Message the seller with specific questions and ask for verifiable photos. Their answers might save you a trip if something doesn't add up. Every listing on EX & GO includes a description, price, and location, helping you decide if an in-person visit is worth your time.
Questions to ask via message
- Where did the phone come from, and who was the original buyer?
- Has the phone been repaired, and if so, which parts were replaced?
- Is the device signed out of the manufacturer's account, and do they know the passcode?
- How long have they owned it, and why are they selling it?
- Will they include the box, charger, and proof of purchase?
Forward their answers to yourself or save them. If the seller refuses to send a photo of the IMEI or gets evasive about past repairs, consider it a warning sign. A trustworthy seller usually has no problem providing documentation. For higher-end models, also ask whether the phone was originally sold in your region or imported.
Which documents to request
Ideally, ask for the original sales receipt or invoice, or at least a warranty card. If those are missing, request a photo of the box showing the IMEI and a screenshot of the IMEI from the settings menu. If the phone was bought on an installment plan or through a carrier, confirm that the device is fully paid off. Documents aren't a guarantee, but they make verification and any future disputes much easier to handle.
Before heading out, message the seller and ask them to charge the phone to at least 50% and bring the original box. This saves you from waiting around and lets you instantly see if they have the accessories.
How to check a used phone step-by-step on the spot
Follow the sequence below when you meet up. Spend a moment on each step and jot down the results in your phone's notes app. If something doesn't work, mention it immediately and agree on how to proceed. There's no need to rush-the seller can wait.
Exterior condition and IMEI
Inspect the frame, corners, and back of the phone under good lighting. Cracks, scuffs, and uneven gaps suggest the device has taken a hit. Next, dial the code to display the IMEI (usually an asterisk, hash, six zeros, hash combination) and compare it with the number on the box and the sticker. The numbers must match perfectly. A mismatch means you're not looking at the original device.
Display, touch response, and battery
Open a solid-color background and look for dead pixels, blotches, or shadows. Drag your finger across the entire screen to verify touch responsiveness, especially in the corners. Open the battery settings and check the health status and history. If the phone indicates a part replacement or unknown history, ask why. Stress-test the battery by playing a short video and watch how quickly the percentage drops.
Cameras, audio, and network
Take a few photos with both the front and rear lenses, test the flash, and record a short video with sound. Play the video back out loud. Insert your own SIM card and try making a call, sending a text, and loading a webpage using mobile data. Test Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as well. A weak signal might just be the environment, but dropped calls or a broken microphone are serious issues.
Software, accounts, and accessories
Navigate through the settings to check the OS version and storage status. Ask if the phone is signed out of the manufacturer's account and have them prove it. Ensure the device hasn't been reported lost or stolen by checking public databases provided by manufacturers and carriers. Plug in the included charger to verify that the phone charges.
| What to check | How to do it | Signs of a problem |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI | Compare the code in the system, on the box, and on the label | Numbers differ or the label is missing |
| Display | Solid color background and dragging a finger across the whole screen | Dead pixels, blotches, unresponsive corners |
| Battery | Battery settings and a short video stress test | Rapid drain, part replacement warnings |
| Camera | Photos, flash, video with audio | Blurry images, broken flash, silent recording |
| Cellular network | Your own SIM, call, text, mobile data | Dropped signal, non-working microphone |
| Manufacturer account | Show sign-out status in settings | Phone remains logged into someone else's account |
| Accessories | Plug in the charger and inspect the cable | Doesn't charge, cable is damaged |
What hidden defects are common in used phones?
The most frequent issues are replaced screens, degraded batteries, and moisture damage that only reveals itself over time. Some flaws aren't obvious at first glance, but a thorough inspection will catch them. Pay attention to the details the seller conveniently leaves out.
Replaced parts and amateur repairs
Uneven seams, mismatched frame colors, or missing screws near the charging port hint at previous repairs. Look for mentions of replacements in the battery settings or service history. If the phone throws an "unknown part" warning, ask who performed the repair. A cheap fix isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but you need to know exactly what you're getting.
Moisture and water damage
Wipe the screen and look at the backlight map for any visible spots. Check inside the charging port for signs of corrosion. On phones with removable backs, locate the liquid damage indicator. A foggy camera lens or condensation under the glass is a major red flag. Moisture damage can sometimes take a week of regular use to manifest.
Locked accounts and network blocks
A phone still tied to the manufacturer's account will be nearly impossible to use later. Have the seller demonstrate that the device is signed out, and navigate the settings yourself to double-check. Also verify that the device hasn't been reported as lost or stolen. While you can't always check carrier or public databases on the spot, the seller should be able to prove the phone's origin. If they hesitate, it's safer to walk away.
How to close the deal safely and what to document
Only process the payment after completing the full inspection, ideally right there on the spot. Write up a brief handover receipt including the date, price, IMEI, and a description of the phone's condition. Both of you should snap a photo of it. This gives you proof that comes in handy if any questions arise later.
If paying in cash, have the money ready beforehand and hand it over in exchange for the receipt. For bank transfers, use an account that matches the seller's name and put the IMEI in the payment note. Never pay in advance to a stranger without a way to verify their identity. If you opt for a listing that includes an escrow or accompanying service, read its terms carefully, as it operates under its own specific rules.
A handover receipt isn't a legal warranty, but it makes communication much smoother. Save your entire conversation with the seller as well. If you stumble upon a suspicious listing, report it to the platform's support team. General consumer protection advice can also be found on government websites like the Czech Trade Inspection Authority.
On EX & GO, review the posting rules before you head out so you know exactly what a listing must contain and how contacting sellers works. You can find the link in the rules at /cs/rules, and for any questions, visit /cs/support. used phones
To compare prices and local offers, use the search filters by city and category. used phones in Prague
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a used phone isn't stolen?
Your best indicators are matching IMEI numbers on the box, in the system settings, and on the device label, along with the seller's ability to prove where they bought it. Make sure the phone is signed out of the manufacturer's account and check public databases provided by manufacturers or carriers. No physical inspection offers 100% certainty, so always get a handover receipt that includes the IMEI and save your chat history. If the seller refuses to show you anything, walk away from the deal.
How much time should I set aside to inspect a phone when meeting in person?
Allow at least twenty minutes and let the seller know beforehand that you'll need some time for the inspection. Go through the exterior condition, display, battery, cameras, audio, and network connectivity using the checklist. If something doesn't work, point it out immediately and decide together what to do next. If the seller pressures you into making a quick decision, consider it a red flag. It's always better to walk away empty-handed than to buy a faulty device.
What should I do if a defect only shows up after I've bought the phone?
First, try contacting the seller directly. Describe the issue clearly, including the date and any proof you have. Keep your handover receipt, chat history, and photos handy. If you can't reach an agreement, contact the support team of the platform where the ad was posted and follow their dispute resolution rules. For broader consumer rights questions, consult your local consumer protection agency. Avoid jumping to conclusions and handle everything in writing so you have a clear record.