Published Last updated Written and reviewed by the Resale Intelligence team
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Dial *#06# to show the IMEI and compare it with the box and the SIM tray. Make sure the iCloud/Google account has been signed out, then check the screen, battery, cameras, speakers, buttons and charging before you agree on a price.
What is IMEI?
IMEI is the 15-digit number that identifies a mobile phone. Dial *#06# on the phone's keypad to show it; it must match the number on the box and on the SIM tray.
The full definition is in the Glossary.
What should you check before buying a used phone?
Check that the IMEI matches on the device, the box and the SIM tray, that the account is signed out and there is no MDM lock, then test the screen, touch, battery, cameras, speakers, microphone, buttons and charging, and look for water damage or signs of opening, using the checklist below.
- IMEI matches — The IMEI on the device (*#06#), the box and the SIM tray must all match.
- Accounts signed out — Find My/iCloud or the Google account must be signed out in front of you. A device still locked to an account cannot be resold.
- No MDM lock — Company devices enrolled in device management cannot be resold.
- Screen and touch — Look for spots, lines and burn-in, and test touch across the whole screen.
- Battery — Check battery health. Below 80%, allow for a battery replacement.
- Cameras, speakers, microphone, buttons, charging
- Signs of water damage or of being opened
The inspection sets the device's Condition grade, which affects the valuation.
What evidence should you keep when buying?
Photograph the device and, with consent, the seller's ID card. Have the seller sign the ownership statement on the purchase receipt, and check whether this IMEI has passed through your shop before or is still in stock.
The app checks for duplicate IMEIs and has an inspection checklist on the Receive item screen. See For phone shops