Buying a second-hand phone can be a great way to save money—but it’s important to check the device carefully before completing the purchase.
Take your time, meet the seller where possible, and test everything thoroughly.
Please note: This guide is for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice, and we do not accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this guide.
Before You Buy
Check the Phone Model
Meet the seller in person and examine the handset.
Confirm it matches the advert description.
Compare features with the manufacturer’s website or official brochure.
Make sure you’re getting exactly what was advertised.
Network & SIM Checks
Test with Your Own SIM
Turn on the phone.
Insert your own SIM card.
Check if you can make calls.
Confirm mobile data and internet access work.
Testing with your own activated SIM is one of the most important checks you can make.
SIM-Free Phones
A genuine SIM-free phone should:
Work on any network.
Show no network branding or logos when powering up.
Always test with your own SIM (or one from a different network) to confirm.
Unlocked or Jailbroken Phones
An unlocked phone allows use on different networks—but unlocking may void the warranty.
On iPhones, software unlocking is known as jailbreaking.
Be aware:
Jailbroken phones may have software issues.
Certain features may be damaged or disabled.
Software updates may not work properly.
Ask the seller to download the latest update to confirm the phone operates correctly.
Test all major functions—especially the apps and features you use regularly.
In-Contract Phones
Ask the seller whether the phone is still tied to a contract.
If the original owner stops paying their bill:
The phone may be blocked or disabled.
If necessary, ensure the device is properly unlocked before purchasing.
Physical Condition Checks
Inspect the phone carefully:
Check that all buttons work.
Look for cracks in the screen.
Inspect the camera lens for scratches.
Test the battery life where possible.
Check for loose or damaged ports.
For iPhones, check the liquid damage indicator inside the earphone jack.
If the white disc has turned red or pink, there may have been liquid damage—which can void warranties.
Counterfeit & Stolen Phones
Check the IMEI Number
Dial: *#06#
This will display the phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.
It should be 15–17 digits long.
It should match the IMEI on the device (usually inside the battery compartment or settings menu).
You can check the IMEI through recognised IMEI validation services.
Check for Stolen Status
Contact Irish mobile networks to confirm the IMEI hasn’t been reported stolen.
If a phone is flagged after purchase, it may be disabled.
Where possible, ask to see:
Original packaging
Proof of purchase or receipt
iCloud & iTunes Syncing (iPhones)
Second-hand iPhones can sometimes remain linked to a previous owner’s iCloud account.
Before buying:
Connect the phone to iTunes or iCloud.
Check that it is not locked to another account.
Ensure it has been properly erased and reset.
If it is still synced to another account, you may not be able to use it fully.
PIN Lock
A simple but important step:
Ensure the phone is not locked with a PIN.
Ask the seller for the correct PIN.
Enter it yourself to confirm the phone unlocks properly.
Buying a Landline Phone
When purchasing a home or office telephone, check whether it is:
Analogue, or
Digital (VoIP compatible)
Most home telephone lines are analogue. Digital-only phones will not work on analogue systems.
VoIP Phones
Businesses often use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which allows calls over broadband internet.
VoIP phones can:
Reduce call costs
Offer additional features such as voicemail
Before purchasing:
Confirm your service type.
Check compatibility with your provider.
Ask your VoIP provider for recommended models if unsure.
Avoid Common Mistakes
A digital-only phone will not work on an analogue line.
Analogue telephony adapters may allow compatibility in some cases.
Always confirm your system type before buying.
Final Checks
Before completing any purchase:
Test the phone thoroughly.
Confirm network compatibility.
Verify the IMEI.
Check for account locks.
Inspect the condition carefully.
A few extra minutes of checking can prevent costly problems later.
One More Thing
Once you’ve secured your new phone, don’t forget to download the DoneDeal app—so you can buy and sell with confidence, wherever you are.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.