How to Buy a Smartphone Online: A Complete Buyer's Checklist

Smartphones are one of the most frequently bought and sold items on any classifieds platform, and also one of the easiest to get badly wrong — a locked or blacklisted phone can become worthless the moment you pay for it.

Before you message the seller

• Compare the listed price against similar model, storage size, and condition to spot anything priced suspiciously low.
• Check the photos for the actual device rather than manufacturer stock images.
• Note the exact model and storage variant — sellers sometimes list the wrong or a more expensive variant by mistake or on purpose.

Questions to ask before buying

• Is the phone unlocked from any carrier?
• Is it free of any account lock (Find My iPhone / iCloud, Google Factory Reset Protection)?
• Battery health percentage, if the device reports one.
• Any screen or body repairs, and whether original or third-party parts were used.

What to check at handover

• Power on the device and confirm it isn't showing an activation or account lock screen.
• Check the IMEI (dial *#06#) matches the box or listing, and check it against a blacklist database if available in your region.
• Test the screen, cameras, speakers, charging port, and buttons.
• If possible, insert a SIM card to confirm it connects to a network.

For remote purchases where you can't test the phone in person before paying, RahaKaitse escrow keeps your payment secured until you've confirmed the device works and isn't locked — removing the single biggest risk in buying a phone sight-unseen.