Smart shoppers can buy a used iPhone model for a fraction of the original price. You can opt for a refurbished model through your phone carrier, or even turn to private sellers on sites like eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist.
Whether you’re new to smartphones or just want to upgrade your old device, it’s smart that you came here for your research. In this guide, we'll show you how to find the right phone for you and how to purchase it safely by explaining what to check when buying a used iPhone.
Read on to find out how to buy a used iPhone in Canada.
Best unlocked phones on Amazon for May 2024
| Model | Release year | Shop this phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 (64GB) | 2020 | View on Amazon | |
| iPhone SE (2020) | 2020 | View on Amazon | |
| iPhone 11 (64GB) | 2019 | View on Amazon | |
| iPhone XR (64GB) | 2018 | View on Amazon |
What to check when buying a used iPhone (10 easy steps)
Here are ten quick steps you can take to check the quality of the device you plan to buy. This list is not exhaustive and doesn’t replace the multipoint check that a trained technician conducts. However, it’s a good idea to run through these tests to confirm the iPhone is worth the money. If it’s not, walk away or use this information to negotiate a better price.
- Get the device’s unique IMEI code and check to see if it's been stolen. If you’re buying from a private seller, you should ask for this before you meet to complete the transaction. The IMEI code is easy for the seller to retrieve; sharing it won’t compromise their security, and checking it confirms it’s not a stolen device. If the seller doesn’t share the IMEI code, we recommend dropping the deal.
- Check for an Activation Lock. If the previous owner hasn’t removed their Activation Lock before selling an iPhone, you may run into trouble when connecting it to your carrier plan.
- Look for liquid damage. All modern iPhones, iPads, and iPods display a red mark after exposure to water or another damaging liquid. The device may appear to work fine, but you could see unexpected behaviour later, and Apple won’t support it under warranty.
- Test the display for blemishes, faded colours, and dead pixels. Open the Notes app to display a large, white background. Look for any discolouration or spots that indicate issues with the screen.
- Use the marker in the Notes app to test the touchscreen. Draw long lines around the display, making sure to test all four sides and corners of the screen. There may be an issue with touch sensitivity if there are any breaks in the line you draw.
- Test all cameras. Many iPhones have two or more cameras on the back. Check that autofocus works and zoom into your photos to ensure they are sharp.
- Check that all buttons work. The number of buttons on an iPhone can vary by model, so make sure you test them all. If testing an older iPhone with a “Home” button at the bottom, test Touch ID by attempting to register a fingerprint. If it fails, repairs may not be from an Apple Authorized technician.
- Test all ports on the device. Start with the charging port, which usually connects to a Lightning cable. Test that the device will charge and keep charging while giving the connector a “wiggle.” If there’s a headphone jack, plug in a set of headphones you brought and run a few sound tests.
- Record your voice and play it back. Start by making a recording with Voice Memos or another voice recorder app. Test the speaker and microphones on a headset (if applicable) and those built into the device. Test out the digital assistant by calling out “Hey Siri” to make sure the phone can pick up your voice from a distance.
- Test the Wi-Fi, cell signal, Bluetooth, and GPS functions. There’s no need to test download speeds since you’re just looking to see whether or not the connections work. Tap on Settings, then Wi-Fi to see if any networks show up around you. The odds are good that you’ll find a few. You can use the Bluetooth app under Settings the same way. Test the GPS by simply opening the Maps app and seeing if it can find your correct location. You will need a compatible SIM card to test the cellular signal.
How to choose a used iPhone model
You may already have a new iPhone in mind. That’s great, but did you also consider how much storage capacity you need? What’s your budget? Is the exact configuration you want even available to buy? You may need to compromise on one or more features to find the perfect phone, so here’s how you can narrow down your selection.
Pick your first choice of iPhone model
If you’re unsure where to start, the simplest way to narrow it down is to decide which format iPhone you’d like: classic or full-screen.
Classic iPhone models
The classic models are typically cheaper and have a compact size, a smaller screen, and a physical Home button. Common examples include the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone SE.
Fullscreen iPhone models
The newer full-screen design features a display covering nearly the entire front of the device and comes in various sizes, from pocket-friendly to “is that an iPad?” Popular models include iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series models.
Classic models aren’t necessarily old or slow. Apple released a 2022 edition of the iPhone SE with the same power as the flagship iPhone 13, but it costs as little as $600.
Once you’ve decided on a style, you have to choose a generation. Like the iPhone 7 or iPhone 11, most devices give their age away in the name. However, identifying others can feel more cryptic with monikers like iPhone XR or iPhone XS Max. The easiest way to identify the generation is to compare the CPU.
Next, look for the size of the display, the number of cameras, and the storage size. Depending on your luck, you may even be able to choose a colour you like.
Quick tip: Buying a used iPhone for a child or senior
Your priorities are probably different when buying a used mobile phone for a child or senior parent. The latest features and premium camera performance give way to the need for something more affordable. When shopping for a used iPhone, our experts recommend an iPhone 7 or newer. Apple currently supports software updates on devices going back to the iPhone 6s, but you’ll need something newer to continue receiving security updates in the years ahead.
Pick your second (and third) choice of iPhone
Since you’re shopping for a used iPhone, the exact model and features you want may not be available. Prioritize what’s most important and select a second option you’ll be happy with. You could save a lot of money buying a model with less storage space, or you could find it’s worth spending a bit more to get a newer model when you find a good deal.
Where to buy a used iPhone in Canada
Now that you’re ready to shop, you have various options, like private seller classified ads, auction sites, and reseller marketplaces online. For a more hands-on experience, you can find a good deal at your local mall and possibly your existing cellular provider.
Private sellers: Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay
There is no shortage of private sellers ready to part with their old iPhones through online classified and auction sites. You might find the lowest price for your ideal iPhone model this way, but it also comes with some risks.
Buying a used iPhone isn’t like antique shopping for a coffee table. Issues like poor battery life, a faulty camera, or water damage aren’t always evident, and any of these problems can diminish the value of your purchase. Apple iPhone devices can become blacklisted if reported stolen, turning your new purchase into an expensive paperweight. If you choose to buy from a private seller, follow our ten-step guide below to protect yourself from buying a faulty iPhone.
Pros: Cheapest option, freedom to haggle the price, a wide selection of less popular brands and models
Cons: High risk of scams and poor-quality phones, no warranty on purchase, a smaller selection of popular iPhone models, harder to find the exact model you want
Intermediary marketplace: Orchard
Consider using an intermediary marketplace like Orchard if buying from a private seller appeals to you, but the risk of buying a lemon does not. Orchard technicians perform comprehensive testing on all devices before listing them for sale. For instance, most batteries should charge to 85% capacity and last you all day on a full charge.
Used iPhone grading chart
| Grade | Description | Visible quality | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like New | No visible scratches. Well cared for, probably in a case. | ||
| Very Good |
Some blemishes on the back. A new case should cover it. | ||
| Good |
Minor scratches. Clearly a used phone. | ||
Repairs made do not use OEM parts, but you get a 90-day No Questions Asked return policy. If any phone you buy from Orchard doesn’t perform as advertised—or you just change your mind!—you can send the device back for a full refund.
Other benefits to using an intermediary company like Orchard include protection from the Apple Activation Lock and stolen/blocklisted phones. In an interview with WhistleOut Canada, Orchard confirmed that it offers a lifetime blocklist guarantee. You won’t get that from someone selling an iPhone on eBay.
Even with prices a small fraction of what they once were, buying a premium iPhone can be expensive. Orchard partnered with PayBright to offer six-month financing as a simple way to get that pre-owned iPhone now and pay it off in affordable installments.
You can also cut the cost of buying a refurbished iPhone by selling your old device through the same site. Orchard accepts smartphones made by Apple, Samsung, and Google. Download Orchard’s app for iPhone or Android to test your device and get a quote. Our research supports Orchard’s claim that it will give you more money than you would get compared to a carrier trade-in.
Pros: Affordable prices, financing, professionally refurbished, popular models available, free shipping, 90-day No Questions Asked returns, sell your old phone
Cons: Online only (storefront in Toronto is by appointment only), non-OEM part replacements, interest charges on financing
Premium reseller: Mobile Klinik
A premium reseller like Mobile Klinik sells certified pre-owned iPhone and Android smartphones in addition to repairing your old device. As an authorized in-warranty repair shop for popular brands including Apple, Samsung, Google, and LG, these used smartphones receive premium or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts during refurbishing.
Mobile Klinik regularly trains its certified technicians on all new models, so used iPhones bought at Mobile Klinik can be as good as new and come with a full one-year warranty on parts. Another option is to buy a refurbished iPhone directly from the Apple Store, but the selection is smaller and often costs hundreds more.
Every storefront has a variety of devices that you can try first-hand. Through its 100+ stores nationwide and Mobile Klinik’s partnership with Telus and Koodo, the company receives many used devices to refurbish and resell.
There are also ways to reduce the cost of your purchase, like trading in your old phone. Suppose you’re considering a new cell phone plan on your refurbished device. In that case, Mobile Klinik credits you $100 upfront and an additional $5 per month Sustainability Credit (for up to 24 months) if you activate a new plan with Telus or Koodo.
With the money you save on buying a used cell phone, Mobile Klinik can further protect your purchase. Add a protective case starting at $24.99, and change it out at any time for $10 through its Case Club. Buy a screen protector, and a Mobile Klinik technician will install it for you. After a year, you can replace it with a new one for just $10.
Mobile Klinik offers the Cellairis bundle for more premium protection, including a case, screen protector, and two years of repair coverage even if you break that device you just bought. It’s an expensive upfront cost (over $100), but you can get a 20% discount when buying online using the code MKOCELL20.
Pros: Refurbished with premium and OEM parts by certified technicians, one-year warranty, wide selection, in-store and online shopping, trade-ins accepted, 100+ stores nationwide, financing
Cons: More expensive (but not by much), sales associates may try to upsell you
Contact your carrier
If your heart’s set on a current iPhone model, see if your existing carrier has any deals on used mobile phones. You can buy certified pre-owned iPhone models on two-year contracts from Telus, Rogers, Koodo, Fido, and Freedom Mobile. Public Mobile only sells prepaid cell phone plans, so it offers older pre-owned smartphone models to purchase outright.
Pros: Current iPhone models, two-year financing, certified pre-owned, warranty included, pay off financing balance at any time with no penalty
Cons: Most expensive option, small selection, not available from all carriers, financing payments outlast the warranty
Save More by Switching to BYOD
One of the best ways to save money on a cell phone plan in Canada is Bring Your Own Device or "BYOD" plans. You can sign a prepaid or monthly contract, then change plans (or carriers!) at any time without any commitment or cancellation fees.
Canada's Wireless Code of Conduct requires all wireless providers to offer cell phone plans on monthly contracts at the same price as two-year contracts. You will never need to sign a long-term agreement to save money again! In fact, you can get your cell phone bill under $40/month and still get unlimited Canada-wide long-distance and data by choosing a budget plan.
|
#1
|
Fizz
Unlimited Minutes & Text Messaging + 3GB Data
$20/mth
+ $15 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Public Mobile
$21 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 3GB
$21
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
Freedom Mobile
Prepaid 4GB + Nationwide Talk & Text plan
$24
Per 1 Month Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
PC Mobile
$24 Unlimited Talk & Text + 1GB Data
$24
Per 1 Month Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#5
|
Lucky Mobile
$29 Unlimited Canada-wide Calling Plan
$29
Per 1 Month Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#6
|
Koodo Mobile
$29 Prepaid Base Plan
$29
Per 30 Day Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
WhistleOut Canada tracks all the latest deals on iPhone devices at all major carriers. Read our Best iPhone Deals to find a great price you can pay off in affordable installments over two years.
Buying a used iPhone: FAQs
Yes, it is safe to buy a used iPhone. If you take precautions, buying a used iPhone can be a great way to save money. If you buy through a private seller online, meet up in a safe place. Your regional police services may offer a Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zone close to police stations and under surveillance by video.
To reduce your risk of fraud, consider a reputable store that specializes in refurbished iPhone sales. You may find that the prices are competitive compared to the retail price of current iPhone models. For instance, a three-year-old iPhone model is still incredibly fast, will continue to receive software and security updates for years, and may cost less than half of its original price.
Yes, you should be able to use your SIM card in a used iPhone. All iPhones bought and sold in Canada are carrier-unlocked. Even if you’re buying an iPhone used on a different carrier, it should work on your carrier of choice without issue. If you’re buying an older device from a private seller, have them confirm that the iPhone is carrier unlocked. Bring a SIM card from your existing carrier to test it at the time of purchase.
Privately selling your old smartphone is the best way to get the most money for your device, but it comes with some risks. You may have to wait to get the price you want, the buyer may change their mind, and you need to make the transaction in a safe place.
Intermediary marketplaces like Orchard will clean up and sell your phone on its website while taking a cut of the price. If it doesn’t sell after two weeks, Orchard will buy the phone from you at the agreed price. Your fastest solution is to sell the device to a premium reseller like Mobile Klinik.
Read our 10 Steps for Checking a Used iPhone so you can buy with confidence. WhistleOut recommends buying through an intermediary marketplace or premium reseller to reduce the chance of fraud.
When it comes to gadgets, many Canadians think about Best Buy first. We love tech at WhistleOut Canada, so Best Buy is like our playground. However, there aren’t any refurbished cell phones for sale in Best Buy stores.
Online is another matter. You can choose from Geek Squad Certified Open Box devices or buy from Best Buy Marketplace sellers. Certified Open Box products are devices bought from Best Buy and returned shortly after. The Geek Squad checks it over, resells the original box's product with the original accessories, and includes a one-year warranty.
Third-party sellers also offer used iPhones on the Best Buy website. Many of these retailers are reputable, but be aware that you’re not buying directly from Best Buy. You can search just for Best Buy products by enabling the “Best Buy only” switch in your search result.
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
Related Articles
Find Better Phones and Plans
Hundreds of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
