When you purchase a used Android phone it can sometimes be scary not knowing if something is not working until well after you and the seller have parted ways. There are however many things you can check to be sure that you are getting a fully functional device. We will layout everything you need to check and how to check each part.
First and foremost do an LCD test by entering (*#0*#), this will tell you any issues you have with Bluetooth, GPS, NFC and other sensors. If all of this seems well then continue to the checklist below. The list is in no particular order and you will not likely be able to check everything if you are standing there with the seller although choose the items that are most important to you and check the others later.
- Check the device for visible imperfections – If you were expecting a like new device then you will want to look over it and be sure there are no cracks or deep scratches on the screen. One part that people are less likely to notice right away is the camera lens. You will want to not only look at it but also open the camera app and look through it to make sure that the camera doesn’t show any imperfections or blur.
- Power on the device – This seems obvious but turn it on and make sure that everything looks to be functioning at first so that you can be sure that it at least boots properly. You can watch the screens to be sure that nothing odd comes up as well as pixelation that you may not notice with the device off.
- Check Recovery – There are many different ways to check your Android phones recovery for custom setups by powering off the device and then turning it on by holding power + volume up. There are some devices that may have another method so look that up before your ready to test the recovery. If you were expecting a stock recovery then you will see that here otherwise you will see something like ClockworkMod recovery in which case you will have to determine if it is what you were expecting.
- Check Network Connection – The most important thing you can do is make sure that your device does work with your network. This is of course easiest with a SIM card if your carrier uses them. Power off the device and insert your SIM card or a friends that is on the same network and turn the device on. Then you will need to make sure you are getting a signal for calls as well as your data connection is working properly. You can test data by just doing something as simple as opening your web browser and making sure you can get to a page. If you have a CDMA device like Verizon or Sprint there are many services like checkesnfree.com to check the device to be sure its not reported lost or stolen with a Bad ESN.
- Check Physical Connections – The biggest thing that you will likely find wrong with a used device is the headphone jack as it has happened to us on more than one occasion. Plug in some headphones and listen to a few sounds on the device. If there is no music on the device as there may not be you can go to call settings and check it with the ringtones. Next plug the device into a computer or wall adapter via USB to make sure it charges.
- Check Custom ROM Installs – from a powered off state in most cases you can hold the power + volume down +volume up buttons to enter into download mode. Once in download mode you will be able to see how many custom ROM’s have been installed. This is generally useful if you have a new device and want to be able to use the manufacturers warranty in the event the device has hardware issues. Custom ROM installations will void some warranties depending on manufacturer.
- Check Loud Speaker – Again like the headphones you will want to make sure that your speaker works properly. You can again go to ringtones if there is no music on the device and check there. Just listen for any crackling or buzzing as well as actual sound coming out.
Again it will be very difficult to check all of this with a seller standing there with you although connections and things can be tested rather quickly. Also if you have purchased the device via Ebay or some source that you have the time to spend checking everything it is recommended before leaving feedback. Please leave us a comment below if there is anything we have missed or thought to be a good addition for buyers to keep in mind.