How to Tell if an iPhone is Refurbished, New, or Stolen

If you’re about to buy an iPhone in Nigeria, whether brand-new or used, it’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for. Is the iPhone new, refurbished, or stolen? These details can affect the phone’s performance, resale value, and safety. At Applestore.ng, we help you inspect, verify, and buy genuine Apple devices. This guide will show you how to tell the difference between new, refurbished, and stolen iPhones.

 

Here’s how to tell if an iPhone is refurbished, new, or stolen

1. Check the iPhone’s Model Number

Apple has a simple code that helps you know whether an iPhone is new, refurbished, or replaced.

Here’s how to check:

• Go to Settings > General > About

• Look for Model Number

What the letters mean:

• M – Brand New (originally purchased new)

• F – Refurbished by Apple or a certified reseller

• N – Replacement device (given during warranty service)

• P – Personalized (custom engraved device)

Example: If the model number starts with M, it’s a new device. If it starts with F, it’s refurbished.

2. Use the iPhone’s IMEI or Serial Number to Verify Status

Every iPhone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and Serial Number.

Steps to verify:

• Go to Settings > General > About

• Copy the IMEI or Serial Number

• Visit Applestore.ng’s IMEI Checker or Apple’s Check Coverage website

• Enter the details to see the warranty status, model, and purchase date

This helps you confirm:

• If the iPhone is activated

• If it has AppleCare coverage

• If it has been reported stolen (if the activation date doesn’t match seller claims)

Note: A missing or incorrect activation date could signal a stolen or tampered device.

3. Check for Activation Lock (iCloud Lock)

When buying a used iPhone, make sure Find My iPhone has been turned off. If it’s still on, the phone is locked to the previous owner’s iCloud account.

To check:

• Go to Settings > [Your Apple ID] > Find My > Find My iPhone

• If it’s ON, ask the seller to remove their iCloud account before payment

Warning: A locked iPhone could be stolen or unusable, even if it’s working physically.

4. Inspect the Physical Condition

While not a foolproof method, physical signs can also reveal a phone’s history.

Things to look for:

• New iPhones: Come sealed in Apple packaging, no scratches, perfect glass and buttons

• Refurbished iPhones: May have new body parts or screen but are often shipped in plain white or brown boxes

• Used/Stolen Devices: May have dents, cracks, or unmatched parts (e.g., non-original screws or screen discoloration)

5. Ask for Proof of Purchase or Receipts

A genuine seller should be able to show you:

• Original receipt or invoice

• Warranty card

• Previous service history (for used/refurbished devices)

If a seller refuses to provide proof of purchase, be cautious. It might be a stolen device or fake product.

6. Use Online Stolen Phone Checkers

You can also verify if an iPhone has been blacklisted or reported stolen using IMEI checkers like:

• Applestore.ng IMEI Checker

Paste the IMEI to see if the device is reported as lost, blacklisted, or stolen.

7. Buy from Trusted Sources

If you want peace of mind, buy your iPhone from a trusted store. Although we do not sell Apple devices at Applestore.ng, we can help you inspect and buy both new and used Apple devices. 

Here’s why thousands of Nigerians trust us:

• We verify every iPhone’s IMEI, model, and status

• We offer genuine UK-used and brand-new iPhones with warranty

• We help customers inspect and buy devices with our HelpMeBuy Service

Final Tips: How to Stay Safe When Buying an iPhone in Nigeria

• Never pay in full until you verify the iPhone.

• Always ask for proof of ownership to avoid buying a stolen device.

• Don’t ignore suspiciously low prices. If it’s too good to be true, then it’s probably is.

• Always check the IMEI and model number before buying

Understanding whether an iPhone is new, refurbished, or stolen is essential before making a purchase. At Applestore.ng, our goal is to help you buy smart and stay safe. We’ve helped thousands of Nigerians avoid scams and buy genuine Apple products with confidence.

Need help inspecting an iPhone before you buy?
Use our HelpMeBuy service to purchase verified, genuine iPhones you can trust.

📞 Contact Us to get started:

• WhatsApp Chat: +234 912 989 1528

• Instagram DM: @applestoredotng 
• Visit our store: 164, Herbert Macaulay Way, Off Clinic Road (Leading to third Mainland Bridge), Adjacent MRS Filling Station, Adekunle, Yaba, Lagos.