Looking for a refurbished iPhone can save you money while still getting a high-quality device. The best places to buy refurbished iPhones include Apple’s official refurbished store, Best Buy, and reputable online marketplaces like Swappa. These options offer warranties, quality assurance, and competitive pricing.
Apple’s refurbished store provides iPhones with full 1-year warranties and free delivery. Customers can save up to 15% on various models, colors, and storage options. Best Buy also offers refurbished iPhones with 90-day limited warranties, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious buyers.
For those seeking even lower prices, Swappa allows users to buy directly from other individuals. Prices for refurbished iPhones on this platform start as low as $23, with newer models in better condition costing up to $2060. This wide range of options caters to different budgets and preferences.
What to Look For Before Buying
- Warranty – Always choose sellers that provide at least a 6–12 month warranty.
- Battery Health – Apple-certified devices come with a new battery. Check this if buying elsewhere.
- Return Policy – Look for at least 14–30 days return window.
- Certification – “Apple Certified Refurbished” is the gold standard. Other reputable refurbishers also exist.
- Unlocked vs Carrier-locked – Make sure the iPhone works with your carrier.
🔝 Best Places to Buy a Refurbished iPhone
1. Apple Certified Refurbished Store
- Why it’s best:
- Comes with a new battery and new outer shell.
- Includes a 1-year Apple warranty (same as new iPhones).
- Eligible for AppleCare+.
- Savings: Up to 15% off retail.
- Where: Apple Refurbished Store
2. Best Buy (Refurbished & Geek Squad Certified)
- Why it’s good:
- Geek Squad-certified testing.
- Often runs sales and open-box deals.
- Can buy online or pick up in-store.
- Warranty: 90 days (extendable with Geek Squad Protection).
- Where: Best Buy Refurbished iPhones
3. Amazon Renewed
- Why it’s popular:
- Wide selection of models, often cheaper than Apple.
- Amazon Renewed Guarantee: replacement or refund within 90 days if unsatisfied.
- Watch out: Battery health is usually 80%+, but not always new.
- Where: Amazon Renewed iPhones
4. Swappa (Marketplace)
- Why it’s unique:
- Direct peer-to-peer sales, but devices are verified by Swappa staff.
- Often cheaper than retailers.
- Risks: No refurbishing process like Apple; depends on seller honesty.
- Where: Swappa iPhones
5. RefurbMe & Back Market
- Why they’re solid:
- Platforms that compare multiple certified refurbishers.
- Devices usually come with 12-month warranties.
- Transparent grading system (like-new, very good, etc.).
- Where: RefurbMe | Back Market
🎯 Quick Recommendation
- Best Quality & Safety: Apple Certified Refurbished
- Best Deals: Amazon Renewed or Back Market
- Best In-Store Option: Best Buy
- Best Marketplace Bargain: Swappa
💡 Pro Tips
- Always check model compatibility (especially if buying older iPhones).
- If buying outside Apple, confirm battery health (aim for 85%+).
- Avoid Craigslist or unknown sellers—too risky for refurbished iPhones.
👉 In short: If you want the closest to brand new, go with Apple Certified Refurbished. If you want the cheapest deal, check Amazon Renewed or Back Market.
Key Takeaways
- Refurbished iPhones offer significant savings while maintaining quality and warranty coverage
- Apple, Best Buy, and Swappa are top choices for purchasing refurbished iPhones
- Prices vary widely based on model, condition, and seller, allowing buyers to find options that fit their budget
Understanding Refurbished iPhones
Refurbished iPhones offer a cost-effective way to own an Apple device. These pre-owned phones undergo thorough testing and repairs before resale.
What Is a Refurbished iPhone?
A refurbished iPhone is a pre-owned device that has been restored to like-new condition. These phones may have been returned due to minor defects or simply because the previous owner upgraded. Manufacturers or certified third-party companies inspect, repair, and clean these devices.
Refurbished iPhones typically receive new batteries and outer shells. They also go through a factory reset process to erase all previous user data. This ensures the phone functions as if it were new.
Companies often grade refurbished iPhones based on their condition. Grades range from “Like New” to “Fair,” with pricing reflecting the device’s cosmetic state.
Benefits of Buying Refurbished
Purchasing a refurbished iPhone comes with several advantages. The most notable benefit is cost savings. Buyers can often get a higher-end model for the price of a lower-end new device.
Refurbished iPhones are environmentally friendly. By extending the life of existing devices, fewer phones end up in landfills. This reduces electronic waste and conserves resources.
Many refurbished iPhones come with warranties. These guarantees can range from 90 days to one year, providing peace of mind to buyers. Some sellers even offer return policies similar to those for new devices.
Certification Process for Refurbished iPhones
Certified refurbished iPhones undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality. Apple and authorized resellers follow strict guidelines in their refurbishment process.
Steps in the certification process include:
- Thorough inspection of all components
- Replacement of faulty parts with genuine Apple parts
- Cleaning and sanitization of the device
- Installation of the latest iOS version
- Final quality check and packaging
Certified refurbished iPhones often come with new outer shells, batteries, and accessories. This process aims to deliver a product that matches the performance and appearance of a new iPhone.
Choosing the Right Model and Seller
Selecting a refurbished iPhone requires careful consideration of the device model and seller reputation. These factors significantly impact the value and reliability of your purchase.
Selecting the Right iPhone Model
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series offer excellent performance and features for most users. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models provide advanced camera systems and longer battery life. For those seeking the latest technology, the iPhone 15 lineup offers cutting-edge features.
Older models like the iPhone 12 can still be great choices, especially for budget-conscious buyers. These devices often provide a good balance of performance and affordability in the refurbished market.
When choosing a model, consider your needs for camera quality, battery life, and processing power. Also, check compatibility with 5G networks if that’s important to you.
Trusted Refurbished iPhone Sellers
Apple’s refurbished store is often considered the gold standard for quality and reliability. They offer like-new devices with a one-year warranty and thoroughly tested components.
Gazelle and Decluttr are reputable third-party sellers known for their rigorous inspection processes. They typically offer competitive prices and a range of device conditions.
Back Market specializes in refurbished electronics and provides detailed information about each device’s condition. They partner with certified refurbishers to ensure quality.
Amazon Renewed and Best Buy also offer refurbished iPhones with warranty coverage. These platforms often have a wide selection of models and competitive pricing.
For those comfortable with person-to-person transactions, Swappa provides a marketplace for used and refurbished iPhones. Always check seller ratings and device history when using such platforms.
Considerations for International Buyers
International customers face unique challenges when buying refurbished iPhones from U.S. retailers. Taxes, shipping costs, and warranty limitations can impact the overall value.
Shopping in the U.S. as an International Customer
Many U.S. stores sell refurbished iPhones to international buyers. These retailers often have English-language websites and accept foreign credit cards. Some even offer international shipping options.
Buyers should check if the iPhone model is compatible with their home country’s cellular networks. Not all U.S. models work abroad due to different frequency bands.
It’s crucial to read the return policy carefully. Some stores may not accept returns from international addresses. Others might require the customer to pay for return shipping, which can be costly.
Understanding Taxes and Shipping
International customers may face additional costs when ordering from U.S. stores. Import duties and taxes vary by country and can significantly increase the final price.
Shipping fees for international orders are typically higher than domestic rates. Some retailers offer free U.S. shipping but charge for international delivery.
Buyers should research their country’s import regulations. Certain nations restrict the import of used electronics or have specific requirements for refurbished devices.
Using a package forwarding service can help. These services provide a U.S. address for orders and then ship items internationally. This can sometimes reduce costs or provide access to U.S.-only deals.
After Purchase Support and Policies
When buying a refurbished iPhone, the after-sale experience is crucial. Warranty coverage, return options, and customer support play key roles in ensuring buyer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Warranty and Return Policies
Most reputable sellers offer warranties on refurbished iPhones. Apple provides a one-year warranty on their certified refurbished devices, matching the coverage of new iPhones. Third-party sellers typically offer 30-90 day warranties.
Many retailers have 30-day return policies for refurbished iPhones. This allows buyers to test the device and return it if unsatisfied. Some sellers may charge restocking fees, so it’s important to check the terms before purchase.
Best Buy offers a 15-day return window for refurbished iPhones. Amazon’s policies vary by seller, but often include 30-day returns. Gazelle provides a 30-day return policy with no restocking fees.
Customer Service and Support
Quality customer service is essential when buying refurbished iPhones. Apple offers top-tier support through their stores, phone lines, and online chat. They can assist with software issues, repairs, and general inquiries.
Third-party sellers’ support quality varies. Best Buy provides in-store and phone support for refurbished devices. Gazelle offers email and phone support to address customer concerns.
Some retailers have dedicated refurbished product teams. These specialists can answer questions about device history, refurbishment processes, and potential issues specific to pre-owned iPhones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refurbished iPhones offer cost savings, but buyers often have concerns about quality, safety, and value. These common questions address key considerations for purchasing pre-owned devices.
Is it safe to purchase a refurbished iPhone from an online retailer?
Buying refurbished iPhones online can be safe if you choose reputable sellers. Look for established retailers with positive customer reviews and clear return policies. Apple’s certified refurbished store offers the highest level of safety and quality assurance.
Third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon or Best Buy can also be reliable if they have high ratings and detailed product descriptions.
What should one look for when buying a refurbished iPhone to ensure quality?
Check the battery health percentage, as this indicates the device’s overall condition. Look for phones with at least 80% battery capacity.
Verify that all features and buttons work properly. Examine the screen for scratches or dead pixels.
Ensure the phone comes with genuine Apple parts and has undergone professional refurbishment.
How do Apple’s certified refurbished iPhones compare to those from other retailers?
Apple’s certified refurbished iPhones undergo rigorous testing and come with a new outer shell, battery, and accessories. They offer a one-year warranty, identical to new iPhones.
Other retailers may not replace as many components or provide the same level of testing. Their warranties are often shorter, typically 90 days to 6 months.
Where can one find credible reviews on retailers offering refurbished iPhones?
Consumer review websites like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs offer user feedback on various refurbished iPhone sellers. Tech-focused forums such as MacRumors and Reddit’s r/iPhone can provide insights from experienced buyers.
Professional tech review sites like CNET and Tom’s Guide occasionally evaluate refurbished iPhone retailers and their offerings.
What warranties or guarantees are typically offered with refurbished iPhones?
Warranty length varies by seller. Apple provides a one-year warranty on their refurbished iPhones. Most other retailers offer 90-day to 6-month warranties.
Some sellers include extended warranty options for an additional fee. These can provide coverage for accidental damage or longer periods of protection.
How does the cost of a refurbished iPhone typically compare to a new model?
Refurbished iPhones generally cost 15-30% less than their new counterparts. Older models offer even greater savings, sometimes up to 50% off the original price.
The exact discount depends on the phone’s age, condition, and the seller’s pricing strategy. Recent models may have smaller price reductions due to high demand.
