How to Check a Refurbished Phone When It Arrives: A 10-Minute Checklist
When a refurbished phone arrives, ten minutes of checks on the first day will tell you everything you need to know, and doing them straight away means you are well inside any returns window if something is not right. Here is the order we would do them in, what each check proves, and what to do if one fails.
Quick answer: Check, in order: the box contents, that the phone is not activation-locked, the IMEI, battery health, the screen, all cameras, Face ID or the fingerprint reader, speakers and microphone, charging, and a call on your own SIM. Everything on this list is covered by our 12-month warranty, and you have 30 days to return the phone for any reason.
Before you switch it on
1. Check what is in the box
From Mobile Phone Enterprise you should have the handset, a USB charging cable, a SIM ejector tool and a warranty card. The original manufacturer box and a plug are not included unless you bought our gift box add-on. Check the phone against the grade you ordered: a Grade A (Excellent) phone should look nearly new, a Grade B (Very Good) phone may have light marks, a Grade C (Good) phone will show visible wear. Our grading guide describes each.
2. Look over the body and screen
With the screen off, hold the phone under a bright light and tilt it. Look for cracks (not acceptable at any grade), deep scratches on the glass, and dents on the corners. Check that the SIM tray sits flush and the buttons click. Light surface marks are normal on Grade B and C and are what the grade describes.
First power-on
3. Confirm it is not activation-locked
The phone should start at the "Hello" setup screen and let you set it up without asking for a previous owner's Apple ID or Google account. If it asks for someone else's account, stop and contact the seller: that phone was not properly reset. Every phone we sell is checked for iCloud Activation Lock and Google Factory Reset Protection before dispatch.
4. Check the IMEI
Dial *#06# and the IMEI appears on screen. On iPhone it is also under Settings, General, About; on Samsung under Settings, About phone. It should match the IMEI on the SIM tray (iPhone) or the label, and the number we record for your order. You can enter it at the free CheckMEND service to confirm it is not reported lost or stolen.
5. Check battery health
On iPhone go to Settings, Battery, Battery Health & Charging and read the Maximum Capacity. It should be 80% or above; most of ours are between 82% and 92%. On Samsung run the battery test in the Samsung Members app under Get help, Phone diagnostics. Our battery health guide explains the numbers.
Hardware tests
6. Screen
Open a plain white image or a blank note at full brightness and look for dead pixels, dark patches or yellow tints. Then a black image in a dark room to check for bright spots or backlight bleed. Drag a finger slowly across the whole screen in a drawing app to confirm touch works everywhere. If the phone has True Tone or an always-on option, make sure it toggles.
7. Cameras
Take a photo with each rear lens (wide, ultra-wide and telephoto where fitted), a selfie, and a short video with sound. Tap to focus and watch it adjust. Look at the results on a bigger screen for blur, spots or haze that could indicate a scratched or dusty lens.
8. Face ID, Touch ID or fingerprint reader
Enrol your face or finger during setup and lock and unlock the phone a few times. Face ID should work in dim light; a fingerprint reader should unlock first time once enrolled.
9. Speakers, microphone and vibration
Play a video and check both the earpiece and the bottom speaker, then record a voice memo and play it back. Toggle the mute switch or vibration setting and feel the motor. Plug in wired headphones if the phone has a jack.
10. Charging and connectivity
Plug in the supplied cable and confirm the phone charges; test wireless charging if you have a pad. Join your Wi-Fi, pair a Bluetooth device, and if the phone supports it check that NFC payments set up. Finally, put in your SIM, make a call, send a text and load a web page on mobile data. All our phones are unlocked, so any UK network should connect without a message about SIM restrictions.
If something is not right
Email sales@phoneenterprise.co.uk with your order number, the IMEI and a description, with a photo or short video if you can. Hardware faults are covered by the 12-month warranty: we send a prepaid Royal Mail return label and repair or replace the phone, usually within three to five working days of receiving it. If you simply do not like the phone, the 30-day returns policy gives you a full refund provided it comes back in the condition it arrived. Our warranty page sets out the full terms.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to report a problem with a refurbished phone?
Hardware faults are covered for 12 months from delivery. Change-of-mind returns must be started within 30 days. Doing these checks on day one keeps you well inside both.
What if the phone asks for a previous owner's Apple ID?
Do not proceed with setup. Contact the seller immediately; the phone has not been properly reset and should be replaced. We check every phone for Activation Lock before it ships.
Should I update the software first?
Yes, once the basic checks pass. Updating to the latest iOS or One UI before you restore your data gives you the security patches and a clean start.
Is light scratching a fault?
Not on a Grade B or Grade C phone, where it is part of the described condition. On a Grade A phone it would be unexpected, so contact us.
Shop tested, warranted phones
Every refurbished phone from Mobile Phone Enterprise is tested in-house, 100% unlocked, and comes with a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns. Orders over £99 qualify for free next-day UK delivery.
