How to Check a Used iPhone Before Buying in Switzerland

Used iPhone Checklist Switzerland: What to Check First

Buying a used iPhone in Switzerland — whether from Ricardo, Tutti, or a private seller — can save you hundreds of francs. But it can also cost you dearly if you skip the right checks. After buying and inspecting dozens of iPhones, I’ve put together this complete checklist that covers everything you need to do, in the right order, before handing over your CHF.

Apple has actually made things easier in recent years. The iPhone now shows you repair history, battery health, and even whether parts have been replaced — all built right into the settings. But you still need to know where to look and what to ask. This guide will walk you through every step.

Physical Appearance — Look Before You Touch

The very first thing to do when you meet a seller is to inspect the phone’s physical condition from every angle. This is not about being picky — it’s about knowing what you’re paying for. Even a small crack can indicate a serious drop that may have caused hidden internal damage.

• ✓ Check the screen for cracks, dead pixels, or discoloration — hold it up to light at an angle
• ✓ Inspect the frame and corners for dents or bends — a bent frame suggests a serious drop
• ✓ Look at the camera lenses on the back — scratches on the lens directly affect photo quality
• ✓ Check the charging port, Lightning or USB-C, for lint buildup or bent pins
• ✓ Examine all buttons — volume up/down, side button, mute switch — press each one and confirm they click cleanly
• ✓ Remove any case or cover — sellers sometimes hide damage underneath

Battery Health & Genuine Parts Check

This is where Apple has made your life much easier. Modern iPhones store a complete repair history right in the settings — and they will tell you directly if any part is not a genuine Apple component.

Check Battery Health:

Look at the Maximum Capacity percentage. Anything above 85% is good for daily use. Below 80% means the battery will likely need replacement soon — use this as a negotiation point on price.

Check Parts & Service History (iPhone 11 and later):

Scroll down to find the “Parts and Service History” section. If a part has been replaced — battery, screen, camera — it will show here as either Genuine Apple Part or Unknown Part.

• ✓ Battery health should be 85% or above
• ✓ Parts history shows “Genuine Apple Part” for all replaced components
• ✓ No unknown part flags on display or camera

Camera Test — Every Mode, Every Lens

The camera is one of the main reasons people buy iPhones. Do not just take one quick photo and move on. Open the Camera app and test every single mode separately.

• ✓ Photo mode: Take a photo in normal light — check sharpness and color accuracy
• ✓ Portrait mode: Test background blur, also called bokeh — if the blur looks uneven or glitchy, the camera module may have been replaced with a non-genuine part
• ✓ 2x Optical Zoom: Switch to 2x and take a photo — blurriness at 2x can suggest the telephoto lens is damaged
• ✓ Ultra-wide 0.5x: Check for distortion or dark edges around the ultra-wide lens
• ✓ Front camera: Take a selfie — check focus and clarity in the Face ID / front camera area
• ✓ Zoom in on photos taken: Pinch to zoom after taking a photo to check for hidden blur or noise

Record a Short Video — Camera & Microphone Together

One single test can check both the camera and the microphone at the same time: record a short video. This is one of the most efficient checks you can do.

Open the Camera app, switch to Video mode, and record 15–20 seconds of footage. Talk normally while recording. Then play back the video with the volume up. You are checking for:

• ✓ Video stability — excessive shakiness can indicate OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) problems
• ✓ Autofocus smoothness — the camera should focus smoothly, not jump or hunt repeatedly
• ✓ Your voice in the playback — microphone audio should be clear with no static, muffling, or crackling
• ✓ No overheating during recording — a phone that gets very warm in just 30 seconds of video is a concern

Speaker Test

Play audio from both the earpiece (top speaker) and the bottom speaker. Each one serves a different purpose and both must work correctly.

• ✓ Bottom speaker: Play a YouTube video or a music track at full volume — listen for crackling, distortion, or muffled sound. A blown speaker can be expensive to replace.
• ✓ Earpiece speaker: Make a test call or ask the seller to call a number, then hold the phone to your ear — the earpiece should be clear with no buzzing.
• ✓ Stereo check, iPhone 7 and later: In landscape mode, both speakers should produce clear stereo sound — if only one side sounds loud, there may be a speaker issue.

IMEI Check — Match It With the Box

The IMEI number is the unique identity of every phone. Checking it confirms the phone is not stolen, not blacklisted by a carrier, and matches the original box. This is a non-negotiable step.

Find the IMEI in two ways:

Compare this number with the IMEI printed on the original box. They must match exactly. If the seller has no box, the IMEI is also engraved on the SIM tray of most iPhones.

• ✓ IMEI on phone matches IMEI on box — no mismatch
• ✓ Check the IMEI on checkcoverage.apple.com to see warranty status
• ✓ Check on imei.info to verify the model, storage, and color match what is advertised
• ✓ Make sure Find My iPhone is turned OFF — if it is still on, the previous owner can lock the phone remotely after the sale

Charging Test — Before You Walk Away

This is often forgotten, but very important. Plug the phone in and confirm it actually charges before finalizing the deal. Charging port damage is one of the most common hidden problems in used iPhones.

• ✓ Plug in a cable, bring your own if possible, and confirm the charging symbol appears on screen
• ✓ Check for any unusual heat near the charging port
• ✓ Try both wired charging and, if the model supports it, wireless charging such as MagSafe or Qi
• ✓ Confirm fast charging works if the model supports it — you will need a 20W or higher adapter

Always verify IMEI at checkcoverage.apple.com before purchasing any used iPhone

Need help before buying, selling, or repairing a phone? Visit the Free Advice page and send me your question.