Buying refurbished tech: what to check

By Gadget Rivals Editorial Team · Published 20 October 2026

How to buy refurbished phones, laptops and tablets safely: grades, sellers, warranties, battery health, checking a phone isn't stolen, your legal rights and what to test on arrival.

Refurbished tech can cost much less than new and keeps devices out of landfill. But "refurbished" can mean anything from almost new to well-used, and the seller matters as much as the device. This guide explains what to check before you buy and as soon as it arrives.

Refurbished, used or open-box?

Refurbished: tested, repaired where needed, cleaned and reset by a trader, usually with a warranty.
Manufacturer refurbished: refurbished by the original maker, often with new batteries or outer casing and a warranty similar to new.
Used or second-hand: sold as it is, often by an individual, with fewer protections.
Open-box or ex-display: returned or display items, usually close to new.

Understand the grades

Sellers grade cosmetic condition, often as "excellent/very good/good/fair" or "A/B/C". There is no single industry standard, so read each seller's definitions. Grades normally describe appearance, not function: a "fair" device should work as well as an "excellent" one but may have visible scratches.

Choosing a seller

Buy from the manufacturer's refurbished store, an established retailer or a specialist refurbisher with clear policies and reviews.
Check the warranty: 12 months is common from reputable sellers.
Check the returns policy beyond your legal minimum.
On marketplaces, check whether the seller is a business or an individual, as your rights differ.

Your legal rights

When you buy from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to refurbished goods too: they must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, taking account of price and condition. Buying online from a trader also usually gives you a 14-day right to cancel. Buying from a private individual gives fewer rights: the item must essentially be as described. Paying by credit card for items over £100 can add protection under section 75.

Phones: extra checks

Is it unlocked? Check it will work with your network.
Is it blocked, lost or stolen? Ask for the IMEI number and check it with an IMEI checking service; a reputable seller will provide it.
Is it signed out of the previous owner's account? Activation locks such as Apple's Find My or Google's factory reset protection can make a phone unusable.
Software updates: check the model still receives security updates, and for how long.

Battery health

Batteries wear with use. Many refurbishers state the minimum battery capacity they guarantee (for example 80% or more of original capacity) or fit new batteries. On iPhones you can check this in Settings; many Android phones and laptops also show battery health or cycle counts.

When it arrives: a test checklist?

Check it matches the description, model, storage and grade.
Charge it fully, then check battery health and that it holds charge.
Test the screen for dead pixels and touch response across the whole surface.
Test cameras, microphones, speakers, buttons, ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and, for phones, calls and mobile data.
Check it updates to the latest software.
For laptops, check the keyboard, trackpad, webcam and that the specification is as described.
Report faults to the seller promptly, within the 30-day short-term right to reject if possible.

Is refurbished worth it?

Usually, for phones and laptops a generation or two old from a reputable seller with a warranty. Be more cautious with very old models that no longer get security updates, or deals that look too good to be true.

Frequently asked questions

Will a refurbished phone come with a charger?

Not always. Check the listing and use a reputable charger; cheap unbranded chargers can be unsafe.

Should I wipe a refurbished device myself?

A reputable refurbisher will have reset it, but if anything from a previous owner remains (accounts, photos, apps), contact the seller, as it suggests the device was not properly processed. Then reset it yourself before adding your own accounts.

Is refurbished better for the environment?

Generally, yes. Much of a device's lifetime carbon footprint comes from manufacturing, so extending its life reduces the impact. When you are done with your old device, sell it, trade it in or recycle it responsibly rather than leaving it in a drawer.

Sources and further reading

Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.