Since their launch, iPhones have gone from ordinary smartphones to aspirational status symbols. It is no wonder that despite the tough competition, Apple is managing to stay on top year after year. With this, it’s no wonder that iPhone thefts are on the rise as well.
Thankfully, Apple has made it a lot harder for thieves to profit off stolen iPhones. For example, a stolen iPhone remains linked to the Apple ID of its original owner and will not work with any other Apple ID account. In addition, the Find My iPhone app also lets rightful owners locate devices and remotely erase or lockdown their data.
But there’s another way you can check whether the pre-loved iPhone you’ve bought was actually stolen.
Steps to Check if Your Second-Hand iPhone Is Stolen
If you suspect that the second-hand iPhone you are planning to buy was stolen, here is the main steps that you need to follow to know for sure.
First, find the IMEI number of your iPhone. There are several ways that you can find your iPhone IMEI depending on the model of your device. The most common way is to check the SIM card slot or the About section of your device under Settings.
Next, go to the IMEI pro website and encode the IMEI number of your device. Pass the CAPTCHA test and select Check to confirm.
IMEI pro has access to reports from operators all over the world. If your device has been reported as being lost or stolen, you will be able to see its details on the page.
IMEI pro supports not just Apple but almost all other smartphone manufacturers.
Stay Vigilant When Buying Second-Hand iPhones
Buying a second-hand electronic device is always a hit or miss. However, purchasing a previously stolen iPhone can and should be avoided at all costs. Because of carrier blocking, iPhones with a history of loss or theft may not be usable at all.
Thankfully, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy pre-loved electronics. There are several other checks that you can do to make sure that you’re still getting a good deal.