Buying a second-hand iPhone: the complete guide to getting it right (2026)

Why buy a second-hand iPhone

The most obvious reason is price. An iPhone that cost €1,200 in a shop can be found in perfect condition for €500–700 just a year later. That represents a saving of 40–60% off the launch price, and in many cases the device still has an Apple warranty or has barely been used.

But savings are not the only advantage. Apple designs its devices to last. A well-looked-after iPhone can work perfectly for 5–6 years, receiving iOS updates for far longer than any Android. This means that a cheap second-hand iPhone from two generations ago is still a fully competitive phone in 2026.

There is also an important environmental dimension. Every new iPhone requires mineral extraction, intensive manufacturing processes and global shipping. By buying a second-hand iPhone, you are giving a device that still has many years ahead of it a new lease of life — and reducing your ecological footprint at the same time.

Who does it make sense for?

Buying a used iPhone is ideal if you want a reliable phone without spending a fortune, if you want to give someone a great smartphone as a gift without breaking the bank, if you need a second device for work, or if you simply prefer to spend your money elsewhere. With today's market, there is no reason to pay shop price when you can get practically the same thing for half the cost.

Where to look: Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios

Not all second-hand platforms are the same when it comes to electronics. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses for buying a second-hand iPhone. Knowing them will help you search more efficiently.

Wallapop: the reference for electronics

Wallapop is, by far, the platform with the highest volume of second-hand iPhones. The geolocation-based search lets you find sellers near you so you can meet in person and test the device before buying. The Wallapop shipping system also offers buyer protection if something does not match the description. It is the first port of call if you are looking for a second-hand iPhone on Wallapop.

Vinted: the growing alternative

Although Vinted started out as a fashion platform, its electronics category grows every month. Prices tend to be somewhat more competitive because there is less competition among buyers. The buyer protection system is solid and shipping is integrated. It is well worth searching here to compare prices, though the volume of iPhones available is lower than on Wallapop.

Milanuncios: professional sellers

Milanuncios stands out for the presence of shops and professional second-hand sellers offering refurbished iPhones with their own warranty. If you prefer the security of buying from a professional, Milanuncios is a good option. Prices may be slightly higher, but in return you typically get a 3–12 month warranty and the peace of mind of buying from someone with a verifiable track record.

For a detailed comparison of all three platforms, see our comparative guide to Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios.

What to check before buying (IMEI, battery, iCloud)

This is the most important section of the guide. Skipping these checks is the fastest way to end up with a useless iPhone. Before handing over your money, go through every one of these points.

1. IMEI verification

The IMEI is the unique identification number of each phone. Checking it tells you whether the device has been reported as stolen or lost and whether it has any carrier lock. Ask the seller for the IMEI before meeting up (they will find it in Settings > General > About) and check it on free tools such as imei.info or Apple's own page (checkcoverage.apple.com). If the seller refuses to provide the IMEI, walk away immediately.

2. Battery health

The battery is the component that degrades most with use. In Settings > Battery > Battery Health you can see the maximum capacity percentage. An iPhone with battery health above 80% still offers acceptable autonomy. Below 80%, Apple considers the battery to need servicing and you will notice a significant drop in battery life. Replacing the battery costs between €80–120 at Apple, so factor that into your price negotiations.

3. iCloud Lock (Activation Lock)

This is the most critical point. If the iPhone has Activation Lock (linked to an iCloud account), it will be completely unusable unless the original owner removes it. Ask the seller to turn off "Find My iPhone" in front of you and sign out of iCloud before completing the purchase. If buying online, request a video showing that the iPhone does not have Activation Lock enabled.

4. Physical inspection

Inspect the screen for dead pixels, stains or lines. Check that all buttons work correctly (volume, silent, power). Verify that the charging port is undamaged and that the phone charges properly. Test both cameras (front and rear), the speaker, the microphone, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

5. Face ID / Touch ID

Biometric sensors are expensive to repair and a failure can indicate that the device has been tampered with. Temporarily configure your fingerprint or face to verify the system works. If Face ID or Touch ID do not work, the iPhone has likely had an unofficial repair and may cause more problems down the line.

Indicative prices by model in 2026

Second-hand market prices fluctuate constantly, but these ranges will serve as a reference for knowing whether an offer is reasonable or suspiciously cheap. Prices correspond to devices in good condition (undamaged screen, battery above 80%) as of February 2026.

iPhone 13 / 13 Mini

The iPhone 13 remains a very capable phone in 2026. Expect to pay between €280–380 for the base 128 GB model. The 13 Mini, being harder to find (Apple discontinued it), may be slightly above that: €300–400. The iPhone 13 Pro trades between €380–500 and the 13 Pro Max between €420–550.

iPhone 14 / 14 Plus

The 14 generation offers the best value for money in today's second-hand market. The iPhone 14 128 GB is around €380–480. The 14 Plus ranges from €400–520. For the 14 Pro you will need between €480–620, and the 14 Pro Max sits at €550–700. This is the generation we recommend as the best cheap second-hand iPhone in terms of performance-to-price ratio.

iPhone 15 / 15 Plus

Being a more recent generation, prices are higher. The base iPhone 15 starts from €520–650, while the 15 Plus trades between €580–720. Pro models start at €680–850 and the 15 Pro Max can reach €780–950. If you are not in a hurry, prices for this generation will continue to fall throughout 2026.

How to avoid scams when buying a used iPhone

iPhones are among the most counterfeited and most stolen products in the second-hand market. Knowing the most common scams is your best defence against falling for them.

Prices too good to be true

If someone is selling an iPhone 15 Pro Max for €200 "because they urgently need money", be suspicious. Scammers use irresistible prices to create urgency and make you act without thinking. Always compare with the reference prices listed above. A 10–20% discount from market value is normal; a 50% discount is a red flag.

Payments outside the platform

One of the most common frauds is being asked to pay via Bizum, bank transfer or PayPal "friends and family" outside of Wallapop, Vinted or Milanuncios. Once you leave the platform, you lose all buyer protection. If the seller insists on payment through external methods, end the conversation. Platforms offer shipping with buyer protection precisely for this reason.

Fake shipments and phishing

Another common scam: the seller claims to have shipped the item and sends a fake tracking link that imitates Correos, SEUR or MRW. The link asks for banking details to "confirm delivery". Never click on tracking links that do not come directly from the app of the platform where you made the purchase.

Stolen or locked devices

A stolen iPhone may work perfectly at first, but the original owner can report it and the carrier will block the IMEI, leaving you with a very expensive paperweight. The IMEI verification described in the previous section is your main protection against this.

If you want to go deeper into safe buying techniques on these platforms, we recommend reading our complete guide to buying second-hand safely.

Automatic alerts: never miss an iPhone again

The best second-hand iPhones sell within minutes. A seller lists an iPhone 14 Pro in good condition for €450 and before 10 minutes have passed it already has three messages. If you rely on manually checking Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios several times a day, you will miss the vast majority of opportunities.

The solution is to set up automatic alerts with MitikLive. You define the iPhone model you are looking for, the maximum price range you are willing to pay, and the tool monitors all three platforms simultaneously. As soon as a listing appears that matches your criteria, you receive an instant notification with the direct link so you can contact the seller before anyone else.

How to set up alerts for iPhones

It takes less than a minute. Download the MitikLive app for Android or install the browser extension from our download page. Create an account with your Google account and go to the Alerts section. Type your search (for example, "iPhone 14 Pro 256GB"), set a maximum price and activate the alert. MitikLive will immediately start searching on Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios.

Tips for iPhone alerts

Create several alerts with name variations: "iPhone 14 Pro", "iphone14pro", "Apple iPhone 14 Pro". Sellers title their listings in very different ways and the more variations you cover, the fewer opportunities you will miss. Set the maximum price 10–15% below your actual budget; that way you will only receive notifications for genuine bargains.

If you want to master the techniques for finding the best deals, see our guide on how to find bargains on Wallapop.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth buying a second-hand iPhone?

Yes, as long as you carry out the necessary checks. iPhones are the smartphones that age best, thanks to Apple's extended iOS updates and build quality. An iPhone from two generations ago is still an excellent phone and you can save between 40% and 60% off the original price. The key is to verify the IMEI, battery health and iCloud status before buying.

Which iPhone model is the best to buy second-hand in 2026?

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro offer the best value for money in 2026. They deliver outstanding performance, a high-level camera, compatibility with all current iOS features, and their second-hand market prices have already dropped enough to make them genuine bargains. The iPhone 13 is also an excellent option if your budget is tighter.

How do I know if a second-hand iPhone is stolen?

Check the IMEI on tools such as imei.info or on Apple's website. If the device appears as "locked", "reported" or "lost", do not buy it under any circumstances. Also be wary of sellers who do not want to give you the IMEI or who are offering prices well below market value.

Is it better to buy from a refurbished shop or from a private seller?

It depends on what you prioritise. Refurbished shops (which you will find mainly on Milanuncios) offer a warranty, verified devices and greater security, but at a higher price. Private sellers on Wallapop or Vinted usually have lower prices, but the responsibility of verifying the condition falls on you. If you are comfortable carrying out the checks in this guide, buying from private sellers will let you save more.

Can I set up alerts for several iPhone models at the same time?

Yes. With MitikLive you can create as many alerts as you need, each with a different model and a different price range. For example, you could have one alert for "iPhone 14 Pro" with a maximum of €550 and another for "iPhone 15" with a maximum of €600. That way you cover several options and only receive notifications when something appears that matches what you are looking for. Alerts search simultaneously on Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios.