Buying or owning a used iPhone in Australia requires some basic checks to ensure it has not been secretly repaired, changed, or restored using unofficial parts. Many users want to know how to check if an iPhone has been repaired or not, especially when shopping from the used iPhone market or before trading in their old phone. You can view the iPhone repair history, confirm about its original parts, and check overall device authenticity using built in Apple tools and settings. Knowing whether an iPhone has been repaired can help buyers avoid aftermarket iPhone parts and ensure the phone retains its resale value.
1. Check Genuine Apple Parts and Repair History Using iOS Settings
If your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later, you will see a section called “Parts and Service History” in the settings. You can find this section by opening your iPhone's settings, tapping on General, and then selecting About. If any part such as the battery or screen has been changed, your iPhone will show a message right there in the settings. With iOS 17, this feature now gives more details.
For example, if the iPhone screen replacement was done using genuine parts, it will show “Genuine Apple Part.” If a component is not genuine, such as an unauthorized repair, you may see “Unknown Part.” This is an easy way to find out if your iPhone has been repaired or not.
2. Run a Repair Check Using the Apple Diagnostics Tool
The official Apple diagnostics tool provides a secure way to run a hardware check directly from the device or using a Mac. Apple Genius Bar and Apple authorized service providers use this to test battery, display, sensors, and logic board.
This test can help you spot problems caused by things like third-party repairs or low-quality replacements. You can also ask for a diagnostics report through Apple Support or in store to check what is going on inside the phone.
3. Check Repair and Warranty Status Using Apple Coverage Tool
If you are wondering how to check if an iPhone has been repaired or not, the Apple Check Coverage tool helps verify device purchase and repair status using the serial number. This is useful for checking the iPhone hardware warranty and whether AppleCare+ was used for previous Apple Certified Repairs.
To see your serial number, just open Settings, go to General, then tap About. You will find the Serial Number and IMEI number there. Once you have it, enter it on the Apple Coverage page to check if your iPhone still has an active warranty or any service and warranty record linked to it.
4. Check iPhone Repair Status Using Apple Support App Diagnostics
The Apple Support app has a built-in tool under the “Device Details” section. There, you can check the battery health, iOS version, device information, or any service requests made before. This is a quick and simple way to check if your iPhone has been repaired without opening it. The app works for many models like iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 12.
5. Identify Signs of Tampering and Aftermarket iPhone Repairs
In some cases, especially in the used iPhone market, sellers may not tell you if the phone has been repaired before. You can look out for signs like the screen not sitting properly, screws that do not look original, sudden changes in iPhone screen brightness after a software update, or Find My iPhone being turned off. These signs may show that the phone has been opened or fixed. It is always better to ask the seller for a service receipt or AppleCare proof, especially if you are buying an older phone like an iPhone SE or iPhone 8 Series.
6. Run a Serial Number Check Using Third Party Tools
There are several online IMEI checkers that help users confirm if an iPhone is original or previously replaced. This step is helpful when you are trying to check if your iPhone has been repaired or not. These tools can show things like activation status, blacklist reports, repair history, and AppleCare+ claims. It is a good idea for buyers in Australia to use these tools before purchasing any second hand iPhone.
7. Look for Signs of Water Damage on the iPhone
Water damage is a common reason why iPhones are sent for repair. Even if the phone looks fine from outside, it might have internal damage that was fixed earlier. To check, look near the SIM tray, charging port, or headphone jack for corrosion or rust. A water-damaged iPhone may also have issues like muffled sound, display flickering, or ghost touches. If you are buying a phone from the refurbished range, always ask if the device had any past liquid exposure.
8. Check Camera Quality for Signs of Replacement
If the iPhone's camera shows blurry images, poor focus, or low colour accuracy, it could mean the camera was replaced with a low-quality part. A properly working iPhone camera should take clear, sharp photos without delay. Replaced cameras that are not genuine may affect the overall camera performance. This is especially important to check when buying devices like iPhone X Series or iPhone 11 with dual or triple cameras.
9. Inspect the Screen for Any Quality Drops
The screen is one of the most commonly replaced parts in iPhones. If your screen feels dull, has low brightness, or shows slight yellow or blue tint, it may be an aftermarket replacement. You might also notice dead pixels or slow touch response. Always test the display quality while buying from the used iPhone market. A good quality screen should show vibrant colours and smooth scrolling.
10. Understand the iPhone Model Number Meaning
Your iPhone’s model number can help you understand the history of your device. Open Settings, go to General, and tap About. Next to "Model Number," the first letter will show if the phone is new, refurbished, or was given as a replacement by Apple:
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M means Original retail unit (new)
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F means Refurbished unit by Apple or a reseller
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N means Replacement unit (given after repair)
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P means Custom-engraved unit
This is helpful when checking iPhones in the pre owned section or buying through trade-ins. It gives you an idea if the device may have had repair history or was issued as a replacement.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check if an iPhone has been repaired is important before buying a second hand model or confirming if your device is still original. You can find out if parts were changed, if it was ever serviced, or if unofficial repairs were done. Use built-in iPhone settings and tools like Parts and Service History or Check Coverage to get all the details clearly and easily.
FAQs
How to check if an iPhone has been repaired using Apple settings?
Go to Settings, tap General, and then About. You will see if anything like the screen or battery has been replaced under “Parts and Service History.”
Can Apple tell me if my iPhone was repaired?
Yes, Apple can tell if your iPhone had any repairs by checking the serial number. They can give you a short report through the Apple Support app or when you contact them directly.
How to know if an iPhone battery was replaced?
You can find out by going to Settings, tapping Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. If the battery was replaced, a message will appear there and it will also say if the battery is original or not.
Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone in Australia?
Yes, it is safe if the iPhone works properly and shows no signs of bad or unofficial repairs. Always buy from trusted sellers who provide proper repair history and warranty.
What if my iPhone shows “Unknown Part”?
It means the part is not original or was replaced by someone not approved by Apple. This can affect how your iPhone works and might cancel its warranty.
