Check if Your Android Phone is Refurbished

How to Check if Your Android Phone is Refurbished in 2023?

Are you currently interested in buying a new Android phone? When purchasing a device, it is important to determine if it is new or refurbished. A phone that has been refurbished might not be as reliable as a brand-new one because it has been repaired or had components replaced. However, refurbishing can be cheaper than buying a new device. But how can you tell if the Android phone you want to buy is refurbished? In this blog post, we will talk about different ways to check the condition of a phone. We will also provide a helpful guide to help you make a smart decision. Okay, let's begin!

3 Simple Ways to Check If Your Android Phone Is Refurbished or Not

1. Using a Dial Code Method

To check if your Android phone is refurbished, you can follow these easy steps using a dial code method:  

  • Open the dialer app on your phone.
  • First, enter this code: ##786# (##RTN#). You can dial this alternative code if it does not show the result: ##786#*#. Copy the exact codes without adding any extra characters or space.
  • Once you have entered the code, your phone will automatically navigate to a screen with information. Scroll down to see "Reconditioned Status". Check if it says "Yes" or "No". If the answer is "Yes," your phone has been refurbished. If the answer is "No," your phone is new.

Note: Newer smartphones typically do not have this feature.

2. Checking the IMEI Number

It is challenging to distinguish between a new and a refurbished phone. The second method to verify if your Android phone is refurbished is using the IMEI number. Here is how you can do it: 

Step 1: Find the IMEI Number

The IMEI number is a special code that identifies mobile devices. There are different ways to find it:

  • To find your phone's IMEI number, dial *#06# on your phone's dial pad. The IMEI number will then appear on your screen.

Checking the IMEI Number

  • Secondly, go to the 'About Phone' section in the Settings app.

  • Lastly, you can look at the device label or box. It may be printed there.

device label or box

Step 2: Use an Online Tool to Check the IMEI Number

After getting your IMEI number, you can use an online tool like imei.info, IMEI24, or IMEIPro to check it. Enter the IMEI number, and the tool will tell you everything you need to know about the device, such as if it's new or has been used.

Step 3: Analyze the Results

You can proceed if the check indicates that the phone has no previous owner and requires refurbishment. That means that your phone still needs to be refurbished. If the results show that the phone has been refurbished, it has been fixed or improved before being sold to you. In these situations, the price can vary greatly from that of a brand-new phone.

Step 4: Verify With the Seller

If you have a refurbished phone, double-check with your seller before buying it. Get all the information about its refurbished history, how much warranty they will provide, information about parts replacements, how many prior problems it has had, and to what extent it has been repaired. You can also get your phone checked once with the help of a professional so that they can properly guide you on whether you should buy this advanced device.

3. Using a Third-Party Tool

The third method will tell you how to determine if your phone is refurbished using a third-party tool. There is an app called Phone INFO+, which is reliable. It will give you all the information regarding the device's condition accurately. Now, follow the given steps to help you use this tool. Get information about your device.

Step 1: Installation of Phone INFO+ App

First of all, you have to install the app. You have to go to the Google Play Store and type the name of this app to install it. That is a paid app, but this app will solve all the problems. So whatever next procedure they tell you about the payment, follow it and proceed.

Step 2: Open the App and Navigate to Refurbishment Check

After downloading the app, open it to select the hamburger menu on your screen's left side. To access the 'Refurbishment Check,' navigate to the 'Device & Diagnosis' section and click on it.

Step 3: Wait for the App to Conduct the Check

Once you select the 'Refurbishment Check' option, your device will go through a thorough process of checks and analysis. Wait for a few minutes to complete the process.

Step 4: Check the Refurbishment Status of Your Device

After the analysis is finished, the app will show a message showing if your device is brand new or refurbished. The app will provide more details about the refurbishment process if your phone is refurbished.

Step 5: Take Necessary Action

Now, you have to take steps according to whatever information you will get from this app about the phone. If you have yet to learn that the device was refurbished, go to the seller from whom you bought the device and verify. Ask him about any issues with your device and its refurbished history. 

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Other Things That Will Tell You If Your Phone Is Refurbished or Not

1. Verify the Contents of the Original Box

Double-checking your purchase before transferring your information to your new phone is important. It often happens that the sellers sell refurbished smartphones without genuine accessories. Therefore, if you have bought a brand-new phone, you should know that all the accessories that come with your smartphone are its original accessories. The packaging should also be genuine so that you can be sure that whatever phone you buy is not refurbished. 

2. Scan the Physical Condition of the Phone

To determine if your phone is refurbished, it is important to observe its physical condition. Carefully inspect it by thoroughly examining the frame and screen for any scuffs or scratches. You can get a clearer view of imperfections by holding your phone to the light. You may be holding a refurbished device if you notice any oddities. Opting for a brand-new phone instead of a refurbished one can help you avoid any unexpected issues.

3. Avoiding Unrealistic Discounts

Individuals always try to obtain the most favorable deal when purchasing smartphones. However, verifying the offer is important before becoming overly excited about purchasing a heavily discounted phone. Many cases have occurred where individuals have become victims of purchasing refurbished smartphones at highly unrealistic discounts. 

Refurbished phones have been repaired to be suitable for resale. That makes them available at lower prices compared to brand-new versions. Before making your purchase, compare the price difference between the refurbished and brand-new versions of the phone. 

A refurbished phone is available at a significant discount of nearly 50% on various online platforms. When purchasing a smartphone, it is important to be aware of overly large price reductions that may appear too good to be genuine.

4. Contact the Seller or Customer Care

Getting a new phone is always exciting, yet it can cause stress when there is a suspicion of it being a refurbished device. However, you need to be informed about your purchase. If you have any questions or need more details, don't hesitate to contact the seller or customer care. It is always wise to contact them directly and inquire about the product's details.

It is important to note that a registered company must legally provide consumers with accurate information. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Ultimately, you deserve complete knowledge about the product you are purchasing.

Check Out: 15 Common Android Problems and Their Respective Solutions

Why Is It Important to Care if My Phone Was Refurbished?

Knowing what you're receiving when you buy a smartphone is crucial in today's fast-paced market. You could save money by purchasing a refurbished or reconditioned phone, but there are still risks you should be aware of. Let's look at the issues caused by a reconditioned phone and see why it matters to you.

Issue #1: Warranty

In the case of refurbished mobile devices, warranties are a significant problem. Even if a refurbisher offers a warranty, it should go beyond what you'd get with a new phone. If your refurbished phone breaks, you may not receive the same level of support as you would with a brand-new one.

Issue #2: Uncertainties in the Quality

The installation of non-OEM parts during repairs on refurbished phones is not unusual. These are functional replacements but will have a different look and feel than the original parts. As a result, efficiency, durability, and dependability may be compromised.

Issue #3: Resale Value

It is important to consider the potential resale value of the refurbished phone. If you plan on selling your refurbished equipment later on, you may receive less than what you would get for a brand-new one. 

Important to Care if My Phone Was Refurbished

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What to Do if You Discover Your Phone is Refurbished?

If you purchase a phone that you suspect may be refurbished, it is important to read the sale description carefully. Please verify if it states that the phone is refurbished. If you didn't get what you expected, you can try to get your money back by returning it or reporting it as fraud.

You can contact the seller or refurbisher to inquire about the phone's past. If the phone is in good condition and works well, you might believe the money you can save is worth the risk.

How to Check the Quality of Refurbished Android Phones?

If you want to know how to check the quality of a refurbished phone, you're not alone! Many people need clarification about purchasing a refurbished phone because they still determine its quality. The truth is, a phone that has been properly refurbished should be as excellent as a brand-new phone.

Refurbished phones are carefully tested to ensure they work properly before being sold. These tests usually involve checking different device parts, such as the battery, buttons, camera, and other features. Used phones are tested more thoroughly than new ones. That is because they have been previously used and require repairs to work and brand-new phones.

To check your Android phone's quality, open the Phone app and type #0#. When you 

perform that action, a screen with diagnostic information will appear. The device will have separate buttons for each test. You can use this screen for various tests. For example, you can check the colors of your pixels, test the audio and vibration features, and test the accelerometer and other sensors.

When deciding if your refurbished phone is good, there are other things to consider. As we mentioned earlier, make sure to check the physical condition of the device. That means looking for any marks or damage on the screen or body. Additionally, ensure that all the features and functions of the phone are functioning properly. That includes the camera, Wi-Fi, and cellular connection.

Ultimately, how good your refurbished phone is will depend on a few things. These include how well the supplier checks the quality and the condition of the phone before they fix it up. You can easily check if your refurbished phone is good by doing some simple tests and looking at it closely. Remember that lots of refurbished phones have a warranty or satisfaction guarantee. That means you can be sure you're getting a good device.

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Buy the Best Quality Refurbished Phones in Australia From Roobotech

As you know, buying refurbished phones in Australia can be a headache. That is because there are many retailers in the market to choose from. But Roobotech leaves everyone behind. There are a few reasons for this. The main reason is that you will find the most high-quality refurbished mobile phones and other devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartwatches. We offer refurbished devices from all the brands that Australian users prefer, for example, Samsung, Apple, Google Pixel, and Oppo. Our professionals meticulously test all our products before selling them and ensure their features work perfectly, like brand-new devices. For your convenience, we also provide a 6 to 12-month warranty on all our products. We try our best to provide you with the best quality and also if you face any problem you can contact our very friendly customer services. So, without delay, visit our website and get your favorite refurbished mobile!

Conclusion

To summarize, it is important to check if an Android phone is refurbished before buying it. You can make sure you get a product in good condition. This way, you can avoid any problems later on. This post will give tips and tricks to help you confidently identify if a phone has been refurbished. Remember to do your research before buying. It can help you save time, money, and avoid problems. Get help from this blog post to find the ideal Android phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to check if the Android phone is refurbished or fake?

Use the method of checking the IMEI number to determine whether your Android device is refurbished. You can take help from the steps given above to achieve the same.

How can I check if my Samsung phone is refurbished?

The best way to check if your Samsung phone is refurbished is to use the third-party app method. You can install the phone info app on your Samsung device and check if it is refurbished or brand new. You can get help from the steps given above.

Is this specific code ##786# work on all Android devices?

It is important to consider that Android version 4.0 is compatible with such Android codes. If you have a different version, such codes may not work on your device.

How can I determine the quality of my refurbished Android phone?

The best way to determine the quality of your Android phone is to hire a trustworthy expert. The experts usually perform tests to determine refurbished devices' quality. They will thoroughly check your device and ensure it will work perfectly in the future. 

Is it worth buying a refurbished Android phone?

There are many good reasons to think about purchasing a refurbished phone. It can help you save money and reduce waste. These pre-owned devices are usually certified to meet the same standards as new ones. In most situations, they also have a warranty or guarantee to ensure you're happy with what you bought. 

What are the drawbacks of a refurbished phone?

The phone's condition ranks high on the list of worries. A refurbished phone may still have visible flaws even after being thoroughly checked, tested, and repaired. The original box and accessories are not guaranteed to be included with a refurbished phone. The availability of pre-owned mobile devices is also a cause for concern.

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