Pre-meet proof

Evidence to request before you spend time travelling.

01Request the model, storage and About screenAsk for one current photo of Settings › General › About showing the model name, capacity and iOS version. The seller may cover the serial and IMEI until you meet.
02Request Battery Health and Parts HistoryAsk for Battery Health & Charging and, where present, Parts and Service History. Record maximum capacity and any Unknown Part message.
03Confirm the seller can erase it in personAgree that payment happens only after the seller signs out of their Apple Account, erases the phone and reaches the Hello setup screen.

Physical inspection

What to inspect under bright light before powering on.

01Sight along the frame and rear glassLook for a bent rail, lifted display, uneven seams, cracked camera glass or a back panel separating from the frame. Separation can indicate impact, repair or battery swelling.
02Inspect the display on white and black screensCheck for dead pixels, green tint, burn-in, bright pressure spots and touch dead zones. Drag an app icon slowly around every edge and corner.
03Check lenses, buttons and charging portInspect lens coating for scratches, press every button, and confirm the Lightning or USB-C plug sits firmly without needing sideways pressure.

Function test

A short, repeatable test of the device's expensive functions.

01Test every camera and focus distanceSwitch through all listed lenses, photograph near text and a distant subject, record ten seconds of video and listen for focus chatter or image shake.
02Test cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPSWith permission, insert a compatible SIM or eSIM, place a short call, join Wi-Fi, pair headphones and confirm Maps changes location outdoors.
03Enroll Face ID or Touch IDDelete any test biometric after use. Successful unlock is not enough—complete a fresh enrollment to expose damaged biometric hardware.

Account & lock check

Confirm the next owner can activate and use the device normally.

01Watch the seller turn off Find MyThe seller should enter their own credentials privately. Never ask for or record their password, and never accept a promise to remove the device later.
02Erase and begin setup on your connectionAfter erase, advance far enough to join Wi-Fi. Stop if setup requests the previous owner's Apple Account or displays Remote Management you did not expect.
03Check carrier lock and device statusIn About, look for 'No SIM restrictions' where supported. Check the identifier through the carrier or an official lost-device service available in your country.

Price proof

Comparable facts to record before negotiating or paying.

01Compare the exact storage and conditionUse recently sold—not merely listed—examples for the same model, storage, unlocked status and visible condition. Exclude refurbished units with warranties.
02Price battery and damaged-part riskRecord current official or reputable repair pricing for a weak battery, cracked glass, failed camera or biometric fault before making an offer.
03Separate accessories from phone valueDo not let a generic case or old cable hide an above-market phone price. Value genuine high-wattage chargers or remaining transferable coverage separately.

STOP

Walk-away signals

Pause the transaction when one of these cannot be resolved with direct evidence.

The seller refuses an erase-and-activate test before payment.
Parts and Service History shows an unexplained unknown display, camera or battery.
The frame is bent, the screen is lifting, or the phone heats rapidly while idle.
Face ID or Touch ID cannot complete a fresh enrollment.

Safe-use boundary

Evidence helps. It does not certify the device.

DeviceProof is a general private-sale inspection aid, not an appraisal, authenticity certificate, electrical-repair guide or guarantee. Meet in a public place, keep personal passwords private, use only known-safe cables and accessories, and never bypass an owner, activation or organisation lock. Do not open mains-powered equipment or damaged batteries. Stop immediately for swelling, smoke, burning smell, exposed conductors, abnormal heat or threatening behaviour.