Pre-meet proof

Evidence to request before you spend time travelling.

01Request About This Mac and storage proofAsk for current photos showing chip or processor, memory, macOS version and storage capacity. Compare the serial shown in System Information at the meeting.
02Request cycle count and battery conditionAsk for System Information › Power showing cycle count, condition and full-charge capacity where reported—not only the menu-bar percentage.
03Confirm erase and activation termsPayment should follow Apple Account sign-out, Find My removal, erase and a successful start of setup with no unexpected organisation enrollment.

Physical inspection

What to inspect under bright light before powering on.

01Check the case on a flat tableAll feet should sit flat. Inspect for a bent lower case, loose hinge, lid misalignment, stripped screws, liquid residue and pressure marks around the trackpad.
02Inspect panel, coating and hinge positionsUse white, grey and black backgrounds for dead pixels, uneven backlight and image retention. Open slowly and confirm the lid holds several angles.
03Inspect every port and cable seatCheck for darkened USB-C contacts, bent MagSafe pins, debris, loose headphone jack and charging that drops when the plug moves gently.

Function test

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

01Run Apple DiagnosticsUse Apple's documented startup method for that model and photograph the completion or reference code. An incomplete run is not a clean result.
02Test every key, trackpad and biometric sensorType the full keyboard in a plain text field, test multi-touch across the trackpad and complete a fresh Touch ID enrollment if fitted.
03Test ports, camera, speakers and a short loadConnect power and one known USB device to each data port, join Wi-Fi, use the camera and microphone, then run a short local task while watching for shutdowns or fan grinding.

Account & lock check

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

01Remove Find My and erase the MacThe seller should authenticate privately and perform Erase All Content and Settings or the model-appropriate recovery erase while you are present.
02Reach setup without Activation LockConnect the erased Mac to the internet. Stop if it asks for the previous owner's Apple Account or cannot activate normally.
03Watch for Remote ManagementDuring setup, reject an unexpected Remote Management screen or organisation ownership message. A seller promise to remove MDM later is not proof.

Price proof

Comparable facts to record before negotiating or paying.

01Compare the exact chip and memory tierUse sold examples for the same screen size, chip generation, memory and storage. Small configuration differences materially change used value.
02Adjust for cycles, condition and chargerRecord reputable battery-service pricing and whether a correct-wattage genuine or certified charger is included.
03Verify transferable coverage separatelyCheck coverage using Apple's official channel with the serial number. Do not pay extra for a verbal claim of warranty or AppleCare.

STOP

Walk-away signals

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

Remote Management appears during setup.
Activation Lock remains after the seller claims to have signed out.
The lower case rocks, the trackpad is raised, or the chassis shows swelling pressure.
The serial or hardware configuration does not match the listing evidence.

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.