How to Buy a Used iPhone Safely in Dubai and Riyadh: 12-Point Checklist

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Second-hand iPhones are very popular in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, with thousands listed every day on Dubizzle, Haraj, Facebook Marketplace and in shops. A used iPhone can save you a lot of money – but only if you check it properly. Use this 12-point checklist before you pay.

Before You Meet the Seller

1. Compare prices. Check several listings for the same model and storage. A price far below the market is a warning sign.
2. Ask for the IMEI or serial number and check it on Apple’s official “Check Coverage” page (checkcoverage.apple.com). It shows the model and warranty status.
3. Meet in a public place like a mall, never at an unknown address, and never pay in advance.

When You See the Phone

4. Check iCloud / Find My is turned off. Go to Settings > [Name] and make sure the seller signs out of their Apple ID in front of you. A phone still linked to someone else’s Apple ID is useless to you.
5. Match the IMEI. Dial *#06# and compare with Settings > General > About and the box.
6. Check battery health. Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Below about 80% usually means you will need a replacement soon.
7. Check for replaced parts. Settings > General > About shows “Parts and Service History” on supported models – look for “Unknown Part” messages.
8. Test the screen and Face ID. Look for dead pixels, test touch everywhere, and set up Face ID or Touch ID.
9. Test cameras, speakers and microphone – record a short video and play it back.
10. Insert your SIM or add eSIM to check that the phone is not network-locked and gets signal. See our eSIM guide.
11. Check the charging port and buttons.
12. Get proof of purchase. Ask for the original invoice or at least a written receipt with the seller’s name, ID details and the IMEI.

Red Flags – Walk Away If…

• The seller won’t sign out of iCloud.
• The IMEI doesn’t match the box or settings.
• The seller asks for a deposit or bank transfer before meeting.
• The price is suspiciously low and the seller is in a hurry.
• The phone shows a different language or region setup you can’t change.

Middle East Version vs Imported Phones

iPhones sold officially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are often called the Middle East version. Imported phones (for example from the US or Hong Kong) may differ in SIM/eSIM support and warranty coverage. Recent US-model iPhones are eSIM-only, for example, which matters if you use a physical SIM.

Where to Buy Used iPhones

• UAE: Dubizzle, trusted mobile shops, certified refurbished sellers and trade-in programmes at big retailers.
• Saudi Arabia: Haraj, trusted shops and certified refurbished sellers.

Certified refurbished phones cost a bit more but usually come with a warranty.

After You Buy

• Reset the phone (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings).
• Sign in with your own Apple ID and turn on Find My.
• Update to the latest iOS.
• Buy a case and screen protector.

Paying Safely

Pay only after checking everything. Cash or an instant bank transfer in person is common – never send money before you see the phone. Learn about common tricks in our online scam guide.

FAQs

How do I know if a used iPhone is stolen?

Red flags include an active iCloud lock, mismatched IMEI, and no receipt. Check the IMEI and insist on proof of purchase.

What battery health is good for a used iPhone?

85% or above is good; below 80% may need a battery replacement.

Can I use an imported iPhone in Saudi Arabia or the UAE?

Usually yes, if it is unlocked, but check SIM/eSIM support and warranty.