Buying a used iPhone: battery health and locks to check before you pay

Published: 8 August 2026

If battery or locks fail the check, do not rush to pay — even if the price looks good.
Clearing these two checks beats fighting it out later.
This is anti-scam guide Issue 03 — battery and locks in depth — not a push to check out.

Two regrets buyers see most often after paying

1. A battery that dies by lunch
2. A phone that will not unlock

Issue 01 covered the checklist and local prices; Issue 02 decoded grade letters (looks ≠ function). This issue (Issue 03) zooms in on battery health and locks / accounts. Whether you buy on Leboncoin, from a stall, or through a friend, both can be verified in person or on video before you pay.

1. Battery health: how to check, what to look for

Scratches are negotiable. A weak battery that needs constant charging turns the “saving” into daily frustration.

Path (typical iOS)

Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging, show Maximum Capacity, and screenshot it. Menu names can vary slightly by iOS version — Maximum Capacity is the line that matters.

How to read the percentage

Closer to 100% means closer to factory condition. Reputable sellers often state a floor (e.g. battery health ≥85%) — not a universal law, but a useful reference. Grades A / B / C describe looks mainly; battery health is separate.

Battery red flags

• Refuses to open the battery screen, or only shows someone else’s screenshot
• Claims a “new battery” with nothing you can verify
• Sudden drops or unexpected shutdowns right after power-on

2. Locks and accounts: confirm it works before you pay

Discovering a lock after money changes hands usually costs more than the discount.

1. Reach the Home Screen — not stuck on activation / “password later”
2. Apple ID / iCloud and Find My — sign out, turn off Find My, avoid Activation Lock
3. Carrier lock — your SIM must get data and calls

Extra self-protection: ask for the IMEI / serial and check lost or blacklist status through proper channels.

Before you pay

• Open battery screen — note Maximum Capacity and screenshot
• Reach Home Screen
• Previous Apple ID signed out · Find My off
• Your SIM works for data / calls
• (Optional) IMEI / serial looks clear

“Certified” = endorsement

Certification is not a sticker. It means someone stands behind the phone: checks done, after-sales reachable. A serious endorsement usually states:

• 80+ inspection points · battery health ≥85% · real-unit photos
• 6-month warranty · 14-day returns
• Grades A / B / C describe looks mainly; function and battery should meet the same check standard

Optional: who is Giggle Fone

The method works wherever you buy. For an example on the France site: Giggle Fone sells inspected used iPhones on gigglefone.fr — real units, clear grades, warranty and returns.

WhatsApp: +852 5106 6241 · wa.me/85251066241
Email: [email protected]

General anti-scam guide — not limited to one city. Warranty and returns follow the product page at purchase.