How to know if it works?

[TyGuy96]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy an S4 off of kijiji, but don't know what to look for when I go to meet the seller. I have never used one before, and I don't want to find out too late that I bought a phone that doesn't work.

Also, what do you think is a reasonable price for them?

Thanks,
TyGuy

 

[ThatOneRearEnd]

Turn it on for example?

 

[CrimsonPride]

Turn it on, make sure apps work, and ask if the seller can send a text message or make a call or something to make sure the imei hasnt been reported stolen

 

[Crashumbc]

Turn it on, make sure apps work, and ask if the seller can send a text message or make a call or something to make sure the imei hasnt been reported stolen

Personally, I would actually call the carrier the phone is registered with and verify the IMEI is "clean"....

 

[lotus49]

Personally, I would actually call the carrier the phone is registered with and verify the IMEI is "clean"....

I would definitely do this.

Only a few days ago someone here posted about getting an S4 on Gumtree. After he had been using it for a few weeks, it suddenly stopped working. It turned out to have been stolen.

Even if you have dubious morals and don't mind buying a stolen phone, you may well find yourself with a useless and expensive phone on which you cannot make calls if you don't check the IMEI number.

 

[Darnell0216]

Along with all the above, before you turn it on, check the IMEI/MEID inside the battery cover. If it's scratched out, that's already a bad sign. Otherwise, memorize a portion (or write it down) and compare it to the About Phone details when you power it up. If it's mismatched, it has been changed and may not even activate.