How to Verify If Your Smartphone is Truly Brand New and Never Used Before

February 13, 2025, 10:20 AM
by Farhana Afrose Rini

UNB News
Publish- February 13, 2025, 10:20 AM
Farhana Afrose Rini
Update- February 13, 2025, 10:36 AM

Representational image: Freepik

Buying a new smartphone is a big investment, so discovering that your "brand-new" device is actually used or refurbished can be frustrating. Since new smartphones are significantly more expensive than second-hand or refurbished models, it's crucial to confirm that your device is genuinely new before making a purchase. By taking a few simple steps, you can avoid the risks of buying a pre-owned or tampered phone and ensure you're getting exactly what you paid for.

Ways to Check Whether Your Smartphone is New and Never Used Before

Check the Packaging and Accessories

One of the most obvious ways to verify if a smartphone is new is by inspecting the packaging. A brand-new phone should come in a factory-sealed box with no signs of tampering. Manufacturers use specific security seals and adhesive tapes to ensure authenticity. If you notice any resealing marks, misaligned stickers, or damaged box edges, it may indicate that the phone was previously opened.

The contents inside the box should also be carefully examined. A new phone comes with neatly packed accessories, including a charger, USB cable, SIM ejector tool, and sometimes earphones, depending on the brand. If any accessory appears used, has scratches, or is missing altogether, this is a red flag. Additionally, check for official manuals and warranty cards that should accompany a new smartphone.

Examine the Physical Condition of the Phone

A thorough physical inspection of the device is essential before considering it brand-new. A new smartphone should have no scratches, dents, or marks on its body or screen. Carefully check the edges, ports, and camera lens for any visible signs of wear or damage.

Moreover, inspect the buttons to ensure they feel firm and function smoothly. Due to frequent usage, a previously used phone might show slight discoloration around buttons, especially the power and volume keys. Another effective way to confirm newness is by checking the SIM card tray. If there are scratches or dust inside the tray, it may have been inserted and removed before, indicating prior use.

Verify the IMEI or Serial Number

Every smartphone comes with a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which can help you determine if the device is new. You can find the IMEI number by dialing *#06# on the phone’s dial pad or by navigating to Settings > About Phone. Cross-check this number with the IMEI printed on the box. If the numbers do not match, this could indicate that the phone is not in its original box or has been tampered with.

Another way to check is by using IMEI lookup websites such as IMEI.info or IMEI24.com. These platforms can provide details about the phone’s activation date, warranty period, and whether it has been reported stolen. If the phone has an activation date earlier than your purchase date, it means the device was used before.

Check Software and System Information

Smartphones store specific information that can reveal their usage history. For iPhone users, an easy way to check if the device is brand-new is by looking at the model number. You can find this under Settings > General > About. The first letter of the model number provides key insights:

"M" – Brand new unit

"F" – Refurbished by Apple

"N" – Replacement device

"P" – Personalized with engraving

If the model number starts with "F" or "N," it means the device was either refurbished or replaced, respectively, which means it is not brand new.

For Android users, the best way to check the device’s history is through the developer options. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status, where you can see the device’s Build Number and First Activation Date (if available). If the phone has an activation date before your purchase, it indicates that the device has been used before.

Assess Battery Health and Charging Cycle

Battery health is another critical indicator of a phone’s usage history. A new phone should have 100% battery health, especially iPhones, where this information can be checked under Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the capacity is below 100%, the phone may have been previously used or left charging for extended periods.

For Android users, battery health can be checked using third-party apps such as AccuBattery. Additionally, you can check the Charge Cycle Count, which refers to how many times the battery has been fully charged. A high charge cycle count indicates prior usage.

Check for Signs of Prior Setup or Activation

When turning on a brand-new phone for the first time, it should display the initial setup screen, asking you to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google or Apple ID. If the phone directly opens to the home screen or already contains apps, contacts, or settings, it has likely been used before.

For iPhones, you can check the Apple System Status online using the device's serial number. Go to Settings > General > About and enter the serial number on Apple's website to check the warranty status. If the warranty has already started before your purchase date, the phone was likely activated earlier.

Similarly, for Android devices, you can check the Device Activation Date by dialing *#12580*369# on Samsung phones. If the activation date is earlier than your purchase date, it means the phone is not new.

Review Warranty and Return Policy

Before purchasing a smartphone, always check its warranty status. Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty starting from the date of first activation. You can verify this on the brand’s official website by entering the phone’s serial number. If the warranty period has already started before your purchase, the phone was activated earlier, meaning it is not a new device.

Additionally, reputable sellers provide a return or exchange policy. Ensure that your purchase comes with a valid return window so that you can return the phone if you discover it is not new.

Check for Hidden System Logs

Most smartphones keep internal records of previous activities. On Android devices, you can check Usage History by going to Settings > Developer Options > Running Services. If any apps show usage history before your purchase date, the phone has been previously used.

On iPhones, you can check Analytics Data under Settings > Privacy > Analytics & Improvements > Analytics Data. If you see logs dating back to before you first turned on the phone, it suggests prior usage.

Observe Performance and Storage

A brand-new smartphone should run smoothly without any lag or unusual behavior. If your phone experiences slow performance, random reboots, or excessive heating, it might not be new. Additionally, check the Storage Usage under Settings > Storage. If the device already has storage space occupied before setup, it could indicate previous usage.

Final Words

Ensuring that your smartphone is genuinely brand-new during purchase requires thorough inspection and verification. By checking the packaging, physical condition, IMEI number, software details, battery health, and activation records, you can confidently determine whether your device has been used before.

These checks help protect you from receiving a pre-owned, refurbished, or tampered device when you have paid for a new one. Always purchase from authorized sellers and verify the return and warranty policies to safeguard your investment.