Buying a Second-Hand Phone in Australia
Used phones in Australia sell on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay. Australia has a free official IMEI check run by the mobile industry, and since the 3G networks closed, an extra question matters: will the phone work, and call 000, on today’s networks?
Where people buy used phones in Australia
- Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree: Local cash deals with no protection. Meet, test and check the IMEI before you pay.
- eBay Australia: The eBay Money Back Guarantee applies when you pay through eBay.
- Refurbished (telcos, Back Market, retailers): Cost more but include a warranty.
Check it isn’t stolen or blocked
Use the free AMTA IMEI checker from the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association. It shows whether the phone is currently blocked on Australian networks. A block can take a few days to appear, and a phone can still be blocked after the sale, so keep the seller’s details. Check the number’s format first with our IMEI checker.
Carrier locks and network compatibility
Most phones sold in Australia today are unlocked; test with your own SIM. Since the 3G shutdown, older phones that can’t make calls over 4G (VoLTE), including emergency calls to 000, may not work or may be blocked by the networks. Check that the exact model is on your provider’s compatible device list before you buy an older or imported phone.
Your rights
The Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply when you buy from a business, but not from a private seller. A private sale is effectively “as is”, so the test before you pay is your protection.
Common scams in Australia
- Phones that are blocked after the sale because they were reported lost or stolen.
- Older or imported phones that don’t support 4G calling and stop working.
- iCloud or Google account lock left on.
- Sellers who ask for a bank transfer or PayID up front and post the phone. These can’t be reversed.
Paying safely
Meet in a public place, test the phone, check the IMEI on AMTA, then pay. If you can’t meet, pay only through a platform with buyer protection.
Test the hardware before you pay
- Open mxmob.com/check on the phone itself and tap Test all. It checks the screen, touch, speakers, microphone, cameras, sensors, buttons, charging and Wi-Fi in about 10 minutes, with no app.
- Dial *#06# and compare the IMEI with the box and Settings, then run the check above.
- Watch the seller sign out of iCloud or Google and reset the phone.
- Check battery health (iPhone: Settings › Battery › Battery Health) and look for replaced parts.
- Put your SIM in and make a call.
The full list is in the used phone checklist.
FAQ
How do I check if a phone is blocked in Australia?
Dial *#06# to get the IMEI and enter it on AMTA’s free IMEI checker. It shows whether the phone is currently blocked on Australian networks.
Will an older phone work after the 3G shutdown?
Only if it supports 4G voice calling (VoLTE) on your provider, including emergency calls. Check the model on your provider’s compatible device list before buying.
Do I get consumer guarantees from a private seller?
No. The Australian Consumer Law guarantees cover businesses, not private sales, so test the phone fully before you pay.