Buying a Second-Hand Phone in Ireland
In Ireland, second-hand phones sell on DoneDeal, Adverts.ie and Facebook Marketplace. Irish networks block phones reported stolen, but there is no free public lookup, so the checks you do in person matter more.
Where people buy used phones in Ireland
- DoneDeal and Adverts.ie: Local sales, usually cash on collection. Meet, test and check before paying.
- Facebook Marketplace: No buyer protection on local deals.
- Refurbished (networks, retailers): Cost more but come with a warranty and EU consumer rights.
Check it isn’t stolen or blocked
There is no free official IMEI lookup in Ireland. A paid CheckMEND report checks records in Ireland and the UK. At the very least, put your SIM in and make a call before paying, and check the number from *#06# with our IMEI checker and against the box.
Carrier locks and network compatibility
Most phones sold in Ireland are unlocked. Test with your own SIM; if it is locked, the original network can usually unlock it.
Your rights
Irish and EU consumer law gives strong rights when you buy from a trader, including remedies for faulty goods. A private seller doesn’t owe you those rights, so the test before paying is your protection.
Common scams in Ireland
- Phones reported stolen after the sale.
- iCloud or Google account lock left on.
- Postal deals that ask for a bank transfer up front.
- Undisclosed screen or battery replacements.
Paying safely
Meet in a public place, test fully, make a call with your SIM, then pay. Avoid bank transfers to sellers you haven’t met.
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 stolen in Ireland?
There’s no free official checker. Put your SIM in and make a call before paying, check the IMEI matches the box, and consider a paid CheckMEND report for an expensive phone.
Do I have rights buying from a private seller in Ireland?
Far fewer than from a business. The phone should be as described, but there is no general right to return it, so test it before you pay.
What should I test?
Screen, touch, speakers, microphone, cameras, charging and battery. Run the free MxMob test on the phone itself; it takes about 10 minutes.