Buying a Second-Hand Phone in the UK
In the UK, used phones sell on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Vinted, and refurbished ones through Back Market, Giffgaff and the networks. Since Ofcom banned the sale of locked phones in December 2021, carrier locks are much less of a problem than they used to be. Blocked phones, account locks and worn batteries are not.
Where people buy used phones in United Kingdom
- eBay: The eBay Money Back Guarantee covers items that don’t arrive or aren’t as described, when you pay through eBay.
- Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree: Mostly collection and cash with no protection. Test the phone where you meet and check it isn’t blocked before paying.
- Vinted: Buyer protection applies only when you pay through the app. Never move the conversation or payment elsewhere.
- Refurbished (Back Market, Giffgaff, network shops): Cost more but come with a warranty and returns.
Check it isn’t stolen or blocked
UK networks share a blocklist of phones reported lost or stolen, so a blocked phone won’t work on any of them. There is no free official public lookup; a paid CheckMEND report checks police and network records and outstanding finance. The simplest free check is to put your own SIM in and make a call before you pay. Use our IMEI checker to make sure the number shown by *#06# is valid and matches the box.
Carrier locks and network compatibility
Phones sold new by UK networks since December 2021 must be unlocked. An older phone can still be locked: test it with your own SIM, and if it is locked, ask the original network to unlock it, which is usually free now.
Your rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a phone bought from a trader (shop, business seller on eBay) must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, and you can reject a faulty one within 30 days. From a private seller you get far less: the phone only has to be as described, and the seller must have the right to sell it. Many “private” sellers on Marketplace are really traders, which gives you more rights.
Common scams in United Kingdom
- A phone still on a contract or reported lost by its owner after the sale, which then gets blocked.
- Activation Lock or Google account lock left on, making the phone useless after a reset.
- Courier-only deals that ask for bank transfer (Faster Payments can’t be reversed).
- Fake “PayPal” emails telling a seller or buyer that money is waiting.
- A replacement screen or battery that wasn’t mentioned. iPhones show this in Settings › General › About.
Paying safely
Meet in a busy public place, test the phone fully, then pay. If you can’t meet, pay through the platform’s checkout or with a credit card or PayPal Goods and Services, which can be disputed. Never pay by bank transfer to a stranger.
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 blacklisted in the UK?
There is no free official checker. Put your own SIM in and make a call before paying; a blocked phone won’t connect. For more certainty, a paid CheckMEND report checks police, network and finance records.
Do I have any rights buying from a private seller?
Limited ones: the phone must match the description and the seller must own it. There is no right to return it for being faulty, which is why you should test it before paying.
Are phones in the UK still network locked?
Phones sold by UK networks since December 2021 must be unlocked. Older ones may still be locked; test with your SIM and ask the original network to unlock it if needed.