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If you think you may be in the market for a previously owned phone, it's important to know that anyone can sell an old device and call it a "used phone" or a "pre-owned phone," but there is a difference.

Refurbished phones: This typically refers to devices that have undergone some sort of repair. The previous user's data has been wiped and the factory settings are typically restored, allowing you to set up the device the same way you would a brand-new phone.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) phones: This refers to all of the pre-owned smartphones ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ sells. These devices have been inspected and are in full working order. "Certified Pre-Owned" is also potentially more accurate than "used" or "refurbished" — some smartphones are returned in full working order after only a few days. While these devices are definitely pre-owned and cannot be sold as new, some may not have been used at all by previous owners.

It's a common misconception that all used or refurbished phones were returned due to defects. While it's true that some pre-owned devices require repairs, many people bring back smartphones within the allowed return window simply because they've decided they want a different model or color. Other pre-owned phones find their way back onto store shelves via trade-ins.

Refurbished phones often seem identical to brand-new devices.

When phones are returned or recycled due to defects, the refurbishment process may involve repairs such as new internal components, new screens and fixed ports. But before these smartphones can be sold as Certified Pre-Owned devices, they must be fully inspected by ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ to ensure they work properly.

All of ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ's Certified Pre-Owned devices are assigned a grade according to their cosmetic condition. All certified pre-owned and refurbished phones sold at ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ will have a rating associated with them, and that will give you an idea what kind of condition they are in. Overall, refurbished phones are safe to use and come in varying condition levels.

All ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ Certified Pre-Owned devices have passed ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ's Total Quality Inspection, which ensures:

• The battery charges up, and the battery charge indicator works.
• All ports are completely functional, and all card slots work.
• Each pixel on the display works, and images on the screen are clear and bright.
• Wi-Fi and other connectivity functions work properly.
• Speakers, microphones and Bluetooth audio all work.
• All buttons and soft keyboards work.
• The software is up to date.

In addition to making sure the battery charges up, battery health and maximum capacity is thoroughly tested before certifying the device. And, if there is a manufacturer issue that occurs within 30 days of purchase, you can learn about our 30-day device return and exchange policy here.

A Certified Pre-Owned smartphone will often sell for less than an identical new model and also qualify for our payment plan. This allows buyers to move up to a model they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford or to. Buying a Certified Pre-Owned model is also an affordable way to replace a lost or broken device, especially if you weren't planning to buy a new one for another year or more.

Some people are also drawn to refurbished phones due to the reduced environmental footprint. Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned device helps to keep old phones out of landfills and saves energy, water and other resources required to make new devices.

Buying a used phone from a trustworthy source that vets for quality and certifies a phone's pre-owned status is important in terms of knowing what condition your phone is in, and how to keep it protected in the event something does go wrong. You may find lower prices from individuals selling their used smartphones online. But a lower price may not turn out to be a better "deal" if the phone comes with technical problems. If you buy a used phone from someone you don’t know, you'll be unprotected when something goes wrong. And, ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ's Customer Service and Support can help with anything you need after purchasing your CPO phone. And, you can learn about ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ's 30-Day return policy here.

According to , the refurbished phones offered by manufacturers, cell phone carriers, and major retailers are generally "certified," which means they've been inspected and often upgraded to make sure they're in good working condition. This means these phones operate as they should, and consumers can use them like a new device.

The term "certified pre-owned" refers to all pre-owned smartphones ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ sells, which are vetted for quality and given a quality rating by ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ before being sold to the consumer. Not all retailers certify their devices before selling them to consumers, so this is an extra step ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ takes in quality assurance with all pre-owned devices we sell.

Yes. It is safe to buy a pre-owned phone from a trusted source that vets them for quality and ensures they are in good working condition. ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ rates all certified pre-owned phones and makes that rating known to the consumer.

All pre-owned phones at ɧ»¢ÊÓƵ are sold as "certified pre-owned" devices.

Your phone may have substantial trade-in value. Visit our Trade-In page to find out what your phone may be worth.