How to safely buy a second-hand or refurbished phone for a child — factory reset checks, account de-association, MDM/lock status and warranty.
A refurbished phone is often the most sustainable and cost-effective way to get a child their first device. The risk is not the hardware — it is the account, the lock status, and any hidden enrolment. A previous owner who has not properly de-associated their Apple ID or Google account, or a phone that was once enrolled in a corporate or school MDM, can leave the device permanently locked or remotely managed. This checklist walks through what to verify before money changes hands and what to do straight after.
Activation Lock check (iPhone)
Apple's checkactivationlock page was retired in 2017 — instead check on the device: Settings > General > About — and look for an Apple ID at the top of the Settings app
An iPhone signed into the previous owner's iCloud cannot be set up by the new owner. Always insist on factory-resetting in front of you and confirming the 'Hello' setup screen appears.
Factory Reset Protection (Android)
Settings > Accounts — must show no Google account before sale; setup screen must appear after reset
Android phones reset by a thief still ask for the previous Google account at first boot. Only a properly logged-out, reset phone reaches the standard 'Welcome' setup.
MDM / Supervision check
iOS: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management | Android: Settings > Security or Accounts > Work profile / device admin
MDM enrolment from a former corporate or school owner can survive a factory reset on supervised iPhones. The device may be remotely locked, wiped, or restricted by a third party at any time.
IMEI check
Dial *#06# on the phone, then check the 15-digit IMEI on a UK service such as checkmend.com or the network's lost/stolen checker
A blacklisted IMEI means UK networks will not connect the phone. CheckMEND is a paid service used widely in the second-hand trade; some UK networks offer free checks.