How To Buy A Used IPad (hand-held) And Not Have Any Problems After That

2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 08:36

The tablet market has changed dramatically since the introduction of the first iPads. These fundamentally new "apple" gadgets have managed not only to achieve great popularity, but also to oust their main competitors in this niche from the leading positions. And to this day, the iPad remains the device on which interesting projects are first released, and which are used equally both for leisure and in professional activities.

The only significant drawback of "apple" tablets is their high price. But even with a modest budget, you can find a way out - for example, buy a used device. However, such an acquisition has its own nuances, which you should definitely clarify for yourself. Consider the main recommendations for buying a used tablet.

Optimal time

For objective reasons, there is a most suitable time to buy. In particular, immediately after the presentation of the new Apple gadgets, the owners of outdated devices are actively getting rid of them in order to then buy a new product. In such a period of time, there is every chance of finding an option in excellent condition and at the same time at a humane price. As a rule, Apple announces an update to its tablet line in the spring, and therefore it is advisable to start monitoring ads by this time.

What to check when buying an iPad hand-held?

To begin with, it is important, of course, to find out details about the appearance of the device, its performance and configuration. You should also pay attention to the reason why the gadget is being offered for sale. A very low price should alert the buyer, since such a tempting offer may hide a fraudulent scheme.

Even if the user considers himself knowledgeable in software and is not afraid of devices with outdated iOS or jailbreak, it is strongly recommended to observe the following:

Don't buy an iPad remotely

Never buy a gadget remotely, but only in person with the seller. Otherwise, you will not be able to check some important points, which will be discussed in the following paragraphs.

Ask for a purchase receipt

The lack of a receipt does not mean the device was stolen, but is additional evidence that the iPad seller does indeed own it.

Check iPad is linked to any Apple ID (Activation Lock)

• Open the Settings app and go to the iCloud section (starting with iOS 10, this section is in the Apple ID menu at the very top of the page). This section should not include any accounts. The lines for entering Apple ID must be empty. Otherwise, ask the owner to sign out of their iCloud account and turn off Find My iPhone.
• Be sure to ask the seller in your presence to perform a full reset and delete content. To do this, you need to launch the Settings application and follow the path: "General" → "Reset", and select the "Erase content and settings" item (in detail). The device will be reset to factory settings. After restarting, the welcome screen will appear on the screen. Go through the steps of the initial setup (language, region, country and network connection) after which the device will begin to activate. If the screen prompts for the password and ID of the previous owner, then the device is still linked to his account. If iOS "let" you go to the home screen (desktop) without prompting you to enter your Apple ID password, then the iPad can be used by the new owner.

If someone's Apple ID is listed in the iCloud section and the seller refuses in every possible way to log out of the account, as well as to reset the device to factory settings, return the device to the seller - such an iPad, of course, is not worth buying.

Check Model Compliance

Since it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between iPad models, we recommend that you use an official Apple service to check your eligibility for warranty service. Where, after entering the serial number, the system will display the valid name (model) of the device.

Check version compliance (storage capacity, availability of a SIM card slot)

Do not forget about the complete set (version) of the tablet. You can check whether the characteristics specified by the seller correspond to the real ones in the section "Settings" → "General" → "About this device". Externally, tablets with 16 GB and 128 GB on board do not differ at all, so you need to play it safe and personally make sure that the owner did not lie about his gadget.

If the seller has indicated support for cellular networks (cellular), then pay attention to the presence of a SIM card slot on the side edge.

Check the functionality of the interfaces (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Lightning)

Since access to Wi-Fi is extremely important today for all owners of mobile equipment, without exception, you should check the operation of the corresponding module. This can only be done if it is possible to connect to a wireless network. It will not be superfluous to see if the Bluetooth and 3G / 4G chips are working properly (you need to insert a SIM card with Internet traffic).

Check if the connector (Lightning or USB-C) is working - try charging iPad. Be sure to test the audio jack function. For the latter, it is advisable to have headphones with you (there are no headphones included with the iPad).

Check the screen, physical buttons and speakers

Since the Home button on iPad often breaks, you need to make sure everything is fine with it. It is important not to forget about checking the screen for the absence of dead zones. As a rule, the first thing the sensor stops working correctly around the edges of the display. You can check its performance by launching any graphics editor and drawing in it in different areas of the screen.

Even a slight detachment of the screen from the case may indicate that the device's battery has become unusable and began to swell. This will not end well, and therefore you should see if there are any defects of this kind. Remember to keep the iPad flat.

Finally, in order to avoid excesses, you need to listen to how the speaker works.

By following these tips, you can avoid many mistakes and difficulties when choosing a used iPad. Remember that verification cannot be neglected even when buying new devices, but for used gadgets.

Good luck with your purchase!

See also:

• How to automatically improve photo quality on iPhone and iPad.
• How to recognize an iPhone "drowned", or where the moisture (water) sensor is located.
• How to write to chat, e-mail or call Apple support from Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan.