Refurbished vs used
“Refurbished” should mean the device has been tested, repaired if needed, cleaned and resold, ideally with a warranty. “Used” or “pre-owned” usually means sold as-is. The seller and the warranty matter more than the label.
Where to buy
- Manufacturer refurbished (such as Apple Certified Refurbished): usually the closest to new, with a full warranty.
- Specialist marketplaces (such as Back Market) and retailer programmes: check who the actual seller is and their rating.
- Private sales: cheapest, but with the fewest protections.
Your checklist
- Warranty length and who honours it.
- Return window (in the UK and EU, online purchases from businesses usually come with a 14-day cancellation right).
- Battery health, especially for phones and laptops.
- That it’s unlocked and not tied to someone else’s account (Activation Lock, Find My, Google account).
- What’s in the box: charger and cable aren’t always included.
Red flags
No warranty, prices far below every other seller, stock photos only, or pressure to pay by bank transfer. Walk away. More tips in our guide to spotting fake reviews and the deals calendar.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
