Today it is quite easy to buy a used iPad, the condition of which is slightly different from the new one, but the price will be much less than the original price. Before buying a used tablet, decide what features you need, how much you are willing to spend, and where you are going to buy your iPad.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing iPad Options
Step 1. Decide on characteristics such as internal storage, display settings, iPad model and mobile technology (3G or 4G, that is, third or fourth generation mobile communication)
- Think about the size and weight of your tablet. Older tablets are thicker and heavier than modern tablets, so if you are concerned about the weight of the device, opt for the iPad Air. Or opt for iPad Mini if screen size isn't a major requirement; this tablet is thinner and smaller than a standard iPad.
- Think about the amount of internal memory. Choose a model with sufficient memory if you have a large number of music files, videos, and photos. Earlier iPads had a storage capacity of up to 64GB, while the latest iPad Air models can go up to 128GB (where GB is a gigabyte).
- Decide if you need a mobile (cellular) tablet. Any iPad model has a built-in Wi-Fi module, but if you want to use the tablet as a mobile phone, buy a model with 3G or 4G support.
- Consider if you need a high resolution screen. Choose a tablet with just such a screen if you are an avid gamer in mobile games or like to watch movies. Remember, early iPads didn't come with high-resolution displays.
- Please be aware that early iPads may not support some network. In theory, the tablet should connect to any network, but in practice this is not always the case with older models. So keep this fact in mind when shopping for early iPad models.
Step 2. Think about the color of the device
The iPad generation and model will determine the available tablet colors. Older iPads were available in two colors (black and white), while newer models are available in gray, silver, gold and black.
- If you need engraving on the back of your device, buy one of the latest iPad models. This service is provided free of charge when purchasing a new tablet in the Apple branded store.
- Most likely, you will not be able to use this service as you are going to buy a used tablet. But you can ask the seller if he is ready to do the engraving for an additional minimum fee.
Step 3. Decide on the budget for buying a tablet
The new iPad costs about 35,000 rubles. This high price tag leads many buyers to look for used devices that can be purchased for half or even a quarter of the initial cost. Remember that used tablets are often sold without many of the necessary accessories (for example, no cable to charge the device), so be prepared to buy accessories separately.
Step 4. Decide if you want to buy a used or refurbished tablet
A pre-owned iPad includes original parts and is sold without warranty, while a refurbished tablet replaces the case, battery, and protective glass with new ones.
- When you buy a refurbished tablet from Apple, you get a one-year warranty and can purchase AppleCare (just like buying a new device).
- Be careful when buying a refurbished tablet from other vendors, as the device may not be properly repaired. Apple cares about its reputation and handles its devices properly, which is not the case with other mobile device repair and refurbishment companies.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing a Seller
Step 1. Buy a tablet at a fixed price electronics store
In such a store, you can choose a used or refurbished tablet at an affordable price. Most likely, in such a store you will not get a discount, but it is not needed, since the price will be very tempting.
At a fixed-price store, the tablet comes with the necessary accessories (which can't be said for online auctions). Therefore, buying a device in such a store, you will get more benefits for the same money
Step 2. Buy a tablet from the Apple store
The Apple store sells both used and refurbished devices. Although the prices are slightly higher in such a store than other sellers, numerous reviews indicate that the tablets (refurbished and used) work just fine.
By purchasing a tablet from the Apple store, you will spend a little more than you planned, but for this money you will receive a quality product that will cost much less than a new device
Step 3. Buy a tablet from an online auction
Since the prices here are offered by the auction participants, this is a great chance to buy the device at the lowest price. The fewer bidders there are, the more likely you are to buy a tablet at a great price. Opt for an online auction if you are on a tight budget.
Step 4. Buy a tablet from a private seller or supermarket (if possible)
In this case, you can personally check the status and functionality of the device. Moreover, buying a tablet in this way, you can ask for a discount (haggle), since the seller will be directly in front of you.
Part 3 of 3: Check iPad Status
Step 1. Check the status and functionality of the tablet
This is not an easy task if you are purchasing your device from an online store (or online auction). If the seller claims that the case is not scratched, then you should take his word for it; so please check if you can return the item to the seller if you don’t like the look of the unit after you receive it in the mail. When buying an iPad from a private seller or in a store, check its condition and operability on the spot.
When checking the condition of the case, pay attention to the tablet screen. Look for broken pixels, cracks, scratches, and other damage
Step 2. Test the performance of the tablet
- Make sure the tablet turns on and off by pressing and holding the Sleep / Wake button on the top or side of the iPad. This will turn off the screen and display the button and the “Swipe to turn off the device” message. To turn off your tablet, swipe from left to right. Press and hold the Sleep / Wake button to turn on the tablet.
- Check your Wi-Fi connectivity. To do this, open the Settings app, tap Wi-Fi, and then activate Wi-Fi. If the tablet connects to the nearest available wireless network, the Wi-Fi function works fine.
Step 3. Make sure the tablet you are buying is not stolen
Perhaps they will try to sell you just such a device. To avoid getting into trouble, make sure the Find My iPhone Activation Lock is turned off and the device is ready for use.
- To check the status of the specified function, open this site.
- After opening the site, enter the identification (IMEI) number of the device or the serial number of its hardware; the screen will display whether the specified function is enabled or not. This will determine that this tablet has been cleared of data from a previous user and is not stolen.
Step 4. Check the condition and functionality of the accessories if they came with the tablet
Oftentimes, used chargers don't work well (or don't work at all), so plug your tablet into a power source to test the charger's functionality.
- Older iPads came with a 30-pin cable, while newer iPads come with a lightning cable. Before buying online, find information on the type of charging cable that is compatible with your desired iPad model.
- If the tablet you are purchasing came with a case, also check it for damage.