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Meeting up safely — what to check on the spot

4 min read

Meet-ups are short. Here is a checking order that genuinely fits into ten minutes, so you don't miss what matters most.

On-the-spot inspection needs a clear order, because once you meet the seller there is rarely much time. Working through a fixed sequence keeps you from forgetting the important checks.

A checking order that works

  • Confirm the device serial matches the listing
  • Check battery health in the settings menu
  • Test front and rear cameras, every lens, photo and video
  • Test the speaker, microphone and vibration
  • Run a finger across the whole screen to find dead touch spots
  • Confirm the previous owner's account has been fully removed

One warning sign

If a seller rushes your decision or refuses to let you work through these checks, consider walking away. Urgency is the most common warning sign there is.