Apple’s iPad was a revolutionary device when it first hit the scene. Though the modern version can do things the original could only dream about, iPad sales aren’t as high as they once were.
iPads still cost a small fortune though sales are dwindling. If you’ve been waiting for the price to drop to buy a new one, you’ll have to keep waiting. The 2021 iPad Pro is anywhere between $800 to $1400.
The good news is you can buy a refurbished or second-hand iPad for a much lower price. Keep reading to find everything you need to know before buying a used iPad.
Refurbished or Second-Hand iPad?
Before providing our pointers on buying an iPad that’s refurbished or second-hand, we must determine the difference between the two.
A refurbished iPad has gone through vigorous testing to verify it functions properly. They tend to be a little pricier than their second-hand counterparts because of the work that’s done to ensure they operate.
Refurbished devices are sometimes used in stores as demos or are returned by a customer for whatever reason. Since the product was opened, stores can no longer sell it as a new device so they offer it at a lower price.
Second-hand products don’t often come with the same guarantee as their refurbished counterparts. They are pre-owned devices that have not been given the once-over by anyone besides the person selling it. The upside of second-hand iPads is that you will find them for much cheaper prices and save quite a bit of money.
Choose Which iPad You Want
Before you even begin your search for your new iPad you should decide which model it is you’d like to buy. Don’t just choose the first device you find on your search. Consider the device’s storage capacity, connectivity, and display capabilities.
How important is size to you? The older you go, the clunkier the iPad will be. The earlier versions are quite thick and heavy meanwhile newer models like the iPad air are quite light.
Are you looking for a powerful model that can handle anything you throw at it? You might want to consider a used iPad Pro for its killer battery life and fast performance.
Do you need a lot of space for all your music and photos? Early iPad models only offer 64GB of storage. Newer iPad Air models provide up to 128 GB, while the newest iPad Pro is up to 256GB.
Know Where to Search
There are many different places you can scour to find a refurbished or second-hand iPad.
You can often find refurbished devices in stores like Best Buy or online on various websites.
Apple has its own refurbished store where you’ll save money off the retail price. Plus you will have peace of mind knowing your iPad has been looked over by the manufacturer. Apple also offers a one-year warranty on all of its refurbished devices.
You can find second-hand devices on your local garage sale websites or even auction sites like eBay. The upside of buying from eBay is that there is a bit of buyer protection there if your iPad arrives in rough shape.
Craigslist is another great place to search for a cheap second-hand device. The downside is that there are absolutely no guarantees you won’t be ghosted after the sale.
Check Out Its Condition
There is peace of mind that comes from buying a refurbished device. As you already know, most merchants who sell these devices provide you with a guarantee. If the product doesn’t work, arrives broken, or dies within a few weeks, you’ll be able to return it for your money back.
The same can’t be said for buying a used iPad second-hand. Many a buyer has been burnt by shady sellers hawking broken devices. There are some things you can do to protect yourself from buying a dud.
First of all, if you’ll be meeting the seller face-to-face for the transaction, do not send them money in advance. There are many internet scammers out there who claim to be selling something but request the money upfront. Do not give them a single cent until you can connect with them in real life.
Once you have the device in hand, now is your chance to inspect it.
Are there any cracks anywhere? Is it in a case and if so, are there dents in the case?
Defects in the case shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. You can buy a new case without breaking the bank.
A cracked iPad screen might put a damper on your purchase, though. If it’s so badly cracked that you can’t see the display, you might want to reconsider the sale. You can use something like cyanoacrylate to seal small cracks.
Does the device turn on? Try opening a few different apps and give the keyboard a test run.
You should also check the serial number on the iPad. You can use this number on Apple’s support website to see important information. You will see if the device is locked and if it’s been cleared of the previous users’ data.
Once you know the iPad is in good working order, give it a reset before completing the purchase.
Save Money With a Second-Hand iPad
There’s no shame in buying a second-hand iPad. Not only will you get a great device, but you’ll score a sweet deal with it, too. Be sure to follow our steps above to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
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