How to Check If the Used iPhone You're Buying Is Stolen

If a new iPhone 6 isn't exactly in your price range, there's always the option of a used device.

Of course, there are some risks when buying a previously owned iOS device from an unofficial retailer like acquaintances or online sellers. If it's stolen, for one, the device's original owner may have Activation Lock turned on. If you don't have the Apple ID and password, tough luck — the phone's locked to that user.

Fortunately, Apple has released a new Activation Lock Status checker on iCloud.com for used buyers. All you have to do is enter the phone's serial or IMEI numbers (which can be found under the about tab in iPhones' general settings) into this form:

I entered my phone's serial number, which opened this screen:

If you enter the information of a device with Activation Lock on, the tool will tell you to contact the previous owner — if you know the legitimate owner — and it provides instructions for owners on how to clear a phone for reuse. This lock feature was first introduced with iOS 7. Activation Lock automatically turns on when you use the Find My iPhone feature, which allows you to pinpoint the location of an iOS device remotely.

Note that the iCloud tool doesn't seem to be compatible with mobile Safari, so be sure to have another means to access the Activation Lock Status tool if you're meeting someone to pick up the iOS device. Otherwise, the tool is a useful way to make sure you aren't buying a useless Apple product.