Should you buy a used iPhone from Facebook Marketplace?

Usually, I’d say no — unless you’re comfortable doing a careful in-person check. Facebook Marketplace can be a good place to find a deal, but used iPhones there are also a common target for scams and problem devices.

The biggest risks are iCloud-locked phones, stolen or blacklisted devices, and phones that look fine at pickup but later stop working because they were tied to a carrier plan, still financed, or reported lost.

If you buy one anyway, do this:

1. Meet in a safe public place — ideally somewhere monitored, like a police station lobby or a busy retail area.
2. Check the IMEI/serial number and compare it with the device settings and the box, if included.
3. Make sure the seller fully signs out of Apple ID / Find My in front of you, then reset the phone before paying.
4. Test it with your own SIM or eSIM if possible: calls, texts, data, Face ID/Touch ID, cameras, speakers, mic, charging, and Wi‑Fi.
5. Don’t pay in advance or send money before you’ve handled and tested the actual phone.
6. If possible, meet at a carrier store or another place where the phone can be checked on the spot for basic compatibility and to reduce the chance of obvious problems. That still does not guarantee it won’t later be reported lost, stolen, or left unpaid, but it can help catch some issues before you buy.