Buying a refurbished phone can save you hundreds of dollars, but understanding your warranty coverage is essential. Whether you’re considering a refurbished iPhone, refurbished Samsung, or any other refurbished smartphone, knowing how to check warranty status protects your investment. This guide shows you exactly how to verify refurbished phone warranty coverage using IMEI checks and manufacturer verification methods.
Does Refurbished Phone Have Warranty?
Yes, most reputable refurbished phones come with warranties. However, coverage varies significantly between certified refurbished warranty programs and standard seller warranties. Warranty periods typically range from 90 days to 1 year, depending on the refurbisher and certification level.
Understanding Refurbished Phone Warranties
Types of Warranties
Manufacturer Warranty vs Seller Warranty: Manufacturer refurbished warranty from programs like Apple Certified Refurbished or Samsung Certified Re-Newed typically provides comprehensive coverage matching new phones. Seller warranty from third-party retailers usually offers shorter periods (90 days to 6 months) but still includes substantial protection.
Certified Refurbished Warranty Coverage: These programs offer enhanced protection with rigorous testing, genuine replacement parts, and warranty coverage comparable to new devices.
What’s Covered
Typically covered: Hardware defects, battery performance issues (usually 80%+ capacity guaranteed), screen problems, camera malfunctions, and charging port failures.
NOT covered: Physical damage from drops, water damage, unauthorized repairs, normal wear and tear, or software issues from user-installed apps.
Refurbished vs New Warranty
New phones typically include 1-2 year manufacturer warranties, while refurbished smartphone warranty periods range from 90 days to 1 year. Certified programs often match new phone coverage terms.
How to Check Warranty on Refurbished Smartphone
Method 1: IMEI Warranty Check
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) warranty check is the most reliable verification method.
How to Find Your IMEI:
- Dial *#06# on your phone
- iPhone: Settings > General > About > IMEI
- Android: Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI
- Check SIM tray or original box
IMEI Warranty Lookup Process:
- Note your 15-digit IMEI number
- Visit manufacturer’s warranty verification website
- Enter IMEI in the warranty checker tool
- Review warranty status and coverage dates
- Save verification results
Free IMEI Warranty Check Tools:
- IMEI.info
- IMEI24.com
- SNDeepInfo
- Manufacturer-specific tools
Method 2: Manufacturer Websites
Check iPhone Warranty:
- Visit checkcoverage.apple.com
- Enter iPhone serial number or IMEI
- Complete CAPTCHA verification
- Review Apple refurbished warranty status
For Apple Certified Refurbished warranty, coverage includes 1 year from purchase date.
Check Refurbished Samsung Warranty:
Samsung Members App:
- Download Samsung Members app
- Tap “Get Help” > “Device Care” > “Warranty Status”
Samsung Website:
- Visit Samsung support website
- Navigate to “Check Warranty Status”
- Enter IMEI or serial number
Other Brands:
- Google Pixel: Google Store warranty lookup
- OnePlus :OnePlus support portal warranty check
- Xiaomi: Mi.com warranty checker
Method 3: Serial Number Verification
Find serial number in Settings > About Phone, then use manufacturer’s warranty verification website. While both work, IMEI warranty check methods are more universally accepted across carriers and regions.
Method 4: Contact Seller Directly
Questions to Ask:
- How long is refurbished phone warranty?
- Is this manufacturer or seller warranty?
- How to claim refurbished phone warranty?
- Where are authorized service centers?
- What documentation will I receive?
Request Documentation:
- Official warranty certificate
- Purchase invoice with warranty terms
- IMEI registration proof
- Return/exchange policy in writing
Brand-Specific Warranty Verification
Refurbished iPhone Warranty Check
Apple’s Checkcoverage.apple.com:
- Enter serial number or IMEI
- View warranty status results:
- “Active” = Valid warranty
- “Expired” = Coverage ended
- “Estimated Expiration Date” = When warranty ends
iPhone Settings Method: Settings > General > About > Limited Warranty shows if device is under warranty.
Samsung Refurbished Warranty
Use Samsung Members app or website IMEI lookup. Samsung Certified Re-Newed devices offer 1-year warranty, while authorized third-party refurbishers typically provide 3-6 months.
Is My Refurbished Phone Under Warranty? Red Flags to Watch
Before assuming your refurbished phone with warranty is legitimate, watch for these warning signs of fake or invalid warranties:
- Seller refuses warranty documentation – Legitimate refurbished smartphone sellers provide written warranty certificates and allow you to check warranty status before purchase.
- IMEI warranty lookup returns “not found” – If check warranty by IMEI attempts fail, the device may be stolen, counterfeit, or from unauthorized channels.
- Warranty period seems suspicious – Extended warranty refurbished phone coverage exceeding manufacturer standards or no warranty refurbished phone offerings below-market rates signal potential fraud.
- Cannot verify warranty online – Legitimate certified refurbished warranty programs always provide online verification through manufacturer warranty verification website portals.
- Always perform warranty check IMEI verification before finalizing refurbished smartphone purchases to avoid warranty expired refurbished phone scenarios shortly after buying.
How Do I Check My Phone Warranty: Common Problems Solved
IMEI Not Found in Warranty Check
When IMEI warranty lookup attempts return errors, try these solutions:
- Verify you entered the correct 15-digit IMEI without spaces or dashes
- Wait 24-48 hours if the device was recently activated
- Contact manufacturer support with proof of purchase for manual warranty verification
- Confirm the device isn’t blacklisted or reported stolen
Understanding Warranty Start Dates
A common refurbished phone warranty issue involves confusion about when coverage begins. Some warranties start from original activation date, not your purchase date, potentially leaving you with less coverage than expected.
Always clarify warranty start date vs purchase date before buying. Ask sellers directly: “How long is refurbished phone warranty coverage from MY purchase date?” Get this confirmation in writing.
Where to Buy Refurbished Phones with Valid Warranty
Best Certified Programs
Apple Certified Refurbished:
- 1-year warranty (same as new)
- Eligible for AppleCare+
- 14-day return period
Amazon Renewed Guarantee:
- Minimum 90-day warranty
- 90-day return or replacement
Samsung Certified Re-Newed:
- 1-year Samsung warranty
- 15-day return period
Other Trusted Sources:
- Best Buy Certified Refurbished
- Google Store Certified
- Back Market
- Decluttr (12-month warranty)
In the UAE: Fliponn.ae offers certified refurbished smartphones with comprehensive warranty coverage and customer support throughout the Emirates. Every device undergoes professional refurbishment services with quality checks and genuine parts replacement.
How to Claim Refurbished Phone Warranty
Step-by-Step Process:
- Document the issue with photos/videos
- Gather documentation: receipt, warranty card, IMEI
- Check warranty status is still active
- Contact manufacturer or seller customer service
- Follow claim instructions and submit materials
- Track claim with reference number
Typical Timeline: 2-6 weeks total (review, shipping, repair, return)
Service Options:
- Authorized Service Center: Faster, in-person service
- Mail-In Repair: Convenient, nationwide coverage
Seller Warranty vs Manufacturer Warranty: Key Differences
Understanding seller warranty vs manufacturer warranty helps set realistic expectations for refurbished smartphone warranty coverage.
Manufacturer warranty refurbished – Backed by original equipment manufacturer, broader service network, standardized claim processes, and easier warranty verification website access.
Seller warranty – Provided by retailer or refurbisher, may offer competitive coverage but with limited service locations and varied claim procedures requiring direct seller contact.
Certified refurbished vs refurbished warranty from third parties differs significantly. Certified programs provide manufacturer-backed coverage with simple online warranty lookup, while third-party warranties require contacting the seller directly for warranty verification.
Extended Warranty Refurbished Phone: Worth It?
Some sellers offer extended warranty refurbished phone coverage beyond standard terms. Before purchasing, compare costs against manufacturer warranty refurbished prices and coverage terms.
Calculate whether extended protection justifies the premium, especially since certified refurbished warranty programs already provide substantial coverage. Often, buying from certified programs with longer initial coverage beats purchasing third-party extended warranties.
Essential Pre-Purchase Warranty Verification Checklist
Before buying any refurbished smartphone, complete this warranty verification:
- Ask how to verify phone warranty – Sellers should provide clear warranty check instructions
- Request IMEI for pre-purchase verification – Check warranty status refurbished phone models before committing
- Confirm warranty length – Get specific answers about how long is refurbished phone warranty from YOUR purchase date
- Verify warranty online yourself – Don’t rely solely on seller claims; perform independent IMEI warranty check
- Get documentation – Obtain written warranty certificate, purchase invoice, and return policy
- Check authorized service locations – Ensure convenient access to warranty claim services
Protecting Your Investment: Final Warranty Tips
The best refurbished phone warranty verification happens before purchase. Use free IMEI warranty check tools, verify warranty online through official manufacturer warranty verification website portals, and prioritize certified refurbished warranty programs over unknown sellers.
Immediately after purchase: Check warranty by IMEI, save all documentation digitally, screenshot warranty verification results, and register your device with the manufacturer if required.
Throughout ownership: Periodically verify warranty refurbished coverage remains active, understand your warranty claim process before problems arise, and know whether you have manufacturer warranty refurbished or seller-provided coverage.
Conclusion: Check Warranty on Refurbished Phone Today
Learning how to check refurbished phone warranty protects hundreds of dollars in potential repair costs. Whether verifying refurbished iPhone warranty through Apple’s coverage checker or using IMEI warranty lookup for Android devices, warranty verification takes minutes but provides invaluable protection.
Don’t wait to discover warranty expired refurbished phone status after problems occur. Use the warranty checker tool methods, IMEI check warranty processes, and warranty verification website resources outlined in this guide to verify warranty online right now.
For those considering refurbished smartphones, remember: verifiable warranty coverage from certified programs isn’t optional—it’s essential for smart purchasing. Check phone warranty status before buying, verify warranty refurbished claims independently, and choose certified refurbished warranty programs for maximum protection.
Shop certified refurbished phones with comprehensive warranty protection at Fliponn.ae – your trusted source for quality refurbished smartphones in the UAE. All our devices go through professional refurbishment services ensuring quality and reliability.