Buying a Used iPhone in Ethiopia: Battery Health, Locks and Fakes

1. Battery health is the real price

Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Sellers in Addis quote "90%+" constantly; verify it yourself. Below 85% the phone will need a battery within months (ETB 3,000–8,000 depending on model). A phone showing "Service" or "Unknown Part" has a third-party battery — pay less.

2. Check for locks before money changes hands

• iCloud / Activation Lock: Settings → [Name] must be signed out, or the seller must sign out in front of you. An iCloud-locked phone is a paperweight.
• Carrier lock: Many "USA" phones are carrier-locked. Insert your Ethio Telecom or Safaricom SIM and make a call before paying. "Single SIM" or "eSIM only" US models cannot use two physical SIMs.
• Blacklist: Check the IMEI (dial *#06#) on a free IMEI checker; a blacklisted phone will eventually lose network.

3. Spot replaced parts and refurbished units

On iPhone 11 and newer, Settings → General → About lists "Parts and Service History" when the screen, battery or camera has been replaced. Also check: True Tone is present in Control Centre (missing = non-original screen), Face ID works, all cameras focus, and the speaker/mic are clear. Many "Brand New" listings in Ethiopia are refurbished imports — ask directly and price accordingly.

4. Know the storage you're paying for

128 GB vs 256 GB changes the price by ETB 5,000–15,000. Confirm in Settings → General → iPhone Storage. "Packed" or "sealed" claims on older models should make you suspicious.

5. Compare with the market

Open the Shekela price guide for the exact model. Prices move weekly with the dollar rate; a listing far below the typical price is usually locked, refurbished or a scam. Meet in a public place (Bole Medhanialem, Piassa electronics shops) and test for 10 minutes before paying.