Buying a Used iPhone 13 Pro Max: The UK Checklist for 2025

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Let’s be honest, a brand-new flagship phone costs a small fortune. The price tags can make your eyes water, and for many of us, dropping over a grand on a device that will be superseded in twelve months just doesn’t make sense. But what if you could get that top-tier, premium experience for a fraction of the cost?

Enter the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Launched back in 2021, it might seem like old news in the fast-moving world of tech. But here’s a little secret: it’s still an absolute powerhouse. With its stunning ProMotion display, a camera system that still rivals new devices, and battery life that genuinely lasts all day, it represents a sweet spot of performance and value. Buying one used in 2025 is one of the smartest tech decisions you can make—if you know what you’re looking for.

This isn’t just another checklist. This is your definitive, comprehensive guide to navigating the second-hand market in the UK. We’ll walk you through everything, from where to buy and what questions to ask, to the nitty-gritty physical checks and software deep dives. Think of it as a pre-purchase MOT for your next phone. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to spot a bargain, dodge a lemon, and buy with the confidence of a seasoned pro.

Why the iPhone 13 Pro Max is Still a Cracking Choice in 2025

Before we dive into the checks, let’s quickly recap why this phone is such a brilliant buy right now. It’s not just about saving a few quid; it’s about getting a device that doesn’t compromise on the features that matter.

Buying a used 13 Pro Max isn’t about settling. It’s about getting 95% of the modern flagship experience for about 50% of the price.

Part 1: Where to Buy Your Used iPhone 13 Pro Max in the UK

Your experience will vary wildly depending on where you buy from. In the UK, you’ve got two main routes: the safe, warrantied path of refurbished retailers, or the potentially cheaper but riskier world of private sellers.

The Safe Bet: Certified Refurbished Retailers

A refurbished phone isn’t just ‘used’—it’s been checked, tested, and often repaired to a certain standard. Buying from a reputable seller gives you peace of mind and, crucially, a warranty.

• Apple Certified Refurbished: This is the gold standard. A refurbished iPhone from Apple itself comes with a brand new battery, a new outer shell, all the standard accessories, and a full one-year warranty. It’s indistinguishable from a new one. The only downside? They’re the most expensive option and stock for older models can be limited.
• Major Networks (EE, O2, Vodafone): Most of the big UK networks have refurbished device programmes. They offer rigorous testing and usually come with a 12-month warranty. It’s a great option if you’re also looking for a SIM plan.
• Specialist Retailers (musicMagpie, Back Market, CEX): These are the big names in the UK used tech scene.
  • musicMagpie is excellent, providing a 12-month warranty and a clear grading system for the phone’s cosmetic condition.
  • Back Market acts as a marketplace for professional refurbishers, standardising the quality and offering a 12-month warranty on all devices.
  • CEX offers a whopping 24-month warranty, which is fantastic. You can also go into a physical store to inspect the phone before you buy, which is a huge advantage. The trade-off is that their prices can sometimes be a little higher.

The big advantage with all these options is the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This legislation means goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If the phone develops a fault within the first 30 days, you’re entitled to a full refund. Even after that, you have rights, especially with a warranty.

The Wild West: Online Marketplaces and Private Sellers

This is where you’ll find the absolute best bargains, but it’s also where the sharks swim. We’re talking about places like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree.

• Pros: You can get a phone for significantly less than from a retailer, especially if you’re happy with a few cosmetic scuffs. You’re dealing directly with the owner.
• Cons: There is zero warranty and very little comeback if something goes wrong. The phone could be stolen, have hidden faults, be locked to a network, or worse, have an Activation Lock rendering it a paperweight.

If you choose to buy from a private seller, the rest of this guide is absolutely non-negotiable. You are the quality control, the technician, and the detective all rolled into one.

Part 2: The Essential Pre-Payment Checklist: Your 15-Minute MOT

Right, this is the core of the guide. Whether you’re meeting someone from Gumtree in a coffee shop or inspecting a phone at CEX, follow these steps religiously. Don’t be shy or feel rushed. It’s your money, and a genuine seller will have no problem with you being thorough.

Bring a few tools with you:

• Your own SIM card (and a SIM ejector tool, just in case).
• A power bank and a Lightning cable.
• A pair of headphones (if you have a Lightning pair, or a dongle).

Step 1: The Detective Work (Before You Even See the Phone)

If you’re buying privately online, your checks start before you even agree to meet.

Check the IMEI: The Phone’s Digital Fingerprint

The IMEI is a unique 15-digit code for every phone. Think of it like a car’s VIN number—it can tell you if the device has been reported lost, stolen, and blacklisted.

Ask the seller for the IMEI number. They can find it by dialling *#06# or in Settings > General > About. If they refuse to give it to you, that’s a massive red flag. Walk away.

Once you have the number, use a free UK-based IMEI checker. Just search for “free UK IMEI check.” This will confirm the model, colour, and storage, and most importantly, tell you if it has been blacklisted by UK networks.

Ask the Right Questions

Be polite but direct.

• “Has the phone ever been repaired? If so, what was fixed and was it done by Apple or a third party?”
• “What is the battery’s Maximum Capacity percentage in the settings?” (We’ll cover this later, but getting it upfront is good).
• “Is the phone unlocked to all networks?”
• “Are you the original owner? Is there any proof of purchase?”

Their answers (or lack thereof) will tell you a lot.

Step 2: The Physical Inspection (Getting Hands-On)

Now you’ve got the phone in your hands. Take a deep breath and work through this methodically.

The Bodywork: More Than Just Scratches

Ignore fingerprints and smudges; look at the actual condition.

• Frame: Check the stainless steel edges for deep dents or scuffs. Hairline scratches are normal, but deep gouges could suggest a serious drop that might have caused internal damage.
• Screen and Back Glass: Look for scratches. Hold the phone up to the light and angle it. Minor micro-scratches are common on used phones, but feel for deep scratches with your fingernail. A deep scratch can be distracting and costly to fix.
• Check for Bends: Lay the phone screen-down on a flat surface (like a table). Press on the corners. Does it wobble? If so, the frame might be slightly bent. Avoid it.
• Screen Alignment: Look very closely at the seam where the screen meets the metal frame. Is it perfectly flush? Are there any gaps? An uneven gap is a tell-tale sign of a cheap, poorly-fitted replacement screen.

The Screen: The Window to the Soul

The ProMotion display is the star of the show, so be extra critical here.

• Test for Dead Pixels: Open a plain white image in the Photos app (you can save one from Google beforehand). Scan the entire screen for any tiny black or coloured dots that don’t belong. Do the same with a plain black image to look for pixels that are stuck on ‘white’.
• Check for Screen Burn-in: This is rare on iPhones but possible. Open a plain grey image and look for any faint, ghostly outlines of previous icons or text (like the keyboard or status bar).
• Test Brightness and True Tone: Go to the Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right. Slide the brightness up and down. Long-press the brightness slider and make sure the True Tone button is there and works. True Tone adjusts the screen’s colour temperature to the ambient light. If it’s missing, it’s another sign of a non-genuine screen replacement.
• Test ProMotion (120Hz): This is simple. Just scroll quickly up and down a long web page in Safari or through your social media feed. It should feel buttery smooth. If it looks choppy or stutters, there might be an issue.

The Cameras: Are All Three Lenses Firing?

Open the Camera app and put it through its paces.

• Inspect the Lenses: Look at the physical camera lenses on the back. Is there any dust or fluff trapped inside the glass? This can be a sign of a bad repair job.
• Test All Three Lenses: The 13 Pro Max has three rear cameras. On the camera screen, you’ll see buttons for .5x, 1x, and 3x. Tap each one to make sure it switches to the correct lens (you can cover them with your finger one by one to check).
• Test the Focus: Tap on objects near and far to make sure the focus snaps quickly and sharply.
• Test Portrait Mode and Cinematic Mode: These modes rely on depth information. Take a photo of a person or object and ensure the background blurs correctly.
• Test Video: Record a short video with sound. Play it back to check that both the video and audio are clear. Test the front camera (selfie camera) in the same way.

Buttons, Ports, and Speakers

• Buttons: Click the power button, both volume buttons, and flick the mute switch on and off. They should all feel tactile and responsive, not mushy or sticky.
• Lightning Port: Plug in your cable and power bank. Does it start charging immediately? Wiggle the cable gently in the port. It should be a snug fit; if it’s loose or the charging cuts out, the port could be worn or damaged.
• Speakers and Microphones: Play a song or video to test the stereo speakers (one at the bottom, one in the earpiece). Then, open the Voice Memos app and record yourself speaking. Play it back to ensure the microphones are working clearly. Make a quick phone call if you can.

Step 3: The Digital Deep Dive (Unlocking the Secrets)

The outside looks good. Now it’s time to check the phone’s brain. This is where you can uncover deal-breaking issues.

The Battery Health Check: The Most Important Number

This is a huge one. A worn-out battery means you’ll be spending £85 at Apple for a replacement sooner rather than later.

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
• Look at the Maximum Capacity percentage.
  • 90% and above: Excellent.
  • 85%-89%: Good. You’ll still get solid performance.
  • 80%-84%: Acceptable, but factor in the cost of a replacement soon.
  • Below 80%: This is Apple’s threshold for a degraded battery. It will need replacing. If a phone is at, say, 78%, you should negotiate the price down by the cost of a replacement.

Also, look for a message that says “Service.” If you see this, the battery is significantly degraded and needs immediate replacement.

Activation Lock: The Ultimate Deal-Breaker

This is the single most important check. If you get this wrong, you’ve bought a very expensive brick. The Activation Lock (or iCloud Lock) is an anti-theft feature that ties the phone to the owner’s Apple ID.

• Go to Settings.
• Look at the very top. Does it show the previous owner’s name and Apple ID? If so, do not buy it.
• The owner must sign out of their Apple ID and turn off ‘Find My’ in front of you. To do this, they tap their name at the top of Settings, scroll down to Sign Out, and enter their password.
• After they have signed out, you should go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. The phone should then be fully reset to the factory “Hello” screen. Only once you see this screen is it safe to hand over your money.

Do not accept excuses. If they say “I’ll do it later” or “I’ve forgotten my password,” walk away immediately. It’s a classic scam.

Network and SIM Lock: Will Your SIM Card Work?

Some phones are locked to a specific network (e.g., you can only use an EE SIM in an EE-locked phone).

• The easiest way to check is to pop your own SIM card in. If you get a signal and can make a call, you’re golden.
• If you don’t have a SIM, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to Network Provider Lock. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” the phone is unlocked. If it says anything else, it’s locked to a carrier.

Face ID and Sensors

• Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
• Try to set up Face ID. If it works and scans your face, great. If it gives an error message like “Face ID is not available” or “Unable to activate Face ID,” this indicates a hardware fault. This is an expensive fix as it’s tied to the logic board, so avoid any phone with a faulty Face ID.

Water Damage Indicator: Has It Been for a Swim?

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is water-resistant, but this resistance can fail, especially after a repair. There’s a hidden indicator to check.

• Use your SIM tool to eject the SIM card tray.
• Shine a light into the SIM slot. You should see a small white tab inside. If that tab is pink or red, the phone has been exposed to liquid. Walk away.

Genuine Parts Check: Avoiding Frankenstein’s iPhone

On iPhones running newer versions of iOS, Apple will warn you if key components have been replaced with non-genuine parts.

• Go to Settings > General > About.
• Look under the serial number. If the screen, battery, or camera has been replaced, you’ll see a section here called “Parts and Service History.”
  • If it says “Genuine Apple Part,” it was replaced with a proper component. This is fine.
  • If it says “Unknown Part,” it means it was replaced with a cheap, non-genuine part, or the repair was done incorrectly. This can cause problems with features like True Tone, battery health reporting, and camera quality. Be very wary of phones with “Unknown Part” warnings.

Part 3: Sealing the Deal and Staying Safe

You’ve done all your checks, and the phone has passed with flying colours. What now?

What’s a Fair Price to Pay?

Prices change, but you can get a good benchmark.

• Check Completed Listings on eBay: Don’t look at what people are asking for; look at what phones have actually sold for. Search for “iPhone 13 Pro Max,” then use the filters to select “Sold Items.”
• Check CEX’s Website: CEX prices are a good indicator of the top-end of the market for a warrantied device. A private sale should always be cheaper.
• Adjust for Condition: A phone with 95% battery and a pristine screen is worth more than one with 82% battery and a few scratches. Be prepared to negotiate based on your findings.

Staying Safe During the Transaction

If you’re buying privately:

• Meet in a safe, public place. A coffee shop or the lobby of a bank is ideal. Never go to someone’s house or invite them to yours.
• Pay via a secure method. A bank transfer is best as it leaves a digital trail. Be very cautious about paying with cash, and only hand it over after all checks are complete.
• Don’t feel pressured. If anything feels off, trust your gut and walk away. There will always be another phone.

Conclusion: Pay with Confidence, Enjoy for Years

Buying a used iPhone 13 Pro Max is a fantastic way to get an incredible piece of technology without the hefty price tag. It might seem like there’s a lot to check, but the whole process shouldn’t take more than 15-20 minutes. Taking that time gives you leverage, protects your investment, and ensures you walk away with a device you’ll love.

You’re now armed with the knowledge to separate the gems from the junk. Go forth, find a great deal, and enjoy one of the best phones Apple has ever made.

Further Reading

For more information on consumer rights, device specifications, and market prices, check out these highly respected resources:

• Which? – Mobile Phone Guides: An impartial source for UK consumer advice and tech reviews.
• Apple UK Certified Refurbished: See the gold standard for refurbished products directly from the source.
• TechRadar UK: For long-term reviews and comparisons of mobile devices.
• Macworld UK: A great resource for Apple-specific news, tips, and guides.