Avoid activation-locked phones: the quick checks a pawnbroker would make

You don't need to be a technician to spot a locked device. Learn the practical checks that protect resale value and cut your risk.

The real issue

A used phone or tablet that's tied to an account can be impossible to sell. Activation locks (iPhone) and factory reset protection (Android) stop a new owner from using the device until the original account signs out. That kills liquidity — the speed and ease you can turn the item into cash — and forces steep discounts or wasted inventory time.

Separate price from speed. You can usually get more money with time, but counter offers are built for certainty today.

The pawnshop play (Vancouver)

Start with paperwork and a short demo. Ask the seller to hand over the device unlocked and to stay while you factory-reset it in front of them, or at minimum sign out of all accounts. If they refuse, treat the device as high risk and reduce your offer sharply.

Check hardware identity like the IMEI or serial number, and confirm it's not carrier blacklisted. Call the carrier or use an official checker in-store to verify the device's status; a blacklisted IMEI means it may be reported lost or tied to unpaid service and lowers resale options. Also verify the device boots to the setup screen without asking for a previous owner's credentials.

Test with a local SIM and connect to Wi‑Fi to ensure activation finishes normally. For iPhones, open Settings → General → About and confirm no message about Activation Lock, or ask the seller to show their Apple ID is signed out of Find My. For Android, confirm that after a factory reset the phone goes through setup without requesting the previous Google account.

Counter checklist

• Ask the seller to perform a factory reset in front of you; if they refuse, walk away or cut the price.

• Verify the device boots to the setup screen without asking for a previous owner's credentials.

• Check IMEI/serial and confirm with the carrier that it's not blacklisted or tied to an account.

• Ask to see proof of purchase or original receipt when possible to reduce ownership disputes.

• Require the seller to sign a brief bill of sale that names the device and states it is free of locks (simple one-line statement).

• Test the device with a local SIM and Wi‑Fi to complete activation and basic calls/data.

• If the seller says "it's unlocked," still verify by switching a SIM or confirming carrier status — claims aren't proof.

Today's takeaway: Sell vs pawn is a timeline choice — match your cash speed to your verification risk so you don't overpay for certainty.