How to spot non-genuine iPhone parts before you buy

Did the price drop make you suspicious? A cheap iPhone can hide replaced parts. Catching non-genuine screens or batteries saves you time and money.

How common are non-genuine iPhone parts in used phones?

Very common. Screens and batteries are the easiest parts to swap. Sellers may replace them to hide damage or extend life. That can change how the phone works and how long it lasts.

What simple visual checks should I do first?

Look closely at the screen edges. Gaps, uneven seams, or a screen that sits higher mean a swap. Check the color and brightness on a plain white page. A wrong tint or uneven backlight hints at a non-original screen.

Look at the screws and the back near the camera. Scratches on the tiny screws or glue residue near seams can mean the phone was opened. A battery that swells makes the case bend or gaps appear.

What quick tests can I run on the phone right there?

Turn the phone on and test touch across the full display. Try a few apps and swipe fast. Look for dead zones or lag. Run the camera and record a short video. Check autofocus and flash. Try Face ID or Touch ID if present.

Open the settings app and check battery health if the phone lets you. iOS shows maximum capacity and whether the battery supports peak performance. A large drop or message about service suggests a replaced or worn battery.

Can iOS tell me if parts are non-genuine?

Sometimes. Newer iOS versions show notices for non-genuine screens or batteries. The message can appear in settings or the lock screen. But not all non-genuine parts trigger a notice. A clever swap can hide changes.

If the phone is offline or older, that system flag may not be present. Use it as one clue, not the only test.

What tools or apps should I use to check parts?

You don't need professional gear. Use these practical checks:

• Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health for capacity number and service warnings

• Run touch tests across the whole display and in bright/dim areas

• Inspect the front camera, rear camera, and flash in a short video

• Look for system messages about parts in Settings or the lock screen

• Ask the seller to power the phone off and on while you watch for odd startup behavior

These steps take only a few minutes and catch most basic swaps.

How does a non-genuine screen or battery affect value and negotiation?

A non-genuine screen can feel different. Colors may shift. Touch may be less precise. A non-genuine battery usually holds less charge and can fail sooner. Use those facts to lower your offer.

Micro-moment: You meet a seller at a cafe. You ask to turn the phone on and then open Settings. The seller hands it over. You run the touch test and check battery health while they wait. This quick check tells you a lot fast.

What red flags mean "walk away"?

If the seller refuses to let you test the phone, that is a red flag. If the phone locks when you try basic tests, or if the battery leaks or the case is warped, stop. If the seller claims parts are original but you find clear signs of opening, be cautious.

If I find non-genuine parts, should I still buy it?

Maybe. If the phone works well and the price is much lower, it can still be a good buy. Factor in the cost of replacing parts later. For daily use, a good aftermarket screen and battery can be fine. For resale or long-term reliability, original parts matter more.

Quick negotiation lines and what to offer

Start by pointing out the specific issue: the battery health number, a display tint, or visible screw damage. Offer a price that covers the cost to replace the part plus a discount for your time. Be firm but polite.

If anything feels off, pause. Electronics that "mostly work" usually cost more than the discount.

Today’s takeaway: Run a few quick visual and settings checks, and use battery health and touch tests to spot non-genuine iPhone parts before you buy.