Used Phone Testing Checklist 2025: Test Electronics Before Reselling
Updated December 2025 | By TestBeforeYouBuy Team
Why Test Before Selling?
Testing your phone before selling builds buyer confidence, reduces returns, and can increase your selling price by 10-20%. Our free testing tools help you document exactly what condition your phone is in.
Complete Used Phone Testing Checklist
1 Screen Tests
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Dead Pixel Test - Display solid colors to find pixels that don't work Run Test →
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Burn-In Test - Check OLED screens for image retention Run Test →
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Touch Sensitivity - Draw across entire screen in a drawing app
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Screen Cracks - Inspect under bright light at multiple angles
2 Battery Health
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iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health (should be 80%+)
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Samsung: Samsung Members app → Get Help → View Tests → Battery
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Other Android: Dial *#*#4636#*#* or use AccuBattery app
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Screenshot battery health for buyer documentation
3 Camera Tests
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Main Camera - Take photos in good light, check for blur or spots
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Front Camera - Test selfie camera for clarity and focus
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Additional Lenses - Test ultrawide, telephoto, macro if available
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Video Recording - Record short video and check for issues
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Flash - Test flashlight and camera flash
4 Audio Tests
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Main Speakers - Play music, check for crackling or distortion Audio Tests →
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Earpiece - Make a call, test call audio quality
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Microphone - Record voice memo, play back for clarity
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Headphone Jack - If present, test with wired headphones
5 Physical & Button Tests
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Power Button - Test on/off, screenshot combo
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Volume Buttons - Test up, down, mute (if present)
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Charging Port - Test charging with multiple cables
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Water Damage Indicator - Check SIM tray (red = water damage)
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Physical Damage - Document any scratches, dents, or cracks
6 Sensors & Biometrics
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Face ID / Face Unlock - Test facial recognition
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Fingerprint Sensor - Test Touch ID or in-screen sensor
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Proximity Sensor - Make call, screen should turn off near ear
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Accelerometer - Check auto-rotate works
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GPS - Open Maps app, verify location accuracy
7 Connectivity Tests
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WiFi - Connect to network, run speed test
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Bluetooth - Pair with headphones or speaker
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Cellular - Verify signal strength, make test call
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NFC - Test Apple Pay / Google Pay if available
Before Listing Your Phone
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Screenshot all test results - Battery health, storage, etc.
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Sign out of all accounts - iCloud, Google, social media
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Factory reset the phone - Erase all personal data
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Remove SIM card - Don't forget!
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Clean the phone - Microfiber cloth, remove case marks
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Include original accessories - Box, charger increase value
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I test before selling a used phone?
Test the screen for dead pixels and burn-in, check battery health, test all cameras, verify speakers and microphone work, test touch sensitivity, check for water damage indicators, verify all buttons function, and test wireless connectivity.
How do I test a phone screen for problems?
Use our dead pixel test to display solid colors and look for pixels that don't change. For OLED screens, use a gray screen test to check for burn-in.
How can I increase my used phone's resale value?
Document all test results to build buyer confidence, factory reset and remove accounts, clean thoroughly, include original accessories, be transparent about any issues, and provide screenshots of battery health and storage.