Before You Buy That Used iPad: A Quick Checklist for Peace of Mind
Buying a used iPad can be a smart way to save money while still enjoying the benefits of Apple’s ecosystem. However, to avoid ending up with a device that has hidden issues, it’s important to know what to check before sealing the deal. Here’s a practical guide to help you buy a used iPad with confidence, including how to evaluate its battery health.
Used iPad Checklist
1. Know the Model and Age of the iPad
Start by confirming the exact iPad model and generation. You can do this by going to Settings > General > About, then look at the Model Number. Cross-reference it on Apple’s Identify your iPad page to confirm specs, release year, and compatibility with accessories or software updates.
Older models may no longer receive iOS updates or support newer apps. As of now, it’s best to stick with models that can run iPadOS 16 or later.
2. Inspect the Exterior
Physically check the device for signs of damage. Look for:
- Cracks on the screen or back
- Dents and scratches, especially around the corners (signs of drops)
- Camera lens clarity
- Functional buttons (Power, Volume, Home/Touch ID)
- Port condition, especially the charging port and headphone jack (if present)
If possible, test the touchscreen responsiveness and brightness uniformity to rule out display issues.
3. Check the iPad’s Battery Health
Unlike iPhones, iPads don’t show battery health in settings by default. To assess it, you have a few options:
- Use a 3rd-party app like coconutBattery (Mac) or iMazing (Mac/Windows). These tools can read battery cycle count, maximum capacity, and health status when the iPad is connected to a computer.
- Ask the seller for the battery cycle count. Ideally, iPads should have less than 500 charge cycles, and a battery health of over 80% is considered acceptable.
If you can’t check this directly, observe how quickly the battery drains during use, or test how warm it gets, both are indirect indicators of battery wear.
4. Verify iCloud Lock and Reset Status
Ensure the iPad is not iCloud-locked, or you’ll be unable to use it.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings.
- If it asks for the previous owner’s Apple ID, the iPad is still linked to their account, walk away unless they’re present and can remove it.
An iCloud-free iPad that has gone through a fresh factory reset is what you want.
5. Test Basic Functions of the iPad
Before finalizing the purchase, check that the following features are working:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Speakers and microphone
- Camera (front and back)
- Face ID / Touch ID (whichever is applicable)
- Apple Pencil support (if relevant, test pairing if possible)
Also, plug in a charger and make sure it charges properly by giving it a few minutes to see the charge actually going up.
6. Confirm Storage Capacity
Storage cannot be expanded, so ensure the model suits your needs. You also need to check the capacity in case the seller might try to cheat you by giving you one that’s smaller in capacity than advertised. You can check this by simply heading over to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
128GB is rather small in this day and age but if your use case is cloud-based like Google Workspace or content consumption over streams like Spotify, Netflix, or YouTube, then even a 64GB model would suffice. For long-term use over a variety of apps, you should not go any lower than 256GB.
7. Check Market Price and Warranty
Compare prices on platforms like Mudah.my, Carousell, or Facebook Marketplace to ensure you’re not overpaying. Sellers would naturally want to get as much money as possible so it’s up to the buyers to know when a deal is worth it or not. Furthermore, ask for receipts and check if it still has Apple warranty coverage by entering the serial number on Apple’s Check Coverage page.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used iPad can offer great value, but only if you’re careful. Confirm the model, check for iCloud lock, inspect physical condition, and try to get a reading on battery health, even if it means using a 3rd-party tool. If possible, meet in person to inspect the unit thoroughly, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
By following these steps, you can avoid most of the pitfalls and get a reliable device at a fraction of the cost.
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