A used or refurbished phone, laptop or console can cost much less than a new one, but the protections are often different. This guide explains what warranties and the law cover, what to check before you pay, and how to protect your data when you sell or trade in your old device. It does not recommend any seller. Facts checked November 11, 2026.
Used, refurbished, open box: what the words can mean
- Used: sold as it is by its previous owner or a reseller, often with little or no warranty.
- Refurbished: checked and repaired before resale by the maker or a seller. Who did the work and what warranty comes with it vary.
- Open box: returned or displayed items sold by a store, usually with its own return policy.
These words are not standard, so read the listing and the warranty to see exactly what you get.
What warranties and the law cover
- Read the warranty before you buy. The FTC says that whenever there is a warranty, the law says it must be available for you to read before you buy.
- Implied warranties. State laws create unspoken promises that a product will do what it is supposed to do. They apply even without a written warranty, unless the seller says in writing that there is no warranty or sells the product "as is", where state law allows it.
- "As is" means fewer rights. If a used item is sold "as is", you may have little recourse if it breaks.
- Extended warranties. A protection plan is only as good as the company behind it and is not a good value if it does not add coverage. See our extended warranties guide.
Source: FTC: Warranties.
What to check before you pay
- The exact model and condition: storage, battery health if shown, screen and buttons, and included accessories.
- That it works with your carrier or service, and that the device is not locked to someone else's account.
- The return window and who pays return shipping, and whether a restocking fee applies. Our "Is it really a deal?" calculator includes the cost of a return.
- The warranty: who gives it, for how long, and what it covers.
- The price compared with new: sales can bring new models close to refurbished prices.
- How you pay: a credit card lets you dispute a charge for an item not delivered as agreed (FTC). Be careful with sellers who ask for gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps: see our holiday shopping scams guide.
Selling or trading in your old device
- Back up your data first: the FTC suggests regularly backing up the data on your phone to the cloud or your computer.
- Sign out of your accounts, remove the device from your account, then reset it to factory settings using the maker's instructions.
- Remove the SIM card and any memory card.
Frequently asked questions
Do refurbished electronics come with a warranty?
Some do and some do not; it depends on who refurbished and sells it. The FTC says you have the right to read any warranty before you buy.
What does "as is" mean?
That the seller gives no warranty, where state law allows it. If an "as is" item breaks, you may have little recourse, so check it carefully first.
Is it safe to buy a used phone online?
Check the seller, the return policy and that the phone is not locked to another account, and pay with a method that lets you dispute a charge if it is not delivered as agreed.
How do I wipe my phone before selling it?
Back up your data, sign out of your accounts, then reset the phone to factory settings following the maker's instructions, and remove the SIM and memory cards.
Does this page recommend a seller?
No. It explains your rights and what to check, from official sources.