Related Articles
Buying a used iPad is a great way to save money, but when you shop for a used product, you need to know a few things before purchasing. You also want to get a good deal on the iPad, which means picking out a model that isn’t obsolete and is reasonably priced.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Used iPad
Here are the top things to consider when shopping for a used iPad:
- How much should you spend on a used iPad?
- What’s the difference between a used and a refurbished iPad?
- Where should you buy a used iPad?
- What condition should a used iPad be in?
- How old should a used iPad be?
How Much Should You Spend on a Used iPad?
Flipsy.com keeps track of average prices for used iPads on eBay and Amazon. Used iPads typically go for about half or one-third of their original value. If purchasing a newer model, check the price of a brand-new device to see if it’s worth spending a little more to get a warranty. Used iPads typically have no warranty, but some refurbished ones do.
Price Range What You Can Expect
<$100 iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2 iPad 1st gen, iPad Mini 1st Gen, iPad Air 1st Gen
$100-$200 iPad 5, iPad Mini 2 Retina, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, iPad Air 2
$200-$300 iPad 8, iPad 7, iPad 6, iPad Air 3, iPad Pro 9.7, iPad Pro 12.9 1st Gen
$300-$400 iPad Mini 5, iPad Pro 12.9 2nd Gen
$400-$500 iPad Pro 11 1st Gen
$500-$600 iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen, iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Gen
$600-$800 iPad Pro 12.9 4th Gen
What’s the Difference Between Used and Refurbished iPads?
A refurbished iPad was returned to Apple and repaired. If you buy a refurbished iPad from Apple, you save money and—more importantly—receive the same one-year iPad warranty from Apple as a new iPad carries. However, you may be able to buy a used iPad directly from its owner at a lower price.
Where Should I Buy a Used iPad?
If you have a friend, a relative, or a friend-of-a-friend selling an iPad, you have this part solved. Buying from someone you know reduces the stress of the exchange. You still need to buy the right iPad for a reasonable price and review what to do during and after the transaction. Other possibilities include:
Buy from eBay: One great thing about eBay is the layer between you and the buyer. You can rely on eBay if the item you receive isn’t the same as the description. However, be aware of any shipping costs.
Buy from Amazon: Yes, Amazon has a used marketplace. You can see new and used prices if you search for an iPad. The used price is the cheapest overall cost, combining both the iPad cost and any shipping costs.
Buy from Craigslist: The internet version of a classified ads section of the paper, you can buy and sell almost anything on Craigslist. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when you purchase an iPad on Craigslist.
What Condition Should a Used iPad Be In?
Examine the iPad to see if it appears to be in good shape. Check the screen for any cracks and the case for any dents. A small dent in the outer casing of the iPad isn’t a big deal, but any damage to the screen is a deal-breaker. Do not buy an iPad with a cracked screen, even if it is only a tiny crack outside the display. A small crack tends to lead to a bigger one, and you may be surprised by how quickly it can transform into a shattered screen.
Launch a few apps, including the Notes app, which allows you to use the on-screen keyboard. Open the Safari web browser and go to several websites if you have Wi-Fi access.
Plug the iPad into a wall outlet and confirm the battery icon in the upper-right corner shows a lightning bolt, which means it is charging. That indicates the port at the bottom of the iPad is in good working order.
How Old Should a Used iPad Be?
Look at models from the last two years. These models are the most powerful, with the most features, and Apple will support them for years.
Check the model number advertised to ensure it matches the iPad model you buy. Double-check if the person you are buying from seems uncertain of the model. You can find the iPad’s model number by opening the Settings app, going to General, and choosing About. You can compare the model name against the list of models.
Who Should Buy a Used iPad?
If you’ve never had an iPad or other Apple products, trying a used one can help you decide if you want to spend more money on a new one. If you’re familiar with Apple products but don’t care about having the latest and greatest version, an older used iPad will meet your needs if you want to listen to music and browse the web. If you need an iPad for work or play online games with 3D graphics, you’re better off with a new one.
After You Buy a Previously Owned iPad
After you check everything out, reset the iPad. Even if the iPad was restored to factory default when you picked it up, you should reset it before the purchase is complete. It doesn’t take long to reset, and knowing that services such as Find My iPad are off when you take possession is worth the hassle.
As important as it is to turn off Find My iPad when buying a used iPad, it’s essential to turn it on after you take possession and set it up for your use. The setup process should prompt you to do so, but if it doesn’t, turn the feature on by going to Settings and flipping the Find My iPad switch. Find My iPad doesn’t just locate the iPad if it is missing; it also allows you to put it in lost mode or remotely reset it.
Which iPad to Buy
Deciding on the best place to buy a used iPad is crucial; the essential part of the process is ensuring you buy the right one. You want to avoid getting stuck with an obsolete iPad within a year or two.
When comparing iPad models, consider the price, display size, camera quality, CPU, and storage space. Avoid unsupported iPad models. Obsolete iPads no longer get operating system updates, and many new apps do not work on them.
