Buying a used phone in the DRC: what to check

Look at the usual price range for phones on Le Cointar: a price far below it is almost never a bargain. Ask the seller for the exact model, the storage size and whether they still have the original box and charger.

Meet in a public, well-lit place and bring your own SIM card and a charging cable: you will need them for the tests.

• The IMEI number — dial *#06# on the phone: the number shown must match the one printed on the box or under the battery. If it does not, or if the seller refuses, do not pay.
• The account lock — switch the device off and on and have it reset in front of you. An iPhone still linked to the previous owner's iCloud account, or an Android locked by a Google account, is unusable: this is the number one trap.
• The screen — set it to maximum brightness on a white then black background: look for stains, dead pixels and pressure marks. Test the touch on every edge.
• The battery — on an iPhone, battery health is in Settings > Battery. Below 80%, plan on replacing it. On Android, let it charge for five minutes and check it does not overheat.
• The network — insert your SIM, make a call, send a message, test mobile data and Wi-Fi.
• The sensors — both cameras, the flash, the microphone (record a message), the speakers, Bluetooth, the fingerprint reader or face recognition.
• Signs of repair — a badly fitted screen, worn screws, colours that shift with the angle: the device may have been opened, with non-original parts.

Pay only once every test has passed. Preferably pay by Mobile Money and wait for your operator's confirmation SMS before leaving with the device: a screenshot proves nothing.

Ask for the invoice or, failing that, note the seller's name, number and the device IMEI. If the listing lied about the condition, report it from the listing page: your report is reviewed.