How to Check if Your Android Phone is Refurbished or Factory-New

[Karl]

Whether you’re buying a new phone or getting an existing one swapped out / repaired, you might want to keep an eye out for the casually slipped in refurbished models. Repair shops, wireless carriers, and eBay sellers would love to hand you a refurb in place of a factory-new one. Why? Well, factory-new phones are just that -new- and it costs more money for carriers or stores to swap out broken models with factory-new ones. And, since it’s hard to tell (sometimes) if a phone is a refurb, many will try to “slip one past ya”. Fortunately for you, your a groovyReader and I’m going to share with you a simple technique for sniffing out a Refurbished Android Phone.
Update:

If the code below does not work for you, try this method instead.
Step 1

Tap your Phone app and open up the dialer.

Step 2

Using the touchscreen keypad, Dial ##786# (aka ##RTN#).

No need to press dial, the phone should automatically open up to the RTN screen. From here Tap View

Step 3

Scroll down the RTN screen to Reconditioned status. Here there are only two possible status entries:

• Yes – Your phone is a refurbished model.
• No – Congratulations, your phone is not a refurbished model. Instead, it is factory new.

Why should I care if my phone was refurbished?

Refurbished or “reconditioned” means your phone was previously used or damaged, and then returned, repaired, and polished up to make it look “like-new.” In most cases this means there is no longer anything wrong with the device, and it should work just like a new one. However, sometimes ‘refurbs’ have issues. The warranty is usually never as good for a refurbished device, if it even has one at all… The build quality might also be lower on a refurb since replacement third-party parts are sometimes used rather than the OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
Refurbished devices also have a lower sale value, and this also applies to resale value. If at some point you want to sell your phone on eBay or elsewhere, a refurbished phone won’t garner the same price point as one that is straight from the OEM.
Before buying a phone, or after receiving one you bought online – the first thing you should do is check to see if it is a refurb. If the sale description did not mention that it was a refurb, you can return it and get a full refund or file a fraud claim.
For example, I recently had Sprint send me a replacement after experiencing problems with my phone, and sure enough –it was a refurb. Needless to say I spoke to Sprint about the finding and they sent me a new one.

[catherineblessing]

That's awesome. Whenever I find great phones at unbelievable prices, I always doubt if they're brand spankin' new. I didn't know you can check just by putting in ##786#. Thanks so much.

[mrmet044]

thanks for the info. it didnt work for me though. when i hit the last # sign all the other entries disappear

[Karl]

try other method

[berous]

this is a very useful tip and i will surely give this a try every time i buy a gadget because i am always doubtful of its authenticity or if it is really a brand new model as i don't want to be tricked into buying a refurbished or second hand gadget when i know that i have save up hard earned money for it.hope that this information would be shared to other members here as well i am sure this will be a big help.

[appsman]

Tried this on my friends SII, it worked as it says.

[tonymail]

Thank you for sharing this helpful post it is very interesting and read

worthy.

[mudassarrauf]

Originally Posted by Karl

try other method

there is only 1 method ... what other method you talking about ??

[gabbiano]

Hello, I just purchased an unlocked Galaxy S II that I believe came from China or Korea. I tried the ##786# but it does not open the RTN screen. Is there another way to find out? Thank you.

[Dhruvpatel]

I like your post about checking android phone is refurbished or not. But I generally buy things different way. I generally buy it from the shop which I trust most. I mean if I want to buy android phone, I will directly buy from google.