Where to buy a used phone in Canada — and what to check before you pay
Updated
Your four options, compared
| Option | Typical price | Verification | Warranty & returns | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private marketplace (classifieds) | Lowest | None: you do every check yourself | None | Blacklisted IMEIs, iCloud-locked phones, no recourse after payment |
| Big-box refurbished programs | Higher | Done by the program, criteria vary | Usually a limited warranty | Limited stock per model, little detail on cosmetic condition |
| Carrier certified pre-owned | Higher | Done by the carrier | Warranty, sometimes tied to a plan | Selection and pricing tied to carrier terms |
| Specialist used-phone shops | Low to mid | Tested, graded, IMEI and lock checks | Written warranty and return window at reputable shops | Check the grading scale and the return policy before you buy |
Six checks before you pay — anywhere
- IMEI status — the IMEI must not be reported lost or stolen; in Canada you can check it against the national blacklist before buying.
- Activation Lock — an iPhone with Find My still on, or an Android with an active Google account, is unusable to you. Confirm the lock is removed before money moves.
- Battery health — ask for the exact battery health percentage, not just "good battery".
- Cosmetic grade — a defined grading scale (like A+, A, B, C) tells you what to expect; "like new" without a scale tells you nothing.
- Warranty and returns in writing — a stated warranty period and a return window, published, not promised verbally.
- Carrier compatibility — confirm the phone is unlocked or compatible with your carrier before you buy.
How buying from SubTech works
Every phone we sell is tested and graded A+, A, B or C, with the exact grade shown on the listing. We verify the IMEI and confirm Activation Lock removal on every unit. Phones are sold as used and graded — not as refurbished. Each phone comes with a 30-day warranty and a 14-day return window, published in our return policy. You can pick up at our Montréal shop or have it shipped anywhere in Canada, and pay-over-time options are available at checkout. Repair shops and resellers can apply for a wholesale account for multi-unit pricing.
Frequently asked questions
›Is it safe to buy a used phone online?
Yes, if the seller verifies the IMEI against the national blacklist, confirms Activation Lock removal, and publishes a warranty and return policy. Buying from a listing with none of those is where the horror stories come from. See our guide on used iPhone safety for the full checklist.
›What do phone grades like A+, A, B and C mean?
They describe cosmetic condition on a defined scale, from like-new (A+) to visible wear (C). Function is tested regardless of grade. Our grading guide explains each grade with what to expect.
›What's the difference between used and refurbished?
Used means pre-owned, tested and honestly described. Refurbished generally means professionally restored. There is no legal definition of refurbished for electronics in Canada, so the word means whatever a given seller's process is. SubTech phones are sold as used and graded — not as refurbished.
›Do used phones come with a warranty in Canada?
It depends entirely on the seller — private sales come with none. At SubTech every phone includes a 30-day warranty and a 14-day return window, and nothing in our policies limits the legal warranty consumers have in Québec.
›Can I pay for a used phone in installments?
At SubTech, yes — pay-over-time options appear at checkout on retail phones. Our financing guide explains how it works.