For iPhone, we have a detailed checklist - iPhone.
All Apple device lock types are described in the Universal Rules.
Scam schemes and protection methods - in the Universal Rules.
Device Check
Used Apple Device Check
Checklists for iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch - what to look for when buying.|
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Apple
Choose a device to view the checklist
01 - ipad
Used iPad
Complete iPad check checklist before buying
Remote check (before meeting)iPad
Ask the seller for the serial number and check via @ispyware_bot:
iCloud Lock / Find My - FMI OFF = safe, FMI ON = tied to Apple ID
MDM / DEP - corporate binding (iPad is often used in companies and schools)
Model and region - Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular, country
Warranty - activation date, AppleCare status
iPad is the most common device with MDM/DEP lock. Schools and companies use iPads en masse, then sell on the secondary market - not always removing the binding.
In-person checkiPad
Screen - scratches, dead pixels, backlight bleed (check on black and white backgrounds), screen lifting from body
Battery - Settings → Battery → Battery Health (iPad on iPadOS 16.1+). Or via iSpy: charge cycles
Face ID / Touch ID - biometrics should work. Add your finger/face during testing
Apple Pencil - if included - check pairing and drawing. Apple Pencil 2 attaches and charges magnetically
Smart Connector - magnetic connector for keyboards (on the side of iPad Pro/Air). Should hold keyboard and transfer data
Speakers - check all 4 speakers (iPad Pro) - play music and run your finger over each one
Charging port - Lightning or USB-C. Plug in cable - charging should start immediately, without wiggling
Body - dents, bending (especially iPad Air/Pro - they're thin). Check on a flat surface - shouldn't wobble
Red flags for iPadiPad
- "Remote Management" screen during activation - DEP binding, device tied to an organization
- "Supervised" in settings - corporate control, restrictions
- Can't sign out of Apple ID - brick, don't buy
- Wi-Fi + Cellular model at Wi-Fi price - check Carrier Lock and Blacklist for Cellular models
02 - macbook
Used MacBook
Complete MacBook check checklist before buying
Remote check (before meeting)Mac
Ask for the serial number and check via @ispyware_bot:
Find My Mac - FMI OFF = safe. FMI ON = tied, will ask for Apple ID on activation
MDM / DEP - corporate binding via Apple Business Manager
Model and configuration - processor, RAM, SSD - must match what's advertised
Warranty - activation date, AppleCare status
Mac locks - specificsMac
Macs have additional locks not found on iPhone/iPad.
EFI / Firmware Password - firmware password on Intel Macs. Blocks booting from external drives and Recovery. Check: restart holding Option (⌥) - if it asks for a password = EFI Lock
Recovery Lock - EFI equivalent for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and T2. Blocks macOS Recovery
Activation Lock - Apple ID binding via Find My Mac. Requires Apple ID and password on activation
FileVault - full-disk encryption. Without password, data is inaccessible. When buying, make sure the disk is decrypted or you know the password
In-person checkMac
Battery - Apple Menu → About This Mac → System Report → Power → Cycle Count. Under 1000 cycles = normal. Condition: Normal = ok
Screen - dead pixels, backlight bleed (on black background), spots, anti-reflective coating peeling (staingate - common issue)
Keyboard - check EVERY key. Butterfly keyboard (2016–2019) often sticks. Open TextEdit → press all keys
Trackpad - Force Touch click, gestures (three fingers), drag. Should not rattle
Ports - check all USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. Plug charger into each - should charge
Speakers and mic - play music. Record a voice memo. No crackling or distortion
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth - connect to Wi-Fi. Connect a Bluetooth device. Works reliably?
Touch ID - (MacBook Pro/Air 2016+) add your finger, check unlock
Camera - open FaceTime or Photo Booth - camera should work
Red flags for MacBookMac
- Asks for password when booting with Option - EFI/Firmware Lock, don't buy
- Can't sign out of Apple ID - Activation Lock, brick
- Cycle Count > 800 - battery will need replacement soon (~$200)
- Screen spots - anti-reflective coating peeling, screen replacement is expensive
- Butterfly keyboard sticking - 2016–2019 series issue, expensive repair
- Body bent or shows signs of opening - device was repaired
03 - apple watch
Used Apple Watch
Complete Apple Watch check checklist before buying
Remote check (before meeting)Watch
Ask for the serial number and check via @ispyware_bot:
Activation Lock - tied to Apple ID via iPhone. Without unlinking - brick. FMI OFF = safe
Model - GPS only or GPS + Cellular. Case size. Material (aluminum, steel, titanium)
Warranty - activation date, AppleCare status
Activation Lock on Apple Watch is tied to the owner's iPhone. The seller must unlink the watch via the Watch app on iPhone or via iCloud.com → Find My → Remove.
In-person checkWatch
Screen - deep scratches (especially on aluminum models with Ion-X glass), dead pixels, cracks
Digital Crown - rotate - should spin smoothly without sticking. Press - click should be crisp
Side button - press should be crisp, not stuck
Heart rate sensor - put on watch → open Heart Rate app → should show stable readings
Charging - place on charger - should start charging immediately. Check that magnetic charger 'grabs'
Microphone and speaker - say "Hey Siri" - should respond. Make a call (if Cellular) - clean sound?
Haptic feedback - Taptic Engine - vibration on presses, notifications. Should be crisp, not rattling
Water resistance - don't test at the meeting, but check: no corrosion signs on sensors (green deposit)
Band - if included - latches work, no wear. Original Apple band costs extra
Red flags for Apple WatchWatch
- Apple ID pairing screen - Activation Lock, don't buy without unlinking
- Screen separating from body - battery swelling, dangerous
- Green deposit on sensors - water corrosion, sensors may not work properly
- Digital Crown won't rotate - clogged or broken, repair not worthwhile
- Cellular model at GPS price - may have eSIM or Carrier Lock issue
04 - universal
Universal Rules
Universal checks for any Apple device
01
Check serial number before meeting
Via @ispyware_bot or >> Check on Website: iCloud Lock, Find My, MDM/DEP, warranty, model, region. If the seller won't share the serial number, don't go to the meeting.
02
Ask to sign out of Apple ID
The seller should sign out of Apple ID and disable Find My in front of you. For Apple Watch - unlink via iPhone. Without this, the device = brick after reset.
03
Verify the serial number
The serial number in Settings must match the serial on the box (if available) and what the seller provided before the meeting.
04
Check battery
For all devices: battery capacity (in settings or via report), charge cycles (via GSX or System Report on Mac). Battery <80% = replacement soon.
05
Order a GSX report
A GSX works for any Apple device: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods. Shows: full history, locks, repairs, configuration.
faq
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check a used iPad before buying?
Check serial via @ispyware_bot (iCloud, MDM - especially important for iPad). At meeting: screen, battery, Face ID/Touch ID, Apple Pencil, Smart Connector, speakers, charging port.
How to check a used MacBook?
Serial via @ispyware_bot (Find My, MDM). At meeting: EFI Lock (restart with Option), battery (cycles in System Report), screen, keyboard (every key), trackpad, ports, Touch ID.
How to check a used Apple Watch?
Serial via @ispyware_bot (Activation Lock). At meeting: screen, Digital Crown, heart rate sensor, charging, microphone, vibration. Key - ask to unlink from iPhone.
Does iSpy work for iPad and MacBook?
Yes. @ispyware_bot checks any Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods - by serial number or IMEI (for Cellular models).
What is EFI Lock on MacBook?
Firmware password on Intel Mac (Recovery Lock on Apple Silicon). Blocks booting from external drives, Recovery, reset.
Check Device
iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch - check by serial number
$ ispy --check DLXN74ABCD1F
→ iPad Pro 12.9" | iCloud: Clean | MDM: No | Warranty: Active ✓