Shopping Guides · Guide

Buying a Used or Refurbished Phone? A 10-Point Check Before You Pay

Check the IMEI, battery, screen, cameras, charging and seller before buying a second-hand phone in Kenya.

Nobody wants to find out a phone is a copy after paying for it.

Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that.

In this guide you will see:
  • Dial *#06# and match the IMEI.
  • Test screen, cameras, speakers and charging.
  • Check battery health and account locks.
By Qyvea LimitedPublished 2026-10-07Updated 2026-10-072 min read
On this page01. What to look for before you buy02. Where these figures come from03. Best prices in stock today04. Why buy from Qyvea05. FAQ
Buying a Used or Refurbished Phone? A 10-Point Check Before You Pay
Quick answer

Check the IMEI (dial *#06#) against the box and settings, test the screen, cameras, speakers and charging port, view battery health and make sure the phone is not locked. Insist on a receipt, a short warranty and the right to return it. A price far below the market usually has a catch.

Real products, live prices, in stock now
See the actual productsLive prices from the Qyvea store
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Key takeaways

  • Dial *#06# and match the IMEI.
  • Test screen, cameras, speakers and charging.
  • Check battery health and account locks.
  • Get a receipt and a return window.

01What to look for before you buy

  • Dial *#06# and compare the IMEI with the box or settings
  • Check the screen for dead pixels and burn-in
  • Test cameras, microphone, speakers and Wi-Fi
  • Check the charging port and charge speed
  • View battery health where available
  • Make sure there is no account or network lock
  • Ask for original accessories
  • Get a receipt and a written return policy

02Where these figures come from

Figures are indicative and change often; confirm with a written quote. Sources checked October 2026: The Kenya Times: smartphones most Kenyans are buying in 2026; Tech-ish: best smartphones in Kenya under KES 20,000.

03Best prices in stock today

Today's deals on phonesLive prices from the Qyvea store
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PhonesLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all phones →
Chargers, cases and screen protectorsLive prices from the Qyvea store
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Prices update live from the Qyvea store. Tap any product to see full specs, stock and delivery options, or ask us on WhatsApp for a recommendation.

04Why buy from Qyvea

Why Kenyans buy from Qyvea

  • Genuine branded products sold with the manufacturer's warranty (typically 6–24 months, varies by product)
  • 7-day returns and exchanges; damaged or wrong item? Report it within 48 hours for a free replacement or full refund
  • Pay with M-Pesa, bank transfer or card; refunds go back the same way
  • Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000, and delivery across Kenya
  • Delivered to your door, dispatched once payment is confirmed, rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews (bought from us? leave a review)
  • Talk to a person on WhatsApp 0113 301 244, usually within 30 minutes

Full details: return & refund policy.

05Frequently asked questions

Is a very cheap phone a warning sign?

Often yes: it may be stolen, locked or poor quality.

Should I buy from a street seller?

A shop with a receipt and warranty is safer.

Why customers choose Qyvea

Genuine brandsManufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box.
One team, start to finishThe people who advise you also install and support it.
Fast answersWhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi.
Easy to buyPay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000.
Risk taken off you7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations.
Customers say soRated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews.

Your next step takes one minute: send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs.

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