--- title: "Buying a Used or Refurbished Phone? A 10-Point Check Before You Pay | Qyvea" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-check-a-used-or-refurbished-phone-before-you-buy-kenya description: "Check the IMEI, battery, screen, cameras, charging and seller before buying a second-hand phone in Kenya. Live prices, free Nairobi delivery over KES 5,000 and 7-day returns." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-check-a-used-or-refurbished-phone-before-you-buy-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. 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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. 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. [Photo: Denny Ryanto / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/CjUlnvc33YM) Why buy it from Qyvea ## Check where it comes from before you pay, not after. ### If you wait - Copies and refurbished phones sold as new - No warranty or repair path - Chargers and cables that damage the battery ### What you get - Genuine phones and accessories with warranty - Prices in KES with no surprises at delivery - Help choosing before you pay [Ask us to help you choose](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20Buying%20a%20Used%20or%20Refurbished%20Phone%3F%20A%2010-Point%20Check%20Before%20You%20Pay.%20Can%20you%20help%20me%20choose%20and%20quote%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Delivery across Kenya, free in Nairobi over KES 5,000. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## 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. ## What 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 ## Where 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](https://thekenyatimes.com/sci-tech/technology/smartphones-most-kenyans-are-buying-in-2026/); [Tech-ish: best smartphones in Kenya under KES 20,000](https://tech-ish.com/2026/02/03/best-smartphones-kenya-kes-20000/). ## Best prices in stock today Prices update live from the Qyvea store. Tap any product to see full specs, stock and delivery options, or [ask us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244) for a recommendation. ## Why 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](https://g.page/r/CY2LNNqrlgV5EBM/review)) - **Talk to a person** on WhatsApp [0113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244), usually within 30 minutes Full details: [return & refund policy](https://qyvea.co.ke/return-policy). ## Frequently 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 brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 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. ## Related articles [Shopping Guides · Guide How to Buy Electronics Online in Kenya Without Getting Scammed Seven checks before you pay for any gadget online. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-buy-electronics-online-safely-kenya)[Shopping Guides · Buying Guide iPhone Prices in Kenya: Which iPhone Should You Buy? Standard, Pro or Pro Max: choose the right iPhone and storage. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/iphone-price-in-kenya)[Shopping Guides · Buying Guide Best Phones Under KES 20,000 in Kenya: Big Battery, Good Camera Big battery, good camera and enough storage on a budget. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/best-phones-under-20000-kenya) ### Related services [Qyvea Online Store](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) ### Related products [Browse the Qyvea shop](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) ### Related projects [Real Qyvea case studies](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#case-studies) [← Previous**Butcheries POS Bundle: What Is in the Box**](https://qyvea.co.ke/butcheries-pos-bundle-whats-in-the-box-and-how-to-install-kenya)[Next →**: CCTV Cable Prices in Kenya: Cat6, RG59 Coaxial and Siamese Cable**](https://qyvea.co.ke/cctv-cable-price-in-kenya) ## Want help choosing? Send us your budget on WhatsApp and we'll suggest what's in stock, with delivery across Kenya. Chat with us — 30 min response --- **Qyvea Limited** · Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya (delivery only, no walk-in pickup) · serving all 47 counties Phone/WhatsApp: [+254 113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244) · Email: info@qyvea.co.ke · Shop: [qyvea.co.ke/products](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) · Facts: [qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts](https://qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts)