How to Buy a Used or Refurbished iPhone X, XS, XS Max or XR

A brand new iPhone looks really good and, if you still don’t have it, you probably wanted to purchase it at one point. However, the hefty price that comes with it was a turnoff. Moreover, Apple’s most famous models rarely go on sale, so you could be left with only one option: to buy a used or refurbished iPhone.

Used iPhones are probably the products people rarely consider when looking to purchase a phone. Not only are they cheap, but often come in top condition.

Knowing where to look is essential to avoid getting disappointed. Be it a specialized website for used and refurbished phones or an all-in-one website like Amazon, you should go through our buying guide to find what you need without worrying about what you just bought.

In this guide, you will learn where to look for used or refurbished iPhone X, XS, XS Max or XR, what to inspect on such phones and how much they cost.

Make sure to read on to find the perfect used iPhone.

Is Buying a Used or Refurbished iPhone X, XS, XS Max or XR a Good Idea?

Buying used or refurbished phones is economical and practical if you know what you’re doing. iPhone X, XS, XS Max or XR’s refurbished versions will cost you a fraction of the price of a brand new phone. Apart from saving money, there are three more reasons to buy a used iPhone.

#1 The phone’s durability

Apple’s iPhones stand out in the market due to their long-lasting hardware and software. In fact, the average lifespan of Apple devices between 2013 and 2018 is four years and three months. What’s more, iPhone’s native apps are among the best in the smartphone world and you can only get them on iPhones. Lastly, linking one Apple device to the other has never been easier.

Many people will opt to buy a refurbished phone after a couple of years searching for a new phone. However, knowing it will last for a longer period of time and doing thorough research puts you in a better start position.

#2 No need for a contract

The one annoying thing you’ll have to do when buying a new phone from an operator is having to sign a contract. After signing it, you’ll have to use the carrier’s services for two years, meaning you won’t be able to switch to a new phone. Being tied to a carrier also means you will pay a huge price for a repair in case of damage.

Purchasing a refurbished phone, on the other hand, means no contracts and less frustration in case you drop it.

#3 Plenty to choose from

Websites that sell used phones have a lot to offer. New models pushed by the company usually have a few additional features. So, if the previous model is enough for you, you will find it among hundreds of similar ones on the site.

You will have the freedom to choose from a variety of options for a really good price. On top of that, the prices slightly vary from website to website. If you’re clever and curious enough, you might find the iPhone you want for the best deal possible.

What’s Better: Used or Refurbished?

Beware the terms sellers use when you scroll for phones. There’s a slight difference between the used and refurbished phone.

A used phone is the phone the seller or some other person used and is selling it as is. In other words, you’re pretty much on your own while inspecting a used phone. You should always check the possible scratches, breaks or battery life when buying it.

A refurbished phone is the one that went through a process of testing to make sure it meets the standards of the brand, in this case, Apple. Apple replaces batteries, outer shells and accessorize and sells these phones directly on their site, but you could get them for a cheaper price on the websites that sell used or refurbished phones. Moreover, a refurbished phone comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

How Much iPhone X, XS, XS Max or XR Cost

iPhone prices are very different across websites. Sometimes the sellers inflate the price without an obvious reason. Knowing what each refurbished model’s price is will save you from suspicious sellers and let you negotiate the price.

Refurbished iPhone price changes with every new model out there, but models like iPhone X, XS and XS Max start at $530. XR, on the other hand, starts at $649.

Where to Buy a Used or Refurbished iPhone?

Online marketplaces offer excellent deals for refurbished phones. Still, make sure you know how and what to look before purchasing a phone. Here is a couple of sites worth visiting.

Swappa.com

One of the best specialized websites that sells refurbished iPhones is Swappa. Swappa’s team knows what they’re selling and their customer support can help you with any model you’re interested in. Here you can rest assured you’re getting value for the money.

Swappa lets you search the phone by the provider. Some sites will often list the phones as “unlocked” and later on you’ll find out you bought a locked phone. Swappa saves you from the additional cost of having to unlock the phone so you can use it with your carrier.  

If you need an iPhone in a refurbished version, look no further. Each of their devices gets checked before the upsell and you can choose from plenty of different models at fair prices.

Amazon

Amazon is the biggest online marketplace where you can find almost anything, ranging from digital music to kitchen supplies. They also have a great number of refurbished phones. Currently, you can purchase an unlocked refurbished iPhone X from $799. The refurbished versions are not as cheap as iPhone X, XS, XS Max and XR are the most recent models.

A refurbished XS model will cost you $999 and it’s coming directly from Apple. So, we advise you to wait for a little more time if you want to buy a refurbished version from Amazon. The prices will surely go down with time.

If you decide to buy from Amazon but are not happy with your purchase, remember that Amazon has a 30-day return policy. Nevertheless, be careful when it comes to deciding which phone you’re going to purchase.

Craigslist

Another useful website for buying second-hand devices is Craigslist. It is worth visiting in case you haven’t found the perfect phone on the previous sites. Craigslist is quite similar to eBay and has different sections for different types of goods.

However, you’ll have to be extra careful before purchasing from these sites. If the ad is too good to be true, it probably is. You simply can’t get a used or refurbished iPhone X, XS, XS Max or XR for as little as $200.

If an ad says the phone costs $200, it is probably severely damaged, works poorly, or the ad is a scam. Moreover, if the person who sells the phone wants to get rid of it fast, your instinct should tell you to get away from them as the phone may be stolen.

Apple

The multinational giant behind the iPhone started selling refurbished phones on their website a few years back. The phones come with new batteries, screens, accessorize and a warranty. However, the price is not as cheap as you might expect.

If you decide to buy directly from Apple, your refurbished iPhone X starts at $769. So, even though you’ll get an excellent phone in pristine condition, you aren’t really saving money and instead of buying a refurbished phone from Apple, it’s better to just buy a new one.

Social Media Worth Visiting?

If there’s one type of website you should avoid at all cost while purchasing a refurbished phone, it’s the social media. For example, Facebook is not specialized to sell used phones, neither you’ll get any kind of protection if you opt to buy your next iPhone from a random guy on Facebook. Plus, the phone’s software might be damaged and you can’t see it in person.

To be on the safe side, avoid buying used phones on social media.

The Best Time to Buy Used iPhones

Apple releases new models around September each year. Naturally, that’s the time when many people want to get rid of their old phones to buy new ones. So, the best time to buy used iPhones is the period between August and October. That’s when you’ll find a lot of phones at a good price.

What to Inspect in Apple Refurbished iPhone

Before searching for a refurbished phone, you should consult with the seller. Ask them everything about the phone’s condition and how many times they took it to the repair shop. Nevertheless, the word of mouth isn’t enough and you should go beyond looking for possible scratches. Following are additional factors you should include in your search.

1. Ask for the IMEI code

The first thing you should do is ask for the IMEI code. It’s a special 15-digit number assigned to every phone that’s used in case of a theft. It can help to locate the phone. Also, if you have the IMEI number, you can unlock your phone.

IMEI code will let you choose the carrier you want. So, make sure you ask if the seller has the IMEI before you purchase the iPhone. If they refuse to give you the code or they claim they don’t have it, it’s best to avoid purchasing from them.

1. Look for unlocked phones only

Deciding to buy an iPhone that’s unlocked and refurbished will save you the nuisance of having to call a business that will do the unlocking and charge you. You can find out if the phone’s unlocked by asking the seller to show you the proof.

In case they don’t have the proof, ask for photos or videos where you can see that the phone works with different SIM cards. Purchasing a phone in person is the best way to make sure if the phone is unlocked, so remember to take your SIM card with you to your meeting with the seller.

If you don’t want to take chances, visit Swappa. You can scroll their list of refurbished phones without worrying if the phone’s unlocked or not.

1. Learn how to unlock the phone

Sometimes you won’t have another option but to buy an unlocked phone. In this case, you can learn online about how to unlock an iPhone. Surely, it will take some time, but it will be well worth it.

You can call the provider and ask if they can unlock your phone. Before contacting them, make sure you have your IMEI number. Without it, it will be impossible to unlock the phone. Providers won’t be able to unlock certain phones, so you might call a specialized business. If so, make sure they’re reliable.

Every business will charge differently, so make a little research before calling them. Once you call, ask how long the service will take, how much will they charge you and whom to call.

4. Learn how to unlock the activation lock

The activation lock is what stops anyone from entering your phone. The software called “Find My iPhone” will turn on in the event of unallowed phone reactivation.

When the activation lock is turned on after you bought the phone, there’s a big chance the phone was stolen. It can also mean the last owner forgot to turn it off. You will have to unlock the iCloud account. However, we strongly advise to only buy refurbished iPhones that are already unlocked to save yourself the hassle.

Conclusion

Purchasing a used or refurbished iPhone X, XS, XS Max or XR will be a harder task than searching for older iPhone models. Some of the websites we mentioned aren’t selling certain newest models. Still, if you choose to buy one of these models, remember to follow our guide to avoid being disappointed with your new gadget.

With the new latest and great Samsung Galaxy S10 releasing soon.  We will keep an eye out for the latest in unlocking the latest Samsung Galaxy S10 phone for any network.

How to Buy a Used or Refurbished iPhone 7 or 7 Plus

Many people are willing to stand in line for hours to buy the newest gadgets. They will go as far as hiring other people to wait for them. Not only is buying a new phone each year expensive but extremely wasteful. Luckily, there are those who will opt for a used or reconditioned smartphone.

A used iPhone might appall kids these days. However, by buying a refurbished phone, you’re saving yourself from another great investment and you’re saving Mother Nature at the same time.

Before searching the places where you can purchase one of these phones, you should know that there is always a risk of getting disappointed. So, to eliminate your frustration prior to even scrolling for Apple refurbished iPhones, make sure you go thoroughly through our buyer’s guide.

In this guide, you will find out why buying a used iPhone 7 or 7 Plus is a good idea, how much they cost and where to buy them. Lastly, you’ll find out what to look for in a used iPhone.

Read on to acquire the phone that suits your needs.

Why Buy a Used or Refurbished iPhone 7 or 7 Plus?

As mentioned, buying a used or refurbished iPhone 7 or 7 Plus is a great choice for those who would like to save some money while getting a smartphone. It is also beneficial for producing less waste. Nevertheless, there are three more reasons why you should definitely consider buying a used phone.

#1 The phone’s value

Unlike other smartphones on the market, iPhones are still one of the rare phones that have the longest lifespan. They also offer a plethora of possibilities, such as linking your iPhone to your Macbook. Moreover, certain apps are only available on iPhones, which makes them perfect for specific activities.

What proves our first point is the fact that numerous people wait until they purchase their first iPhone because they know they’ll get value for their money. Still, if you spend some time checking the market for a refurbished iPhone, you might find an awesome phone for a great deal.

#2 Not having to sign a contract

The brand new phone comes with a hefty price. On top of that, you’ll probably have to sign a contract that binds you to use the operator’s services for a year or more. Even worse, you could accidentally drop your phone and the cost of repair will probably go as high as the phone’s initial price.

If you’re tired of signing contracts or breaking your phones, just buy a used iPhone. The times of signing useless contracts have long gone.

#3 The variety of options

The last reason to choose a refurbished iPhone is the sea of options you have once you buy it. Cell phone carrier shops will push the newest versions of phones only because they benefit from it. You don’t need the newest version since the version before it had exactly the same features.

What’s more, the latest smartphone could potentially be worse than the previous one. Choosing between a bunch of earlier models will give you the freedom to pick what works best for you while having all the features you need.

The Difference Between a Used and Refurbished Phone

All the talk about used or refurbished devices might confuse the general public, so let’s see what’s the difference between the two adjectives.

A used phone is essentially a second-hand phone. It means another person was using it prior to selling it. The trick to buying a used phone is to check every important part of the phone – possible scratches on the screen, battery life or faulty features which are caused by misuse.

On the other hand, a refurbished phone is a phone that has gone through specific tests to make sure it meets the brand’s standards. It is a phone that someone used and gave for repair or a phone that a company recycled for an upsell. Refurbished phones sometimes come with a warranty and you can get them directly from the company of origin, but we’ll talk about that later.

How Much Will You Spend on a Refurbished iPhone 7 or 7 Plus

The prices of current iPhone models vary, so you’ll find different prices at different places. There’s an even bigger problem when you want to acquire a refurbished smartphone due to the owner’s subjective price. Nonetheless, the amount you will cash out is almost identical for the same iPhone model.

The latest prices on the used phone market change with each new version, but here are the prices for the two models we talked about. For example, a used or refurbished iPhone 7 starts at around $200 while a used iPhone 7 Plus starts at $250.

Where to Buy a Used or Refurbished iPhone?

The online marketplace is the best place to buy a used iPhone. However, you must take every information you read with a grain of salt. Following are the websites you can visit if your next purchase is going to be a refurbished iPhone.

Swappa.com

Swappa is one of the specialized websites that sells refurbished iPhones and similar devices and handsets. The advantage of using Swappa to purchase your used iPhone is not having to worry about what you might be getting. Since the team specializes in a particular brand, rest assured that they will give you the best offer at a great price.

On Swappa, you can look for the device by the provider. Other sites, for example, they will list the iPhones as unlocked and later you’ll have to pay for the unlocking to be able to work with your carrier. Luckily, when Swappa lists the phones as unlocked, they will, indeed, be unlocked once you purchase them. Plus, the prices of smartphones from one brand are more competitive than on other markets and you’ll get them for much less.

If you look for an iPhone that’s refurbished and unlocked, make sure to visit Swappa. Not only will they check each device prior to listing it, but the price will be fair for each iPhone version. Save yourself from worrying whether you’ll get an unlocked iPhone or not and visit Swappa.

Amazon

The second best place to buy used iPhone is Amazon. The eCommerce giant that accounts for more than half of all purchases online, has, among other things, a variety of refurbished phones available at competitive prices. The number of sellers there means you’ll find prices that differ for each model and depend on the state of the iPhone.

For example, the cost of an unlocked refurbished iPhone 7 varies from $147 to $469, while you can buy an unlocked used iPhone 7 Plus between for between $264 and $469. However, it is advised not to look for the cheapest one since Amazon is not a specialized store. Also, make sure you always check the seller’s ratings and selling history. If you put a little effort in your search, you will certainly get lucky.

In case you forget to double check what you’re buying, you could end up with a faulty device. Luckily for you, Amazon has a 30-day return policy for most of its products. So, even if you pick the wrong seller, you’re protected by Amazon policies. Still, follow our advice to avoid potential issues with your new phone.

Lastly, for those who need their phone as soon as possible, make sure to use Amazon Prime for the fastest delivery.

Craigslist

Craigslist is another website where you can find anything that’s refurbished for a fraction of the original cost. Consider this site if you didn’t find the perfect phone on the previous online marketplaces. It is similar to eBay, however, you have to be very careful when looking for an iPhone from these websites.

You will find excellent sellers here. Unfortunately, there are certain bad sellers as well. In case you find an offer that you can’t refuse, think twice. You won’t get a good used iPhone 7 or 7 Plus for $100. There are most likely some defects you don’t know of.

Also, if you notice the seller is overly pushy and wants to sell the device right now, you can presume that he’s trying to scam you. The only way to know what you’re getting is to have a long chat with the previou owner or even meet in person and check if the iPhone works as it should.

Apple

One of the newest options at Apple is to buy an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus directly from their website. The company sells refurbished phones with new batteries, outer shells and iPhone accessories. These phones are unlocked and fixed by Apple and come with a warranty.

The only downside to buying directly from the company is the fact that you won’t really save a lot if you miss on the right deal. You can save anywhere from $70 to $220, depending on the model and the time of the purchase.

Is Social Media a Good Idea?

Buying a used iPhone 7 from social media sites is something you should avoid. Facebook, for instance, is not intended for the purchase of used devices. You won’t have any kind of protection if you’re buying a smartphone from a guy whose name is John Doe. Imagine you wire them the money and you get an empty package. Even if it was cheaper than on most websites, a phone worth $50 is an extremely defective phone or a pure scam. Remember that $50 is still your money that you, unfortunately, spent on nothing.

Next time you want to buy a used or a refurbished iPhone, visit the websites we mentioned earlier. Social media is simply not worth the risk.

What Is the Best Time to Buy Used iPhones?

Given the fact that Apple releases new models every September, try searching for a used iPhone between August and October. That’s when most people are selling their used goods. At that time, the prices will fluctuate on a daily basis, but doing your homework and researching multiple outlets can pay off.

What to Look for in Apple Refurbished iPhone

The essential step in buying Apple Refurbished iPhone is checking if everything works as it should. As you already know, looking for scratches across the screen or the bumps on the shell don’t do it justice. Moreover, you should consider asking the right questions prior to purchasing the phone. Here are the steps to take before putting the iPhone into the cart.

Ask for the phone’s IMEI

You should avoid negotiating the final price before obtaining an IMEI. It’s a unique 15-digit code assigned to each mobile phone and used as an identification number. You can unlock the phone to use it with any other network.

IMEI allows you to choose the network provider you like. So, if you want to avoid the high tariffs, make sure you first ask for the IMEI number. If the seller refuses to give you the IMEI, it’s best to avoid buying from them.

2. The phone has to be unlocked

If you’re looking for an iPhone that’s refurbished and unlocked, the next step is to make sure it’s unlocked. Sure, you can unlock it later on, but if the ad says it is an unlocked iPhone, why would you pay extra for something that isn’t there?

What you need is a proof from the seller. Ask them to send you screenshots or a video showing the phone works on the sim cards on more different networks. In case you decide to buy the iPhone from someone you know or make the transaction in person, remember to take your SIM card with you to check if it works.

For those who hate to spend their time looking for an unlocked iPhone, Swappa.com is the right choice. Their list of unlocked phones is one click away and you can rest assured you’ll be getting an unlocked phone.

3. Know how to unlock it

Knowing how to unlock the iPhone you bought will come in handy only if you decided to take a leap of faith and bought a locked phone. You can learn online about how to unlock your iPhone. It will take some time and you’ll probably have to pay for it.

You will have to call the provider and ask to have your phone unlocked. Prepare your IMEI because they might ask for it. In case you choose to call a business that will unlock the phone, make sure they will do the job as they should to avoid losing your money.

Original networks might charge differently, so make a little research before calling them. Once you call, ask how much the service will cost, how long you should wait and whom you can call in case of a setback.

4. Know how to unlock the activation lock

The last step is to unlock the activation lock if you bought a refurbished iPhone off eBay or Craigslist. The activation lock stops anyone from reactivating the phone without the owner’s permission. Software linked to the activation lock is called “Find My iPhone” and serves as protection once the phone gets lost or stolen.

If there’s an active activation lock on the phone after you bought it, it means the phone was either stolen or the previous owner forgot to turn it off. You will need to contact the seller or find out how to unlock the locked iPhone. Nevertheless, we strongly advise you to look for a used or refurbished phones on reputable websites to prevent getting tricked into buying a faulty device.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to purchase a used or refurbished iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, always make sure to go through our guide. It is best to avoid offers that sound too good to be true, as well as refrain from the shady websites.

Lastly, double-check the specifications and ask for proof of the phone’s condition. If you’re suspicious about the certain model, consult a specialist who will assist you in the purchase.

Samsung  or Android Reactivation Lock/FRP Removal Service

When you want to get around problems with your Samsung phone, a Samsung Reactivation Unlock is often what you need. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this type of lock, it’s worth spending a few moments telling you everything you need to know about Bypass Reactivation Lock. 

What is a Bypass FRP Unlock?

Recently Samsung stepped up its game when it came to security and introduced a raft of new features that are designed to keep you and your data safe. In the age of cybercrimeand increasing attempts to access data unlawfully this is a welcome thing to see. That said, there are still times when your device itself can fall into the wrong hands. That could be when you’re a victim of theft or burglary, or you unwittingly entrust your phone to a phone shop that is less than scrupulous with your data.

By allowing you to lock your phone remotely when you’ve lost it completely, Samsung has given all of us a powerful tool with which we can safeguard our online security and privacy. The only issue with it is that you can sometimes accidentally lock yourself out of your handset…

In such a circumstance you’re going to need a FRP Unlock to get you back inside. Knowing where to begin, can be a tricky business, especially when your data and cyber-security are at stake. Luckily for you, I have everything covered in this article.

I’ll talk through everything you need to know and recommend the best team in the business, one that I suggest you always go to:

The Team I Always Trust: DirectUnlocks

DirectUnlocks are (in my opinion,) best team in the business. If that’s good enough for you, then I would jump straight ahead and use them right now. If on the other hand, you want to learn a little more about how I reached that conclusion then read on. The information that follows is trustworthy and actionable!

What is an FRP Unlock?

That’s a good question! FRP stands for Factory Reset Protection, and it’s the primary security measure which Samsung has recently introduced. Back in the day if someone stole your phone, he/she wouldbe able to get around all of your carefully planned security measures by performing a factory reset. That would wipe all of the data from your device and turn it back into a brand new one. Samsung put a stop to this by allowing you to disable that function remotely.

Why is this a problem if it’s for security reasons?

The problems arise when you accidentally lock yourself out of your ownhandset. I won’t go into the myriad different ways in which this can happen, but take it from me: it won’t be long before you accidentally do it yourself! If you skip this article and then lock yourself out tomorrow, you’ll be kicking yourself that you didn’t learn how to bypass FRP lock setups.

I’ll take you through everything you need to know to perform a successful Android reactivation unlock. That way you’ll know everything there is to know when you need to bypass reactivation lock.

Why choosing the right company matters?

If you’re entrusting your device and all the data that’s stored on it to someone,then you need to know that you can trust them. Just handing over your phone and a pile of cash while hoping for the best really isn’t the ideal way to go about things. You may think I’m going a little over the top by saying this, but you’d be amazed at how many people I speak to whose only approach is just like that!

I want to do more than tell you that DirectUnlocks is the only game in town when it comes to a simpleAndroid reactivation unlock. I want to show you why they’re the best by talking you through the results of a number of scientific tests I’ve run recently. That way you’ll be able to sleep easy at night, safe in the knowledge that you’ve chosen the best team for the job.

Now that we’ve covered that one, I think I owe it to you to tell you a little bit more about myself and why you can trust me.

Why I’m qualified to recommend DirectUnlocks

When you read advice and guidance online, you need the reassurance that what you’re reading is from the pen of an expert in their field. Fortunately for you, I am such an expert when it comes to unlocks so you’re in the best possible hands in that regards!

Not only do I have an entire career in digital security and telecoms behind me, but I’m also an Android user just like you. I’m a human being too, which means I make all the same mistakes you do that can lead to being unwittingly locked out of my phone. That means that it’s in my own best interests to identify the best team for the job because one day I’m going to need their services, aren’t I?

Now that I’ve persuaded you that I’m the most qualified person for the job of testing these unlocking companies, let’s take a quick look at how you’d best go about using one of them.

Top tips on how to best use the services of an unlocking company

When you want to make the bestuse of an unlocking company there are a few things you need to know:

• Remember to get the make, model, and a serial number of the phone written down on paper before you get in touch with the company. They can’t do anything without those details so make sure you are prepared.
• You should know how long you’ve been locked out for. That could impact the steps the company need to take to get you back inside your device.
• You should create a simple case history of all the methods you’ve tried and that have failed so far. If you fail to tell the company something that would have saved them time there’s no guarantee that your order won’t be delayed, you’ll incur additional charges or worse both.
• Always get the name of the person you contact and make sure to take your ownnotes all the way through. That will ensure you have a clear chain of communication that you can refer back to if anything is delayed or goes awry.
• Ask wheter there are any restrictions on the service they can provide. You know which service I recommend, but not all unlocking companies were created equal. There will be some out there who promise the world and under deliver, and others who promise very little and over deliver. The secret is to get a clear picture of exactly what they can and can’t do.
• The final thing you must ensure that you ask is how long they anticipate it will take. If you don’t pin your point of contact down to an expected completion time from the get go then you won’t have much leverage when you want to hurry themalong later on

Hopefully,these few quick hints and tips on how to interact and deal with your unlocking company will go a long way to making things easier for you. Take the time to familiarize yourself with them, and if anything isn’t progressing as it should, then I’d suggest you refer back to the list above so that you can pinpoint where things are going wrong.

As you know, I suggest DirectUnlocks because they (in my experience,) they get the job done nice and quick. But don’t take my word for it if you don’t want to. Read on, and you’ll see a detailed breakdown of all the testing that I carried out to identify DirectUnlocks as the leaders at what they do.

Explaining my testing methodology

Every test needs a subject; for me,that was DirectUnlocks and a range of different Samsung devices that I deliberately locked myself out of.

Every test also needs a set of criteria that can be used to determine the outcome of the test. To make things nice and easy to follow I’ve explicitly listed all of my criteriaand jotted down a few words that explain why each of them wascrucial to my final decision.

Price: Because you don’t want to be spending a fortune on this

Okay, so your phone is a super important part of life, we all get that. But you don’t want to be spending a month’s wages unlocking it when you don’t have to. Choosing the right service is all about finding someone who will get the job done for a fee that you can readily afford.

Secondly, you also need to have confidence that what you’re being charged is in line with the going rate in the market. Before I chose to test DirectUnlocks in detail, I first spent time comparing their packages and the costs involved with their main competitors. When I found that their prices were fair and transparent, I decided to develop the other testing criteria and then start sending them phones to work on.

Speed: Because you don’t want to be waiting weeks for your handset to be unlocked

When you need your handset unlocked, you want to access it now, not in a couple of weeks time.That’s why speed had to be one of my four testing criteria. Without speed, you’ll spend day after day waiting for the end resultto come to fruition. The moment I got in touch with DirectUnlocks I set my stop watch running so that I could accurately determine how long they took to get the job done. Keep reading if you want to see how they did!

Success: Because you don’t want to have to cross your fingers and hope for the best

So, assuming a fast and affordable company what else do you need? You need them actually to get the job done that they said they would. I locked a number of different devices and then tried various failed ways to get into them before contacting the team. The reason for this is I wanted to see how they coped with non-standardissues. I kept things fair, but I wasn’t afraid to put them to the test in evermore complicated ways to discover precisely what they could and couldn’t do.

Customer Service: Because no one likes to have to chase and chase and chase a company for an update or explanation

The final thing to say relates to the importance of customer service. It’s all very well and good,having a fast and affordable service. But, if the company doesn’t take the time to explain what they’re doing then you’re going to get mighty frustrated aren’t you? I put several queries to the customer support team during each job so that I could accurately assess how they dealt with problematic issues and challenging customers. To see the results keep reading and I’ll give a detailed blow by blow breakdown!

How did DirectUnlocks do?

Okay, so this is the bit you’ve no doubt been waiting for! As I said earlier, I gave DirectUnlocks a whole host of different devices, with different backstories, and then put them to the test in accordance withmy four aforementioned testing criteria.

Now for the results…

An affordable service that compares well to other offerings on the market

Price is something that many of us rightly focus on, and with good reason. Before I even sent away my handsets,I scoured the web to find out the typical prices for these types of services. I wanted to make sure that DirectUnlock weren’t prohibitively expensive because even if their service, was fantastic, they wouldn’t be beneficial to many people if they charged a month’s wages for their services.

They’re far from the most expensive team on the market that’s for sure. Interestingly though,they aren’t the very cheapest either. If you’re wondering …let me tell you why that’s actually a good thing…

Never go for the cheapest service money can buy

When I looked into the cheapest services out available,they all had one of two common traits. They were either unqualified startups with little experience at getting the job done; this didn’t fill me with a great deal of confidence if I’m honest.

Or, they were companies with terrible reputations for reliability. You may think that you get what you pay for, which ismostly correct. However, these companies had the look of organizations who used to charge a lot more! In fact, I believe, they dropped their prices to try and attract new business. Steer clear of these apparent bargains and stick with a team that you can trust and has been adequately tested. If you don’t, then you may end up having to pay twice as you pay again for another company to finish the job or repair the damage that they’ve done.

The faster, the better, but beware of false prophets

The speed of DirectUnlocks was undoubtedly impressive. I even sent them a Galaxy S8 that I had locked and then deliberately attempted half a dozen failed unlocks on myself. They made short work of this device and worked through the case history that I gave them; asking relevant and insightful questions along the way. That was extremely impressive to see because it told me that rather than employing unskilled workers who try a one sizes fits all process, they employexperts. By treating every device I sent them as unique they were able to consistently unlock devices in just a couple of days or less:

• Experts who got the job done quickly and efficiently
• I got the sense that they actuallyused and read the case histories I sent them
• A team not afraid to ask questions and clarify issues to speed up the unlocking process

Now, you’ll be wondering what the ‘false prophets’ part of this section is all about right? Well, I want you to take a step back and think about something for a moment: why should you ignore someone that promises something fantastic,but has little or no track record in the industry?

Answer: Because they’re just telling you what they think you want to hear.

If you find a company that claims they can offer same-hour unlocks then you’re best off ignoring them straight from the start. If these types of things were possible,then do you think all of the established players in the market would have missed them, and instead, some unqualified guy would have figured it out? If it sounds too good to be true,then it usually is, and you’re best off avoiding it!

Fast and affordable: but were they successful?

It’s a resounding ‘Yes’ from me on this one.

I sent eleven devices in total to them, and each had its own set of problems. Sometimes I deliberately placed my order with no details whatsoever to see how they would handle things. If it was a one size fits all amateur company I would expect a failed unlocking attempt and an automated email response. Instead,I was greetedwith a timely email from a real engineer who asked me for the precise details that she needed to get the job done. Her email even included a quick explanation of why she needed the information so that I felt safe and secure handing it over.

Needless to say,they managed to unlock all of the devices that I wanted them to. Interestingly you’ll noticeI haven’t said: ‘they unlocked all the devices I sent them.’The eleventh device I submitted, I said, I had found in the street and wanted to unlock; something which is clearly a gray area that no reputable company would want to set foot in.

I’m pleased to say that on this occasion they explained in detail why they wouldn’t be able to help and then contacted all of the relevant parties to inform them of what had gone on. Because the phone was registeredto myself, I received all of the correspondence and was able to explain that this was merelya test for a piece I was writing. Here’s a quick summary of my thoughts about DirectUnlocks:

• A fast and efficient company that asked all the right questions
• Highly effective at getting the correct details out of me even when I didn’t submit them with my initial order
• Safely and securely dealt with the unlock request for a phone that I claimed I had picked up off the street and wanted to use

Customer service: top notch!

The final thing to say relates to their customer service. If you hadn’t already guessed by now, I’m a big fan of what these people do, and the way they go about it. Their approach is built around honesty, transparency, and technical ability.

These three things shone through in all of my correspondence with them and allowed me to receive my unlock codes with no difficulty. They were even on hand to tell me exactly where and when to enter them once they got sent through.

Job well done there guys!

Conclusion: DirectUnlocks comes highly recommended

I love putting companies to the test in a whole host of different ways and seeing how they go about their business. I’m pleased to say that these guys got on with the job with no complaints or fuss and talked me through the entire process every step of the way. In that sense, it was a real pleasure to work with them.

The other area in which they impressed me was their technical ability to deal with complex issues. Like the S8 I deliberately failed to get into half a dozen times; they asked all the right questions about its history and then shortly after I got access to it once again.

The final reason I want to recommend these guys to you is the integrity of their service. Even when I claimed one of my registered devices had in fact been picked up off the street,they dealt with it correctly.

That gives me all the confidence in the world to recommend DirectUnlocks to you without hesitation!