Why The Lucky Stiff

One man's journey to be more just a lucky stiff

Mobile Phone

How to Pair Xbox One, PS4, and Gamesir Controllers With iOS

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Now that Apple Arcade is out, we have one more reason to grab our console or mobile controllers and pair them with our iPhone. It’s an easy way to enhance your overall gaming experience. 

That being said, the process of pairing a controller to iOS devices can differ from gamepad to gamepad. It’s no surprise that so many people don’t know how. 

So, here’s how to pair an Xbox, PS4, or Gamesir controller with your iPhone!

1: Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we need to have. 

  1. An Xbox One, PS4, or GameSir controller
  2. An iPhone
  3. And if possible, the latest version of iOS

But, one thing that may not be so obvious is that your controller needs to support Bluetooth and iOS compatibility. Some older wireless controllers like the Dualshock 3 may or may not work while there is no hope for wired ones. 

For example, the older Xbox 360 controller won’t work with our guide. The same thing goes for the Gamesir  G3W, Xbox 360, etc.  

With that out of the way, let us move on with the guide. 

2: How to Pair Xbox One and PS4 Controllers With iOS

To pair an Xbox One controller, all you need to do is: 

  1. Turn it on
  2. Press the “Sync” button
  3. Go to the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone
  4. Once there, the controller should appear on the list of available devices
  5. Tap on your Xbox One controller’s name
  6. And that should be it

As for a PS4 controller: 

  1. Hold down the PS icon along with the “Share” button until the lights start blinking
  2. Go to your Bluetooth settings
  3. And connect with the PS4 controller that should appear on the list

3: How to Pair A GameSir Controller With iOS

GameSir controllers are designed to work with numerous operating systems. For that reason, you need to know the various combinations that your model uses to connect with each different OS. 

For example, if you own the GameSir G3S, you need to: 

  1. Hold down the power + Y button
  2. Wait until the Apple icon starts flashing
  3. Head over to your Bluetooth settings
  4. Then connect with the controller

If you see nothing but a serious of numbers with letters, then wait for a few seconds and the name should eventually change to “GameSir G3S”. That being said, the controller doesn’t officially support Apple devices. But, if you own one, you can always give it a try. 

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions, let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below! Do keep in mind that not all games support controllers and that not all controllers play well with iOS. 

Even some options that are kinda optimized for iOS, like the GameSir G3S, may still not work at all in the end. Still, give it a try and let us know how that worked out for you. 

Used iPhone 11 Buying Guide

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There are many advantages to buying a used iPhone 11 as opposed to a new one. You can get it for much cheaper and unlocked out of the box without it being necessarily damaged. In fact, many people sell used phones that are in a brand-new-like condition. 

However, buying used electronics also brings a few risks. You may not get what you asked for, you may get scammed, or even worse; you may fall a victim of a cyber-criminal. 

This guide aims to explain how to buy a used iPhone 11 while avoiding such things. Let’s get right into it!

Buying Guide: How to Safely Buy A Used iPhone 11

Overall, this is the main guideline that we generally follow regardless of what we want to buy online: 

  1. Choose a trustworthy website and seller
  2. Try avoiding credit and debit cards
  3. Keep an eye out for extra import fees and charges
  4. Pay attention to the condition of the phone
  5. Prefer unlocked models when possible

That’s all in a nutshell. If you want the details, then keep on reading!

1: Choose Trustworthy Websites

Used iPhone 7

It’s very important that you’ll only shop from websites that have been known to be trustworthy and reliable for a long time now. That’s because such websites have a significantly lower chance of attempting to scam you or selling something of inferior quality. 

Not to mention that the services that popular websites offer are often much better compared to other less known solutions. You get things like insurance, return policy, tracking, refunds in case that something goes wrong, and more. 

However, do keep in mind that websites and sellers are often not the same thing. For example, eBay is a popular and trustworthy platform, but that doesn’t mean that all of its sellers are trustworthy as well. In fact, we’ve seen numerous scammers on it before. 

So, with that being said, don’t just choose a popular and trustworthy website, choose a good seller as well. Look at his past reviews and remember, if a deal is too good to be true, then it most likely is. 

As for the websites, some very popular and trustworthy ones to choose from are: 

  1. Amazon
  2. Swappa (Highly recommended and trust-worthy)
  3. eBay

And there a few others to choose from. But, those are some of the most well-known ones. In the case of buying a used iPhone 11, Swappa is a particularly good choice since they are specializing in the specific task of selling used phones and laptops. 

2: Try Avoiding Debit and Credit Cards

Credit and debit cards were once traditionally used as the standard online payment method. But, that doesn’t mean that they are safe to use. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. 

As mentioned above, even if the website is reputable, the same can’t be said for their individual sellers. And that’s especially true for websites like eBay where more or less everyone can sell. 

For this reason, it’s highly recommended to rely on PayPal instead of just providing your credit card information. Because when things go wrong, chances are that you’ll be able to request a refund or found a solution with the seller, even if the website of your choice doesn’t allow for anything like that. 

That’s especially useful in cases where you may fall victim to a scam or anything similar. PayPal offers a layer of security that you just don’t get with traditional payment methods. So, do keep that in mind!

3: Keep an Eye Out for Extra Import Fees and Charges

Most people don’t seem to know about this. But, if you’re importing a product from outside of your country, there is a good chance that you’ll have to pay extra fees upon delivery. That’s extra money that you weren’t intending on giving in the beginning. 

In the worst-case scenario, you may end up having to pay more than the product’s original price. Best case scenario, all the extra costs are mentioned in the checkout page. 

The thing is that in both cases, you’ll end up having to pay extra money and nobody wants that. Now, there are a couple of ways to avoid that. But, in the end, it comes down to your country’s regulations. So, do make your research on that. 

Ideally, you should always order items only from websites that are based on your country. For example, those who live in the US may can use Amazon.com while the British can rely on Amazon.co.uk. 

Do also keep in mind that as long as a website has warehouses in your country, then chances are that it doesn’t matter where it’s based. For example, Gearbest is based in China, but it also has numerous European warehouses. This allows Europeans to purchase specific items without having to pay anything extra. 

There are also some other shady methods like Priority shipping, but let’s not go there since that’s not a reliable solution anyway. 

4: Pay Attention to the Condition of Your Used iPhone 11

Another common mistake is that people buy a phone that’s offered in a good price without taking a second to look at the condition that it’s in. This often results in unpleasant experiences where you may get something that’s in terrible shape or outrightly broken. 

So, with that being said, it’s terribly important that you pay attention to the condition of the used iPhone 11 that you’re going to buy! After all, every reputable website like Swappa is going to mention the condition of each device. 

Now, each website may use slightly different terms to describe the overall condition of a device. But, still, here is our general descriptions that apply on most options out there: 

  1. Good/Refurbished/Like New/Grade A: These terms are often used to describe a phone that’s almost brand new without scratches or marks
  2. Mint/Fair/Grade B/C: Scratches and other signs of wear/use may be present, but the device works normally
  3. Bad/Damaged/Parts and Repairs only/Grade D: The phone is damaged to the point where normal operation is tough or impossible

Again, always look for the individual description of a phone on the specific website that you’re shopping from because they may be using slightly different terms. 

5: Prefer Unlocked Used iPhone 11 Devices

If you’re going to buy a used iPhone 11, then try getting your hands on an unlocked version. Unlocked phones can work with all carriers and you also won’t have to worry about paying extra for an unlocking service down the line. 

iphone is unlocked

In case you don’t know about it, phones that are locked down to a specific carrier will only work with it. For example, if you get a phone that’s locked down to Sprint, then you’ll only be able to use it with a Sprint SIM card as the phone will refuse to “cooperate” with anything else. 

So, if you’re going to buy a locked device, then at the very least make sure that it’s locked to the carrier of your preference. Otherwise, this may end up turning into a painful buy. 

Again, most reputable sellers will mention if a phone is locked or not. So, keep an eye out for that!

Get your used iPhone 11 from Swappa

 

 

iPhone 11 Series Revealed: All You Need to Know About it

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So, we’ve all been reading rumors about the upcoming iPhone 11 series for a while now. Some of them talked about a square camera design with 4 lenses, some talked about a triple-camera setup, others mentioned a zero-bezel design, and more. 

Some of these rumors were wrong. But, some of them also turned out to be true. That being said, now that the news come straight from the source, we don’t have to keep on guessing anymore. Here’s the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max!

Design

Here is where the first big rumors are proven to be false. The iPhone 11 series isn’t bezel-less. In fact, it shares more or less the same notch that we’ve seen on the iPhone XR. 

Some of the biggest changes include the camera housing, which is indeed square, just like the rumors suggested. But, more on that later on in the camera section. 

Another somewhat big change is the building materials. The iPhone 11 series made from 100% recyclable stainless steel. So, if you like living green, then that’s definitely something to brag about with your new phone. 

Speaking of build quality, Apple claims that the iPhone 11 comes with the toughest glass that we’ve ever seen on an iPhone. Of course, the amount of endurance that this adds in day to day usage remains to be seen. 

Regarding the new colors, as you can see in the image above, we’re looking at: 

  1. Black
  2. White/Grey
  3. Red
  4. Green
  5. Pink
  6. Yellow

And then there’s also the iPhone 11 Pro which, for some reason, offers a slightly different color palette. 

This time, we’re looking at: 

  1. A darker green
  2. Grey
  3. Black
  4. Gold

And that’s about it for the design. 

Specs

Every new generation of iPhones is expected to be faster and more power-efficient than the last one and the iPhone 11 series is no exception to that rule. Let’s start with something basic: the phone’s display. 

This year, we’re looking at a 6.1-inch display which, according to Apple, can reach a 2-million to 1 contrast ratio. Now, let us not forget that even some of the best displays in the market struggle to reach a 5,000/1 contrast ratio. So, take that info with a grain of salt. 

Still, that being said, the display is without a doubt an improvement over the last generation. And for that reason, Apple is now calling it the “Super Retina XDR Display. 

Moving on to the CPU, the new iPhone 11 series is rocking the A13 chip. Yes, that includes the iPhone 11 Pro as well. 

Apple claims that this chip offers not only the fastest CPU that there is for a smartphone – but also the fastest GPU. That makes for a phone that’s not just great for working and browsing social media, but also for gaming. 

One of the features that make this possible is extensive machine learning. Thanks to AI, the iPhone 11 is capable of a trillion operations per second. 

That sounds like a phone that needs a lot of power, for sure. However, thanks to the 7nm process and the low power design of the CPU cores, the new iPhones can actually last 4 to 5 hours longer compared to the older generation. 

Features

Apart from everything that we’ve mentioned until now and excluding the camera features that we’ll shortly mention afterward, one of the biggest new features for the iPhone 11, which is also going to be available for all Apple products is Apple Arcade. 

Apple Arcade is a subscription-based service which offers a ton of games that are exclusive to Apple devices only. That includes the iPhone 11 and, hopefully, our older iPhones as well. 

Apart from gaming, Apple has also focused on enhancing the audio experience. All of the new iPhone 11 variants come with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. 

In case you’ve never heard about it, that kind of audio technology is designed to give us more spatial awareness. It makes it easier to understand where sounds are coming from. 

This is extremely useful. Not only for immersing ourselves in movies and shows, but also for gaming. Actually, especially for gaming. That’s one of the reasons that gaming headsets will every so often advertise their surround audio tech. 

Camera

The camera is one of the things that Apple likes to focus on. And you can tell not just from the time that they’ve spent talking about it in the presentation, but also due to the new features that it brings to the table. 

The base model comes with a dual-camera setup with one wide lens and another ultra-wide camera. And as you can see above, the Pro variant also offers an additional telephoto lens. 

In case you don’t know about it, ultra-wide lenses are used to capture a higher/wider field of view while telephoto lenses can zoom in on a subject without sacrificing image quality. 

That being said, the iPhone 11 Pro is able to zoom up to 4x without introducing any blurriness or pixelation while the base variant can only reach up to 2x. 

As per usual, Apple didn’t just add an extra camera and called it a day. The new iPhone series also offers: 

  1. Improved image processing
  2. Better depth of field control and effects
  3. Night Mode improvements
  4. Very good video image stabilization
  5. Live transitioning between wide and ultra-wide mode while capturing a video
  6. Video recording of up to 4K 60FPS
  7. Slow-mo video capture in selfie mode
  8. Deep fusion
  9. And more

Night mode is without a doubt one of the features that are really impressive. It can change a scene from “Almost pitch Black” to “Acceptable/Good” with the press of a button. 

Other than that, there is also deep fusion which takes numerous pictures in a row in less than a second and combines them to create an image that’s vastly more detailed than a normal shot. 

Pricing and Availability

iPhones have only been getting more and more expensive through the years. So, many of us were afraid that the bar would only get higher. But, thankfully, that’s not the case. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. 

The base model starts at just about $699 while the iPhone 11 Pro comes in at $999 with the iPhone 11 Pro Max asking for $1099. Obviously, do keep in mind that pricing may vary from region to region. 

Regarding availability, the iPhone 11 series will go on sale starting on September 20. We assume that Apple is referring to the US launch and that the release will become globally available shortly afterward. 

That’s all for now. If we got anything wrong or if there are any questions, then let us know all about that in the comments section down below!

How to Backup iPhone (Locally or in Cloud)

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Learning how to backup iPhone data is one of the most important things to know. Not only because it’s extremely useful when switching phones, but also because it’s a great way to keep your files safe. 

That includes pictures, songs, documents, videos, anything like that. There are multiple effective ways of backing up data both locally and on the cloud, so, keep on reading and choose whatever fits you best!

1: How to Backup iPhone With iCloud

One of the easiest ways of keeping backups with iPhones is by using Apple’s iCloud. However, do keep in mind that all the points that it earns in ease of use, it loses in terms of effectiveness. 

That’s because the free plan only gives us 5 GB of data while the backup options are kinda limited. Upgrading to a plan with more data is relatively cheap, but it’s a subscription nonetheless. 

Still, the least that you can do is use the free plan – just in case. 

To backup your data by using the iCloud, all you need to do is: 

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select your name “Or iCloud; depending on the version of iOS that you’re running” 
  3. Enable”iCloud Backup”
  4. And if you think that you’re not going to be using your Wi-Fi for a while, select “Back Up Now” 

How to backup iPhone

Depending on how much stuff there is to backup, the process may end up taking a while. So, the best idea is to probably do this before going to sleep. 

Just leave that option enabled, stay connected to the Wi-Fi, and the phone should automatically start backing up everything on the cloud. If it doesn’t, you always have the option of selecting the “Back Up Now” option. 

Pros: 

  • Very easy to use
  • Works well with other Apple products
  • Extremely reliable

Cons: 

  • Not a whole lot of control over what to backup or not
  • Those with a slow Internet connection may have to wait for a while before a backup finishes
  • Limited storage for free

2: How to Backup iPhone With Google Drive

Unlike iCloud, Google Drive gives you 15 gigabytes of storage for free while also offering more a few more options on what to backup or not. The catch, however, is that it doesn’t cooperate as “Smoothly” with other Apple products like iCloud does. 

That being said, it does work very well with Android devices and other Google services like Google docs. So, if you’re planning on moving from an iPhone to an Android device any time soon, do seriously consider this option. 

To backup your iPhone with Google Drive: 

  1. Go to the App Store 
  2. Download and install it
  3. Log in to your Google account; or create one if you haven’t already
  4. Open the menu by clicking on the icon that resides on the upper left corner of the screen
  5. Go to “Settings” 
  6. Select “Backup” 
  7. And select “Start Backup” 

How to backup iPhone

This is a general backup that will backup contacts, the calendar, and any photos or videos. After that, you can get more control through the navigational menu and selectively backup anything you want. 

And in case that 15 gigabytes of storage isn’t enough for you, just like with iCloud, there is always the option of upgrading to a premium subscription with more storage. 

By the way, do keep in mind that depending on your Internet connection, the first backup may end up taking a while. Leaving the phone to update and make the backups while you’re sleeping is probably the best course of action here. 

Pros: 

  • Still relatively easy to use
  • Works well with Google services and products
  • Very reliable
  • Gives a lot of control over backup options
  • Offers 3 times the storage that iCloud does for free

Cons: 

  • Those with a slow connection will have to wait for a while
  • Still need to pay for more storage
  • Subscriptions seem to be more expensive compared to iCloud (Depends on the region, though)

3: How to Backup iPhone With iTunes (Locally)

Cloud solutions have two big disadvantages: 

  1. They rely a lot on Internet speeds
  2. They don’t offer a whole lot of storage for free

So, if that’s an issue for you and you already have a computer sitting at home, why not use it to make a local backup? Just do keep in mind that local backups are generally not as safe as cloud solutions. 

After all, if something happens to the computer/drive, everything that’s stored there will be gone as well. As for the whole hacker breach that happened with iCloud accounts a few years ago, well, that’s a different story. 

With that being said, here’s how to make a local backup by using iTunes: 

  1. In case you have a Windows PC, download and install iTunes first
  2. Connect the iPhone with your computer
  3. A message may come up on the phone which will ask if you trust this device/computer, select “Yes/Trust” 
  4. Open iTunes
  5. Select your phone which should have appeared at this point
  6. Then select “Backup now” 

As the data transfer happens locally, this method is much faster compared to the cloud. So, chances are that leaving the phone sitting there for the rest of the night is going to be unnecessary.

Just like with iCloud, this option doesn’t give us a lot of options. But, for the most part, it gets the job done. 

Pros: 

  • Completely free to use
  • Very fast; regardless of the Internet connection

Cons: 

  • The process is a tiny bit more complicated to other options
  • Not a whole lot of choices over the backup

4: How to Backup Locally (Manual Method-Photos Only) 

Most of the backup options that we’ve checked out don’t give us a whole lot of options. In most cases, you just press a button and let the software do its thing. 

But, as mentioned above, this can turn out to be a time-consuming process. Especially if you got lots of files. In such cases, manually selecting what is desired or not is usually the best course of action. 

Overall, if you own a Windows PC and want to make manual photo backups, this is quite possibly one of the best solutions: 

  1. Connect the iPhone to the PC with the lightning cable 
  2. If a prompt comes up on the phone, select “Trust” 
  3. Open the Windows file explorer (Resides on the dock bar of Windows with a folder icon)
  4. Select “This PC” 
  5. Click on your phone
  6. Open DCIM
  7. Select the photos that you wish to copy
  8. And move them whenever you want

As far as we know, Apple doesn’t allow you to copy anything else apart from photos with this method. So, if you wish to make backups of songs, videos, or anything like that, then take a look at one of our other methods. 

And while we are at it, in case you don’t know about it, multiple individual photos can be selected by holding down the CTRL button while clicking.

Pros:

  • Allows you to choose individual pictures
  • Very fast

Cons: 

  • Can’t be used for other file types (Thanks, Apple)
  • Some pictures do not appear with the correct rotation

Summary

That’s all for now. If you got any other backup methods/recommendations, let us and everyone else know about it in the comments section down below!

iTunes Won’t Open? Here’s How to Fix it

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The “iTunes won’t open” issue has been getting more and more popular lately. Especially on Windows computers and often after big updates. Sounds familiar? 

That’s not to say that the same issue is non-existent for Mac computers either. So, we’ll be mentioning how to fix it for both Operating Systems and on iPhones as well. That being said, let’s get right into it!

iTunes Won’t Open: Various Fixes

1: How to Fix “iTunes Won’t Open” on Windows Computers

Windows computers are the ones that most commonly face this issue. So, let’s start with that. There are various things that can go wrong and “brake” an application like iTunes. One of the most common ones is big updates that change the “structure” of the OS and sometimes, this messes up a few programs.

At this point, you can either try to repair or re-install iTunes to fix the above-mentioned issue. To repair it, go to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Apps
  3. iTunes
  4. Modify
  5. Repair

iTunes won't open

And while it says “repair”, this is more of an automatic re-installation process. Still, it should fix your issue and work just fine. If not, give it another try with the old, traditional method by going to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Apps
  3. iTunes
  4. Uninstall

iTunes won't open

This uninstalls iTunes. To install them again, simply head over to the official website, download the app again, install it, log in, and pray that everything will work just fine. 

If iTunes still refuses to cooperate, your best bet is to uninstall the update which messed up everything in the first place. This can be done by going to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Update & Security
  3. View update history
  4. Uninstall updates
  5. Then look for the most recent updates that were installed and remove them

After that, reboot your system and try running iTunes again. And if it still refuses to work, then your last two options are either running it in safe mode or taking it one step further and resetting your whole system. 

How to Launch iTunes in Safe Mode and/or Reset Windows 10

Opening iTunes in safe mode is as easy as: 

  1. Holding down CTRL + Shift
  2. Open iTunes while still holding down these buttons
  3. And that’s it

iTunes won't open

If you’ve tried everything and iTunes still refuses to work, then your last line of defense is performing a factory reset. In order to do that, you must go to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Update & recovery
  3. Reset this PC
  4. Get started

And here you can select to either keep your files or delete everything. Do keep in mind that no matter which way you go, all of your 3rd party apps will be deleted. 

It would be for the best if you could actually perform a clean install. But, this requires Windows installation media, a valid Windows key, and secondary drives or the cloud for backups. It’s basically a whole new process. So, maybe just stick with a simple Windows reset for now. 

That’s about all we got for Windows right now. And there a few other minor things that you may try like: 

  • Restarting your system
  • Checking out the firewall and ensuring that it doesn’t block iTunes
  • Updating your drivers

And things like that. But, if you’ve tried everything that we mentioned above and it didn’t work out for you, then I highly doubt that such steps will be any more useful. 

So, time to move on to Mac now. 

2: How to Fix The “iTunes Won’t Open” Issue on Mac Computers

This problem is definitely a rarity for Mac users. But, if you were unfortunate enough to be one of the unlucky few, well, there’s not that much that we can really do. 

The first thing that you always wanna try out in such cases is the updates. Always make sure that your system and apps are running their latest versions. 

To check for updates on Mac, select the:

  1. Apple icon
  2. Software update

And if any updates are available, then click on the “Update now” button, wait for the installation to finish, reboot your computer, and then try opening iTunes again. 

You could also try signing in with a different user account and then logging in back to your own. Alternatively, logging out and back in is worth a try if possible. 

Other than that, you can also try some of the more standard fixes like rebooting your PC. But, reinstalling iTunes isn’t an option here. That’s mostly because it’s a core app for Macs and thus we’re not allowed to meddle with it like we can on Windows. 

There are a few tricks to bypass that, but they sometimes lead into issues. Not to mention that the newest versions of Mac OS will not allow you to do anything anyway. You could try temporarily renaming the iTunes library folder, though. But, I doubt this will be of much help. 

How to Repair Disk Permissions

One thing that may be helpful is repairing the disk permissions. To do that, you must first go into safe mode by: 

  1. Restart your Mac and upon boot, hold down the “Shift” key until you see the log-in screen
  2. Log in
  3. Open the Finder
  4. Go to Application 
  5. Select “Utilities” 
  6. Disk utility
  7. First aid
  8. Then select “Repair Disc Permissions” 

Depending on the version of Mac that you’re using, this option may not be available.

3: How to Fix “iTunes Won’t Open” on iPhone

An iPhone gives us even fewer options to work with. Still, let’s take our chances. The first thing you wanna try is restarting the phone. It poses zero risks and it’s something that may be able to fix your issue. 

So, to restart an iPhone: 

  1. Hold down the power/sleep button
  2. Slide to power off
  3. Hold down the power/sleep button again until the phones powers on
  4. Wait till it’s fully booted
  5. Then give iTunes one more try

If that fails, make sure that you’re running the latest version of the app be heading over to the App Store. You could also try uninstalling and installing iTunes as you would do with any other app. 

And if nothing seems to work, the only thing that remains is a factory reset. Of all the things that we’ve mentioned, this is the only one that will delete your data. So, make sure to keep backups on your PC or iCloud. 

To factory reset an iPhone: 

  1. Go to Settings
  2. General 
  3. Reset
  4. Erase all content and settings

iTunes won't open

After that, simply follow the on-screen instructions. If memory serves right, you’ll need to double confirm your decision and insert your Apple ID for safety reasons. 

This will turn your iPhone into a brand-new like state. But, it’ll also delete everything stored in the device. 

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions or if you feel like there’s a good solution that we didn’t add, you can let us know about it in the comments section down below. 

How to Switch iPhones (5-10 Minute Read)

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Looking for how to switch iPhones? Once you learn about it, the process is really easy. And just in case it wasn’t clear when we say “switching” iPhones, we’re talking about the process of moving over your previous data like contacts and media from the old iPhone to the new one. 

So, if that’s what you’re looking for, then keep on reading!

How to Switch iPhones

Setting Up

When it comes to ease of use in the mobile world, Apple is without a doubt one of the best. Moving from your old iPhone to a new one is remarkably easy. However, there are a few things that must do before moving on with the process. 

If you’ve got an Apple Watch, now is the time to unpair it from your smartphone. The watch will automatically backup everything after unpairing, which means that reconnecting it with your new phone will restore everything as it was. 

After that, you also want to make sure that you have backups from your last iPhone. This can be done in a number of ways, but the easiest and most effective one is using either the iCloud or iTunes. 

Backups are useful not only for moving our files to a new phone but also for security. For example, if something bad happens to the phone, all of your photos, documents, contacts, videos, and anything else will be safely stored on the cloud. 

If you haven’t made your backups yet, we’ll explain how further down below in this article. You also want to have your password and Apple ID ready at hand. That’s assuming that you don’t remember them, of course. 

And last, but not least, check out the SIM card slot of your new iPhone. It may be using a different format (Mini-SIM, Micro-SIM, e-SIM, etc). In which case, you’ll want to head over to your carrier and replace your SIM card with the appropriate size for your new phone. 

Most carriers will do that for free. But, some of them may charge you a few bucks for the service. So, do keep that in mind. 

Now that this is out of the way, let us move on with the guide. 

1: How to Switch iPhones With iCloud

This is by far one of the easiest and quickest ways of switching iPhones. The only thing to remember is that you need to do this while setting up your new phone for the first time. 

If your new phone is already logged in and you haven’t gone through this process, then you may have to wipe it and start from zero again. In any case, just keep on reading and we’ll figure it out. 

The Whole Backup and Restore Process

The first thing you wanna do is backup everything to the iCloud with your old phone. If you’ve already done it, then feel free to skip these steps. If not, now is your chance: 

  1. Make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi
  2. Go to your settings
  3. Tap on your name (iCloud for those who are running an older version of iOS)
  4. Select “iCloud”
  5. Enable “iCloud backup”
  6. If the phone doesn’t start backing up automatically at that point, select “Backup now” 

 

After the old phone finishes backing up, you need to log in with the new one, log in to your account, and then restore everything that was backed up with the old iPhone. To do that: 

  1. Power up the phone and erase it if you went through the setup before without bringing your old data to it
  2. Keep on going through the on-screen instruction texts until you reach the “Set up your iPhone screen” 
  3. Once there, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” 
  4. Now is the time to bring up your Apple ID and password. Again, no need to do that if you remember everything
  5. Choose the backup that you previously made
  6. Wait for the download to finish

How to switch iPhones

Now, do keep in mind that the loading times will greatly vary depending on how you much stuff you backed up and also your internet connection. You may have to wait anywhere from a few minutes to even hours. 

So, if you notice that the restore process is taking a while, consider leaving the phone plugged in and connected to the Internet. It’s not uncommon for those with slow Internet to leave the phone downloading through the night. 

2: How to Switch iPhones With Quick Start

Quick Start is a little bit easier to use, but it also requires you to have at least iOS 11 for a simple setup and at least iOS 12.4 if you wish to transfer files as well. For those who can’t transfer their files due to outdated software, relying on iCloud is pretty much necessary. 

Now, do keep in mind that this process may end up taking a while and it will keep both of your phones busy. So, don’t do it until you’re sure that you won’t need the phones for a while; just to be safe. 

Now that this is out of the way, here is how to use Quick Start: 

  1. Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices
  2. Put your new phone right next to the old one and Quick Start should appear (Both phones need to be running at least iOS 11)
  3. Insert your Apple ID
  4. Use your camera to authenticate or do it manually if, for any reason, you can’t rely on the camera
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions
  6. Select anything that you want to keep/restore

How to switch iPhones

If you wish to restore anything that was backed up over to iCloud, then an Internet connection is required. Wi-Fi is recommended; otherwise; data charges may apply. 

3: How to Switch iPhones With iTunes

This is a very good solution for those who own a computer and are using a very slow internet connection. That’s because you’ll essentially be backing up everything from your phone to the computer and then back to the new phone. The only thing that you’ll need is an iTunes account/Apple ID.

In order to backup your old data to the computer: 

  1. Open iTunes on the PC
  2. Select the phone
  3. On the summary tab, go to where it says “Automatically Back Up” and select “Back up Now” 
  4. Select the “Encrypt iPhone Backup” box if you want to backup passwords and health-related data as well
  5. Hit apply
  6. And wait for the process to finish

How to switch iPhones

Now that we finished backing up your data to the computer, it’s time to restore them on the new iPhone. To do that :

  1. Grab your new iPhone
  2. If you’ve set it up before without restoring your data then you need to erase it
  3. Follow the instructions until you reach the part where you select what to do with the new device
  4. Select “Restore from iTunes Backup” 
  5. Connect the phone to the PC 
  6. Launch iTunes
  7. On the phone summary tab, click on the “Restore Backup” button to the right
  8. Enter the password if you are asked to

And that’s about it. Now you just wait and everything should be good to go after the last few steps. Just follow the on-screen instructions until the end. 

 

 

 

Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases To Get in 2019

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Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases To Get in 2019

The best iPhone 7 Plus cases can make your phone tougher, prettier, and more stylish. It all comes down to personal needs and preferences. That’s why we decided to list some of the best cases that you can get for your phone right now. 

And with that being said, let’s get right into it!

1: Best Case For Everyone: Torras Slim Fit

This is the case that we most commonly recommend on reviews like this one. And what more can you ask? It’s slim, beautiful, cheap, all while offering the basic protection that you’re expecting to find in a phone case. 

It’s all-around a great option for your average person since it plays it safe. You can tell that it’s not too serious, too fancy, or anything like that. 

One very good thing that slim cases offer that rugged ones often don’t is wireless charging – if you’re into this sort of thing. Speaking of rugged cases, the Torras slim fit may be slightly lacking in terms of protection compared to them. But, with more than 3,800 positive reviews? It’s kinda hard to go wrong with it. 

Pros: 

  • Cheap
  • Slim
  • Suitable for most people
  • Very lightweight
  • Almost counting 4,000 positive reviews at this point
  • Compatible with wireless charging (Depends on the charger)

Cons: 

  • Protection may be lacking a tiny bit due to the lack of thickness
  • Doesn’t offer a lot of personality and style

Overall, this is the jack of all trades, but master of none. You get a bit of beauty and a bit of protection, but not the best version of either. 

2: Best Stylistic Case: iCare Wallet Case

iPhone 7 plus cases

As good as the Torras Slim may be, there is no doubt that some people may consider it a bit dull and lifeless. For this reason, we thought that adding a more stylistic case with more personality to it is a good idea. Thus, meet the iCare wallet case. 

As the name suggests, this one doubles as both a case and a wallet. And it may not be large enough to replace your actual wallet, but it can still be used for storing enough cash or a credit card for a night out or anything like that. 

Other than that, it also acts as a kickstand which allows you to just place it on a flat surface and watch a movie, a YouTube video, etc. 

Some of our female readers may find it to be a bit too “gentleman” oriented. For this reason, we’re also going to include a similar more lady-like case down below. So, do keep on reading!

Pros: 

  • Adds personality to the phone
  • Seems to offer a decent amount of protection
  • Acts as a wallet as well
  • Can be used as a stand

Cons: 

  • May be a bit too thick for some wireless chargers
  • Some people may find it a bit too male oriented

3: Best Stylistic Case For Women: Velvet Caviar Butterfly

iPhone 7 Plus cases

This is another brand that we regularly recommend. Velvet Caviar offers some of the most beautiful cases around – especially for those that are mostly targeted towards women. 

And if the particular pattern is not to your liking, there are tons of others to choose from. All of them are high-quality and we highly doubt that you’ll be able to erase the colors and drawings from the case. 

Adding to the list of positives is the fact that wireless charging is supported while the case also offers decent protection against falls. This is definitely one of the best iPhone 7 Plus cases that you can get.

If we have to mention one downside, then that’s definitely going to be the price. One Velvet Caviar case can cost you as much as three “regular” ones. So, do keep that in mind. 

Pros: 

  • Adds a lot of personality to the phone
  • Stylistic
  • Beautiful
  • Lots of patterns to choose from
  • Decent protection
  • Compatible with wireless charging (Check thickness compatibility on your charger just to be safe)

Cons: 

  • Obviously way too “girly” for most guys
  • The expensive price tag makes it a tough buy
  • Doesn’t have as many reviews as other cases and that makes it tough to judge reliability

Overall, if you want something on the cute side, do definitely consider this one!

4: Best Rugged Case: Silk Armor

iPhone 7 plus cases

As far as protection is concerned, this is one of the best iPhone 7 Plus cases that you can get! Not only it’s tough, but the rubber covers on the side should also help a lot with damage absorption. 

Pair that tank with a decent screen protector and you’ll be basically holding a multi-tasking rock in your hands. Don’t try to throw it, though. Just to be safe. 

Speaking of screen protectors, this case actually comes with two. However, do keep in mind that they do not cover the entire screen. Wireless charging is supported. But, as per usual, check out how much thickness your charger supports before you buy the case. 

If there’s one bad thing about it, then that’s probably the price and looks of it. You can usually get it for twice the money that you’d need for a slim case. But, as for the appearance, the weird aesthetics seem to be a recurring theme with rugged cases. 

Pros: 

  • Very tough
  • Includes two screen protectors
  • Wireless charging support 

Cons: 

  • Maybe not the most elegant choice
  • A little bit pricy

5: Best Transparent Case: Torras Crystal Clear

Some people just want to enjoy the natural beauty of their phone. Others simply love the transparent look. Regardless of the group that you belong to, chances are that you’ll love the Torras Crystal Clear as we believe that it’s one of the best iPhone 7 Plus Cases that you can get!

Much like the Torras Slim Fit, this is a slim case that doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the device. The main difference between this one and most of the other transparent cases is that it doesn’t look like a cheap piece of plastic. 

And of course, thanks to its slimness, wireless charging support is a given! Sure. It’s not the fanciest case out there. But, it’s elegant, simple, and it gets the job done. 2,000 Amazon reviewers can’t possibly be wrong. 

Pros: 

  • Slim
  • Simple
  • Offers basic protection
  • Compatible with wireless charging
  • More than 2,000 positive Amazon reviews
  • Elegant

Cons: 

  • Doesn’t add a lot of character
  • Not the toughest choice out there

Overall, if you want something simple, but transparent as well, this is probably your best bet. 

Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases: Wrapping Up

That’s all we’ve got for now. If you have any other recommendations, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below!

Best iPhone 8 Plus Cases That You Can Get in 2019

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A phone case can make the difference between your phone crashing into oblivion and surviving to tell the tale. That’s why we decided to list some of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases that you can get in 2019!

We took numerous factors into consideration like beauty, protection, design, and even the type of person who may be interested in each different case. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

1: Best Case For Everyone: Torras Slim Fit

Gur or gal, beauty or toughness, design preferences or not; it doesn’t really make a difference. The Torras Slim Fit is one of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases cause it’s a great fit for everyone!

Best iPhone 8 Plus cases

It offers the best of all worlds with the only issue being that it doesn’t particularly excel at anything. For example, while it offers protection, it’s not exactly a military-grade case. And while it is beautiful, well, let’s just say that there are options with more personality out there. You get the point. 

To make it simple, have you ever heard of the saying: “Jack of all trades, master of none?”. Well, this is what the Torras Slim Fit is! And that’s precisely why it’s suitable for so many people. 

Pros: 

  • A good fit for most people
  • Slim
  • Low profile
  • Kinda serious/neutral design
  • Compatible iPhone 7 Plus as well
  • Getting close to 4,000 positive reviews
  • Very lightweight
  • Great for wireless charging

Cons: 

  • Doesn’t offer the best protection out there
  • People who want more personality may find it boring

Again, it’s a phone case that will satisfy most people. But, for those of you who want more protection, more personality, or both, keep on reading!

2: Best Case For Transparency Lovers: Teras Crystal Clear

No. We’re not Torras fanboys. It just so much happens that they make some of the most popular iPhone cases in the market at the moment. That’s all. 

This case is very similar to what we checked out before with the main difference that it’s transparent. So, if you like transparent choices, this is one of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases that you can get in 2019!

The only small drawback is that this option is a tiny bit more expensive. But, a couple more bucks shouldn’t be a huge issue, right? Other than that, there’s also the fact that theoretically speaking, it should be getting dirty a bit easier. 

Still, look at the bright side as well. It’s cheap, stylish, a good fit for most people, compatible with wireless charging, and gets the job done. 

To sum things up: 

Pros: 

  • Supports wireless charging
  • Slim
  • Most people find it simple yet stylish
  • Stands on a middle ground between being simplistic and fancy
  • Offers a bit of protection
  • 2,000 positive reviews
  • Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus as well
  • Lots of color choices

Cons: 

  • The transparent design means that the case may get dirty more easily

3: Best Tough Case: Spigen Tough Armor

Simplistic, slim cases are nice and everything. But, some people like them thick. Some people want more protection – even if that means sacrificing a bit of beauty/slimness. If you’re looking for something like that, then you’ll definitely find the Spigen Tough Armor to be one of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases that you can get. 

Best iPhone 8 Plus cases

As you can see in the image above, it’s noticeably thicker and it also looks heavier compared to the rest of our options.

One of the first things that came to mind when we saw this case is wireless charging support. And the truth is that we got mixed opinions on that. Some people said that it worked just fine for them while others said that they couldn’t get it to work. So, it’s kind of a hit or miss situation, depending on your wireless charger. 

As for beauty, well, that’s a highly controversial topic. There are those who can’t stand thick cases and there are also those who think that this looks wonderful. 

In the end, just pick whatever you like most. Time go over the pros and cons now: 

Pros: 

  • Offers more protection than your average case
  • More than 3,000 positive reviews
  • Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus
  • Thick

Cons: 

  • Some people may not like the extra thickness
  • Wireless charging may not be possible – largely depends on the wireless charger

Overall, if you want something to toughen up your iPhone, do definitely consider this one!

4: Best Stylistic Case: Caseology Parallax

 Simplicity is nice and so is fanciness. If you’re a fan of the latter, do definitely consider checking out one of the Caseology Parallax variants!

Best iPhone 8 Plus cases

This case takes style and personalization one step further which is why we consider it to be one of the best cases for iPhone 8 Plus. And if the particular color isn’t to your liking, there are at least 4 more to choose from!

Furthermore, it’s not just beautiful, but it also offers a decent amount of protection. And let me tell you that when it comes to phone cases, that’s a rather rare combination!

One more positive aspect is wireless charging. Most people have confirmed that it works without any issues. However, do keep in mind that your mileage may vary depending on the wireless charger that you’re using. 

To summarize: 

Pros: 

  • Stylish
  • Adds character
  • Generally looks better than other choices while still offering a bit of protection
  • Nearing 4,000 positive reviews
  • Numerous color options
  • Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus

Cons: 

  • May be a bit too fancy for those who want simplicity
  • Probably not as sturdy as the rugged alternatives

5: Best “Girly” Case: Velvet Caviar Pink Nude Vintage

Best iPhone 8 Plus cases

Most of the cases that we’ve checked out till now are leaning towards elegance and simplicity. That’s something that is mostly enjoyed by guys and that’s why we decided to add something cute for our cute female readers as well. Not that guys can’t enjoy it as well. Whatever floats your boat. 

And it’s not just the flower design that you see on the image above. Velvet Caviar has tens of wonderful options to choose from. 

Apart from beauty, these cases also offer a decent amount of protection. Not to mention that they should technically allow for wireless charging without any issues. After all, they are relatively slim. 

The only downside is the price that they are asking. While most of our options are standing in the $12 range, Velvet Caviar cases generally ask for about $30. Though, do keep in mind that pricing may vary from region to region. 

Pros: 

  • Very beautiful
  • Unique design and paintings
  • Great option for women
  • Tons of positive reviews
  • Slim yet durable
  • Should work just fine with wireless charging; though your mileage may vary – depending on the wireless charger
  • Tons of choices
  • Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus

Cons: 

  • Most guys will find it a bit over the top
  • May be a bit too flashy for some people
  • More expensive than other options

Overall, if you are looking for something cute, then this is definitely one of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases that you can get. 

Best iPhone Cases For iPhone 8 Plus: Wrapping Up

That’s all we’ve got for now. If you’ve got any other recommendations which you think are worthy of being in this list, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section!

How to Buy A Used iPhone 4: Safe Shopping Tips

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Buying a used iPhone 4 is a great way to save some money while getting the phone that you want. However, the used market can be full of traps where one wrong turn can cost you dearly a number of different ways. 

With that being said, that’s why we decided to make this article for you where we explain some things that you need to know before buying a used iPhone or any used electronic for that matter. So, let’s get right into it!

Used iPhone 4 Buying Guide

Used iPhone 4

Amidst all the chaos in the used market, there are primarily 5 things that you need to know before buying a used iPhone 4 or any used electronics: 

  1. Your seller
  2. Payment methods
  3. Extra fees and charges
  4. Condition of the item
  5. Locked and unlocked devices

1: Know Your Seller

First of all, knowing that you’re buying from a trustworthy seller is very important. And when we say trustworthy we don’t just mean a big name like Amazon or eBay, but also their individual sub-sellers – the ones that use the platform to sell their products. 

Buying from the wrong guy can put you into a lot of trouble. Things like: 

  1. Broken products that can’t be returned
  2. Misinformation about the product and its condition (More on that later)
  3. Hidden fees (Also more on that later)
  4. And possibly more

To find the right seller, the first thing that you can do is to look only at reputable platforms like Amazon, eBay, Swappa, Newegg, or anything like that.

When it comes to used iPhones, we generally prefer Swappa because they are the pros of selling used phones. Not only they are extremely reputable and trustworthy, but they also mention every detail that you might need like the condition of the phone, its carrier, and more. 

Speaking of information, that’s another important thing that you want to look out for. More on that further below. 

2: Choose a Safe Payment Method

Finding a good seller is one thing. How about finding a good payment option as well? There are many people out there who are still shopping online with their credit/debit card without knowing that this poses two big risks: 

  1. Identity and banking information theft
  2. Lack of buyer protection

If you got a reputable seller, then you obviously don’t need to worry about identity theft or anything like that. Amazon, Swappa, Newegg, eBay, all these big names can’t potentially risk scamming you. 

However, we’re talking about the used market here and there’s no guarantee that someone will not at least try to. For example, take a look at this item. A graphics card that normally costs 300+ euros for 63? And it’s also brand new? Boy oh boy what a crazy bargain this is, right? Except it’s clearly a scam attempt. 

And mind you, this is on one of the world’s biggest shopping websites. So, if there are people who are willing to try and scam you on the big platforms, imagine how bad things can get when we’re walking on thin ice with unknown sellers. 

A secure payment method like PayPal can help you protect yourself from both scams and identity theft. That’s because if you buy something by using PayPal and you realize that you were scammed, you can always reach out to them, provide proof that this happened, and the seller will be forced to issue a refund. In most cases, it works. 

Even when things don’t go according to plan, having a small layer of protection instead is always better than nothing. Because let’s be honest, chances are that our banks are not going to lift a finger in case we buy the wrong item. 

3: Watch Out For Extra Fees And Charges

One thing that lots of people don’t know is that you can end up paying extra money upon delivery. So, you basically buy whatever you want, pay for it while thinking that you’re done, and only once your used iPhone 4 arrives at your doorstep you are asked to pay the extra fees and charges. 

Not all regions do this. But, the EU is definitely a continent that has this law. It doesn’t apply for every single item. After all, those who check for imports can’t possibly have the time to go through the process of taxing every little thing. And for this reason, only items that have a specific price and above will be checked and will have to be paid for import fees. 

Unfortunately, a used iPhone 4 usually costs more than enough to be placed on this range and unless you get lucky, chances are that you’ll have to pay the extra fees for it upon delivery. Of course, that is unless you buy it from a seller who is within your country. That, or someone who is living outside of your country but offers a warehouse that’s inside. 

American buyers don’t really have to worry too much about this as the major platforms like Swappa and Amazon all have warehouses within the USA. Just do make your research for the individual states. Just in case. 

Apart from that, watch out for the obvious stuff. Shipping costs, standard taxes, anything like this that commonly appears only after you’ve inserted the payment and delivery details. So, don’t be in a massive hurry to press that “buy” button. 

4: Watch Out For The Condition Of Your Used iPhone 4

Used iPhone 4

This is another thing that lots of people forget to check out. Sometimes, it’s not even mentioned in the details – in which, case, maybe you should look for another website/platform/seller. 

The condition of your used iPhone 4, or any used phone for that matter, reflects the overall shape of the device. Scratches, cracks, broken things, anything like that. 

Generally speaking, the more flaws that a phone has, the cheaper that you can get it. And remember: If something looks too good to be true, then it most likely is!

Now, different sellers may use different terms to describe the condition of a device. But, generally speaking, this is what you can expect: 

  1. Good/Refurbished/Like New: These terms are often used to describe a phone that’s almost brand new without scratches or marks
  2. Mint/Fair: Scratches and other signs of wear/use may be present, but the device works normally
  3. Bad/Damaged/Parts and Repairs only: The phone is damaged to the point where normal operation is tough or impossible. 

Again, don’t forget to read the individual descriptions of your particular seller. He/she may have different conditions in mind when using each and every one of these terms. 

5: Watch Out For Carrier Locked Devices

There are numerous countries that offer carrier-locked devices. A carrier-locked phone will basically refuse to work with any other carrier apart from the one that it is locked down to. 

For example, if you get a used iPhone 4 that’s locked to AT&T, then it doesn’t matter what you want to use. That phone will only work with AT&T. Period. 

And if you happen to do the mistake of falling into that trap, then your only choice is to either use the carrier that you’re locked to or pay for unlocking services to get yourself out of that situation. The last thing that anyone would want after getting a new/used device is to pay extra money just to be able to use his phone. 

Thankfully, most reputable sellers always mention if their phones are locked or unlocked and they also mention exactly what carrier they are locked down to. So, keep an eye out for that. 

Check out Used iPhone 4 Devices on Swappa

 

Safely Buying a Used iPhone 4: Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. Hopefully, our little guide helped you out and you’ll be able to buy a used iPhone 4 without anything going wrong. To wrap things up, this is all we talked about and that you need to remember: 

  1. Buy from a reputable seller
  2. Choose a safe payment method
  3. Watch out for extra fees and charges
  4. Keep an eye on the condition of the device
  5. Careful with the carrier-locked devices

 

Guide to Buy a Used Google Pixel 3 – Everything You Need to Know

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Looking to grab a used Google Pixel 3 and enjoy the best of Android straight from the company that has built it? Here’s a definitive buyer’s guide to purchase a second hand Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL smartphone, and how you can fetch one without overpaying or settling for a subpar device.

How to buy a Used Google Pixel 3?

Back in the early 2000s when Android OS was first developed, the intention was to create a software platform for digital cameras. Google Inc. was quick to notice the potential behind this mobile operating system and acquired Android OS, along with the team that worked on it in the year 2005. Just a couple of years later, Google, in partnership with Taiwanese tech company HTC, released the very first Android OS powered smartphone – the HTC Desire. In the beginning, Google needed to support of big names in the tech manufacturing space, thus creating the Nexus series of devices.

Over the years, the Mountain View company collaborated with brands such as HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to release different iterations of the Nexus series of smartphones and tablets. However, in the year 2016, the very first Google Pixel was unveiled, which officially kick started Google’s bidding in the premium smartphone wars. Deemed as the flagship Android smartphone straight from Google, the Pixel series has become a benchmark by which all other Android flagship phones are measured, and the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are no different.

With the premium hardware specs that the flagship mobile phone from Google, you also get a hefty price tag. Each year, the Google Pixel gets updated with design refinements and significant hardware upgrades, so are you willing to shell out nearly a thousand dollars for the high-end variant of the flagship phone? If you’re among the power users who want the best of Android straight from Google, but don’t want to put a serious dent in your budget, buying a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL is your best option.

There is no shortage of second hand Google Pixel sellers in the market and online, so how do you find an affordable one that’s in the best possible condition? Purchasing a used electronic device can be an unnerving experience, but only if you don’t know what to look for and do the due diligence to find out that device you’re about to buy is worth the ask. We’ve rolled up our sleeves and done the work of understanding how you can buy a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL in the best condition possible, without making any compromises, and pay considerably less than what you would for a new one.

For our highest rated refurbished iPhone reseller, use Swappa. All their used iphones are unlocked and tested for quality and function.
 Our Second Highly Rated Option is Amazon.com. There are lots of certified vendors who offer iPhones and more price options.  Plus Amazon provides a solid return policy and fast delivery with Amazon Prime. .

Why buy a used Google Pixel 3?

Reason #1 – Premium hardware and software

Google has designed its official phone to be a flagship device that is the measurement standard for all other Android smartphones. Google Pixel devices almost always beat every other Android OEM phone on benchmark scores, all thanks to the latest and great hardware configuration, and the Google Pixel 3 lives up to this promise. Packing the Snapdragon 845 processor that is paired with 4GB of RAM capacity, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have the highest DxOMark score among all Android phones.

Thanks to the combination of the camera hardware and software optimizations done for the Google Camera, you get to capture fleeting moments better than ever. Additionally, each and every software update that is rolled out for the device, comes straight from Google, which means reduced wait times. So when you get yourself a Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL, you can expect nothing less than the best of Android OS, with support for two years of major software updates right out of the box.

Reason #2 – Great value for money

The Google Pixel is built up to be the iPhone among Android devices, being the go-to choice for users who want the most from their smartphone. Back in the day, upgrading to the latest mobile phone seemed like a justifiable act, since each and every update came with significant hardware improvements. However, the Pixel series of devices from Google, just like many other premium Android smartphones, packs a powerful punch in terms of hardware processing.

Since you get seamless software support for 2 years and additional security update for a year more, your phone is far from being outdated within a year of use. Even if you choose to buy a used Google Pixel device, you still get the latest software updates straight from Google, before all other Android OEMs. Getting yourself a second hand Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL instead of a new one can mean big savings, since any electronic device loses value once it is out of the original packaging.

Reason #3 – Free of contracts

Purchasing a brand new Google Pixel on easy installments may require you to be restricted to a particular carrier, or you might have to select a carrier-locked variant to enjoy some rebates. However, when you choose to buy a used smartphone, you have the ability to go for an unlocked variant of the Google Pixel. Since most of the used Pixel devices that you find online are either in factory unlocked, or carrier unlocked state, you don’t have to worry about being bogged down to a single network.

You might not require the need to have network unlocked capabilities if you have been linked to a specific network carrier for years. However, the ability to use your phone with any SIM card comes in handy, especially if you’re traveling and want to save up on international roaming costs.

How much does it cost?

Just as you would expect and hope for, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are offered at a far more affordable price when purchased in used condition. The actual price of the device is evaluated based on the physical condition of the phone, how long it has been used, whether or not the phone comes carrier unlocked or not, and the accessories that are being offered by the seller with the device. Either way, you can expect to save up big when buying a second hand Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL instead of a brand new one.

  • 64GB Google Pixel 3  – Starts at $422
  • 128GB Google Pixel 3 – Starts at $566
  • 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL – Starts at $476
  • 128GB Google Pixel 3 XL – Starts at $630

Where can I buy a used Google Pixel 3 online?

Being able to take a look at the device that you’re about to buy, especially if it’s a used one, certainly has its benefits. While it helps you make your purchase confidently, getting a phone from a reseller means that you end up paying more than you would have to if you chose to buy directly from the seller themselves. All thanks to the online marketplaces at facilitate the buying and selling of used electronics, you can get a wider variety of devices to check out and competitive pricing as well, which makes the following ways to buy a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL ideal.

OUR TOP RECOMMENDED CHOICES ARE AMAZON AND SWAPPA

Swappa – Top Recommendation

Designed to be your one-stop shop for all of your used electronics needs and wants, Swappa offers everything from mobile phones and tablets, to gaming consoles and home tech. A platform by the users, for the users, Swappa has become the face of second hand tech marketplaces online ever since its inception back in the year 2010. Hosting a gargantuan listing of mobile devices categorized based on the brand manufacturer and sorted out into unlocked and carrier-locked variants, the simplified user interface that is put in place by Swappa makes sorting through thousands of devices easier than ever.

When taking a deeper look at the products that are sold on Swappa, you will realize the depth of how this marketplace performs. Each and every product listing is first verified by moderators before being made public, and these listing must adhere to the strict guidelines put in place. Pictures from all angles are mandatory when selling a product on Swappa, and you need to do so while displaying a verification code provided, which ensures that the used product that you’re displaying in the images is the one that’s up for selling on the used

The listings are separated based not just on the network carrier status of the device, but the condition too. You can choose a product based on its evaluated physical state, which can be determined by choosing between Good, Fair, Mint, and even New state. Additionally, each of the seller is given a star rating, which helps you determine how trustworthy they are before you go ahead and spend your hard-earned money on a used gadget. Additionally, Swappa comes with PayPal Protection, which means that your money is always in safe hands.

Pros:

  • Online marketplace that is dedicated to selling only used and refurbished electronic items, guaranteeing a cheaper price.
  • The platform is designed to be intuitive and categorized for ease of use, based on type of product, brand, network carrier status, and more.
  • Mandatory visual inspection with images and full disclosure about any damage or defects in the device.
  • Users can communicate directly with the sellers, clear any queries they may have regarding the device, and even negotiate prices in the comments section.

Amazon

Shop Google Pixel 3 on Amazon

With potentially millions of products sold each day all across the world, Amazon certainly is the giant among e-commerce platforms. While the e-retailer is not exactly known for being a dedicated reseller of used and refurbished products, you can find a wide variety of it on its website. Whether you’re looking for used devices, refurbished products sold by the brand manufacturer, or open box products which have been returned by unsatisfied buyers, Amazon can help you cut a good deal on your second hand electronics purchase. The sheer size of this e-commerce giant is what attracts thousands of sellers to it, which also help you, the buyer, enjoys plenty of choices to pick from.

Similar to the way Swappa dictates that the buyer maintains complete transparency, Amazon also mandates that the seller mentions details regarding the condition of the device being sold. However, Amazon does not make it compulsory to add images of the product with a verification code for assurance like Swappa does. However, most of the used devices that sold, are secured through Amazon Purchase Protection, so you don’t have to worry about losing your money in case the product fails to meet your expectations.

Since Amazon is not an exclusive store just for used products, you might have to do more digging in comparison to Swappa. However, you can expect the general price point to be somewhat lower on Amazon, along with a larger selection of products to choose from. However, you do not get a direct channel of communication that helps you easily communicate with the seller, although you do get to send out messages. Additionally, if you do have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can even enjoy one-day delivery if your chosen product qualifies for it.

Pros:

  • Almost every major electronics item on Amazon is available in multiple buying options, giving you a larger selection of second hand devices to choose from.
  • Prices of the used products is highly competitive among the sellers, which enables you to find the right device for a cheaper price.
  • Amazon Purchase Protection secures your investment when buying a used device, while Prime service guarantees quicker delivery to your doorstep.

Cons:

  • Product details are not as descriptive as you would be able to view over at Swappa.

eBay

If you’ve been shopping online long enough, the eBay brand should not seem unknown, since it is one of the oldest one in the business. The guidelines to start listing products on eBay are fairly simple, which is why you can expect to find a higher density of used Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones on this platform. Additionally, you can expect the prices of the phone to be lower on eBay compared to other used device marketplaces, since the commission charged by eBay to the sellers is lower. You don’t have to worry about your money either, since eBay also comes with PayPal Protection in place, so you can always take things up with PayPal if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.

The loose guidelines might make the task easier for the sellers, but at a buyer, not being able to verify the physical condition of the device through pictures may be a deal-breaker for some. You don’t get a dedicated shipping service from eBay, and the entire process has to be done by the seller themselves, which means that you’re at their mercy when it comes to having the product shipped out on time and delivered to you. eBay also has a single-dimensional rating system for its sellers, where a seller in any category of products can go ahead and put up a second-hand device on sale, while their high rating might fool customers into thinking that their purchase is coming from a top-rated electronics seller.

eBay certainly has its merits apart from the competitive pricing, which is apparent through the filtering system that allows you to find the cheaper device right away. One unique feature of this e-commerce platform is the auction system, which allows you to bid for the product you want to buy. This way, you can compete with other buyers to bag the item, while being assured that you did not end up paying a cent more than what the device is worth. Most of the reputed sellers on eBay are responsive and even offer a return policy with 100% refund if you aren’t satisfied with the product You will, however, have to manage the return process yourself and have the product shipped back, which can be quite the ordeal.

Pros:

  • The number of listings available are higher in number since any user is allowed to create a private listing and start selling.
  • The auction system that is put in place allows the buyer to find the most suited price to buy the item and make big savings.

Cons:

  • Moderation of the products sold through the listings is subpar, which may result in a poor buying experience.

Social Media/Craigslist

Users all across the world have been using online classifieds such as Craigslist to buy and sell products such as furniture, cars, and even rent out places. It should come as no surprise that Craigslist is also effectively used for buying and selling of used electronics such as mobile phones, and the ability to create listings for free right away, makes it more accessible to the masses. You can expect significantly lower prices when buying products off Craigslist, since there is no middleman with commission fees.

However, the freedom of being able to buy directly from the seller comes at its own risks, especially without a moderator in place. When purchasing a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL from a seller on Craigslist, you need to make a judgement call. You can do so based on the description that the seller provides, pictures of the actual device, and how responsive they are to your queries regarding the listing. Either way, there is a certain amount of risk that comes with buying something from a complete stranger, so the price of the phone should be able to justify it.

If you are willing to go out into the open and look for someone who wants to sell their used phone, why not look into your social circle first? Ask friends and family around if someone they know is looking to sell their used mobile phone, and with a direct connection, you can fetch one for the right price. Asking as many questions as possible when buying a used phone directly through the seller is always a smart practice, so don’t hold back on any queries you may have. Albeit there is no protection in place that can safeguard your money, but that’s the price you have to pay for a cheaper smartphone.

Evaluate a used Google Pixel 3 before buying

Once you’ve decided where you want to buy the second hand Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL from, the work isn’t done just yet. Purchasing a phone that you are most likely going to be using for a year or two should be a well-informed decision that you feel confident about. Covering the basics such as looking closely at the cosmetic condition of the phone is just the first step to qualifying a device for purchase. However, you need to look deeper into whether the device that you have your eyes on is worth your money and the effort you put into buying it.

Step 1: Verify the IMEI Number

The very reason device manufacturers assign the unique IMEI Number to mobile phones and tablets is to curb the illegal trading of phones. Additionally, stolen devices can also easily be tracked using the IMEI Number, and when it comes to purchasing a used Google Pixel 3, you need to be sure about the fact that the device you’re purchasing is neither stolen or blacklisted. Before you go ahead and make the purchase, it is essential to ask the seller for the IMEI Number of the phone for verification purposes.

One of the first things you need to ask the seller is the IMEI Number, and if they fail to provide it, you might want to steer clear of the purchase. A blacklisted IMEI phone will not only be rendered useless, but using one can get you into legal trouble, so regardless of the enticing price tag that it comes with, avoid such products at all costs. If you are able to get your hands on the device, here’s what you need to do to find out the IMEI of the used Google Pixel phone that you’re looking to buy:

  1. From the home screen of the device, head over to the Settings
  2. Scroll down to find the System tab and open it.
  3. Now head over to the About phone
  4. Access the MEID menu, which should give you a view of the IMEI Number of the device.
  5. You can also choose to dial *#06# from the Phone app to find out the IMEI Number.

Step 2: Network unlock the device

If you’re choosing to get yourself a factory unlocked Pixel 3, you don’t need to worry about this particular step. However, if you’re planning to save a few bucks by getting a network locked variant, you might want to consider having it unlocked. Not only is the 15-digit IMEI Number the signaling factor that validates the legitimacy of the seller, but is also essential for unlocking the phone from the network carrier. If the phone does not come unlocked right out of the box, you will need to verify if the phone is unlockable, for which you will need to provide the IMEI Number of the device to the unlocking service provider.

Even if you’re planning to use the Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL with the same network carrier that the phone is locked to, we recommend that you have it network unlocked. Down the road if you decide to change your network carrier for better coverage or cheaper service plans, having an unlocked phone would give you plenty of options to choose from. Additionally, if you travel abroad often and need to stay connected on the go, swapping your SIM card with a local one would help you save big on international roaming costs. This is why we especially like the feature of Swappa that allows you to choose a device which is carrier-specific or unlocked right out of the box.

Step 3: Ensure that Google FRP is disabled

Apple devices come with a security feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which restricts the user from accessing a newly formatted iDevice without entering the owner’s Apple ID and password first. This straightforward security feature works as a deterrent of mobile theft, since it effectively makes the device useless without accessing the iCloud account. Google has adopted a similar security protocol in the form of Google Account Verification, which is also known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

There is no apparent way of knowing whether the FRP feature is enabled or disabled on a used Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL. This is what makes it crucial that you ensure that the feature has been disabled by the seller before they send over the device to you. Since reaching out to the seller after the point of sale may not always be possible, or they may be hesitant to share their Google account username and password with you, this is a process that you need to complete before making the purchase.

To disable the FRP feature on any Android phone, all that you need to do is remove the Google account that is associated with the device.

  1. From the home screen of your Google Pixel device, head over to the Settings
  2. In the Settings app, scroll down to find the Accounts
  3. Tap on the Google icon and find the associated Google account and select it.
  4. Select the Remove account button and confirm your action.

Step 4: Perform a general inspection

Once you have the phone arrive to you in the mail, or you are able to get a hold of the device before making the purchase, a general inspection is in order. Since you will be able to either turn down the seller or send the phone back within the first few days, it is essential that you get to testing things out about the used Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL right away.

Physical condition – With the phone’s display being the main concern, the first thing you should start observing is the wear and tear on the housing of the Google Pixel. If you notice any chips on the side of the screen or hairline cracks that run all the way, that could mean hundreds of dollars in screen repair. While a broken screen is unacceptable, other oddities such as dents on the corner of the phone or abrasions on the back might just help you negotiate for a better price. Additionally, taking a look at the accessories that are provided with the phone, along with any damage in the charging cable should also be considered.

Verify the battery life – The amount out screen on time that you get from your mobile phone is a crucial aspect that you must consider. Since the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are not even a year old, you should expect the battery to be in healthy condition and give you hours of performance for communication, entertainment, and everything in between. You can start off by performing an entire battery cycle, by charging the phone all the way up to 100% and then letting it drain down to 0% until it shuts off. This process should help cleanse the battery and also give you an estimate of how many hours of screen-on time to expect.

Conclusion

The speed with which technology is evolving is mesmerizing, with personal tech devices getting faster, smarter, and more expensive with each iteration. Back in 2016 when Google released the very first Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, it did not hold back on the hardware specs and premium build quality, and that hasn’t changed now either. If you’re a power user who appreciates the pure stock Android experience that Google offers with its Pixel line of devices, but don’t feel that the premium price tag is justified, then saving hundreds of bucks on a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL is the way to go.

We’ve closely examined the marketplaces that offer a healthy range of mobile devices and other electronics, and shortlisted the best options for you. If you have any questions regarding how an e-commerce platform such as Swappa works, or need any assistance related to how you can unlock your Google Pixel phone the easy way, just reach out to us in the comments section right down below, and you’ll hear back from us soon.