Buying a Second-Hand MacBook? Check These 9 Things

When I was shopping for a second-hand MacBook, I realized there were a lot of things I didn’t know. After doing some research and asking around, I figured out what to look for. In this post, I’ll share what I learned—everything from checking the battery health to making sure it’s not locked to someone else’s Apple ID.

What to Check Before Buying a Second-Hand MacBook

Here, I will share an essential checklist you should follow before buying a second-hand MacBook.

1. Physical Condition

One of the most important steps when buying a second-hand MacBook is checking its physical condition. A MacBook may look fine from a distance, but close inspection can reveal hidden issues.

1. Body and Screen Condition: Carefully examine the MacBook’s body and screen. Look for dents, scratches, or cracks, especially on the corners or edges. If severe enough, these can affect the look and might even impact performance.
2. Keyboard and Trackpad: Test each key on the keyboard to ensure it responds correctly. Also, try using the trackpad to move the cursor and click. Make sure both work smoothly and don’t stick.
3. Port Condition: Plug devices into each port—USB, Thunderbolt, and headphone jack—to see if they work. A malfunctioning port can be costly to repair and limit the device’s usefulness.

2. Battery Health

The battery’s health is a crucial factor in the long-term usability of your MacBook. Older or heavily used batteries may need replacing, which can be expensive.

MacBook batteries are designed to last for 1,000 charge cycles. A cycle happens when you use 100% of the battery’s charge, whether in one go or spread out over multiple uses. If the cycle count is under 500, the battery should have a lot of life left, but if it’s close to or over 1,000, you might need to replace it soon.

Here is how you can check battery cycles on Mac:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Click on Battery.
3. Select Battery Health to view the current cycle count and overall health status.

3. Warranty and AppleCare Coverage

A second-hand MacBook might still be under warranty or AppleCare, which can save you money on repairs or servicing. It’s easy to check whether any coverage remains.

Follow these steps to check warranty status of Mac:

1. Go to Apple’s Check Coverage website.
2. Enter the MacBook’s serial number (found under About This Mac).

3. You’ll see if the device is still under warranty or has AppleCare.

If the MacBook has AppleCare, the coverage stays with the device even if it changes hands. The new owner doesn’t need to do anything to transfer it.

4. Software Check

Make sure the MacBook is running a supported version of macOS and isn’t carrying any leftover data from the previous owner. This helps ensure security and smooth operation.

• Operating System Version: Confirm that the MacBook is running the latest macOS or at least one that’s still supported. You can check this by going to About This Mac. If it’s on a very old version, it might not be able to support new apps or security updates.

• Clean Installation: After you buy the MacBook, perform a clean installation of MacOS to avoid potential problems with leftover software or settings. This will wipe the device and give you a fresh start.

5. Storage and Memory (RAM)

Checking the storage and RAM helps ensure the MacBook can handle your daily tasks. Some models allow upgrades, but others don’t.

Here is how to check storage capacity and usage:

1. Click the Apple logo and go to About This Mac.

2. Click Storage to see the total storage and how much is being used.

• Upgradability: Many older MacBooks (especially pre-2015) allow you to upgrade the RAM or storage, but most newer models do not. This is something to consider if you think you’ll need more memory or space in the future.
• Optimal Configurations: In 2024, aim for at least 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD storage for everyday use. This will be enough for most tasks, such as browsing, office work, and media consumption.

6. Performance Testing

You’ll want to ensure the MacBook you’re buying performs well for the tasks you need it for. Simple tests and benchmarking tools can help you gauge its real-world performance.

• Benchmark Tools: Use free tools like Geekbench to test the MacBook’s CPU, GPU, and memory performance. This gives you a clear comparison with other similar models.
• Real-World Performance: Open a few apps, browse the web, and perform everyday tasks to see how well the MacBook handles them. If it lags during basic tasks, that’s a red flag.

7. iCloud and Activation Lock

Before purchasing a used MacBook, ensure it’s not locked to someone else’s Apple ID. Activation Lock can prevent you from fully accessing the device.

Checking for Activation Lock:

1. Go to System Settings.

2. Click Apple ID to check if the MacBook is still linked to the previous owner’s iCloud account.

3. If Activation Lock is turned on, the previous owner needs to remove it before you can use the MacBook.

8. Serial Number Verification

Verifying the serial number is crucial when buying a second-hand MacBook. This quick check ensures the seller’s details match the actual product and helps you avoid any potential fraud. Follow these steps to ensure accuracy:

1. You can locate the serial number in About This Mac or on the bottom of the MacBook.
2. Go to Apple’s Check Coverage page.

1. Input the serial number to confirm the MacBook’s model, year, and specifications.

9. Price Comparison

To ensure you’re getting a fair deal, compare the price of the MacBook with others on the market. Most MacBooks lose 30-50% of their value over the first five years. Knowing this can help you understand if you’re getting a good deal based on the model’s age.

How to Gauge the Right Price:

1. Look up the same MacBook model on platforms like eBay, Swappa, and refurbish stores.
2. Compare listings with similar specs, condition, and year of manufacture.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand MacBook

Pros	Cons
💸 Cost Savings: Significantly cheaper than a new MacBook.	🔋 Battery Life: Older models may have reduced battery health.
🌍 Eco-Friendly: Reduces electronic waste and supports sustainability.	📅 Outdated Models: You might end up with a model that is no longer supported or has lower specs.
💼 Access to Older Models: Some older models still perform well and have features you need.	🔧 No Warranty: If out of warranty, repairs could be costly.
💻 Tested Reliability: Previous owners have already used the machine, so it’s a proven device.	❌ Hidden Issues: Risk of unknown hardware or software problems that are not immediately visible.
🎒 More Affordable Accessories: Some sellers include extras like chargers, cases, or adapters.	⚠️ Potential Wear and Tear: Cosmetic or functional damage may be present, such as scratches or worn keyboards.
🛠️ Easy Upgrades on Older Models: Some older MacBooks allow for RAM or storage upgrades.	🏗️ Limited Upgrade Options: Newer models often have non-upgradable RAM and storage.

Buy a Second-hand MacBook Without Getting Scammed

A second-hand MacBook is a great way to get a quality device at a lower cost. However, doing proper research and checks is essential for a successful purchase. Now that you know what to do before buying a pre-owned MacBook, here are a few more tips for you:

• Wondering what to do with your old MacBook, now that you have a new Mac? Explore eco-friendly options to keep it out of landfills.
• If you plan to sell, give away, or trade in your old Mac, properly prepare it and wipe all your data.
• It’s a good idea to factory reset your MacBook before selling it or giving it away.

Frequently Asked Questions