Which generation is it?
Check model number, year, storage and software version. Compare the model number with manufacturer information.
Extra product check
Buying a used
tablet or iPad
.
A tablet may look tidy while hiding a worn battery, unresponsive touchscreen areas or unsupported apps. Always check it is fully disconnected from its previous owner.
01Touchscreentest every area
✓Account-freeset it up first
Take your timeAllow about fifteen minutes to test
Bring alongCharging cable, headphones and phone with hotspot
Pay particular attention toTouchscreen, battery, updates and account locks
Before you leave
Ask for the exact model first.
'iPad Pro' or 'Samsung Galaxy Tab' is not specific enough. Series include several generations, capacities and versions. Ask for a photo of device information.
Does it still get updates?
Check system and security updates and support for DigiD (Dutch digital identification), banking, streaming and video calls.
Has anything been replaced?
Ask about impact or moisture damage and replacement screen, battery or charging port. A cheap replacement screen may be dimmer or less accurate.
Which accessories are included?
Agree whether charger, stylus, keyboard cover, SIM tray, receipt and any warranty are included.
The most underestimated faults
Screen and battery
need extra attention.
A short demonstration cannot show touch response everywhere or battery drain. Test both deliberately.
Draw across the whole screen
Open a notes or drawing app and draw edge-to-edge lines. Broken lines may indicate a faulty touch area.
Display solid colours
Use white, black, red, green and blue images. Look for dead pixels, marks, discolouration, flickering and image retention.
Briefly load the battery
Note the percentage, increase brightness and play ten minutes of video. Rapid drain, shutdowns or strong heat are suspicious.
Check battery health
Newer iPads can show capacity and charge cycles. Not every model provides this information, so a practical test is still needed.
Inspect the whole product
Six components to test every time.
Casing
Remove the cover. Look for dents, cracks, lifting edges and a bent or bulging back. Bulging may indicate a swollen battery.
Touchscreen
Test tapping, typing, swiping, zooming and rotation. Type across every keyboard area and check biometric unlocking.
Charging port
Connect a compatible cable and move the plug gently. Charging should not stop or work in only one position.
Camera & sound
Record a short video with audio using each camera and play it back. This tests camera, microphone, speakers and storage together.
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Connect to your hotspot and a Bluetooth accessory. For cellular models, check the exact 4G or 5G version too.
Stylus & keyboard
Draw right to the edges, test keys and touchpad, and check accessories are genuinely compatible and charge normally.
The decisive test
Have it erased and set it up yourself.
Pay only when it restarts without asking for the previous owner's or an organisation's credentials.
- 01
Remove every account
Have the seller sign out of Apple, Google and manufacturer accounts. On an iPad, Find My iPad must also be disabled.
- 02
Erase through settings
Have the seller erase all content and settings. Manually deleting photos and apps is not enough.
- 03
Begin setup yourself
Check there is no 'iPad Locked to Owner' message and Android does not request the previously linked Google account.
- 04
Watch for organisation management
A former school or company tablet may request management or enrolment again after erasing. Buy only once removed from that system.
- 05
Check Android certification
In Play Store Settings > About, check Play Protect certification. Uncertified devices may have app and update problems.
!
Do not buy if...
Reasons to walk away.
- 01The casing bulges or bends severely, or the screen lifts.
- 02Touchscreen areas do not respond or show obvious marks and flickering.
- 03The tablet drains quickly, shuts down or becomes unusually hot.
- 04Model, storage or cellular version differs from the advert.
- 05The seller cannot remove an account lock or organisation management.
- 06Erasing, setting up again or careful testing is refused.
Checking mode
Tick off points during
your viewing.
0%
0 of 15
points checked
Your progressTake your time with the list. A beautiful screen says little about the battery, updates or account status.
This check helps careful inspection but does not replace professional diagnosis. If unsure about an expensive tablet, consult a repairer.
Further checks