So, you have got a new phone in hand, but now you’re wondering how to check Samsung is original or refurbished, right? We have all been there. Sometimes the deal feels a bit too good.
And honestly, it’s better to double-check now than regret it later. To clear your hesitation, you don’t need to be a tech expert to figure it out. With a few easy checks and a bit of attention to detail, you can quickly tell whether your Samsung device is truly fresh out of the box or is a refurbished Samsung phone. Let’s get started:
Also Read: Should You Consider Buying The Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 5G?
1. Use Dial Code
One quick way to check is through a dial code supported on some Samsung devices.
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter ##786#.
- If that does not work, try ##786##.
- If supported, an RTN/diagnostic screen may appear.
Check for Reconditioned Status.
Yes can indicate the phone was reconditioned, while No means no reconditioned status is recorded.
The code does not work on every Samsung model, so an unsupported code does not prove the phone is new. But you will get an idea whether your phone is brand new or a second hand Samsung phone.
2. Third-Party Apps
If the dial code doesn’t work, you can use apps from the Google Play Store, such as Phone INFO Samsung or Device Info HW.
- Download a trusted app.
- Check the phone’s hardware, software, battery, and model details.
- Compare the information against your phone’s specifications.
- Watch for unusual component details or model information.
Third-party apps cannot reliably confirm that a Samsung phone is refurbished. Treat any “refurbished” label as a clue, not proof.
Only download apps from trusted developers and avoid apps requesting unnecessary permissions.
Also Read: Read This Before Buying A Refurbished Mobile Phone
3. Check Consistency of IMEI
Checking the IMEI and serial number can help confirm that the phone matches its packaging and purchase documents. An IMEI alone cannot prove that a phone is refurbished.
- Go to Settings > About phone or dial *#06#.
- Compare the IMEI and serial number with the box and purchase documents.
- You can also check these details through the Samsung Members app on supported devices.
If the numbers do not match, contact Samsung or the seller before treating the phone as new.
A mismatch can indicate an issue or possible tampering.
Bonus Tip
1. Check the Warranty Activation Date
This is one of the easiest ways to check a Samsung phone.
- Sign in to your Samsung account on the phone.
- Open Samsung Members and go to Support > My Products.
- You can also check Samsung Shop > My Page > Registered Devices.
- Check the Manufacturer Warranty start date and remaining period.
- A new phone should usually have close to a full one-year warranty from the purchase or activation date.
- If the warranty started months before you bought the phone, it may have been activated earlier. It could be returned, pre-activated, or refurbished.
2. Check the Manufacturing Date
You can also check the phone’s RF calibration date.
- Open the Phone app and dial *#12580*369#.
- Look for RF Cal or a similar date.
- Compare this date with your purchase date.
- A phone made many months or years earlier may be old stock. It could also be a refurbished unit.
3. Check the Phone’s Hardware
Take a close look at the phone before buying it.
- Check for small scratches or marks.
- Look for uneven gaps around the body or screen.
- Check for residue near the screen or signs of repair.
- Dial *#0*# to open the hardware test menu.
- Test the display, touch, speakers, cameras, sensors, and vibration.
- Check the battery information in Settings > Battery or Device Care.
- A noticeably low battery capacity on a phone sold as new can be a warning sign.
4. Match the IMEI and Serial Number
Check the IMEI and serial number carefully.
- Check them in Settings.
- Dial *#06# to see the IMEI.
- Compare the details with the phone’s box and invoice.
- Try registering the phone through Samsung’s official website or app.
- You can also use a trusted IMEI checker for basic model details.
An IMEI check cannot always confirm if a phone is refurbished. Use it along with the other checks.
5. Buy From a Trusted Seller
The seller also matters.
- Prefer Samsung or authorised sellers when buying a new phone.
- For used phones, look for official refurbished programmes or trusted sellers.
- Keep the original invoice and box.
- If something looks wrong, visit an authorised Samsung service centre. They may be able to check the phone’s service history.
These checks are more useful on newer Samsung Galaxy phones. They can help you spot signs of an activated, returned or refurbished phone before you buy it.
Also Read: Here are 3 Reasons Why You Should Choose Refurbished Mobile Phones
Refurbished Samsung From Cashify
If you want to buy refurbished mobiles, think of buying from Cashify for a no-sweat process. Here is how you can buy one in five steps:
- Open the refurbished phones section on Cashify.
- Select Samsung.
- Browse the available models and choose one.
- Check the condition: Superb, Good, Fair, or Best Value.
- Add the phone to your cart and complete the payment.
Conclusion
We hope you now have the answer for “How to check Samsung is original or refurbished?”. You should consider other factors like date of manufacture and seller reputation. They are important in making a decision when buying phones.
This ensures that people who buy Samsung devices will never feel cheated or misled. This is because they are open and transparent about everything. This way of checking if Samsung phones are real helps buyers make better choices. It also helps them to have a good experience.
Also Read: How To Take EMI On Cashify?
FAQs
How can I check if a Samsung phone is refurbished using a dial code?
Try ##786# or ##786## in the Phone app. If supported, an RTN screen may show Reconditioned Status. This method does not work on every Samsung model.
What if the dial code doesn’t work?
Check Settings > About phone, Samsung Members, Samsung’s registration tools, or visit an authorised Samsung service centre.
Can the IMEI confirm a refurbished phone?
No. Dial *#06# and compare the IMEI with the phone’s box and documents. A mismatch is a warning sign, but a matching IMEI does not prove the phone is new.
Does the Samsung model number show if it’s refurbished?
No. A model number starting with “F” does not prove refurbishment. Check the model code, IMEI, serial number, packaging, and purchase documents together.
Are third-party apps reliable?
Trusted apps can show hardware and software details, but they cannot confirm that a phone is new or refurbished. Avoid unknown apps and unnecessary permissions.
Is buying a refurbished Samsung from Cashify safe?
Cashify lists refurbished phones under Superb, Good, Fair, and Best Value grades. Its refurbished mobiles come with warranty and a 15-day refund or replacement policy, subject to the applicable terms.
If you’ve just bought a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old phone, then here’s your answer. Sell old mobile to Cashify and get the best price for it. If you are planning to buy a new phone, check out Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones. You can get your favourite phone at almost half price with six-month warranty, 15 days refund and free delivery.
