Is It Safe to Buy Preowned Phones in Nigeria? Here’s the Truth

You have probably asked yourself severally, is it safe to buy a preowned phone in Nigeria?
Short answer: Yes, but only if you know the risks and shop smart.

You’ve seen the sweet price, maybe even got plugged by a friend with their “UK used” dealer. But deep down, you’re still very wary.

The truth is Nigeria’s booming second hand phone market is full of traps. Just this week, the news of a man who was sentenced to 26 years for buying a “stolen generator" went viral. If that’s the risk for household equipment, imagine what happens when you unknowingly buy a tracked, blacklisted, or cloned phone.

Alternatively, not all used phones are risky and if you're smart about how and where you buy, you can save money without getting scammed.

Quick Safety Checklist for Buying Used Phones in Nigeria:

• Check the IMEI to avoid stolen or blacklisted phones
  

• Inspect battery health & screen (especially for iPhones)
  

• Get a receipt or invoice as proof of purchase
  

• Avoid “plug” sellers with no traceable presence
  

• Buy certified pre-owned from trusted sellers like Tekkas Store
  
  

We’ll break each of these down below and explain how Tekkas-certified pre-owned phones protect you from regrets, fraud, and faulty devices.

Why So Many Nigerians Buy Pre-owned Phones

Buying a new phone straight from the box is nice, until you see the price.
That’s why more Nigerians are turning to pre-owned phones:

• Affordability: New iPhones and Samsungs can cost up to ₦1 million or more. A preowned version? Sometimes half the price.
  

• Access to premium models: Want an iPhone 13 Pro Max but can’t afford brand-new? A neatly used version brings it within reach.

• High demand in resale markets: For many Nigerians, buying used is just how the system works from plug dealers to friends abroad, or Instagram vendors.
  

 But behind the convenience lie real risks.

Read here: Best Phones Under ₦200,000 in Nigeria updated for 2025.

 

Risks of Buying Used Phones in Nigeria (And How to Avoid Them)

Not all pre-owned phones are equal. Some deals are just disasters waiting to happen:

1. Stolen Phones & Blacklisted IMEIs

If you buy a phone that’s been reported stolen, you risk getting arrested or having the phone bricked remotely.
IMEI blacklisting is real and many buyers only find out too late.

2. Cloned Models or Fake Parts

Some phones are refurbished with non-original parts which means cheap batteries, substandard screens, or entirely fake internal boards. These phones look new… but crash, overheat, or die quickly.

3. No Warranty, No Returns

If the seller disappears after the sale, you're on your own. No receipt, no support, no protection.

4. Battery or Screen Damage

Used phones may come with degraded batteries or screen burn-ins. Without proper testing, you won’t know until it’s too late.

Why Tekkas-Certified Pre-owned Phones Are Safer (And Smarter)

At Tekkas Store, you shop for preowned devices with peace of mind.

Here’s what you get when you buy a Tekkas-certified pre-owned phone:

• Thorough Checks

Every device undergoes inspection, hardware and software testing, battery screening, and screen inspections.

• No Funny Business

No blacklisted devices. No fake parts. No ghost sellers. Just honest, verifiable devices that work as promised.

• Warranty + Support

We offer limited warranty coverage and support channels to help with issues after purchase.

• Flexible, Affordable Pricing

Pay once or pay in parts. Either way, you're getting premium value without the premium markup.

Upgrade without fear and check out our pre-owned collections. 

Explore pre-owned phones at Tekkas Store

FAQs: 

Are UK used phones reliable?

They can be, if properly verified and bought from trusted stores. Avoid roadside or “plug” deals with no warranty or receipt.

Is it better to buy refurbished or pre-owned?

Refurbished phones are typically tested and repaired by experts, while preowned may be used and sold “as-is.” Always choose certified preowned from verified sellers like Tekkas.

Can I verify a phone before I buy it?

Yes. Ask for the IMEI and check it online. Inspect the phone physically or buy from a store that does all of this before selling — like Tekkas Store.

Play Smart, Shop Safe

Buying a used phone in Nigeria shouldn’t be a game of chance

With the right checks or better still, a certified source, you can save money without getting scammed.

At Tekkas, our certified preowned phones go through thorough checks and come with support, so you’re not just buying a phone, you’re buying peace of mind.

Upgrade without the risk. Browse our Certified pre-owned phones at Tekkas Store today and get value for your money.

Looking for affordable brand-new options?

Check out our full guide to the Best Phones Under ₦200,000 in Nigeria updated for 2025.