Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone?

Yes. You get the same Apple hardware, the same iOS experience, and the same access to every app you already use, at up to 50% less than the new price. Every device on Back Market passes a 100-point professional inspection and comes in four cosmetic grades, so you can pick the condition that works for your budget. Performance isn't part of the trade-off.

Are refurbished iPhones safe to buy?

Buying a refurbished iPhone from Back Market is safe. Every seller must meet a strict quality charter, and devices are monitored through secret shopping and onsite visits to refurbishment centres. If something isn't right after purchase, you're covered by a 12-month seller contractual warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How long do refurbished iPhones last?

As long as the same model bought new, assuming the battery is in good shape. Battery health is the variable to watch: Premium grade devices come with a battery at 90% capacity minimum, using genuine manufacturer parts. The higher the grade, the more charge cycles you've got ahead of you.

Do refurbished iPhones receive iOS updates?

Yes, exactly like new ones. iOS updates come directly from Apple and are completely unaffected by refurbished status. As long as your model is still supported by Apple, it updates on the same schedule as any other iPhone. No extra steps, no exceptions.

Can I trade in my old iPhone when buying refurbished?

Yes. Back Market's trade-in tool gives you a quote in around 2 minutes. If you're happy with the offer, you ship your phone for free and receive cash straight to your bank account. It's a straightforward way to take more off the price of your next device.

Is buying a refurbished iPhone good for the environment?

Significantly. Choosing a refurbished iPhone over a new one generates 92% less greenhouse gas emissions: roughly 77 kg of CO2e per device, based on an ADEME study. You also produce 89% less e-waste. Since 2014, Back Market customers have collectively helped avoid 2.2 million tonnes of CO2e. Your upgrade doesn't have to cost the planet anything.

Are refurbished iPhones unlocked to all UK networks?

The majority of refurbished iPhones on Back Market are SIM-free and unlocked. That means you're not tied to any carrier: you can pair the phone with whatever SIM, plan, or rolling contract suits you. It's one of the practical upsides of buying refurbished over a carrier-locked new phone. Check the individual listing to confirm the unlock status before purchasing, as it can vary by device.

Can I trade in my old phone?

Yes. Back Market's Trade-in programme lets you sell your current iPhone directly to one of 250+ professional refurbishers, get a free quote in about 2 minutes, and receive payment within 5 business days. Shipping is free and insured, and your data is handled securely throughout. It's a straightforward way to offset the cost of your next refurbished iPhone. Here are the models you can trade in right now: iPhone 14 series iPhone 15 series iPhone 14 iPhone 15 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro Max

Refurbished Apple iPhones • 2020

Name: Cheap Refurbished iPhones - Deals up to 50% off • 2020
Brand: Back Market
Price: 139 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.31 (1580862 reviews)

Blue Pink 2026 Yellow Red Gold Purple Green Teal Silver

5 products applies (starting at £0.49)

Trade in to get it for less

Today’s purchase could set you back a lot less when you trade in an old device at the same time.

Smart Essentials

iPhone 12

(99,266)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £649.00 new

+2 more colours

Smart Essentials

iPhone SE (2020)

(65,175)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£60.00

Versus £289.00 new

Smart Essentials

iPhone 12 mini

(46,823)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£144.00

Versus £579.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 12 Pro

(33,434)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £879.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 12 Pro Max

(14,992)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£251.00

Versus £979.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone deals

Price drop
iPhone 16 Pro MaxFair • Black Titanium • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM • New battery
(7,807)
Refurbished price:£739.00
Save £41.00
Last lowest price : £780.00
Price drop
iPhone 16 ProExcellent • Desert Titanium • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM • New battery
(17,252)
Refurbished price:£849.00
Save £79.00
Last lowest price : £928.00
Price drop
iPhone 15Excellent • Blue • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM • New battery
(44,355)
Refurbished price:£519.00
Save £80.00
Last lowest price : £599.00
Price drop
iPhone 13 Pro MaxFair • Graphite • 128 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM • New battery
(17,088)
Refurbished price:£360.00
Save £22.00
Last lowest price : £382.00
Price drop
iPhone 16eGood • White • 128 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(6,702)
Refurbished price:£373.00
Save £22.00
Last lowest price : £395.00
Price drop
iPhone 13 Pro MaxPremium • Sierra blue • 128 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(17,078)
Refurbished price:£429.99
Save £30.01
Last lowest price : £460.00
Price drop
iPhone 16Fair • Pink • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(16,001)
Refurbished price:£489.00
Save £30.00
Last lowest price : £519.00
Price drop
iPhone 14 Pro MaxFair • Space black • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM • New battery
(10,289)
Refurbished price:£504.00
Save £35.00
Last lowest price : £539.00
Price drop
iPhone 15 PlusExcellent • Blue • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM • New battery
(7,305)
Refurbished price:£585.00
Save £93.00
Last lowest price : £678.00
Price drop
iPhone 15Fair • Green • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(44,288)
Refurbished price:£360.00
Save £37.00
Last lowest price : £397.00
Price drop
iPhone 16eGood • Black • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(6,702)
Refurbished price:£426.00
Save £36.88
Last lowest price : £462.88
Smart Essentials
Price drop
iPhone 12 miniExcellent • Black • 128 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(46,823)
Refurbished price:£181.00
Save £11.00
Last lowest price : £192.00
Smart Essentials
Price drop
iPhone 13 ProPremium • Silver • 128 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(33,364)
Refurbished price:£390.00
Save £58.00
Last lowest price : £448.00
Price drop
iPhone 16 PlusFair • Ultramarine • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(4,400)
Refurbished price:£522.00
Save £41.00
Last lowest price : £563.00
Smart Essentials
Price drop
iPhone SE (2020)Good • White • 64 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(65,172)
Refurbished price:£68.00
Save £5.00
Last lowest price : £73.00
Smart Essentials
Price drop
iPhone SE (2020)Excellent • White • 64 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM • New battery
(65,172)
Refurbished price:£145.00
Save £11.00
Last lowest price : £156.00

iPhones

Which iPhone Should I Buy? The Ultimate Guide | Back Market

Not sure which iPhone to buy? Compare the best refurbished iPhones by budget, battery, camera and longevity, and find the right model for you.

Customer reviews for Refurbished Apple iPhones • 2020

Overall rating

1,580,862 verified reviews

Rating details

Accessories
4.2/5
Appearance
4.4/5
Battery
4.1/5
Lens & Camera
4.5/5
Overall performance
4.2/5
Packaging
4.4/5
Shipping
4.5/5

Reviews

Merrily R.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 05/08/2026, United Kingdom.
Absolutely fantastic, I was stocked on how quickly and efficiently everything went. Basically I crashed my previous iPhone 13 mini green and the whole backside was cracked - but everything else was functional. I looked up back glass replacement prices and then compared to BackMarket options and it was cheaper for me to trade my broken iPhone for the same refurbished phone rather than pay t replace the backside! I chose "fair condition" option for the new phone but when I received it I could not see any wear and tear at all - maybe a few unnoticeable microscopic bits upon examination with a magnifying glass - it feels like a brand new phone - the battery is better than my last phone and it is not cracked. This was a perfect solution for me who wanted to keep the original small phone and did not want to upgrade. Will definitely also get a refurbished laptop from these guys later when I need one because they do such a good job and it feels great not to give money to Apple again and fall into this scam with apple care. Bravo BackMarket - well done and looking forward to doing business later as well!
iPhone 13 mini 128GB - Red - Unlocked
iPhone 13 mini 128GB - Red - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Fair
Purchased
28/07/2026
Linda F.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 03/09/2026, United Kingdom.
I’m delighted with refurbished iphone 15 and the ease of ordering and quick delivery. Received well packaged within 2 days of ordering. Phone came with 100% battery charge and screen and case with not a mark on them and in excellent condition. Along with the phone the package also included USB-C charger cable, stylus, nib to remove SIM, a cheekysmiley pop up phone holder and leaflet with simple instructions on how to transfer data from old iPhone by Apple Quick Start. As a ‘senior’ technophobe I thought the transfer process may be beyond my capabilities but all went relatively smoothly (with a few blips of my own doing!) All data etc transferred within an hour. This time included unpairing Apple Watch from old phone and pairing with new. Also time spent verifying banking apps. on a new device. I definitely recommend Backmarket if you want to upgrade your phone with a great saving. Had phone a week and so far so good. Delighted 🤩
iPhone 15 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
iPhone 15 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Purchased
22/08/2026
Daniel J.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 15/09/2026, United Kingdom.
I cannot recommend Back Market highly enough after a flawless buying experience. I ordered an iPhone 17 in "Premium" condition as a gift for my wife, and the service was spectacular from start to finish. The delivery speed was outstanding. It was shipped immediately via DPD and arrived on my doorstep the very next working day, complete with an accurate one-hour delivery slot tracking link. The physical condition of the phone is absolutely immaculate. I inspected the screen and outer chassis under bright light and it looks completely as new, without a single micro-scratch or blemish anywhere (for clarity in the attached photos the phone has been fitted with a Spigen screen protector and a heavy duty protective case BUT the screen was flawless before fitting it). The biggest win, however, was checking the internal diagnostics: the battery health sits at a perfect 100% maximum capacity and the cycle count confirmed the battery had never even been charged before arrival. It is effectively a brand-new, factory-original phone at a fantastic refurbished price point. After a nightmare experience with a different independent retailer, Back Market has been a breath of fresh air. Complete buyer protection, ultra-fast shipping, and a truly pristine product. 5 stars all day long!
iPhone 17 256GB - Lavender - Unlocked
iPhone 17 256GB - Lavender - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Premium
Purchased
11/09/2026
Deolinda C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 17/07/2026, United Kingdom.
Got my iPhone 15 plus delivered within a few days of ordering, I ordered a refurbished in very good condition. It was! It was in excellent condition. The battery life is amazing! Around 24 hours. Charging back up is quick. It also came with the charger Second time buying from Backmarket Great service
iPhone 15 Plus 256GB - Black - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Plus 256GB - Black - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Purchased
07/07/2026
Kristeen S.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 24/06/2026, United Kingdom.
Love my new / refurbished iPhone 13 the colour is amazing I took it from the box , you would think it was brand new, not a mark nothing . Absolutely 💯 thank you back market . The price was fantastic & delivery was fast
iPhone 13 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
iPhone 13 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Purchased
10/06/2026
Clive H.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 13/09/2026, United Kingdom.
Delivery was very quick and without any hassle, I thought I was getting a refurbished phone of good condition, when it arrived it was better than good condition it’s like brand new at a third of the price. Would definitely recommend and will definitely use again. Thanks
iPhone 16 Pro 256GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 16 Pro 256GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Purchased
14/08/2026
Luke S.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 05/09/2026, United Kingdom.
Amazing!😊First thing I did when I got the device I ran it through a diagnostic & it passed on everything!✅ Last bit of the review explains how to do the diagnostic📱Anyways would a million percent recommend. The battery health which was 92% is fine with me even with heavy gaming… A battery is actually cheap to replace from an authorised Apple store that is (Genuine parts), also this refurbished phone has all the genuine parts not a single red flag on any of my diagnostic, so I know that the battery is the actual stainless steel shell one which is crucial for the performance….👍NOTE to do a built in diagnostic test you need to power off your device fully, wait 3 seconds, press volume up and volume down BUT as soon as you press those volume buttons at the same time together you need to plug the charger in at the exact same time, once you see the apple logo, LET GO of the volume up and down buttons, your device will then go into diagnostic mode… ⭐️5/5 Hugely recommend, running Fortnite medium graphics, locked at 60, even hitman 3 aka world of assassination, which is a series S/X game btw 🎮 not just that sniper elite 4 runs at a locked 60fps on this device, hitman absolution locked at 60fps, the list truly does go on… It’s a powerhouse, ultimate beast of a mobile ❤️all games mentioned are in App Store btw…
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB - Desert Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB - Desert Titanium - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Purchased
04/09/2026
Tristan T.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 09/01/2026, United Kingdom.
Back Market Turned a “Refurbished” iPhone 12 Into My Daily Driver—And I’m Genuinely Blown Away I’ll be honest: when people hear “refurbished,” they usually expect compromises. Scuffs. Battery anxiety. That one annoying flaw you can’t unsee. This iPhone 12 from Back Market completely shattered that stereotype. I ordered a Product (RED) iPhone 12, 128GB, and what arrived felt less like a secondhand phone and more like Apple quietly sent me a brand-new unit on the side. Condition: The phone arrived in exceptional condition. The glass is clean, the frame is flawless, and if you told me this device had never been used before, I’d believe you without hesitation. No scratches, no dents, no “refurbished tells.” It looks premium because it is premium. Performance: This is where the iPhone 12 still flexes hard. The A14 Bionic chip is absurdly smooth—apps open instantly, multitasking is effortless, and everything from social media to photo editing runs without a hiccup. This phone doesn’t feel like it’s “keeping up.” It feels like it’s leading. Display & Design: The OLED display is gorgeous. Deep blacks, vibrant colors, and razor-sharp clarity that makes content pop. The flat-edge design still looks modern and feels solid in the hand. And the Product (RED) finish? Stunning. It’s bold, clean, and turns heads without trying. Battery & Reliability: Battery life has been excellent for daily use—calls, streaming, browsing, and content creation. This is the kind of phone you trust to get you through the day without babysitting a charger. The Back Market Experience: This is where the real magic happens. Back Market didn’t just sell me a phone—they delivered confidence. Clear grading, fast shipping, eco-friendly impact, and a device that exceeded expectations in every way. It’s rare to feel like you got more than you paid for, but that’s exactly what happened here. Final Thoughts: If you’re on the fence about refurbished tech, let this be the review that pushes you over. This iPhone 12 proves that smart buying doesn’t mean settling—it means winning. Back Market has officially earned my trust, and this phone has earned its place as my go-to device. This isn’t just a good deal. It’s proof that premium tech, sustainability, and performance can coexist—and absolutely thrive. Highly recommended. No hesitation. No regrets.
iPhone 12 128GB - Red - Unlocked
iPhone 12 128GB - Red - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Purchased
06/12/2025
Angelo A.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 03/10/2026, United Kingdom.
Amazing! Better than what I expected. Device is at 91% battery health which is soo good and with only small marks of dots on the volume buttons and very tiny dots on top of the frame and not a problem as I put a case. I did see 2 scratch marks on the screen but it’s hard to see unless ur trying to find it up close other than that the iphone is clean. I expected scratches on the frame and on the screen for fair condition. 3rd time buying from BackMarket and first time from seller 4gadget!
iPhone 16 Pro Max 1000GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 16 Pro Max 1000GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Fair
Purchased
25/09/2026
Sultana S.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 24/09/2026, United Kingdom.
Brilliant. Received the phone (iPhone 17e) the very next day. I chose the ‘premium’ condition and honestly it looks 100% new, not a single scratch or defect. I checked the battery health and it’s at 100% capacity with only one cycle. I basically bought a brand new iPhone 17e for £200 cheaper than actually buying it new.
iPhone 17e 256GB - Soft Pink - Unlocked
iPhone 17e 256GB - Soft Pink - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Premium
Purchased
16/09/2026

iPhone 18 review after the 2026 September Keynote

Read our guides

Our recent comparisons

Searches so popular you can't sit with them

Refurbished iPhone FAQs

Yes. You get the same Apple hardware, the same iOS experience, and the same access to every app you already use, at up to 50% less than the new price. Every device on Back Market passes a 100-point professional inspection and comes in four cosmetic grades, so you can pick the condition that works for your budget. Performance isn't part of the trade-off.
Buying a refurbished iPhone from Back Market is safe. Every seller must meet a strict quality charter, and devices are monitored through secret shopping and onsite visits to refurbishment centres. If something isn't right after purchase, you're covered by a 12-month seller contractual warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
As long as the same model bought new, assuming the battery is in good shape. Battery health is the variable to watch: Premium grade devices come with a battery at 90% capacity minimum, using genuine manufacturer parts. The higher the grade, the more charge cycles you've got ahead of you.
Yes, exactly like new ones. iOS updates come directly from Apple and are completely unaffected by refurbished status. As long as your model is still supported by Apple, it updates on the same schedule as any other iPhone. No extra steps, no exceptions.
Yes. Back Market's trade-in tool gives you a quote in around 2 minutes. If you're happy with the offer, you ship your phone for free and receive cash straight to your bank account. It's a straightforward way to take more off the price of your next device.
Significantly. Choosing a refurbished iPhone over a new one generates 92% less greenhouse gas emissions: roughly 77 kg of CO2e per device, based on an ADEME study. You also produce 89% less e-waste. Since 2014, Back Market customers have collectively helped avoid 2.2 million tonnes of CO2e. Your upgrade doesn't have to cost the planet anything.
The majority of refurbished iPhones on Back Market are SIM-free and unlocked. That means you're not tied to any carrier: you can pair the phone with whatever SIM, plan, or rolling contract suits you. It's one of the practical upsides of buying refurbished over a carrier-locked new phone. Check the individual listing to confirm the unlock status before purchasing, as it can vary by device.
Yes. Back Market's Trade-in programme lets you sell your current iPhone directly to one of 250+ professional refurbishers, get a free quote in about 2 minutes, and receive payment within 5 business days. Shipping is free and insured, and your data is handled securely throughout. It's a straightforward way to offset the cost of your next refurbished iPhone.
Here are the models you can trade in right now:
iPhone 14 series
iPhone 15 series
iPhone 14
iPhone 15
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 series	iPhone 15 series
iPhone 14	iPhone 15
iPhone 14 Plus	iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro	iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max	iPhone 15 Pro Max

Choose location

Suggested searches

Popular searches

Refurbished Apple iPhones • 2020

Trade in to get it for less

iPhone deals

Which iPhone Should I Buy? The Ultimate Guide | Back Market

Reviews

Merrily R.

Linda F.

Daniel J.

Deolinda C.

Kristeen S.

Clive H.

Luke S.

Tristan T.

Angelo A.

Sultana S.

How long do refurbished phones last? iPhones, Samsung and more | Back Market

Should I replace my iPhone battery? | Back Market

How much storage do I need for iPhone 13 Pro? | Back Market

Which iPhones have wireless charging? | Back Market

iPhone 17 Black Friday deals 2026 | Back Market

iPhone 15 Black Friday 2026 Deals - 'Deals of the Year' sale | Back Market

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro comparison

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comparison

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 comparison

iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air comparison

Galaxy Z Flip7 vs Google Pixel 6A comparison

Refurbished iPhone FAQs

Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone?

Are refurbished iPhones safe to buy?

How long do refurbished iPhones last?

Do refurbished iPhones receive iOS updates?

Can I trade in my old iPhone when buying refurbished?

Is buying a refurbished iPhone good for the environment?

Are refurbished iPhones unlocked to all UK networks?

Can I trade in my old phone?