How to Buy a Used Phone Safely in Pakistan
A used phone can save a lot of money — or cost you twice if it turns out blocked, tampered, or faulty. Work through this checklist in order, and walk away from any step that fails.
Step 1: PTA and IMEI before anything else
Dial *#06# on the phone in front of you and check both IMEIs on DIRBS (SMS to 8484 or dirbs.pta.gov.pk). If the result is non-compliant, subtract the duty (see the PTA Tax Calculator) from what you are willing to pay. If it is blocked, or the IMEI does not show, walk away — no discount is worth a phone that cannot work.
Step 2: Match the phone to its box and bill
The IMEI on the phone must match the IMEI on the box. Ask for the original purchase bill: it proves ownership and helps with warranty claims. A phone without box or bill is not automatically stolen, but it deserves a lower price and extra suspicion.
Step 3: Inspect it properly
Check the screen for dead pixels and touch dead zones, all buttons, cameras (front and back), speakers, microphone, charging port, and SIM slots. Test a call, a photo, and a short video. Ask about repairs: a replaced screen or battery changes the value, and water damage (check the SIM-tray indicator where present) is a deal-breaker.
Step 4: Price it against new, then pay safely
Compare against the same model's current new price on its phone page — a used phone should be meaningfully cheaper, with the discount growing with age, wear, and missing accessories. Meet in a public, safe place, test everything before paying, and never pay in advance for a phone you have not held.
Tools on this site
Use the free tools on the homepage: the PTA Tax Calculator, the Smart Finder and Compare Mobiles (up to 3 phones side by side).