Where to buy a refurbished Apple WatchWhat to look out for when buying a refurbished Apple Watch

Buying a refurbished Apple Watch is a slightly different process to searching online for a new one or popping into an Apple Store. You’ll need to go online through either Apple’s refurbished store or a refurbished marketplace.

You must verify the standards of the marketplace to make sure you get a reliable device, and when you’re shopping around these are the key factors we’d consider.

Warranty and protection

It’s expected that your refurbished Apple Watch will come with a warranty. A one-year warranty is quite typical from refurbished product websites.

However, this will only cover functionality faults or defects, not all the other issues that could arise after purchase. The best possible warranty comes if you buy a refurbished watch directly from Apple, and there you get the option to add AppleCare insurance too.

Return policy

If things go wrong, you’ll appreciate being able to return the watch and get a refund. Check the refurbisher’s policies on this, as you want to have some flexibility in case the product doesn’t meet your expectations or if you change your mind.

Return policies vary, so check how long you’ve got for this and whether you’ll be expected to pay postage or if it’s something that the marketplace or seller manages for you.

Condition tiers

Every platform selling refurbished devices will have a grading system with different tiers designed to give buyers a good idea of the product quality they’re buying. The system will usually have about three or four levels – like “Like New”, “Very Good” or “Good” – and these are the retailer’s way of indicating the physical condition of the watch.

For instance, an Apple Watch that is “like new” should be almost exactly like one bought from Apple with minimal signs of use or scratches. However, one at a “good” or “fair” tier will probably have tiny micro scratches on the screen and many more signs of use and wear.

Battery health

Similarly, the condition tiers might give you an idea of how used the smart watch is and how much battery health it has. All batteries degrade over time and, unless you’re buying a watch from Apple, you may not get a product fitted with a fresh battery.

If possible, it’s ideal to get to know the battery health percentage of the product, or a general idea of the health as it relates to the condition.

While it might seem like you can pay for a battery replacement at an Apple Store, it’ll probably cost you a lot and likely won’t be an actual battery replacement. It’ll just be a different refurbished product. It’s an expense and fuss that you’re better off planning to avoid.

Original accessories

Unfortunately, refurbished stores often lower the cost of the product by selling the Apple Watch with lower-quality third-party chargers and Apple Watch straps.

The guaranteed way to get the official accessories is by going through Apple’s refurbished store, but you may be able to find out the information about original accessories through the seller or the marketplace. It’s worth checking this to save yourself the additional costs.

Read more: What is a refurbished phone? | Refurbished MacBook deals | Refurbished smartphone deals | Refurbished iPad deals | Refurbished Apple Watch deals