Buying a refurbished iPad: what should you look out for?

An iPad is a purchase you’ll use for years, so it pays to think it through carefully. Refurbished is a smart option: you pay considerably less and get a tablet that has been fully tested. Keep the following points in mind when choosing, and you’ll buy exactly what suits you.

1. Which model suits your needs?

There are a few options. The standard iPad is the all-rounder for home use: browsing the internet, watching films, emailing and light work. The iPad Air is thinner and faster, making it a great choice if you do a lot of drawing or multitasking. The iPad Pro is the most powerful model for people who really work with it, while the iPad mini is the compact choice for when you’re on the go. So first decide what you’ll mainly use it for, and let that determine your model.

2. Choose enough storage in advance

Just like with a MacBook, you can’t expand an iPad’s storage afterwards. What’s inside stays inside. The standard storage is fine for browsing the internet and watching videos. If you store lots of photos, games or drawings, choose a larger capacity straight away so you don’t run out of space later.

3. Wi-Fi or mobile internet too?

Some iPads only have Wi-Fi, while others can also use a SIM card or eSIM for internet on the go. If you mainly use it at home, Wi-Fi is enough and saves you money. If you want to be online anywhere without using your phone as a hotspot, choose a model with mobile internet.

4. Battery, warranty and genuine photos

The same applies to an iPad: buy from a seller that offers a warranty, describes the condition honestly and shows genuine photos of the device you’ll receive. We offer a 12-month warranty and a 14-day cooling-off period, and the photos show exactly which individual device it is.

In short

First choose the model based on how you’ll use it, make sure you have enough storage and decide whether you need mobile internet. Do that, and you’ll enjoy a refurbished iPad for years at a lower price. Browse our refurbished iPads and compare at your leisure.