Buying a used phone can be a bit of a gamble, especially when it’s advertised as “not turning on.” The low price might seem like a steal, but what’s the real risk involved? I recently purchased a Google Pixel 6A for just $27 with the expectation of a simple repair. My mother needed a new phone after hers stopped supporting her banking app, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity to put my repair skills to the test. However, what I discovered beneath the surface was far more alarming than I could have imagined.
The Gamble: Buying a Used Phone
The Google Pixel 6A was described as “not powering on.” While that could be a sign of a variety of issues—such as motherboard damage, a bad battery, or a malfunctioning display—I figured it was worth the risk. The phone’s exterior didn’t appear to have any significant damage, and considering how easy it is to repair the newer Google Pixel phones, I felt confident this would be a great deal if the issue turned out to be something simple.
Upon receiving the phone, I tested how much current it was drawing when plugged in. The draw was lower than expected, which could have meant the battery was fully charged (though that seemed unlikely). I also ordered a new display and matching adhesive to test if the display was the root cause of the issue.
The Repair: Getting Into the Pixel 6A
To open the Google Pixel 6A, I first heated it on a heat plate to soften the adhesive around the perimeter of the screen. The screen was then lifted gently with the help of a suction cup, followed by a plastic prying tool to carefully cut through the adhesive. The display was held in place with several plastic clips, which released with a little pressure, revealing the internals of the phone.
At this point, I noticed a large stain on the graphite sheet. Surprisingly, the liquid indicators were still white, meaning there had been no liquid damage. This stain was likely a result of condensation under the display—phones, believe it or not, can “sweat” sometimes. These stains are usually found underneath flex cables, and while unusual, they don’t typically indicate any major problems.
Troubleshooting: Is It Really Just the Screen?
With the display removed, I could see the display cable connected under a BRET connector that required precise handling with tweezers. There’s a small gold strip beneath the connector, and it’s the only area where you can safely pry the cable. It was tempting to rush this part, but I’ve learned from experience (the hard way) that prying anywhere else could destroy the components. I made this mistake when repairing a Google Pixel 7A, and it cost me several components that required micro-soldering to fix.
After some careful work, I installed the new display. I pressed the power button, but nothing appeared on the screen. It was time to plug it in and see what happened. After a few moments, the phone lit up—the battery was completely flat, so it powered on and off as it charged.
The Unexpected Twist: A Stolen Information Nightmare
Once fully charged, I was ready to reset the phone. However, as I attempted to sign out of accounts, something strange happened. I noticed multiple accounts linked to different names, which immediately raised suspicions. Upon further inspection, I found that I had unwittingly come across a fraudster’s phone.
The phone contained stolen IDs, credit card information, and even healthcare cards. This phone had been used by a criminal who was collecting and selling personal information, likely using a scanning device from their workplace. Photos of hard drives with references to user data from an unknown source further confirmed my worst fear: this phone wasn’t just a regular used device—it had been involved in identity theft.
Among the disturbing findings were attempts to use the stolen information to open SIM cards, credit cards, and even apply for loans. The criminal was using burner numbers to cover their tracks, but they had clearly been successful in some of their activities. The most unsettling discovery was a $100,000 luxury car, which had been smashed up, likely due to the criminal’s reckless behavior.
The Hidden Danger: Phones Can Track You, Even When Off
This experience raised an important and frightening question: how secure are our phones from tracking, especially when buying used devices? Phones have become incredibly sophisticated, with many now featuring offline tracking tools. Google, for instance, recently introduced a feature similar to Apple’s Find My that can locate a phone even when it’s turned off.
While this is useful for lost or stolen devices, it’s a nightmare for those purchasing used phones. If the phone isn’t properly wiped, there’s a chance the previous owner could still be able to track your location. In my case, I was fortunate that the phone hadn’t been used for nearly two years, meaning it didn’t have the latest software updates to enable offline tracking. The phone had also been kept in airplane mode, which added an extra layer of security.
But this experience left me wondering: how can you be sure a used phone isn’t tracking you? The reality is that unless you know the full history of a device, there’s always the risk that it could be compromised in some way.
The Solution: Testing and Ensuring Privacy
After this unsettling discovery, I wanted to ensure the phone was completely safe to use. To do this, I tested it with iTest, my device-testing software that supports both Android and iOS. Not only does it allow me to verify hardware functions, but it also helps detect issues like screen burn-in and ensures that all features are working as expected.
One issue that did arise was with the biometric sensor. Since the display was replaced, the fingerprint sensor had to be recalibrated. Fortunately, I was able to do this using a tool from Pixel Repair that required the phone to be in fastboot mode. After a few steps, the sensor was up and running again, and the phone passed all tests.
Conclusion: The Hidden Dangers of the Used Phone Market
In the end, the Google Pixel 6A was successfully repaired and ready for its next owner. However, this experience highlights a major risk in the used phone market: you never truly know what a device has been through or who it once belonged to. Phones can store much more than just apps and contacts—they can also store personal and sensitive data, which can fall into the wrong hands if not properly wiped.
If you’re in the market for a used device, I highly recommend taking extra precautions. Freeze your credit, check the phone’s history, and use software like iTest to ensure everything is functioning properly. The price of a used phone may be tempting, but the consequences of buying one with a hidden criminal history could be far more costly.
Stay Safe and Informed:
- iTest: Use this app to test your device’s hardware functions and ensure everything is in working order.
- Credit Freezing: Consider freezing your credit to prevent identity theft and financial fraud.
- Device Tracking: Be aware of tracking tools on used devices, and always make sure to wipe the phone properly before use.
Thanks for reading! If you found this article insightful, consider subscribing and checking out my other videos on Tech That’s Not What It Seems. If you’re looking for any used devices, be sure to visit my online store—link in the description below. See you next time!
