What does refurbished mean?

Refurbished means a product has been professionally inspected, repaired if needed, and restored to full working condition before being resold. A refurbished device was either pre-owned, returned during a trial period, or used as a display model. Unlike used products, refurbished items go through a structured process that ensures they work like new.

How the refurbishment process works

Every refurbished device goes through a multi-step process before it reaches you:

1. Inspection. The device is checked for hardware and software defects.
2. Repair. Any faulty components are replaced with working parts. Some refurbishers install new batteries in phones and laptops.
3. Cleaning. The exterior is thoroughly cleaned and polished. Internal dust and debris are removed.
4. Testing. Full functional testing confirms that every feature works correctly, from the screen and speakers to wireless connectivity and cameras.
5. Grading. The device is assigned a cosmetic grade based on its appearance: Excellent (Grade A), Good (Grade B), or Fair (Grade C).
6. Packaging. The device is packaged with any included accessories and shipped with a warranty.

The term "refurbished" is sometimes used interchangeably with "renewed," "reconditioned," or "remanufactured." These labels vary by seller, but the underlying process is similar.

What comes with a refurbished product

Refurbished products are sold by professional refurbishers, and you can expect:

• A warranty (typically 12 months, sometimes extendable).
• A return policy (usually 14 to 30 days).
• Savings of 15-40% compared to buying new.
• All previous user data wiped clean.
• A device that is 100% functional.

Is refurbished the same as used?

No. A used product is sold as-is by its previous owner with no guarantee of functionality and no warranty. A refurbished product has been professionally tested and repaired, comes with a warranty, and is backed by a return policy. Learn more about the difference between used and refurbished.

Who refurbishes Apple products?

Refurbished Apple products come from two sources:

• Manufacturer refurbished (Apple Store). Apple refurbishes its own returned and defective products. These are sold in Excellent condition only with new batteries and original accessories. Learn more about what manufacturer refurbished means.
• Third-party refurbishers. Independent sellers like Back Market, Amazon Renewed, and others source, inspect, and resell devices. They offer a wider range of cosmetic grades and often deeper discounts.

You can compare refurbishers on RefurbMe to find the best deal across all sellers.

Why buy refurbished?

Buying refurbished lets you get a fully functional Apple product at a fraction of the retail price. It also helps reduce electronic waste by giving devices a second life instead of sending them to landfill.