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12 Things to Check
Before Buying Second-
hand MacBook
By Ruslana Lishchuk Updated: July 30, 2020

Before we start

 
Sometimes you don’t really need a new Mac — you just need to breathe new

life into the old one! If you feel like buying a new device, just because your

current one performs badly, try the following:

1. Download and install MacKeeper

2. Clean of junk, duplicates and free up your storage
3. Run a thorough adware scan and remove threats if found
4. Enable real-time antivirus and anti-malware protection

By the way, the latter is recommended for brand-new Macs as well.

Are you a Windows-to-Mac switcher with a limited budget? Then buying
a refurbished Mac with a warranty and tech support included sounds
like the best option. Alternatively, you can save extra money by
purchasing a used Mac. We’ll walk you through all the necessary steps
you should take to ensure the Mac you are purchasing won’t crash the
very next day.
 
Note: It’s a great idea to perform some basic diagnostics when you
meet your seller. So, remember to take an external USB drive with
macOS preinstalled, and headphones.

Step 1: Check for damages

Start diagnostics by carefully examining the body of the used Mac for
any physical damages, such as visible scratches. Next, check all the
screws. Any loose screws can be a sign that the Mac has been serviced
by a non-authorized repair service. Also, make sure the screen and the
case aren’t bent.  
 
Finally, check the display hinges (the joints that hold the display and
case together). These hinges should be powerful enough to support the
lid and prevent it from casually falling.
 
If you find any damages when buying a used Mac, you could use it to
bargain.

Step 2: Check how old that Mac is

Does the current Mac owner claim the Mac is in like-new condition? That
may be true, but that doesn’t mean it’s actually new. You can check the
actual age of the Mac by going to About This Mac section of the Apple
menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
 If macOS is not installed on the used Mac you’re examining, you can
check its age with its serial number. Turn the Mac over and you’ll find the
serial number next to the regulatory markings. Use these resources to
identify the Mac model and its age, as well as its warranty and support
at the Apple’s coverage check webpage. 

Step 3: Boot this Mac

Time to give this Mac a whirl. Make sure the machine you want to buy
starts and macOS loads all the way to the desktop picture. If macOS is
not installed on this machine, use the bootable drive you brought with
you (the one with macOS on board). Hold down the Option key once you
hear the startup chime and select the external startup drive.
 
If the Mac doesn’t boot, it’s not really a deal-breaker. You can check out
our tips on what to dо if a Mac doesn't turn on. However, it’s up to you
to decide whether you’re ready to overcome such obstacles. And if you
are, it might be another reason for a discount on the second-hand Mac.
:
 Step 4: Disable firmware password

Mac users set up various passwords for their devices, but one of them
can be a real headache for the new Mac owner. Bad news if the seller
set up a firmware password on their device — you won’t be able to start
your Mac from the USB drive. When booting a Mac and hearing a
startup chime, hold down the Option key. If you’re prompted to type in
the firmware password, ask the Mac owner to turn it off.
 
Here’s how to disable firmware password:

1. Turn off the Mac

2. Turn it on again and hold down Command ( ) + R keys immediately
afterwards
3. Release the keys when you see a lock icon and a password field
4. Ask the Mac owner to enter the firmware password
5. Click Utilities and select Firmware Password Utility or Startup Security
Utility
6. Click Turn Off Firmware Password
7. Enter the firmware password when requested
8. Quit the utility and restart the Mac

Step 5: Check the display condition

To spot defective pixels on the display, go to a dead pixels checker that

fills your screen with pure colors. Alternatively, open pictures with a
mono-colour background (red, green, blue, white, or black) on the used
Mac. If any pixels are damaged, you’ll notice small spots on the display.
 
It’s ok if there’s a dead pixel or two. However, if there are groups of
broken pixels, then you probably shouldn’t buy this used MacBook.
:
 Looking ahead, if you need any advice or have any specific
questions regarding the device you’ve chosen, you can always
install MacKeeper and message/call our tech expert.
 
Our team would love to help you choose the best device for you,
and they will also explain  how to use MacKeeper effectively to
prolong your Mac’s life.

Step 6: Run a keyboard test

Use the macOS built-in Text Edit app to make sure the keyboard is not
malfunctioning. Open it and type every keyboard character. Works fine?
Now try the Caps Lock button and functional keys. Works perfectly?
Great!

Alternatively, you may use Keyboard Viewer. Go to the language menu

at the top menu bar, and select Show Keyboard Viewer. Now every key
you hit is displayed in the new keyboard-like window.
:
 Step 7: Check the optical drive
If the Mac you’re about to buy has the optical drive, insert a DVD or a
CD disk to check if it reads information.

Step 8: Check all ports

It’s easy to do. Just connect your external drive to the USB port. Do the
same with the headphones. Works? Amazing!

Step 9: Run webcam diagnostics

Launch the Facetime app or the Apple’s Photo Booth app to test the
iSight camera. Can you see your face in the app window? That means
your webcam works perfectly.
 
If you encounter a pop-up message saying “There is no connected
camera”, change your app’s default camera to the iSight camera. If this
problem persists, it could be a sign of camera issues.

Step 10: Check hard drive

Disk Utility is a handy tool to help you examine the Mac’s hard drive
:
 health.  
 
Here’s what to do:

1. Go to Applications in Finder
2. Choose Utilities
3. Select Disk Utility
4. Click on First Aid in the menu above
5. Click Run

The checkup will take a while and once you’re done, you’ll see a window
with a list of messages regarding the status of your hard drive. If you
notice any messages in red, it means that something is wrong with the
disk.

A MacBook with a failing hard drive can be a big headache, but it’s not
the end of the world. You can always fix or replace it. If this is the case,
then make sure to get a discount from the seller.
:
 Step 11: Check the battery
MacBooks are known for their outstanding battery performance, so you
want to make sure the Mac you buy won’t drain after just an hour or so
of use.
 
To check your Mac’s battery health:

1. Click on the Apple Logo

2. Hold down the Option key
3. Select System Information from the drop-down menu
4. Open the Power section in the left sidebar menu
5. Pay attention to the Health Information section
:
 Cycle count and Condition will help you diagnose the Mac’s battery
health. Most Mac batteries tend to last between 300 and 1000 charge
cycles. Here you can find more information on battery cycle count for
different Macs. Make sure the battery cycle count and health are within
the limit. As a general rule, the less battery cycle count the better.

Step 12: Apple Hardware Test

The final step we recommend is an Apple Hardware Test (or Apple

Diagnostics on newer Macs). It detects issues with the logic board,
memory, and other hardware components.  
 
To start Apple Hardware Test:

1. Disconnect all external devices and turn off the Mac

2. Turn it back on and hold the D key once you hear the startup chime
3. Select the language you need and press the arrow button to run the test

 
For more information, check out this article on Apple Diagnostics.
 

Got 5 minutes? Watch our YouTube tutorial to see the steps

above!

FAQ
How to test out a used MacBook before you buy it?
To test out a used MacBook before you buy, run Apple Diagnostics. It’s a
built-in Apple tool that can help you detect issues with RAM, battery,
:
 sensors, graphics, CPU, and other hardware components. Here’s how to
run Apple Diagnostics to test out a used MacBook before committing to
a purchase:

1. Shut down your Mac and disconnect all peripherals

2. Press and hold the power button until the startup window appears
3. Press Command ( ) + D
4. Wait for the test to complete and review the results

How to check whether a MacBook is original or not?

To check whether MacBook is original or not, go to the Check Coverage
page, which is an Apple service allowing you to verify your warranty
status. Once there, enter Mac’s serial number into the search field, solve
a CAPTCHA, and click Continue. Among the results, you will find the
validation of the purchase date, telephone tech support, and service
coverage among others.
 
To check whether the MacBook is original you need its serial number. It
can be found in the About this Mac section of the Apple menu.
Alternatively, look up the serial number on Mac’s bottom case.

How to check whether a second-hand or refurbished Mac is

stolen or not?

To check whether a second-hand or refurbished Mac is stolen or not, ask

the seller to provide the original box and receipt. If the reseller cannot
provide you with the receipt, check used Mac’s Find My settings. If the
settings are disabled, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Mac has been
stolen, but it’s a reason to raise your guard.
 
Ask the seller to tell you the approximate expiration date of Apple’s
:
 Limited Warranty and check whether it matches the information on the
Check Coverage page. 
 
Here’s how it’s done:

1. Go to the Apple menu and select About this Mac

2. In a window that opens, copy a serial number
3. Go to the Check Coverage page and paste the serial number into the search
field
4. Compare the results to the one provided by the seller
5. If there’s a considerable discrepancy between the two dates, stay away
from the purchase

 
 

Written By

Ruslana Lishchuk
With over 5 years of supporting Mac users, Ruslana lives
and breathes everything Mac. Tech expert, Apple lover, and
well, a cutie. Say hi on LinkedIn!

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