How do I buy a refurbished iPhone when I live in Belfast

I tried to order a refurbished iPhone and Apple just cancelled the order as I live in Northern Ireland. Several problems with this, I can buy brand new in store, I can order brand new on line but I can’t buy refurbished! How can I get a refurbished phone from Apple?

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 9:00 AM

Reply
9 replies

Dec 2, 2025 5:33 AM in response to SravanKrA

Really? Totally irrelevant, if I may say so. The question was why was his refurb order cancelled, and we have a probable import restriction because of the Windsor agreement (to keep the border invisible) not covering iphone refurbs. It probably needs Apple or UK government to look at this very complex Brexit created problem.

Dec 1, 2025 10:06 AM in response to LD150

LD150 wrote:

They managed to order it, but it was cancelled.

And we can't guess why Apple cancelled the order. It could be for any number of reasons, such as the payment method wasn't issued in the country of purchase, or the billing and shipping address are not a match. But again, we can only guess, so your suggestion to contact Apple Support was the right advice.

Dec 2, 2025 3:39 AM in response to bumnote140

bumnote140 wrote:

Again, it’s because I am in Northern Ireland, technically part of the EU so it can’t be sent from the UK even though we are the UK. Cant be sent from the EU (ie Ireland) because we are part of the UK.

How would that affect refurbs but not new? Are they refurbished in Dublin?

If so, you know the answer. Complain to Brussels.

Dec 2, 2025 4:35 AM in response to bumnote140

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  1. If you desire to buy a brand-new iPhone then
    1. Purchase Apple Products from the Apple Online StoreApple Retail Stores, and many Apple-authorized resellers and wireless service providers.
    2. If you choose "Connect to a carrier later" (Unlocked iPhone) when you buy your iPhone, you can activate your service when you receive your device.
    3. If you're asked to transfer your SIM, follow the onscreen instructions to transfer service from your previous iPhone. To learn more, visit About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support.
  2. If you plan to buy a second-hand device
    1. If you are buying Second-hand then please demand an original receipt of purchase issued by the Apple Online StoreApple Retail Stores, and many Apple-authorized resellers and wireless service providers from the person/agency that is selling you the device.
    2. Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else
      1. Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Ask the seller whether or not they've turned off Activation Lock, then follow these steps:
      2. Turn on the device and slide to unlock.
      3. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
      4. Begin the device setup process.
      5. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, they can remove the device from their account by signing in to icloud.com/find. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.
    3. You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.
    4. If you buy a device that's still linked to a previous owner's account, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to erase the device and remove it from their account. Learn how to remove a device from a previous owner's account.
  3. IMPORTANT RESTRICTION FOR iPHONE, iPAD, APPLE TV, AND HOMEPOD SERVICE.
    1. Apple may restrict warranty service for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod to the country where Apple or its Authorized Distributors originally sold the device.
  4. IMEI Registration: In some countries, you might need to register the IMEI of your phone with the local telecommunications authority. This requirement varies by country and may have strict IMEI registration policies for phones brought from abroad. Check the specific regulations of the country where you intend to use the phone.


How do I buy a refurbished iPhone when I live in Belfast

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