UK-Used iPhones, Locked iPhones: Are They Illegal or Nah?

Culture Oct 17, 2025 0 11 Add to Reading List

Walk through Computer Village in Ikeja, and you’ll hear vendors shouting, “Clean UK-used iPhone! Working perfectly!”The phones look fresh, the prices are tempting, and the deals sound too good to ignore. But many self-conscious Nigerians still wonder if UK-used or locked iPhones illegal in Nigeria.

The truth isn’t as complicated as people think. To understand the whole gist, you first need to know what “UK-used” and “locked” really mean, how the business works, and what to check before buying one.

What Exactly Is a UK-Used iPhone?

When Nigerians say “UK-used iPhone,” they simply mean a phone that was previously owned and used by someone in the UK or USA, then shipped down to Nigeria. It’s second-hand, not brand new, but often still neat, tested, and in working condition.

According to Babatunde, the CEO of Merchant Gadgets at Computer Village:

“UK-used iPhones are just fairly used phones shipped from the UK or US, not refurbished, not brand-new, just tested and resold. Nigerians like them because they give almost the same performance as new ones at a cheaper price.”

Brand-new iPhones, on the other hand, come directly from Apple or authorised stores, sealed, untouched, and with full warranty. Refurbished iPhones are different: they’re used phones repaired and resold by Apple or another certified company, often with a short warranty period.

UK-used phones don’t come with Apple’s warranty, but they’re still solid devices if you buy from a reliable vendor.

Locked iPhones vs UK-Used iPhones — They’re Not the Same Thing

Many Nigerians mix up “locked iPhones” with “UK-used iPhones,” but they’re two separate things.

A locked iPhone simply means the phone is tied to one specific network (like O2, EE, or Vodafone). That means you can’t use a Nigerian SIM card until it’s unlocked.

As Babatunde explains:

“A UK-used iPhone only describes where the phone came from. A locked iPhone means the phone is tied to one network. Some UK-used phones come unlocked, some come locked, we always check that before selling.”

So, while all locked iPhones can be UK-used, not all UK-used iPhones are locked.

Are UK-Used or Locked iPhones Illegal in Nigeria?

Short answer: No, they’re not illegal.

UK-used iPhones are perfectly legal as long as they were legally sourced and properly imported. Locked phones are also legal to sell or buy, the only issue arises if they were stolen, blacklisted, or illegally unlocked.

“What’s illegal is selling stolen or blacklisted phones, not UK-used ones,” Babatunde says. “Locked phones are just restricted by the network until you unlock them. As long as they’re clean and legally sourced, there’s no problem.”

Nigeria’s Customs Service doesn’t ban the importation of used phones, but the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) warns against stolen or tampered devices, especially those with blocked IMEIs.

Inside the UK-Used iPhone Business

Behind every UK-used phone you see on display, there’s a long process vendors go through to get them. Babatunde says his team buys from trusted UK suppliers, Craigslist sellers, and verified wholesalers.

“Before we buy, we always run IMEI checks to confirm the phones aren’t stolen or blacklisted. We also make sure every iPhone is iCloud-free and properly reset. That’s how we protect our customers and keep things clean, no shady phones, no trouble.”

But he admits not all vendors are that careful.

“Some just buy bulk shipments and start selling. They don’t even test or reset them. That’s why buyers must be smart, check the phone well before paying.”

The Hidden Risks of Buying UK-Used or Locked iPhones

Buying a used iPhone in Nigeria can save you money, but it also comes with several risks if you’re not careful. Here are the most common ones:

iCloud or IMEI lock: Once a phone is iCloud-locked, you can’t use it without the previous owner’s Apple ID.
Network lock: Locked phones tied to UK carriers may reject Nigerian SIMs.
Blacklisted phones: Some phones are blocked abroad for being reported stolen, those can stop working anytime.
Fake swaps: Some sellers repackage faulty phones or swap internal parts.
No warranty: UK-used phones don’t have Apple coverage.

“Locked phones might look cheap, but you’ll spend more trying to unlock them,” Babatunde warns. “Some even relock after software updates or lose signal completely.”

He adds that if a phone was blacklisted abroad, it might stop working in Nigeria too.

How to Check If a UK-Used iPhone Is Legit

Before you buy any UK-used iPhone, follow this simple checklist:

Check the IMEI or serial number on Apple’s official website. If “Find My iPhone” is still ON, it’s iCloud-locked.
Insert your SIM card to test it. If it shows “SIM Not Supported” or “No Service,” it might be locked or blacklisted.
Ask the vendor to reset it in front of you. If they refuse or the phone asks for Apple ID, walk away.
Inspect the phone’s battery health, camera, and speaker before paying.
Buy from a shop with a receipt or warranty, even if it’s short-term.

“Peace of mind is better than saving ₦10k and crying later,” Babatunde says with a laugh.

These steps might seem small, but they can save you from losing thousands to fake or stolen devices.

Where to Buy Safe UK-Used iPhones in Nigeria

If you must buy a UK-used iPhone, stick to known and reputable vendors. Popular and relatively trustworthy places include:

Computer Village, Ikeja — ensure you’re dealing with registered shops, not street sellers.
Verified online stores — Jumia, Slot, Plug.ng, or Swot Solutions.
Certified phone dealers with physical shops that can issue receipts.

Avoid random Instagram or WhatsApp sellers who offer deals that sound “too good.” Many of them flip stolen or blacklisted devices.

Are UK-Used iPhones Still Worth Buying?

Despite the risks, many Nigerians still swear by UK-used iPhones, and for good reason.

“Clean UK-used iPhones still give strong value,” Babatunde says. “Just make sure it’s factory unlocked, battery health is good, and no iCloud lock. If your budget no reach new ones, verified used ones like iPhone 11, XR, or SE are still solid options.”

For most buyers, it’s a matter of affordability and status. Everyone wants an iPhone, but brand-new models cost millions. UK-used options offer similar performance for far less, which keeps demand strong.