Skip to main content
 

iPad Seller's Guide

iPhone banner image

How to Assess the Condition of an iPad

It's time to assess your tablet’s condition. Read the information below to learn how to fully inspect your iPad. It is a little more information than you need to calculate the Gazelle Value, but helpful nonetheless. We use a 30-point inspection when you sell your iPad to Gazelle. You can do your own inspection at home to estimate what your iPad is worth based on its condition before you get an estimate from us.

How to Clean Your iPad

  1. You'll need to gather these basic supplies:

    • A gadget-safe cleaner, such as non-ammonia glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol
    • A soft microfiber cloth
    • A good source of light, such as a small flashlight, a lighted magnifying glass, or an adjustable desk lamp
  2. Remove any screen protectors, skins, or cases from your iPad.

  3. Apply a small amount of cleaner to the microfiber cloth and gently buff the screen and casing. Be careful to avoid the headphone jack and charge port while cleaning with liquids.

Check your iPad for Water Damage

The original iPad has two water damage indicators located on the device. At the time of the iPad launch, Apple referred to them as liquid submersion indicators." Apple has now given them the new name of liquid contact indicators or LCI. The first LCI is located in the audio jack port. Unlike the iPhone and iPod, it is installed much deeper, so you will need a flashlight or light-enabled magnifying glass to view it. The second indicator is located inside the dock connector on the opposite side of the pins.

The iPad 2 has no water damage indicators on the device. The easy way to check for water damage on the iPad 2 is to look for corrosion in the SIM card tray.

Performing a Basic Function Test

Before you assess the cosmetic condition of your iPad, you should perform a basic function test to see if the most important hardware and features are in good working condition. Starting with your iPad off, press the power button until the screen turns on. Allow the software to complete the boot process. Once that is finished, conduct these simple tests:

  1. Test the charge port: Connect your iPad to your computer with the USB sync cable.

  2. Open iTunes and verify that the software registers your iPad in the dropdown "Devices" menu in the left column. If you're unable to get to a computer during this step, connect your iPad to the AC adapter and see if the battery icon indicates a charge.

  3. Once you confirm the functionality of the tablet's charger port, disconnect your iPad from your computer or AC adapter.

  4. Test the touchscreen and accelerometer: Open the calculator app. While holding the iPad vertically, press all of the calculator buttons to measure the responsiveness and accurate calibration of the touchscreen. Then, rotate the iPad horizontally; the accelerometer should detect the change in orientation and switch the calculator to scientific mode. Continue pressing all the scientific calculator's keys to thoroughly assess the touchscreen.

  5. Test the camera hardware (iPad 2 only): Open the camera app. Take a test photo and examine the results for distortion or discoloration.

  6. Test the Wi-Fi antenna and 3G Data (if applicable): Open the Settings menu. Select the Wi-Fi option and activate the antenna by toggling the switch to "On." The iPad should scan for nearby channels. If you're in range of any Wi-Fi networks, the service names will be displayed under the "Choose a Network..." heading.

  7. If you have a 3G model with active service we can now check to see if the 3G modem is functional. Go to setting and turn off Wi-Fi. Next go down to cellular data and make sure the toggle is switched to on. Hit the home button to go back to the main screen. Now open Safari to see if you can navigate the web. The 3G icon in the upper left corner should be visible. It may take a few minutes for it to find 3G signal, so be patient.

How to choose the correct condition of your iPad Choose the proper condition

Now that you've cleaned your iPad and performed a basic function test, you can return to Gazelle's iPad price calculation page [https://www.gazelle.com/ipad]. The calculator asks you to combine the results of your function test with an assessment of your iPad's cosmetic condition. Pay particular attention to the screen, edges of the tablets body, camera, and its back casing. Then, consider how you would complete a statement that begins "My iPad is..."

Broken. Select this option if your iPad does not power on or charge. Screen defects in this category include a cracked, chipped, or shattered screen. Body defects include large pieces missing from the case, missing buttons, or a body broken into multiple pieces.

Good. Select this option if your iPad turns on, charges, and has cosmetic issues that are less severe than mentioned above. Screen defects include the lightest scratches all the way down to stuck or dead pixels. Body defects include scratches, scuffs, or nicks, even if there are only a few. This also includes small missing pieces, separation, or cracks in the housing. Your iPad is likely in "good" condition.

Flawless. Select this option if your iPad still looks and functions like you just removed it from factory packaging. The screen must be absolutely pristine. And that's all - no other questions are required.

Even though submitting accessories does not increase your Gazelle Value in any way, feel free to send them with your transaction if you no longer have a use for them and we'll make sure they’ re responsibly recycled.

Now that you've calculated your iPad's Gazelle Value, just select your payment method to continue.