What's Included?
What's Included with Refurbished Phones?
Wondering what accessories and items come with your refurbished phone? This guide explains exactly what to expect, what's typically included, and how to verify you're getting everything you need.
Quick Answer
Most refurbished phones include: The phone itself, a charging cable, and basic packaging. Often missing: Original retail box, earbuds, wall adapter, and documentation.
Always check the listing for specific details about what's included with your purchase.
What's Typically Included
✅ Almost Always Included
- The Phone: Obviously! Fully functional and tested
- Charging Cable: USB-C, Lightning, or Micro-USB cable
- Basic Packaging: Simple box or padded envelope for shipping
- SIM Ejector Tool: Small metal tool for SIM tray (if applicable)
🤔 Sometimes Included
- Wall Charger/Power Adapter: Depends on seller and phone model
- Original Box: Some refurbishers include original retail packaging
- Screen Protector: May be pre-applied or included separately
- Basic Case: Some sellers include generic protective case
- Cleaning Cloth: Microfiber cloth for screen cleaning
❌ Rarely Included
- Original Earbuds/Headphones: Hygiene concerns, often excluded
- Original Documentation: Manuals, warranty cards, stickers
- Premium Accessories: Fast chargers, wireless chargers, premium cases
- Retail Inserts: Apple stickers, Samsung promotional materials
- Original Warranty: Manufacturer warranty typically expired
What to Expect by Source
🏭 Manufacturer Refurbished (Apple, Samsung, Google)
Typically Includes:
- Original or equivalent charging cable
- Wall adapter (power brick)
- New or like-new packaging
- SIM ejector tool
- Documentation and warranty info
- Sometimes: New earbuds (varies by model and manufacturer)
Quality Level:
Highest - closest to new phone experience with most accessories
🛒 Amazon Renewed
Typically Includes:
- Charging cable (original or compatible)
- Amazon Renewed packaging
- SIM ejector tool
- Sometimes: Wall adapter
- Rarely: Earbuds or original box
Quality Level:
Good - reliable basics with clear listing of what's included
🔧 Third-Party Refurbishers
Typically Includes:
- Charging cable (may be aftermarket)
- Generic packaging
- Basic accessories as listed
- Variable: Wall adapter, case, screen protector
Quality Level:
Variable - depends on specific refurbisher's standards
👤 Individual Sellers
Typically Includes:
- Phone only
- Whatever accessories seller mentions
- Basic shipping packaging
- Often missing: Charger, cables, accessories
Quality Level:
Lowest - often just the phone with minimal accessories
What's Included by Phone Brand
📱 iPhone Refurbished
Usually Included:
- Lightning to USB-C cable (newer models) or Lightning to USB-A (older)
- SIM ejector tool
- Sometimes: Wall adapter (20W USB-C or older 5W)
- Rarely: EarPods (hygiene concerns)
Note:
Apple stopped including wall adapters with iPhone 12 and newer, so refurbished units may not include them either
📱 Samsung Galaxy Refurbished
Usually Included:
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- Sometimes: Fast charging wall adapter
- Sometimes: USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (if no headphone jack)
- Rarely: AKG earbuds
Note:
Samsung also reduced included accessories in recent models, affecting refurbished availability
📱 Google Pixel Refurbished
Usually Included:
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- Sometimes: 18W or 30W USB-C power adapter
- Sometimes: USB-C to 3.5mm adapter
- Rarely: Pixel Buds or wired earbuds
What You'll Likely Need to Buy Separately
🔌 Charging Accessories
- Wall Adapter: If not included, buy compatible fast charger
- Car Charger: For vehicle charging needs
- Wireless Charger: If your phone supports wireless charging
- Portable Battery: Power bank for extended use
🎧 Audio Accessories
- Earbuds/Headphones: Wired or wireless options
- 3.5mm Adapter: If phone lacks headphone jack
- Bluetooth Speaker: For hands-free audio
🛡️ Protection Accessories
- Phone Case: Essential for protecting your investment
- Screen Protector: Tempered glass or film protection
- Camera Lens Protector: For phones with protruding cameras
How to Verify What's Included
📋 Before Buying
- Read Listing Carefully: Look for 'What's Included' section
- Check Photos: See if accessories are shown in images
- Ask Questions: Contact seller for clarification if unclear
- Read Reviews: Other buyers often mention what they received
- Compare Listings: Different sellers may include different items
📦 Upon Delivery
- Inventory Everything: Check against listing description
- Test All Accessories: Ensure cables and adapters work
- Document Missing Items: Take photos for potential disputes
- Contact Seller Quickly: Report discrepancies within return window
💰 Budgeting for Additional Accessories
Essential Accessories Budget
| Accessory | Budget Option | Premium Option | Priority Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Charger | $10-15 | $25-40 | High |
| Phone Case | $5-15 | $30-60 | High |
| Screen Protector | $5-10 | $15-25 | High |
| Earbuds | $15-30 | $100-200 | Medium |
| Car Charger | $8-15 | $25-40 | Medium |
| Wireless Charger | $15-25 | $40-80 | Low |
💡 Money-Saving Tip
Factor accessory costs into your total budget. A $300 refurbished phone might need $50-100 in accessories, making your real cost $350-400.
🔍 Accessory Quality Concerns
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Aftermarket Cables: May charge slowly or fail quickly
- Generic Chargers: Could damage battery or pose safety risks
- Used Earbuds: Hygiene and audio quality concerns
- Worn Accessories: Frayed cables, damaged adapters
✅ Better Alternatives
- Buy OEM Accessories: Original manufacturer parts when possible
- Certified Third-Party: MFi (iPhone) or USB-IF certified products
- Read Reviews: Check accessory reviews before buying
- Warranty Coverage: Choose accessories with warranties
🎯 Pro Tips for Accessory Success
- Bundle Deals: Some sellers offer phone + accessory bundles
- Timing: Buy accessories during sales events for better prices
- Compatibility: Double-check model numbers for perfect fit
- Future-Proofing: Invest in quality accessories you'll use long-term
- Backup Plan: Have essential accessories ready before your phone arrives
Bottom Line
Refurbished phones typically include the essentials - the phone and a charging cable - but you'll likely need to purchase additional accessories separately. This is normal and expected, not a sign of a bad deal.
The key is knowing what to expect, budgeting accordingly, and choosing quality accessories that will serve you well. A refurbished phone with carefully selected accessories can provide an excellent experience at a fraction of the cost of buying everything new.
Ready to Shop Smart?
Now that you know what to expect, browse our refurbished phones with clear descriptions of included accessories and start building your perfect setup.