A refurbished MacBook is a used MacBook that has been checked, cleaned and repaired where needed, then sold again. You pay less than for a new one, and a good refurbished MacBook lasts for years. But "refurbished" is not a protected term: quality varies a lot between sellers. This article explains what to look for when buying a refurbished MacBook.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam, and regularly sees refurbished MacBooks that develop a problem after a few weeks. These checks prevent a lot of disappointment.
1. Choose a model that will last
Preferably choose a MacBook with an Apple chip (M1 or newer). They get the newest macOS, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and will probably keep getting updates for years. Intel MacBooks are cheaper, but the newest macOS no longer runs on them. See macOS versions at a glance.
2. Check the battery
The battery is the part that wears fastest. Ask for the battery health and number of charge cycles, or look yourself in System Settings, Battery and in System Information, Power. A maximum capacity above 85 percent is good; "Service Recommended" means you will soon need a new battery. How to read that is explained in checking battery health and charge cycles.
3. Activation Lock and management
- Activation Lock: the MacBook must have been removed from the previous owner's Apple Account. During setup it must not ask for an unknown Apple Account.
- Company management (MDM): MacBooks that come from a company can still be linked to that company's management system. Then a "Remote Management" screen appears during setup. Do not buy such a MacBook unless the seller can show it has been released.
4. Look and test yourself
- Screen: check a white and a black background for patches, lines and a damaged coating. See stains on your MacBook screen.
- Keyboard and trackpad: test every key in TextEdit and click all over the trackpad.
- Ports: charge through each port and test a USB device.
- Case: dents in the corners can point to a drop.
- Serial number: check that the serial number in About This Mac matches the one on the underside.
5. Warranty and right of withdrawal
If you buy from a business, in the Netherlands you are entitled to a product that does what you may expect, refurbished included. Many sellers also give their own warranty period. Ask exactly what it covers, including the battery. If you buy online, you usually have fourteen days to change your mind. In a private sale you do not have these rights.
Where is it safest to buy?
Preferably buy from a business with a fixed address, clear terms and a place you can go if something is wrong. In a private sale, ideally see the MacBook working yourself first, and only pay once you have tested it. Be careful with offers that are much cheaper than others: that can point to a MacBook with Activation Lock, a low-quality replacement part or a stolen device.
6. Price and comparison
Compare the price with a new model with the same storage and memory. Pay attention to those two: you cannot upgrade them later. See upgrading memory: is it possible?.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
Our page with refurbished devices shows what we currently offer. If you bought a refurbished MacBook elsewhere and something is not right, such as the battery or the screen, we test it and tell you what is needed. More on our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between refurbished and second-hand?
A refurbished device has been checked and repaired where needed by a seller. A second-hand device is sold as it is.
Is a refurbished MacBook with an Intel chip still a good buy?
Only if it is very cheap and you use it for simple work. It no longer gets the newest macOS.
How many charge cycles is too many?
Look mainly at the maximum capacity. A battery with many cycles and good capacity is fine.
