Buying a used Google Pixel phone and installing GrapheneOS

Strategic8538

Do you think it is okay to buy a used Google Pixel phone instead of a new one? Sorry if the following question is dumb, but is it possible to spoof its IMEI or any other thing it might have linked to the previous owner?

If assuming that it has no hardware modifications, would it be safe and private to buy it and use it with GrapheneOS?

Chalko

Strategic8538 Can’t spoof the IMEI. There will always be a link to the previous owner.
Not sure if that’s an issue for you.

Other than that, make sure this phone is able to unlock the bootloader.

intelligence

Buy it from a reputable retailer with guarantees and warranty. Too many risks otherwise.

Strategic8538

intelligence It's being sold by an individual on a similar platform to Facebook Marketplace. They're saying that it's only 3-4 months used. I'm located in Europe and they're saying that it is bought in USA, so this is making me suspicious.

intelligence

Strategic8538 Yeah, I'd steer clear of that. If it was a USA purchased phone that age for sale in Europe, its quite possibly stolen.

lejer

Could try to find that device imei, and a chance to find out if it's stolen: https://www.imei.info/phone_blacklist_check/

Max-Zorin

I bought my phone from eBay. It was a reseller that was on the eBay refurbished program, which means if I bought the phone through that seller, then ebay would offer a 1 year 3rd party warranty. Again, I needed to confirm that the bootloader could be unlocked and the seller responded to my questions.

The phone has been great. Looks brand new and no issues in the 2 years I've used it so far.

Not sure if ebay is an option for you.