Hidden iPhone screen almost no one knows about reveals if you've been scammed – and it's a costly nightmare to sort out
That's not the only thing you need to check either
SMART-MOAN Hidden iPhone screen almost no one knows about reveals if you've been scammed – and it's a costly nightmare to sort out
A LITTLE-KNOWN page in your iPhone settings reveals if you're been scammed.
The easy-to-miss info screen shows important details that can expose a costly scam that you've fallen for.
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A clever Apple menu reveals if you've been scammed
Credit: Apple
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You'll find it tucked away in your settings
Credit: Apple
It works by showing if your iPhone has any non-genuine Apple parts inside.
There are two ways this clever feature can expose a con.
First up is for anyone buying an iPhone, specifically someone picking up a second-hand model.
This can save you money, and can get you a premium mobile – especially if the handset has been refurbished.
But someone might secretly have repaired the iPhone using fake parts, and not warned you about it.
Now you've got an iPhone that might break down or not work properly.
And you'll have to pay to get the parts swapped out for genuine Apple components.
Fake parts can also affect the resale value of your iPhone too.
The other con this exposes is if a dodgy repair shop has used fake parts to fix your iPhone and not told you.
They might have pretended that they used legit Apple components, and charged you full price.
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"Find out if any parts have been replaced," Apple advises in a memo about buying new iPhones.
It adds: "If it isn't in the condition you expected, return it."
HOW TO CHECK FOR FAKE IPHONE PARTS
First, go to Settings > General > About.
If the iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later then you may be able to see a section called Parts and Service History.
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The section only appears if your iPhone has had parts replaced
Credit: Apple
This will showcase various parts of your iPhone, and whether they're legitimate.
"If a part is labelled Genuine Apple Part, the part has been replaced with a genuine Apple part using genuine Apple parts and processes," Apple explained.
"If a part is labelled Unknown Part, this means that the installation is incomplete.
"Or the part was replaced with a non-genuine part, was previously used or installed in another iPhone, or isn't functioning as expected."
If you don't see any section titled Parts and Service History, it means that your iPhone hasn't had any parts replaced.
But if you've got strange parts in your iPhone, it can lead to trouble – and costly repairs.
"Genuine Apple parts are designed to fit precisely within the device and provide optimal performance, safety, and reliability," Apple xplained.
"Repairs performed by Apple and Apple Authorised Service Providers are covered by Apple's warranty.
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Seeing the Genuine label is a good sign – it means your iPhone has been repaired with legit Apple parts
Credit: Apple
"Repairs performed by untrained individuals or using non-genuine parts might affect the functionality, safety, security, and privacy of the device."
Apple adds: "Using non-genuine batteries might also result in unexpected behaviour after installation, device software updates, or while charging.
"Using non-genuine batteries might also lead to safety issues."
OTHER CHECKS TO MAKE
That's not the only thing you need to check if you're buying a second-hand iPhone.
THE DAMAGE TO WATCH OUT FOR
Apple says to look out for these serious damage types in its official advice:
Serious damage might affect the functionality of the iPhone. If necessary, remove the case and any accessories from the iPhone. Check for scratches on the display. Check the sides and back of the iPhone for scratches, scuffs, and dents. Inspect the Lightning connector for damage or debris.
Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun
You can also go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see the health of the battery.
All smartphone batteries degrade over time. That's just how rechargeable lithium-ion batteries work.
As you charge and discharge them, they chemically age, and can ultimately hold less charge overall.
After 500 charge cycles (which would take normal users about two years), a battery would typically only hold 80% of the charge it held when it was new.
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Go into your iPhone's Battery settings to check up on its Battery Health
Credit: The Sun / Apple
That means you have to recharge your iPhone more often.
A severely degraded battery can also cause performance issues for your iPhone, resulting in a slower experience overall.
So always check the Battery Health and Maximum Capacity readouts before buying a new iPhone, otherwise you might have to fork out for a new battery.
You'll also want to check to see if the iPhone is locked to a specific phone network.
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You'll want to look at Battery Health and Maximum Capacity before buying a second-hand iPhone
Credit: The Sun / Apple
This doesn't happen with new phones in the UK, but older phones may be locked.
Go to Settings > General > About and look for Network Provider Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions then the phone is unlocked.
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Best power banks - tried and tested Anker MagGo Anker MagGo, £89.99 £59.99 BUY HERE Pros: Excellent battery capacity, handy battery level screen, fast Qi2 wireless charging, sturdy MagSafe connection Cons: Slightly heavier than it looks, higher price tag Rating: 9/10 Anker's MagSafe power bank strikes a near-perfect balance between size, capacity, and everyday convenience. It packs a hefty 10,000mAh battery, and delivers almost two full iPhone charges without weighing you down, though at 220g, you'll still feel it in your pocket. That said, the trade-off is worth it: it's compact enough to take anywhere, and Qi2 wireless charging took me from 0 to 50% in around 40 minutes. The MagSafe connection is seriously solid too, you really feel it snap into place, and there's no worrying about it coming off. I'm a big fan of the little battery level screen on the right of the battery pack. It's a simple touch, but makes a huge difference. There's no guessing how much juice you've got left, and it even gives you the hours and minutes it'll take to get you to 100%. Sure, it's a tad pricier than other options out there, but you're paying for quality, reliability, and smart design. It feels sleek and solid in the hand, and honestly, it just works. I've tested a lot of power banks, and this one's a clear front runner. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe, Capacity: 10,000mAh, Weight: 220g, Wireless charging: Yes (Qi2) Anker Zolo 20K 9 Anker Zolo 20K, £39.99 £33.99 BUY HERE Pros: Built-in lightning cable, good size-to-power ratio Cons: Slightly chunky feel Rating: 8.5/10 The Anker Zolo Power Bank was larger than I expected, but it packs a seriously large battery. The built-in Lightning cable worked perfectly with my iPhone 13, and having an extra built-in USB-C cable made it easy to charge my AirPods and other USB-C devices without lugging around extra cords. It also has additional USB-C and USB-A ports, so you can plug in even more devices or cables when needed, which adds a lot of flexibility. With a hefty 20,000mAh capacity, it outperforms other chargers of a similar size, giving me multiple full charges and reliable all-day power. That said, it's on the heavier side, so it's better suited for tossing in a bag rather than carrying around for light travel. For Samsung users, it supports 30W wireless charging, though not an Android user myself, I didn't get a chance to test that feature. While it's not the smallest or lightest power bank out there, it's impressively convenient, especially if you need to keep several Apple devices powered up while on the move. If you want a fuss-free, reliable option that cuts down on cable clutter, this one's definitely worth considering. Anker 622 MagGo 9 Anker 622 MagGo, £35.99 £26.99 BUY HERE Pros: Very slim and light, handy fold-out stand, strong MagSafe hold Cons: Slower charge speed, gets hot when charging Rating: 7.5/10 The Anker 622 was one of the ones I was most looking forward to test-driving, with the fold-out stand and slim profile a big part of the appeal. It's all about convenience here, weighing just 145g and staying surprisingly pocketable, even when snapped onto your phone. With a 5000mAh capacity, you're looking at roughly one full charge, which is nothing groundbreaking, but enough for when you're out and about without easy access to a plug. Charging speeds aren't the fastest, especially compared to wired options or bigger batteries, but that's par for the course with something this compact. It got me to 20% from a dead battery in just over half an hour, which isn't bad going for wireless charging on the go. One thing to flag: it does get noticeably warm while charging. It's not a major issue, wireless charging naturally generates heat, but because of the thinner design, you're more likely to feel it. On the plus side, the built-in stand is genuinely handy. It flips out with ease, feels sturdier than you'd expect, and is perfect for propping your phone up. There's no display or flashy extras like the larger MagGo models, but that simplicity is part of its charm. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe, Capacity: 5,000mAh, Weight: 145g, Wireless charging: Yes Anker Laptop Power Bank Anker Laptop Power Bank, £89.99 £74.99 Pros: Huge capacity, charges multiple devices, built-in and retractable cables Cons: Very heavy Rating: 9/10 This thing is a powerhouse, plain and simple, with a massive 25,000mAh capacity and a 165W total output that can handle multiple devices simultaneously. The Anker Laptop Portable Charger 25K can recharge a laptop, tablet, and phone all at once, making it ideal for digital nomads or anyone who hates being tied to a plug socket. My MacBook's battery is on its way out and often runs low quickly, but this charger gives me back the portability I need until I finally replace my tired laptop. Thanks to its 165W power delivery, it can charge a MacBook from zero to about 50% in just around 30 minutes: that's seriously impressive for a portable pack. The built-in, retractable USB-C cables are a tidy, hassle-free touch, and the digital battery display is crystal clear. It's got all the right ports, too: USB-C and USB-A, plus the built-in USB-C cables, so you're covered for just about everything. Yes, it's heavy at 630g, you'll definitely feel it in your bag, but for this much power, it's absolutely worth it. I wouldn't carry it daily, but for travel, long workdays, or whenever you need serious, reliable backup, it's a no-brainer. Sure, it's an investment, but worth every penny and will be coming with me on an upcoming road trip to keep the whole family's devices charged and happy. Connections: USB-C (x2), USB-A and USB-C built-in, Capacity: 25,000mAh, Weight: 630g, Wireless charging: No iWalk LinkMe Plus 9 iWalk LinkMe Plus, £21 £15 Pros: Tiny and lightweight, plugs directly into iPhone, cheap and cheerful Cons: Very low capacity, not fast charging Rating: 6.5/10 I've been using the iWalk LinkMe Plus 3350mAh for a while now, and it's a really handy little backup charger to have around. It plugs directly into your iPhone's Lightning port, so there's no need for extra cables, and it doesn't get in the way or add bulk while you're using it. At just 75 grams, it's easy to carry around without feeling like a burden and you'll barely notice it in your pocket or bag. The capacity is pretty low at 3,350mAh, which means it gives me about a 50% charge: enough to get through the end of a night out or a long journey, but don't expect it to power your phone all day. It does recharge quickly, so I can get it ready for the next time I need a boost without much downtime. Overall, it's a solid emergency option that I'd keep in my coat pocket or bag just in case, but it's not something I'd rely on as my main charger. At just £15, it's cheap and cheerful option, and it's simplicity works in its favor. Connections: Built-in lighting, Capacity: 3,350mAh, Weight: 75g, Wireless charging: No Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic 9 Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Qi2 8K, £69.99 BUY HERE Pros: Qi2 wireless charging, good capacity, sturdy and well-made Cons: No display, a bit bulky for pockets Rating: 8/10 The Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Qi2 8K is a solid choice for anyone who loves MagSafe wireless charging. At 8,000mAh, the capacity is good enough to charge most phones about one and a half times, which is perfect for a full day of power. The wireless charging is smooth and surprisingly quick thanks to the newer Qi2 standard, so it doesn't feel sluggish or unreliable. It sticks firmly to my iPhone, so there's no awkward slipping or misalignment while charging. That said, it's a bit bulky for pockets, so it's better suited for keeping on hand in your bag rather than slipping into your jeans. I do wish it had a battery level display to show how much charge is left, which would be a handy addition. On the plus side, it's a reliable MagSafe power bank for anyone wanting wireless convenience and is great for what it offers. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe (Qi2), Capacity: 8,000mAh, Weight: 205g, Wireless charging: Yes(Qi2) Belkin BoostCharge Pro 9 Belkin BoostCharge Pro, £54.99 BUY HERE Pros: Built-in cables (USB-C and Lightning), great capacity, simple design Cons: Slightly bulky shape, no wireless option Rating: 8.5/10 The Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K is a great everyday essential power bank, with the biggest selling point being the built-in USB-C and Lightning cables. With 10,000mAh capacity, it gives me roughly two full charges, which covers a full day or two without access to a wall charger. I appreciate how the cables tuck neatly into the sides, making it easy to keep everything organised and tangle-free. It also includes a USB-A port, which is handy when charging a third device or helping out friends with different gadgets. This power bank is perfect for people who switch between iPhones and Android devices since it supports both cables. The only downside is that it's slightly bulky compared to ultra-compact models, but the extra cables and capacity more than make up for it. There's no wireless charging here, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but for me, the practicality of built-in cables wins out here. Connections: USB-C, Lightning (both built-in), USB-A, Capacity: 10,000mAh, Weight: 240g, Wireless charging: No Belkin 3-Port Laptop Charger Pros: Big capacity, multi-device support, well-balanced design Cons: No built-in cables, quite heavy Rating: 8.5/10 If you're like me and juggle laptops, tablets, and phones, the Belkin 3-Port Laptop Power Bank is a solid addition to your tech gear. It has a huge 20,000mAh capacity, and can fully charge my laptop once and still have enough power left to recharge my phone or tablet a couple of times. It has three ports, two USB-C and one USB-A, so I can charge multiple devices at once. The design is clean and minimal, and compared to other power banks with similar capacity, this one is actually smaller, which I appreciate. It charges fairly quickly too, and the display shows you exactly how much charge is left, which is super handy. A minor niggle for me is that it doesn't have built-in cables, and while most of us already carry the cables we need, it would have been nice to see a built in option. That said, it's a dependable and well-designed power bank that does exactly what you need. Best power banks FAQs Which brand is the best power bank? Anker and Belkin are standout brands for power banks. Anker is known for its high-quality builds and reliable performance, while Belkin offers sleek designs with plenty of handy features. Both are great choices that won't let you down. How do I choose a good power bank? Think about how you'll use it. If you're always out and about, go for something small and easy to carry. But if you need serious power, pick one with a higher mAh. It's also worth checking for fast charging, extra ports, and whether it works with your devices. Features like wireless charging or MagSafe can be a real bonus too. Should I get a 10,000mAh or a 20,000mAh power bank? It depends on how you use your devices. A 10,000mAh power bank is small and easy to carry, and it'll give most phones one or two full charges, which is perfect for daily use. If you're heading off on a trip or want to charge bigger gadgets like tablets or laptops, a 20,000mAh one is a better bet, it's a bit chunkier, but it'll keep you going for longer. How do you charge a power bank? Most portable chargers come with their own cable to charge the power bank itself. You'll usually see little lights that show how much charge it has, and the best ones have a clear display that tells you exactly how much battery is left. If your power bank supports fast charging, using a high-wattage wall plug can give it a much quicker boost. Can you take a power bank on an aeroplane? Yes, but it has to go in your hand luggage, not in checked bags. Most airlines are fine with power banks under 100 watts (around 20,000mAh), which covers most models. If you're not sure, it's always worth checking with your airline before you fly. Which is better wireless charger or a power bank? It depends on where you're using it, with a wireless charger is brilliant for home or office setups, keeping things cable-free. A power bank, on the other hand, is a must-have for charging on the go. If you want the best of both, look for a power bank that supports wireless charging alongside a wired connection. How long does it take for power banks to charge? It depends on the size and what charger you're using. Smaller ones (like 10,000mAh) usually take three to five hours, while bigger ones (like 20,000mAh) can take anywhere between six to 10 hours.
