1. Serial number on Apple's site
Always verify at checkcoverage.apple.com — confirms the model is genuine and shows warranty status.
2. Battery cycle count
System Settings → Battery. Under 300 cycles = excellent; 1,000 is Apple's rated maximum.
3. Display
Look for dead pixels, backlight bleed, scratches.
4. Keyboard & trackpad
Test every key and click pressure.
5. Ports
Plug into every USB-C / Thunderbolt port — both data and charging.
6–12: speakers, mic, camera, MagSafe, Wi-Fi, activation lock, ASD diagnostics.
At MacUAE we do all 12 checks before listing — every unit ships with a 90-day warranty.