Buying iPads on Facebook Marketplace

iPads are genuinely great Marketplace finds. People upgrade constantly, and previous generations stay powerful for years. The verification is a bit different from iPhones though—here’s what you need to know.

Know exactly what you’re buying

Apple’s iPad lineup is confusing, and sellers exploit this. Make sure you’re getting what’s advertised.

The current lineup (2026):

• iPad Pro (M-series chip): The premium option, 11” or 12.9”/13”
• iPad Air: Solid mid-range performer
• iPad (base model): Budget-friendly, still very capable
• iPad Mini: Compact 8.3” screen

How to verify: Settings → General → About → Model Name

The Model Name tells you exactly which generation you have. Don’t trust the listing title—always check this in person.

Activation Lock: Same drill as iPhone

1. Before meeting: Ask for the serial number (Settings → General → About)
2. Check it at Apple’s Check Coverage
3. In person: Go to Settings → [Name] and verify they can sign out
4. Watch them erase the device and confirm no Activation Lock appears on setup

An iPad with Activation Lock is an expensive paperweight. Don’t skip this.

WiFi vs Cellular: Don’t pay for what you’re not getting

Cellular iPads cost $130-150 more new. Scammers sell WiFi models as cellular.

Here’s how to verify:

1. Settings → General → About
2. Look for “Cellular Data Number” or “IMEI”
3. No IMEI listed? It’s WiFi-only.

Also check the side for a SIM tray slot—cellular models have one, WiFi-only don’t.

Our take: Most people don’t need cellular. You’re usually near WiFi or can hotspot from your phone. Save the money unless you specifically need it.

Battery health

iPadOS now shows battery health: Settings → Battery → Battery Health

If it’s an older iPad without this feature, estimate based on age:

• 1 year old: Usually 95%+
• 2-3 years: Usually 85-95%
• 4+ years: Often below 85%

Degraded batteries mean shorter screen time and potential performance throttling. Factor it into the price.

The iPad Pro bend test

iPad Pro (especially 2018-2020 models) has a known bending problem. The thin aluminum chassis can warp with normal use.

Check it:

1. Lay the iPad flat on a hard surface
2. Look for any rocking or gaps under the corners
3. Sight down the edges—any visible curve is a problem
4. Press gently on the corners—there should be zero flex

Bent iPads often have internal damage and aren’t covered by warranty. We’d walk away.

Apple Pencil verification

If the listing includes an Apple Pencil, verify it’s real.

Apple Pencil 2 (flat edge, magnetic):

• Snap it to the side of the iPad—should show a pairing popup instantly
• Check for scratches on the magnetic charging surface
• Verify it holds a charge

Apple Pencil 1 (round, Lightning connector):

• Plug into the iPad’s Lightning port to pair
• Check the Lightning connector isn’t bent
• Look for wear on the cap

Fake Pencils exist. Real Apple Pencils pair automatically when attached. Fakes require manual Bluetooth pairing through Settings. If it doesn’t pair instantly, it’s not genuine.

MDM and enterprise locks

Some iPads come from schools or businesses with Mobile Device Management profiles that:

• Restrict what apps you can install
• Can remotely wipe or lock the device
• May prevent full reset

Check: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management

If you see any profiles listed that can’t be removed, the iPad may be enterprise-locked. Walk away unless the seller can remove the profile while you watch.

Screen inspection

iPads are all about the display. Check carefully.

Dead pixels: Open a pure white image, then pure black. Look for pixels that don’t change or stay stuck.

Delamination: Common on older iPads—the screen layers start separating. Look for bubbles or rainbow effects under the glass, often starting near edges.

Touch responsiveness: Open Notes and draw continuous lines across the entire screen. Lines should be smooth with no skips. Test all corners—dead zones are expensive to fix.

What’s a fair price?

Early 2026 Marketplace prices for good condition:

Model	WiFi	Cellular
iPad Pro 13” (M4)	$1000-1200	$1100-1350
iPad Pro 11” (M4)	$750-900	$850-1000
iPad Pro 12.9” (M2)	$700-850	$800-950
iPad Air (M2)	$500-600	$600-700
iPad Air (M1)	$350-450	$425-525
iPad 10th gen	$300-375	$400-475
iPad Mini 6	$350-425	$450-525

Add $75-100 for Apple Pencil included, $100-150 for Magic Keyboard

Bundle deals are where the value is

iPads often sell in bundles. Here’s what the accessories are worth used:

• Apple Pencil 2: $80-100
• Magic Keyboard: $150-250 (depending on size)
• Smart Folio: $30-50
• Original charger (20W+): $15-25

If someone’s selling iPad + Pencil + Magic Keyboard for barely more than the iPad alone, that’s a deal worth moving fast on.

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