Do Refurbished iPhones Come With Headphones? (2024 Guide)

Do Refurbished iPhones Come With Headphones? The Direct Answer

Generally, refurbished iPhones do not come with headphones included in the box. While original retail units sold before 2020 included EarPods, most third-party refurbishers and even Apple’s Certified Refurbished program have shifted toward “minimalist” packaging. This change helps reduce electronic waste and keeps the resale price significantly lower for the consumer.

If you are buying an older model from a specific reseller, you might occasionally find a pair of third-party headphones bundled as a “bonus.” However, for 95% of modern refurbished purchases—including the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series—you should expect to provide your own audio solution.

Key Takeaways: What to Expect in the Box

If you are in a hurry, here is a quick breakdown of what usually arrives when you order a refurbished device:

• Standard Included Items: Most sellers provide a Lightning or USB-C charging cable and a SIM ejector tool.
• Usually Excluded: You will likely not receive EarPods, power adapters (wall bricks), or the original retail box.
• The “Apple Rule”: Even Apple Certified Refurbished devices no longer include headphones to align with their carbon-neutral goals.
• Warranty Importance: Always ensure your refurbished phone comes with at least a 90-day to 1-year warranty to cover any internal hardware issues.

Why Most Refurbished iPhones Lack Headphones

To understand why do refurbished iphones come with headphones results in a “no” most of the time, we have to look at industry shifts. In 2020, starting with the iPhone 12, Apple officially stopped including EarPods and power bricks in new boxes.

This decision set the standard for the secondary market. Refurbishers like Back Market, Gazelle, and Amazon Renewed followed suit to maintain competitive pricing. Including brand-new, hygienic headphones would add $19 to $29 to the cost of every unit, making the “refurbished discount” less appealing.

Furthermore, there is a hygiene factor. Most consumers do not want “refurbished” or used headphones for obvious sanitary reasons. Providing brand-new Apple EarPods with every sale would eat into the slim profit margins of independent refurbishers.

Comparing Major Sellers: Who Includes What?

Different platforms have different standards for their “Renewed” or “Certified” programs. I have tested units from multiple vendors, and here is how they typically stack up regarding accessories:

Apple Certified Refurbished

When you buy directly from Apple, you get a device that is essentially “as new.” It features a new battery, a new outer shell, and a one-year warranty. Despite this premium treatment, Apple does not include headphones in these kits to stay consistent with their environmental policy.

Amazon Renewed & Amazon Renewed Premium

Amazon is the most popular destination for refurbished tech. Their standard “Renewed” tier rarely includes headphones. However, they guarantee a cable that is MFi (Made for iPhone) certified. I’ve found that while the cable is reliable, the lack of a wall brick and headphones is the trade-off for the deep discounts.

The Evolution of iPhone Accessories: A Timeline

If you are specifically looking for a model that did historically come with headphones, it helps to know when the transition occurred. Understanding this timeline explains why the question “do refurbished iphones come with headphones” has become so common.

1. 2007 – 2011 (iPhone 2G to 4S): Included standard 3.5mm round-tip earbuds.
2. 2012 – 2015 (iPhone 5 to 6S): Introduced the iconic EarPods with the 3.5mm jack.
3. 2016 – 2019 (iPhone 7 to 11): Since the headphone jack was removed, Apple included EarPods with a Lightning Connector.
4. 2020 – Present (iPhone 12 and Newer): No headphones are included in the box at all.

Because most refurbished stock currently sold consists of the iPhone 11 and newer, the majority of these units were either packaged after the “no-headphone” rule or were sourced from users who kept their original accessories.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy the Right Headphones for Your Refurbished iPhone

Since your refurbished phone likely won’t come with audio gear, you need to ensure you buy the correct pair. Following these steps will prevent you from buying incompatible accessories.

Step 1: Identify Your Port Type

The most critical step is knowing which “hole” is at the bottom of your phone.

• iPhone 15 Series: Uses USB-C. You need USB-C wired headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.


• iPhone 5 through iPhone 14: Uses Lightning. You need Lightning-terminated headphones or a Lightning-to-3.5mm “dongle.”


• iPhone 4S and Older: Uses a 3.5mm Headphone Jack. (Unlikely for modern refurbished buyers).

Step 2: Choose Between Wired and Wireless

If you want the most seamless experience, AirPods (Pro or standard) are the gold standard. However, if you are on a budget:

• Wired EarPods: Still sold by Apple for about $19. They offer great mic quality for calls.


• Bluetooth Alternatives: Brands like Anker Soundcore or Jabra offer excellent value if you don’t want to pay the “Apple Tax” for AirPods.

Step 3: Verify MFi Certification

If you buy third-party wired headphones, look for the MFi (Made for iPhone) logo on the packaging. Non-certified Lightning headphones often stop working after an iOS update because the phone recognizes them as “unsupported accessories.”

What Should You Check When Your Refurbished iPhone Arrives?

Since you are likely saving money by not getting headphones, you should use that extra time to ensure the phone itself is in peak condition. Based on my experience inspecting hundreds of used devices, follow this checklist:

1. Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. For a refurbished unit, anything above 80% is acceptable, but “Premium” refurbs should be 90% or higher.
2. Screen Authenticity: Look for the “Parts and Service History” in Settings > General > About. It will tell you if the screen or battery are “Unknown Parts” (cheap third-party replacements).
3. Port Cleanliness: Since no headphones are included, check the charging port for lint. A dirty port is the #1 reason why wired headphones fail to connect.
4. iCloud Lock: Ensure the previous owner has signed out. If you see an “Activation Lock” screen, return the device immediately.

Top 3 Headphone Recommendations for Refurbished iPhone Buyers

If your search for “do refurbished iphones come with headphones” ended in disappointment, don’t worry. Here are the best-value pairings for your “new” device:

Apple EarPods (USB-C or Lightning)

• Pros: Inexpensive ($19), best-in-class microphone, no battery to charge.
• Cons: Wired, no active noise cancellation.
• Best for: Students and professionals who take lots of Zoom or phone calls.

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

• Pros: Seamless switching between Apple devices, incredible Noise Cancellation.
• Cons: Expensive ($189-$249).
• Best for: Commuters and power users who want the full Apple ecosystem experience.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

• Pros: Half the price of AirPods, excellent battery life, great app support.
• Cons: Not an “Apple” product (no instant pairing).
• Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want wireless freedom.

The Environmental Impact of Skipping Headphones

Why did the industry move this way? According to Apple’s 2023 Environmental Progress Report, removing headphones and power adapters has saved over 2 million metric tons of carbon.

By not including headphones with your refurbished iPhone:

• Packaging size is reduced: More phones fit on a single shipping pallet.


• E-waste is lowered: Most people already own headphones, so “free” ones often end up in landfills.


• Shipping costs are lower: This allows companies like Back Market to offer lower prices to you.

Common Scams to Avoid

When searching for “refurbished iPhones with headphones,” be wary of sellers on Facebook Marketplace or unverified eBay stores promising “Free AirPods.”

• The Fake Accessory Trap: Many sellers include “OEM-style” headphones that are actually cheap counterfeits. These can potentially damage your charging port or have poor sound quality.
• The “Used” Earbud Risk: Never accept used in-ear headphones. They carry bacteria and earwax from previous owners, posing a health risk.
• The Missing MFi Chip: Some cheap Lightning headphones require Bluetooth to be turned on to work (a workaround for not having the official Apple chip). These are notoriously unreliable.

FAQs: Everything Else You Need to Know

Do refurbished iPhones come with a charger?

Most reputable refurbishers include a charging cable, but almost none include the wall power adapter. You will likely need to use an existing USB-C or USB-A wall plug.

Can I use my old 3.5mm headphones with a refurbished iPhone?

Yes, but you will need a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter (for iPhone 7 through 14) or a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter (for iPhone 15 and 16). These usually cost around $9.

Does “Amazon Renewed” include the original Apple box?

Usually, no. Amazon Renewed devices typically arrive in a plain, branded cardboard box designed to protect the phone during transit.

Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone without the accessories?

Absolutely. The savings on a refurbished iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 can be upwards of $200–$300 compared to new. Even if you spend $20 on headphones and $15 on a charger, you are still saving a significant amount of money.

Are refurbished batteries safe?

Yes, as long as you buy from a certified seller. Apple Certified Refurbished always includes a brand-new battery. Third-party sellers like Back Market guarantee a minimum capacity (usually 80-85%).

Final Verdict

While it would be convenient, refurbished iPhones do not come with headphones in the vast majority of cases. This is now the industry standard to protect the environment and keep prices low.

When buying your device, simply budget an extra $20 for wired EarPods or $100+ for AirPods. By doing so, you ensure a hygienic, high-quality audio experience that matches your “new” refurbished iPhone.

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