Buying a refurbished phone from giffgaff gets you an unlocked handset with a 12, 18 or 24-month giffgaff warranty depending on grade, at least 80% battery health, 21-day returns and the option to spread the cost with a Klarna loan. Buying an unlocked refurbished phone elsewhere and adding a SIM-only plan gives you a wider choice of models and sellers, and the phone still works on giffgaff, because giffgaff runs on O2's network and any unlocked phone accepts its SIM. The right choice depends on whether you value giffgaff's longer warranties and monthly payments, or a wider range and the freedom to pick any network. This guide sets out giffgaff's published terms as checked on 2 October 2026 and compares them fairly with the unlocked route.
What does giffgaff's refurbished phone offer include?
giffgaff sells refurbished phones, with dedicated iPhone and Samsung sections, under its "Refurbished by giffgaff" range. Its refurbished page and help centre state that each phone comes with a minimum 12-month warranty, 80% battery health or better, unlocked status for any UK network, a professional data wipe, and free next working day delivery to mainland UK. Returns are accepted within 21 days of delivery.
The detail, from giffgaff's help centre:
- Testing: giffgaff describes a 30-point health check and says its refurbished phones are fully tested, unlocked and data cleansed.
- Stock: phones mostly come from giffgaff members and other recycling sources, so stock is limited and specific models may not come back. giffgaff suggests checking back mid-week.
- Parts: giffgaff says refurbished phones may include replacement parts, such as batteries or screens, that are not from the manufacturer, because it sources from multiple suppliers. Customers cannot choose a phone with only manufacturer parts.
- In the box: a giffgaff-branded box with the phone, a data/charging cable and a SIM key if the phone needs one. No mains plug, manual or headphones.
- Delivery: free next working day delivery applies to mainland UK, excluding weekends and bank holidays.
giffgaff refurbished grades and warranty lengths
giffgaff uses four grades, and the warranty length depends on the grade. Like New carries the longest warranty at 24 months, Excellent and Very Good carry 18 months, and Good carries 12 months. giffgaff's warranty covers faulty software, internal component failures, battery issues and included accessories, but not broken screens, water damage, rooting or unauthorised software changes.
| giffgaff grade | giffgaff's description (summarised) | giffgaff warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Like New | No wear and tear; no visible scratches on screen or body | 24 months |
| Excellent | May have light marks on the body; screen looks pristine | 18 months |
| Very Good | May have a few marks on the body; screen pristine | 18 months |
| Good | More visible wear and tear | 12 months |
Two warranty details are worth knowing. First, giffgaff says a refurbished phone under its warranty can only be returned through giffgaff's own returns process, not sent to the manufacturer or another repair centre. Second, the warranty is specific to the member who ordered the phone and is not transferable.
Paying for a giffgaff refurbished phone: outright or with a Klarna loan
You can pay for a giffgaff refurbished phone in full, or spread the cost with a loan from Klarna, for which giffgaff acts as a credit broker. giffgaff says it does not run a credit check if you buy a phone outright. Paying monthly involves a full credit check by Klarna, which giffgaff says can influence your credit rating.
What giffgaff's help centre says about the Klarna option:
- giffgaff currently uses Klarna's long-term payment plans of 6 to 36 months, and you choose the length when you buy.
- You need to be 18 or over, have a valid UK billing address (usually with 3+ years of address history) and a debit or credit card.
- Approval depends on a full credit check, your credit history, an affordability assessment, your age and other factors. If a particular term is not offered, Klarna has not approved it.
- You remain responsible for all repayments until the loan ends, even if the phone is lost or stolen.
There is also a SIM plan requirement to be aware of. giffgaff's help centre says non-members buying a new phone must buy a non-refundable SIM plan with it, and that this does not apply to refurbished phones in Good, Very Good or Excellent condition. Check the checkout carefully if you are a new member, particularly for a Like New phone.
The alternative: an unlocked refurbished phone plus a SIM-only plan
The other route is to buy an unlocked refurbished phone from any reputable seller and put a SIM-only plan in it. That plan can be giffgaff's own. Because giffgaff runs on O2's mobile network and Ofcom has banned UK mobile companies from selling locked handsets since 17 December 2021, an unlocked phone from a specialist refurbisher works on giffgaff in the same way as a phone bought from giffgaff.
This route separates two decisions that giffgaff bundles together: which phone to buy and which network to use. You can choose the phone on model range, grade, price and seller policies, and choose the network on coverage and price. If you later want to move network, Ofcom's text-to-switch process lets you text "PAC" to 65075 to keep your number, and your unlocked phone moves with you.
giffgaff itself says any phone you buy from it should already be unlocked, and that phones locked to O2 also work on giffgaff without unlocking. If you are not sure whether a phone is unlocked, put in a SIM from a different network (giffgaff suggests not using an O2 SIM for this test, since giffgaff runs on O2) and see whether it connects.
Browse unlocked refurbished phones →
giffgaff refurbished vs unlocked refurbished from a specialist: side by side
The table compares giffgaff's published terms with those of The Tech Gadgets, a Manchester-based refurbisher, as one example of the unlocked route. Other refurbishers' terms vary, so apply the same comparison to any seller you consider.
| Feature | giffgaff refurbished | The Tech Gadgets (unlocked, add any SIM) |
|---|---|---|
| Brands | Refurbished iPhone and Samsung categories on giffgaff.com | iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, Nothing, OnePlus |
| Stock | Limited; specific models may not return | iPhone X to 16 series, Galaxy S10 to S25 series, selected A series, Pixel 7/7a/8 Pro, Nothing and OnePlus models |
| Grades | Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Good | Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Fair |
| Warranty | 12, 18 or 24 months by grade | 12 months on every grade |
| Battery under warranty | Battery issues covered | Battery defects and reduced capacity excluded |
| Battery minimum | 80% or better | At least 85% at dispatch (Like New, Excellent, Very Good) |
| Returns | 21 days from delivery | 30 days from delivery (faults reported within 3 days); 14-day legal right to cancel |
| Unlocked | Yes, any UK network | Yes, all UK networks |
| Monthly payments | Klarna loan, 6–36 months, with credit check | Not covered in this guide; check at checkout |
| In the box | Phone, data/charging cable, SIM key if needed | Varies by listing |
| Delivery | Free next working day to mainland UK | Same-day dispatch if ordered by 3pm Mon–Fri; free UK delivery over £50, 1–3 working days |
| Network after purchase | Any UK network | Any UK network, including giffgaff |
On these published terms, giffgaff is stronger on warranty length for higher grades and on battery cover. The Tech Gadgets is stronger on returns window, battery minimum at dispatch and model range, especially for Android phones beyond Samsung. Neither is universally better.
When buying refurbished from giffgaff makes sense
- You already use giffgaff, or plan to, and want one account for phone and plan.
- You want to spread the cost and are comfortable with a Klarna credit check.
- You want a longer warranty: 24 months on Like New or 18 months on Excellent and Very Good.
- Battery cover under the warranty is important to you.
- The exact iPhone or Samsung model you want is in stock.
When an unlocked refurbished phone plus SIM-only makes sense
- You want a model giffgaff does not stock, such as a Google Pixel, Nothing Phone or OnePlus, or an older iPhone or Galaxy at a lower price.
- You want to pay outright and avoid a credit check.
- You prefer a longer returns window or a higher battery-health minimum at dispatch.
- You want to choose your network separately, whether that is giffgaff, O2 or anyone else, and keep the freedom to switch.
For example, at the time of writing (October 2026), The Tech Gadgets listed the refurbished Google Pixel 7a, the Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 13, all unlocked to use with any SIM-only plan, including giffgaff. Follow each link for today's price.
Shop refurbished Google Pixel 7a at today's price →
Buying a refurbished iPhone: giffgaff or unlocked?
For a refurbished iPhone specifically, the comparison works the same way. giffgaff states 80% battery health or better on its refurbished phones, which come with a grade-linked warranty that covers battery issues. An unlocked refurbished iPhone from a specialist gives you a wider choice of generations, from iPhone X to iPhone 16, and works on giffgaff's network with a SIM-only plan.
Whichever route you choose, confirm three things when the iPhone arrives: battery health in Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health; "No SIM restrictions" next to Network Provider Lock in Settings, then General, then About; and that the phone sets up with your own Apple Account without asking for anyone else's. Our guide to refurbished iPhone condition grades explains how cosmetic grades compare between sellers.
Shop unlocked refurbished iPhones →
How to use an unlocked refurbished phone on giffgaff
- Order a giffgaff SIM or set up a giffgaff eSIM if your phone supports it.
- Choose a plan. giffgaff offers pay as you go, monthly rolling plans and contracts.
- If you are keeping your number, text "PAC" to 65075 from your current network and give the code to giffgaff.
- Insert the SIM, restart the phone and check that it connects to the network and mobile data works.
- If the phone shows "SIM not valid" or similar, contact the seller: an unlocked phone should accept any UK SIM.
Frequently asked questions
Are giffgaff refurbished phones unlocked?
Yes. giffgaff's help centre says all its refurbished phones come unlocked, ready for a SIM from any UK network. You can use a giffgaff refurbished phone on another network, and you can use an unlocked phone bought elsewhere on giffgaff.
What warranty do giffgaff refurbished phones have?
giffgaff gives a 12, 18 or 24-month warranty based on grade: 12 months for Good, 18 months for Very Good and Excellent, and 24 months for Like New. It covers faulty software, internal parts, battery issues and included accessories, but not broken screens, water damage or unauthorised software modification.
Does giffgaff do a credit check for refurbished phones?
Only if you pay monthly. giffgaff says it does not run a credit check when you buy a phone outright. If you choose to spread the cost, Klarna carries out a full credit check, which giffgaff says can influence your credit rating.
Can I return a giffgaff refurbished phone if I change my mind?
Yes. giffgaff gives 21 days from delivery to return a phone for any reason, even if it has been used, as long as it is undamaged. Because refurbished stock is limited, giffgaff may refund the price paid rather than replace a refurbished phone if no suitable replacement is available.
Will an unlocked refurbished phone work on giffgaff?
Yes. giffgaff runs on O2's mobile network, and an unlocked phone accepts any UK SIM, including giffgaff's. giffgaff also says phones locked to O2 work on its network without unlocking. Check that the phone supports the features you want, such as 5G or eSIM, before you buy.
What battery health do giffgaff refurbished phones have?
giffgaff states 80% battery health or better on its refurbished phones. For comparison, The Tech Gadgets states at least 85% at dispatch on Like New, Excellent and Very Good grades, but its warranty excludes battery defects and reduced capacity, whereas giffgaff's warranty covers battery issues.
Do giffgaff refurbished phones come with a charger?
Not a mains plug. giffgaff says its refurbished phones come in a giffgaff-branded box with the phone, a data/charging cable and a SIM key if needed. Mains plugs, manuals and headphones are not included, so you may need a USB plug if you do not already have one.
See unlocked refurbished phones that work on any UK network →