I'm considering buying a used 2025 MacBook Air with an M4 chip, 10-core CPU, and 16GB of memory from a local seller. I checked the hardware, Activation Lock, MDM enrollment, Apple Diagnostics, display, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, camera, ports, Wi-Fi, and other major functions, and everything appears to work normally. However, when I enter the Mac's serial number on Apple's Check Coverage website, Apple says the number cannot be found. The seller does not have the original receipt or invoice. The Mac reports the expected model and specifications, but I'm unsure whether the serial-number problem is a harmless lookup issue or a sign that something is wrong. Would you buy it after doing more checks, or is it safer to walk away?
2 Answers
The fact that Activation Lock is off and the hardware passes testing is encouraging, but it does not prove the machine’s history or warranty record. Ask the seller to let you verify the serial directly on the Mac rather than relying on a number they provide. If there is no receipt and Apple’s own coverage site cannot recognize the serial, I would only proceed if Apple Support or an Apple Store can confirm the device before payment; otherwise, buying another unit is the safer choice.
I’d treat it as a significant warning sign until it’s explained. First, personally open About This Mac or System Information and compare the serial number there with the one printed on the device and the one being entered online. Carefully check characters that are easy to confuse, such as zero and the letter O. If the numbers do not match, or Apple still cannot find the correct serial after verifying it, I would walk away.
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