How to Spot Original Phones from Fakes in Nigeria

Here is how to spot original phones from fakes in Nigeria: check that the IMEI you get by dialling *#06# matches the number on the box and the receipt, confirm the model and specs inside the phone's settings, inspect the build quality, and buy only from a seller who lets you test the phone first. No single test is proof, so use several together.

This is a practical checklist for new, refurbished and used phones. We also explain the difference between a refurbished phone (legitimate if sold honestly) and a counterfeit or cloned one.

Step 1: Check the IMEI (dial *#06#)

A fake phone check IMEI test is the quickest first filter, because it takes under a minute and costs nothing. It is also the core of how to check IMEI Nigeria buyers can do in the shop, before paying.

Every phone has an IMEI, a unique number. Dial *#06# on the keypad and it appears on screen (dual-SIM phones show two). Compare it with:

• the number printed on the box label,
• the sticker or tray inside the phone (on some models),
• the number in Settings under About phone,
• the receipt, which should list the model and IMEI.

If they do not match, walk away. Do not rely only on the About phone screen, since software details can be faked. You can also enter the IMEI on the brand's own support page where one exists, or on a general IMEI lookup site. If a lookup returns nothing, or a different model, treat it as a red flag.

This is how to check IMEI in Nigeria without special tools. Samsung and Apple provide their own online checkers for IMEI or serial numbers. For Tecno, Infinix and itel, the common advice in Nigerian guides is to match the dialled IMEI to the box and compare the model and specs in About phone.

Step 2: Inspect the box and serial number

Look for a sealed, cleanly printed box with sharp logos and no spelling mistakes. The serial and IMEI stickers should match the phone. Accessories should feel solid and fit properly. Remember that poor packaging alone is not proof of a fake, and a good box alone is not proof of an original.

Step 3: Verify the specs and software

An original vs fake phone often differs most in what is inside. A fake may show a famous model name while running a weak chip, less memory and a copied interface.

• In Settings, About phone, compare the model name, processor, RAM and storage with the official specification page.
• Use a free hardware-info app to confirm the chip, RAM and real storage. Fake phones sometimes display inflated numbers.
• Check that the software looks normal: working app store, no odd icons, no screens that behave like static pictures.
• Test every feature in front of the seller: camera, microphone, speakers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, fingerprint sensor, charging and both SIM slots.

For Samsung phones, some guides mention a hardware test menu opened by a dialler code, but codes vary, so confirm the correct one on Samsung's support pages before relying on it.

Step 4: Look at build quality

Uneven seams, loose buttons, a flexing back cover, a dull screen or a fingerprint sensor that looks stuck on are warning signs. Genuine phones feel solid and have a clear display.

Step 5: Price red flags

A brand-new flagship priced far below every other seller is the most common trap, especially "cheap new iPhone" or "cheap Samsung" offers on social media. Compare several listings for the same model and storage. If you are buying a budget phone, see our guides to Android phones under ₦100,000 and the cheapest smartphones online so you know the realistic price range.

Refurbished vs fake phone: what is the difference?

• Genuine new: sealed box, matching IMEI, full warranty from the seller or brand.
• Refurbished: an original phone that was repaired or restored. It is fine if the seller says so, prices it accordingly and gives a warranty. It is a problem if sold as new.
• Used (tokunbo): second-hand. Check battery health, that the phone is not blacklisted or locked, and that it is signed out of the previous owner's iCloud or Google account. Also look for water or repair damage.
• Counterfeit or clone: a copy that imitates a famous model, often with fake specs or software. Avoid.

Buy genuine phones online safely

Choose sellers who issue a receipt with model, IMEI and date, and who state their warranty and return terms. Retailer guides recommend verifying a retailer's authorisation on the manufacturer's website rather than taking their word for it. Avoid street sellers, anyone who rushes you, refuses an inspection, takes the phone out of sight to repackage it, or asks for payment up front without any buyer protection.

On Comilmart, a marketplace connecting buyers with verified sellers across Africa, you can browse phones and tablets and read the buyer protection page and scam alert guidance. Comilmart is run by the same team publishing this guide, and the checks above apply on any platform. If you suspect a fake, keep the receipt and screenshots and report it to the platform.

Knowing the realistic price helps too: our best phones to use in Nigeria guide lists price ranges seen in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check a phone's IMEI? Dial *#06#, note the number(s), and match them to the box, receipt and Settings, then use the brand's checker or an IMEI lookup if available.

Can a fake phone have a real-looking IMEI? Yes, cloned phones can display copied numbers, which is why you should also test specs, software, build and the seller's warranty.

Is a refurbished phone the same as a fake? No. A refurbished phone is a genuine device that has been restored, and it should be sold as such. A fake imitates a brand.

What should I do if I bought a fake phone? Contact the seller or platform straight away with your receipt, and report it. You can start at Comilmart's help center if the purchase was made on the marketplace.

Getting started

Before your next purchase, save this checklist on your phone: IMEI match, specs match, test everything, receipt and warranty. When you are ready to compare listings, browse Comilmart and check the seller before you pay.