Buy refurbished

MacBook Pro 13.3"

Of course, refurbished MacBooks are fully tested. In fact, when a MacBook is getting refurbished, testing is one of the most important stages.

A refurbished MacBook is submitted to: 

• hardware tests;
• software tests;
• thorough checking of all components.

Typically, most parts pass these tests without an issue. If any faulty part is discovered, the refurbisher will either fix it or replace it. For instance, a loose wire on a MacBook motherboard can easily be reconnected but a broken keyboard needs to be replaced. 

Once the repairs are done, a refurbished MacBook goes through the entire product testing process again. Note that refurbished MacBooks go through the same testing process as any new MacBook does. It is put up for sale only after passing all functional testing.

No. Refurbished MacBooks are not more likely to fail than new MacBooks. The double round of testing they undergo may actually make them more reliable.

Refurbished MacBooks go through high-standard quality checks twice: once during original manufacturing and again during refurbishment. This means:

• Hardware diagnostics verify the logic board, processor, memory, storage, display, and GPU.
• Battery health is tested and batteries below threshold are replaced.
• Keyboard, trackpad, speakers, cameras, and all ports are individually tested.
• Fans and thermal systems are cleaned and checked for proper airflow.
• Defective parts caught during the second round of testing are repaired or replaced.

There is no published data showing higher failure rates for refurbished MacBooks compared to new ones.

Yes. A refurbished MacBook offers the same performance as a new MacBook at a significantly lower price. Every refurbished MacBook listed on RefurbMe:

• Works identically to a new device
• Comes with a warranty (minimum 30 days, typically 12 months)
• Has been fully tested by a professional refurbisher
• Receives macOS software updates for the same duration as a new unit

The only trade-off is possible cosmetic wear, which varies by grade.

Every refurbished MacBook comes with the keyboard layout standard in the region where it was originally sold. You cannot request a different physical keyboard layout from a refurbisher because the keys are built into the laptop chassis.

The layout you receive depends on the market the MacBook was sourced from:

• US and Canada use the QWERTY (ANSI) layout
• UK uses the QWERTY (ISO) layout, which has a different Enter key shape and a few symbol changes
• France uses the AZERTY layout
• Germany uses the QWERTZ layout
• Spain and Italy use QWERTY (ISO) variants with region-specific accent keys

Most refurbishers sell MacBooks with the keyboard layout matching their local market. If a specific layout matters to you, verify with the seller before purchasing.

While you cannot change the physical keys, macOS lets you add and switch between input sources in System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources:

• Type in a different language without matching physical keys
• Remap specific keys using built-in macOS settings
• Switch between multiple input languages with a keyboard shortcut

If you prefer a different physical layout, an external keyboard is a practical solution:

• Apple's Magic Keyboard is available in nearly every regional layout
• Third-party mechanical keyboards offer even more layout options
• You can close the MacBook lid and use it with an external display and keyboard for a desktop-like setup

For more details on what ships in the box, see what accessories are included with a refurbished MacBook.

Yes, refurbished MacBooks come with a warranty. Every refurbisher offers different terms, but you can expect at minimum a 30-day warranty on any MacBook listed on RefurbMe.

Here is what the major refurbishers offer for refurbished MacBooks:

• Apple Refurbished Store: Full 1-year Apple warranty, identical to a new MacBook. Eligible for AppleCare+ coverage.
• Amazon Renewed: 1-year warranty through the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
• Back Market: Minimum 12-month warranty from the seller, plus Back Market's buyer protection.
• Mac of All Trades (US): Typically offers a 1-year warranty.
• Other refurbishers: Warranty periods range from 30 days to 24 months depending on the seller.

You can compare warranty policies across all refurbishers to find the level of protection you need.

A refurbished MacBook warranty typically covers:

• Hardware defects (battery, display, logic board, keyboard, trackpad, ports)
• Software issues caused by hardware failures
• Manufacturing defects discovered after purchase

It usually does not cover accidental damage (drops, spills, liquid damage) or cosmetic wear consistent with the device's grade.

If the standard warranty feels too short:

• AppleCare+ is available when you buy from the Apple Refurbished Store.
• Many third-party sellers offer optional warranty extensions at checkout.
• Third-party insurance plans can cover accidental damage beyond the seller's warranty.

Learn more about what a refurbished warranty covers and whether AppleCare works with refurbished products.

Yes, refurbished MacBooks have their operating system completely reinstalled during the refurbishment process. The internal storage is erased and a fresh copy of macOS is loaded, so the MacBook arrives ready to use just like a new one.

Every certified refurbisher follows a similar workflow:

• The MacBook's internal drive is securely wiped, removing all data and the previous operating system
• A clean copy of macOS is installed from scratch
• The MacBook is booted to the Setup Assistant screen, confirming the OS is freshly installed and no previous user accounts remain

This process ensures the MacBook is free of any leftover files, settings, or software from its previous owner. For more on data security, see do refurbished MacBooks have user data on them.

The version of macOS installed varies by refurbisher:

• Apple Certified Refurbished typically installs the latest compatible macOS
• Third-party refurbishers (Back Market, Amazon Renewed, and others) usually install the latest compatible version, but some may ship with an older version
• At minimum, the MacBook will have its default macOS, the version it originally shipped with

You can check the default and maximum supported macOS for any MacBook on RefurbMe. For details, see what version of macOS do MacBooks come with.

If your refurbished MacBook arrives with an older macOS version, updating is free and straightforward:

Keeping macOS up to date ensures you get the newest security patches, features, and app compatibility. For a broader view of refurbished MacBooks, read about the pros and cons of buying one.

No, refurbished MacBooks do not have user data on them. All pre-existing data is completely erased during the refurbishment process.

When a MacBook is refurbished, its internal storage is fully wiped and macOS is reinstalled from scratch. No documents, photos, or personal files remain on the device. The MacBook arrives in the same state as a brand-new machine.

Professional refurbishers follow strict data sanitization procedures:

• Complete disk erase and macOS reinstallation
• Removal of any iCloud or Apple ID association
• All standard Apple apps are pre-installed, just like on a new Mac

With a used product, there is no guarantee that the previous owner properly erased their data. Professional refurbishers listed on RefurbMe make data removal a standard part of their testing process.

Your refurbished MacBook will greet you with the same setup assistant as a brand-new Mac. You can sign in with your Apple ID, migrate data from another Mac, or start fresh.