We believe privacy isn't a luxury,
It's a fundamental right.
Every phone you buy today comes with strings attached. Your location, your contacts, your browsing habits, your purchases—all quietly collected, analyzed, and monetized. Most people accept this as the cost of modern life. We don't.
We started [ARC Neofone] because we believe you shouldn't have to choose between having a great phone and having your privacy. The hardware is already out there—powerful flagships that people loved, now discarded for newer models. The software exists too—open-source operating systems built by communities who believe in digital freedom.
We bring the two together. We rescue quality pre-owned flagships, restore them to their full potential, and install privacy-focused operating systems that put you back in control. No Google tracking. No bloatware. No data harvesting. Just a phone that works for you—not the other way around.
Our Story
Why we started
Our mission is simple: make privacy accessible to everyone.
We're not building a niche product for tech elites. We're building a real alternative for everyday people. Students, Professionals, Journalists, Activists, and Anyone who believes their personal data belongs to them.
Privacy for All : We price our phones to be affordable, not exclusive. Privacy shouldn't require a premium.
Hardware That Lasts : We give powerful flagships a second life, reducing e-waste and proving that great tech doesn't need to be new.
Software You Can Trust : We only use open-source, audited operating systems. No hidden code. No secret data collection.
Our Mission
What We're Trying to Achieve
Anyone can sell you a used phone. Here's what we do differently:
Privacy by Default: Every device ships with a de-Googled operating system. No Google accounts required. No tracking. Ever.
Transparent Quality Checks: Every phone passes our 16-stage verification process. We tell you exactly what was tested and what condition to expect.
Banking Apps That Work: On supported devices, we re-lock the bootloader to restore verified boot. This means your UPI and banking apps work reliably.
Honest About Limitations: We don't oversell. If a device can't run banking apps, we tell you upfront. If a phone is near end-of-life, you'll know.
Sustainable by Design: Every phone we revive is one less device in a landfill. Privacy and sustainability go hand in hand.
How We're Different
What Makes Us Different
Warranty Policy
Warranty & Terms
Duration:
90 Days Standard Warranty: Covers hardware defects (motherboard, display, charging port, speaker, microphone).
Battery & Accessories: 3 months coverage for battery (if replaced by us) and any charger/cable included.
What is Covered:
Manufacturing defects or internal hardware failures under normal use.
Touchscreen unresponsiveness, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity issues, and camera failures.
Software support for the pre-installed OS (remote troubleshooting).
What is NOT Covered:
Physical Damage: Cracked screen, dents, liquid damage, or bent frame.
Software Tampering: If the customer installs root, modifies the bootloader, or flashes a different ROM, the warranty is void.
Unauthorized Repairs: Opening the device or getting it repaired at a third-party shop within warranty period.
Normal Wear & Tear: Minor scratches or scuffs.
IMEI Tampering: If the device's IMEI or serial number is removed or altered.
Warranty Claim Process
Step 1: Contact us via email or WhatsApp with your Order ID, IMEI number, and a video showing the defect.
Step 2: We will verify the claim and arrange a pickup (Note: A ₹150 pickup/logistics fee may apply for inspection, similar to standard industry practice).
Step 3: Our technicians will inspect the device. If the defect is covered, we will repair or replace the device at our discretion.
Step 4: If the claim is rejected (due to physical damage or software tampering), the device will be returned, and the pickup fee will be charged.
Dead on Arrival (DOA): Report within 24 hours of delivery with an unboxing video for a replacement or refund.
Refunds: For eligible returns, refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7-10 business days.
Replacement Warranty: If we replace your device, the new device carries the remaining warranty of the original purchase, not a fresh warranty period.
De-Googled OS: By purchasing, you acknowledge that this device runs an alternative operating system (like CalyxOS, /e/OS, or GrapheneOS).
App Compatibility: While we test banking apps (PhonePe, SBI), we do not guarantee that all banking, UPI, or DRM-protected apps will work. Google Pay will not work.
Original Manufacturer Warranty: Installing a custom ROM typically voids the original manufacturer's warranty. We cover the device with our own reseller warranty as described above.
Bootloader: On supported models, we re-lock the bootloader. Attempting to unlock it again will void our warranty.
Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of India. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in your city (e.g., Delhi, Bangalore, etc.).
We want you to be completely satisfied with your privacy phone. Please read our refund and return policy carefully before making a purchase. By placing an order, you acknowledge and agree to the terms below.
1. Return Eligibility Window
Standard Returns: You may request a return within 7 days of delivery if the device has a hardware defect not disclosed at the time of purchase.
Dead on Arrival (DOA): If the device does not power on or has a critical failure upon arrival, report it within 24 hours of delivery with an unboxing video for a full refund or replacement.
Non-Returnable Conditions: Returns will not be accepted if the device shows signs of physical damage, liquid damage, or if the bootloader has been unlocked, rooted, or the OS has been modified in any way.
2. Reasons for Return & Refund Eligibility
| Reason | Refund | Replacement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOA (reported within 24 hrs with video) | ✅ Full refund | ✅ Or replacement | Logistics covered by us |
| Hardware defect (within 7 days) | ✅ Full refund | ✅ Or replacement | Subject to inspection |
| Device not as described | ✅ Full refund | ✅ Or replacement | Subject to inspection |
| Change of mind | ❌ Not accepted | ❌ Not accepted | Custom OS devices are non-returnable for preference reasons |
| Software/app compatibility issues | ❌ Not accepted | ❌ Not accepted | We disclose all known limitations before sale |
Contact Us: Email us at [your email] or WhatsApp us at [your number] with your Order ID, IMEI number, and a clear video showing the defect.
Verification: Our team will review your request and confirm eligibility within 48 hours.
Pickup: If approved, we will arrange a pickup from your address. A ₹150 inspection/logistics fee may be deducted from your refund if the returned device passes inspection and the return is for a non-covered reason.
Inspection: Once received, our technicians will inspect the device. This typically takes 2–3 business days.
Resolution: If the defect is verified, we will process your refund or ship a replacement.
4. Refund Processing Timeline
Approved Refunds: Processed within 7–10 business days from the date of approval.
Refund Method: Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used at checkout (UPI, bank transfer, card, etc.).
Cash on Delivery (COD) Refunds: For COD orders, refunds will be processed via bank transfer to the account details you provide. Please ensure your bank details are accurate to avoid delays.
Deductions: If the returned device shows signs of use beyond normal inspection (e.g., scratches, missing accessories), a diminished value deduction may apply.
5. Replacement Policy
If a replacement is approved, we will ship a functionally equivalent device (same model or better, at our discretion) within 3–5 business days of receiving the original device.
The replacement device carries the remaining warranty period of the original purchase, not a fresh warranty.
6. Cancellation Policy
Before Shipping: Orders can be cancelled for a full refund before the device is dispatched. Contact us immediately if you wish to cancel.
After Shipping: Once the device has been shipped, it is treated as a return, and the above return policy applies.
Cancellation Charges: No cancellation charges apply if you cancel before dispatch.
7. Grievance Redressal
As required by the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, we have appointed a Grievance Officer to address any concerns:
Name: [Your Name / Designated Officer]
Email: [[email protected]]
Response Time: Acknowledgment within 48 hours; resolution within 30 days.
8. Important Disclaimers
Software Limitations: Refunds will not be issued solely because a specific third-party app (banking, UPI, streaming, or DRM-protected) does not work on the custom OS. We provide detailed compatibility information on each product page.
Bootloader Status: If you unlock the bootloader, root the device, or flash a different ROM after purchase, all return and refund eligibility is void.
Original Manufacturer Warranty: Our refund policy is separate from any original manufacturer warranty, which is typically voided upon installing a custom OS.