Selling your old phone is a great way to offset the cost of a new one — but doing it wrong can expose your personal data, leave you open to scams, or result in a much lower price than you deserve. Here is how to do it right.
Step 1 — Prepare the phone for sale
Before listing your phone
- Back up everything — photos, contacts, apps, messages — to iCloud, Google Drive, or your computer
- Sign out of all accounts: Apple ID, Google account, banking apps, social media
- Remove your SIM card and any memory cards
- For iPhone: Settings → Apple ID → Sign Out, then Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content
- For Android: Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset
- Verify after reset that the phone starts fresh without asking for your credentials
- Clean the phone — a clean phone photographs better and sells for more
Step 2 — Know your phone's value
Before listing, research what your phone is actually worth. Check completed sales on eBay (filter by "Sold listings") and local marketplaces to see what identical models in similar condition actually sold for — not just what sellers are asking.
Factors that affect price:
- Storage size — higher storage models fetch more
- Color — certain colors are more popular
- Battery health — above 85% commands a premium
- Condition — no scratches, original box, and all accessories increase value significantly
- Unlocked vs locked — unlocked phones sell for 15-30% more
Step 3 — Where to sell
For maximum price: Facebook Marketplace or local classified ads. You deal directly with buyers, pay no fees, and get cash. The downside is more effort and some risk from meeting strangers.
For convenience: Swappa, Back Market, or eBay. These platforms handle more of the process and have buyer/seller protection, but charge fees of 5-15%.
For instant cash: Trade-in programs from Apple, Samsung, or carriers. Convenient but you typically get 30-50% less than selling privately.
Step 4 — Write a great listing
A good listing sells faster and at a better price. Include:
- Exact model name and storage (e.g. iPhone 13 Pro 256GB Sierra Blue)
- Battery health percentage
- Condition description — be honest about any scratches or damage
- What is included — original box, charger, cables, case
- Your IMEI number — showing it builds buyer trust and proves the phone is not blacklisted
- Clear photos in good lighting from multiple angles
Step 5 — Stay safe during the sale
Safety during the transaction
- Meet in a public place — a coffee shop, shopping center, or police station
- Accept cash or instant bank transfer only — never cheques or PayPal Friends & Family
- Let the buyer test the phone fully before paying — this prevents disputes after
- Do not give out your home address or personal details beyond what is necessary
- If selling online, use tracked shipping and keep all proof of postage
- Take photos of the packaged phone before shipping as evidence of condition
After the sale: Keep a record of the buyer's details and the sale price for at least a few months. If any dispute arises — such as a claim the phone was damaged in transit — you will have evidence to support your case.
Share your IMEI to build buyer trust
Providing your IMEI and a clean check result in your listing dramatically increases buyer confidence and sale speed.
Free IMEI Check →