How to Sell Your Old Smartphone for the Best Price

31 October 2025

Upgrading to a new smartphone? That means it's time to sell your old one. But how do you ensure you get the best possible price for it? Selling your old smartphone is more than just listing it online and hoping for the best. You need a strategy to maximize its value.

In this guide, I'll walk you through everything—from preparing your phone for sale to finding the best platform to sell it. Let's make sure you squeeze every last dollar out of your old device!

📌 Step 1: Prepare Your Smartphone for Sale

Before you even think about listing your phone, you need to make sure it's ready for the next owner. Buyers prefer fully functional, clean, and well-maintained devices.

🔹 Back Up Your Data

First things first—back up all your personal data. You don’t want to lose precious photos, contacts, or messages. Here’s how:

- For iPhone Users: Use iCloud or iTunes to back up your data.
- For Android Users: Use Google Drive or an external storage option.

🔹 Remove Personal Information & Reset Your Phone

Once your data is backed up, it's time to erase everything. A factory reset ensures none of your personal information falls into the wrong hands.

- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- On Android: Navigate to Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset.

Don't forget to remove your SIM card and microSD card before selling!

🔹 Unlock Your Device

Is your phone locked to a specific carrier? Unlocking it can increase its resale value since unlocked phones appeal to a much larger audience. Contact your carrier or use third-party unlocking services if necessary.

🔹 Clean It Up

First impressions matter! A clean phone looks more appealing and makes buyers more willing to pay top dollar. Use a microfiber cloth and some screen cleaner to wipe off dust, smudges, and fingerprints. If there are minor scratches, consider a screen polish to minimize them.

📌 Step 2: Determine Your Phone’s Value

Now, let’s figure out how much your phone is worth.

🔹 Check the Market Price

Before setting a price, do some research. Look at platforms like:

- eBay (Check completed listings for actual selling prices)
- Swappa
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Gazelle

Compare prices based on model, storage capacity, condition, and whether the phone is unlocked.

🔹 Consider the Phone's Condition

Your phone’s condition will significantly impact its value. Here’s how resale prices vary based on condition:

- Like New: No scratches, fully functional, includes box & accessories = highest price
- Good: Minor scratches, fully functional, no major damages
- Fair: Visible wear and tear, small dents or cracks, but still works fine
- Poor: Cracked screen, battery issues, or functional defects = lowest price

🔹 Assess Trade-In Offers

Some people prefer the convenience of a trade-in. Check trade-in prices from retailers like Apple, Samsung, Best Buy, and carriers like Verizon or AT&T. While trade-in programs offer less money than private sales, they are hassle-free.

📌 Step 3: Choose the Best Selling Platform

Where you sell your phone matters. Some platforms offer higher payouts, while others provide convenience.

🔹 Online Marketplaces (Best for Maximum Profit)

- Swappa – No middleman, direct buyer-seller communication, lower fees than eBay.
- eBay – Great for auctions and setting your own price, but high seller fees.
- Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist – No shipping fees, fast local sales, but beware of scammers.

⏳ Best For: People willing to put in effort for the highest payout.

🔹 Trade-In Programs (Best for Convenience)

- Apple Trade-In – Offers Apple Gift Cards in exchange.
- Samsung Trade-In – Instant discounts if upgrading to a new Samsung device.
- Carrier Trade-Ins (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) – Convenient, but offers less money.

⏳ Best For: People who want a hassle-free process, even if it means less money.

🔹 Buyback Websites (Fastest Way to Sell)

- Gazelle – Instant quotes and free shipping.
- Decluttr – Quick payments via PayPal or direct deposit.
- ecoATM – Kiosks that give instant cash after analyzing your phone.

⏳ Best For: People in a hurry who don’t want to deal with buyers.

📌 Step 4: Create an Attractive Listing

If you’re selling on an online marketplace, your listing needs to stand out.

🔹 Take High-Quality Photos

- Use natural lighting to showcase the phone’s condition.
- Capture different angles, including front, back, and sides.
- If there are scratches or small dents, be honest and show them. Buyers appreciate transparency.

🔹 Write a Compelling Description

A great description makes a huge difference. Here’s what to include:

✅ Model & Storage – Example: iPhone 13 Pro, 256GB
✅ Condition – Be honest (Like new, Good, Fair, Poor)
✅ Accessories Included – Charger, original box, headphones (if applicable)
✅ Unlocked or Carrier-Locked – Specify if the phone is unlocked
✅ Price & Negotiation – State your price and whether you're open to offers

📌 Example Description:
> "Selling my iPhone 13 Pro 256GB in excellent condition! No scratches, always kept in a case. Unlocked for any carrier. Comes with an original box, charger, and lightning cable. Asking $700 (OBO). Local pickup available or can ship!"

📌 Step 5: Negotiate & Close the Sale

Once buyers start reaching out, it’s time to seal the deal.

🔹 Be Ready to Negotiate

Most buyers will try to haggle down the price. Be prepared! Set a minimum price in mind and don’t be afraid to say no if an offer is too low.

🔹 Avoid Scammers

Scammers are everywhere. Watch out for:

🚨 Buyers who want to pay via check or money order (These are usually fake).
🚨 Requests to ship before payment (Always get paid first).
🚨 Buyers offering to pay above your asking price (They might be phishing).

For online sales, use PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle for secure payments. If meeting in person, use cash or secure payment apps.

🔹 Meet in a Safe Location

If selling locally, meet in a public place like a coffee shop or police station parking lot. Never invite strangers to your home.

📌 Step 6: Ship (If Selling Online)

Selling on eBay or Swappa? You’ll need to ship your phone safely.

📦 Use secure packaging – A padded envelope or small box with bubble wrap works best.
📦 Track the shipment – Always get a tracking number to avoid disputes.
📦 Insure expensive phones – If selling a high-end smartphone, add insurance for extra security.

Final Thoughts

Selling your old smartphone can be simple if you follow the right steps. Maximize its value by keeping it in top shape, listing it correctly, and choosing the best marketplace. Whether you go for maximum profit or convenience, there’s a selling option that fits your needs.

Now, it's time to put your phone up for sale and cash in on your upgrade!