Every fall, companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google release their new flagship smartphones. If you’re carrying a prior-version iPhone and want to upgrade to the latest version, don’t rush to click the buy button just yet. Before you do, take a few minutes to research the best ways to sell your old iPhone, or follow along with this article where we’ve researched for you. Keep reading to find out the best place to sell your iPhone.
Sell, trade in or keep your old iPhone?
There are pros and cons to selling an old iPhone. When you trade in your phone, you get a straightforward process but don’t get the maximum value for your old device. When you keep your phone, you don’t get any money, but you have a backup phone if your new one goes in for repair.
In many cases, it’s not worth selling older-model phones with a meager value. But newer models can bring in hundreds of dollars if the device is in good shape. You may also donate an old phone to some nonprofits who will repurpose them as emergency-only phones for homeless individuals or those escaping abusive situations. If you donate, you’ll get no money but may qualify for a tax deduction.
Now that you know your options to get rid of an old iPhone, we’re going to focus on the best options to sell or trade-in for maximum value and convenience.
Sell your iPhone using a service
Note: For comparisons, we entered a used iPhone 6S 16GB unlocked and iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB in good condition. Prices are current as of the article writing date but may change frequently and without notice.
Decluttr
Decluttr helps you sell all sorts of stuff, including old iPhones. While you’re getting your iPhone ready to ship, you can also sell CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, books, tech gear, games, and consoles through Decluttr. It makes getting a quote and turning your device into cash speedy and easy.
You won’t get top dollar, but it’s very convenient. The current value for an iPhone 6S in good condition is $10. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is worth $621. Depending on the condition, of course, what you get for your phone varies.
GadgetGone
GadgetGone is another online service where you can sell your phone for cash. An iPhone 6S in “good” condition is worth $24. An iPhone 12 Pro Max would get you $649 in good condition. The rates here make it worth adding to your comparison list.
GadgetGone and other online sales services send you a free, prepaid shipping label to print and attach to your package (you provide the box). Drop it off, and you’ll get a check or other arranged payment as soon as the device is delivered and verified.
Gazelle
Gazelle is a used smartphone buyer and seller with a good online reputation. It takes about a minute to get an offer, and shipping is fast and easy. Like similar competitors, you can get paid by check, PayPal, or Amazon gift card.
An iPhone 6S in good condition is worth $23, while an iPhone 12 Pro Max is worth $435 with light signs of use. Gazelle is also suitable for buyers, as the company tracks serial numbers and won’t sell devices reported as lost or stolen.
Sell your iPhone in an online marketplace
eBay
You can buy and sell just about any item on eBay. The current price for iPhone 6S phones is around $60 to $90, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max sells for approximately $690 to $1,100. This is a pretty good value, but you’re going to have to put in the work to list, sell, and ship the device. Plus, eBay takes fees when you sell.
However, as a massive online marketplace, eBay makes it likely that you’ll connect with a motivated buyer if you list it for a reasonable price.
Facebook Marketplace
It seems like just about everyone is on Facebook. While Craigslist used to be a default go-to for buying and selling used items locally, Facebook appears to have gobbled up the competition. If you’re looking to sell locally, Facebook Marketplace could be a good choice.
Make sure to follow smart safety practices to protect yourself both online and during a product drop-off. Only take cash for payments, avoid giving out your address and phone number, and only meet in a public, well-lit place for the exchange.
Trade in your iPhone
Apple Trade In
The official Apple Trade In program rewards you with Apple gift cards for turning in old Apple devices. For the iPhone 6s, the current value is around $30. An iPhone 12 Pro Max can fetch about $790. The value you receive depends on the condition of your device.
In addition to old iPhones, Apple accepts iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and certain Samsung, Google, and LG Android phones. This option gets you a reasonably good value and is best for devoted Apple fans who plan to buy more from Apple in the future.
Amazon Trade-In
Amazon Trade-In accepts a wide range of old devices, including many iPhone models. An iPhone 6S brings in up to $25 and iPhone 12 Pro Max is worth up to $671, which is less than you would get from Apple Trade In.
The significant benefit of going through Amazon is getting an Amazon gift card as payment. If you shop a ton on Amazon anyway, it may be worth taking a few dollars less to have the flexibility of buying almost anything.
Best Buy Trade-In
Similar to Apple and Amazon, Best Buy Trade-In offers gift cards for valuable old iPhones. An iPhone 6S in good condition is worth $30. An iPhone 12 Pro Max in good shape fetches around $775.
Again, this is best for loyal customers, as you don’t get cash for your iPhone when trading in. However, a higher value gift card here could be good for someone shopping for a new TV, stereo or video game system, for example.
Remember to wipe your device!
Before sending your phone anywhere, it’s essential to remove your personal information. That’s easy to do with a few taps on your screen. These are the steps to erase an iPhone back to the factory default settings, which removes all of your information from the device:
- Go to Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
The phone should reboot and look like a brand new phone, asking you to set up a phone for the first time or restore from a backup. If you see the new phone screen, you’ve reset your device correctly.
Now you’re all set. Do your best to keep your information private when selling, as you don’t want to hear from any sketchy buyers again in the future. All sales are final! Then you can take your money (or gift card) and use it however you want, and enjoy a little less clutter at home. That’s a win-win for your lifestyle and your money.
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