Selling your old phone can be a great way to make some extra cash, especially if you take the right steps to maximize its value and ensure a smooth, secure transaction. Whether you’re upgrading to a new device or simply decluttering, it’s essential to follow a structured checklist to prepare your phone for sale, find the best selling platform, and avoid scams. This guide provides the ultimate checklist to help you sell your phone safely and efficiently.
1. Back Up Your Data
Before selling your phone in Mobile Monster, you need to back up all important data, including contacts, photos, messages, and apps. This ensures you don’t lose any essential files when performing a factory reset.
How to Back Up Your Phone:
- For iPhone Users:
- iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
- Computer Backup: Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), and select Back Up Now.
- For Android Users:
- Google Backup: Go to Settings > Google > Backup and toggle Back Up Now.
- Samsung Users: Use Samsung Cloud under Settings > Accounts and Backup > Backup & Restore.
Backing up your phone ensures that you can restore your data on your new device without any hassle.
2. Unlink and Sign Out of Accounts
To protect your privacy, you need to remove your accounts before handing over your phone.
- Sign out of iCloud (iPhone):
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out and enter your Apple ID password.
- This ensures that Find My iPhone is turned off and the phone is no longer linked to your Apple ID.
- Remove Google Accounts (Android):
- To delete your Google account, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Google.
- This prevents the next owner from encountering a Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock.
- Log out of other accounts:
- Sign out of social media apps (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
- Remove email accounts from your phone settings.
3. Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset wipes all your personal data from the phone, making it ready for resale.
- For iPhone:
- Select Erase All Content and Settings under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Confirm and wait for the process to complete.
- For Android:
- Select Factory Data Reset under Settings > System > Reset.
- Confirm the reset and let the phone erase everything.
yAfter the reset, the phone will be restored to its original factory settings.
4. Check If Your Phone Is Unlocked
An unlocked phone can be used with any carrier, making it more valuable to buyers.
- For iPhone:
- Navigate to Carrier Lock under Settings > General > About.
- If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is unlocked.
- For Android:
- Insert a SIM card from a different carrier and check if it connects to the network.
If your phone is locked, contact your carrier to request an unlock before selling it.
5. Assess Your Phone’s Condition
Your phone’s condition directly affects its resale value. Carefully inspect the device and categorize it into one of these conditions:
- Like New: No scratches, dents, or marks; battery life above 90%.
- Good: Minor signs of wear but fully functional.
- Fair: Noticeable scratches or dents but works properly.
- Broken/Damaged: Cracked screen, battery issues, or other defects.
If your phone has major damage, consider getting it repaired to increase its resale value.
6. Choose the Best Selling Platform
There are several ways to sell your phone, each with its pros and cons.
Marketplaces (Higher Payout, More Effort)
- eBay – Large audience, but requires managing bids and shipping.
- Facebook Marketplace – No fees; ideal for local sales.
- Craigslist – Good for local sales, but watch out for scams.
- Swappa – Secure, but involves listing fees.
Trade-In Services (Lower Payout, Less Effort)
- Apple Trade-In – Offers store credit for Apple devices.
- Best Buy, Amazon, and Carrier Trade-Ins – Convenient but lower payouts.
- EcoATM – Instant cash but lower offers.
Choose a platform based on how much effort you’re willing to invest.
7. Set a Competitive Price
Check recent listings on platforms like eBay or Swappa to determine your phone’s fair market value. Consider:
- Model and Storage Capacity – Higher storage versions sell for more.
- Condition – Phones in mint condition fetch higher prices.
- Unlocked vs. Carrier-Locked – Unlocked phones have a higher value.
If selling on a marketplace, set a competitive price to attract buyers while maximizing profit.
8. Take High-Quality Photos
Photos that are clear and well-lit help your listing stand out. Include:
- Front and back of the phone.
- Any scratches or damage (be transparent).
- Accessories included (charger, box, etc.).
Good photos help potential buyers trust your listing.
9. Write an Effective Listing
A well-written description attracts serious buyers. Include:
- Device model, storage size, and condition.
- Battery health (for iPhones).
- Whether the phone is unlocked or carrier-locked.
- Any included accessories (charger, box, etc.).
- Honest disclosure of any defects.
Providing detailed information helps buyers make informed decisions.
10. Safely Handle Payments and Shipping
- Safe Payment Methods:
- PayPal (Goods & Services) – Offers buyer/seller protection.
- Facebook Pay or Venmo (For Local Sales) – Cash is preferred.
- Swappa’s Payment System – Secure and reliable.
Avoid These Scams:
- Customers that are willing to pay more than what is being asked.
- Requests to ship the phone before payment is received.
- Fake payment confirmation emails.
For shipping:
- Use a sturdy box with bubble wrap for protection.
- Ship with tracking and insurance.
- Keep a proof of shipment.
Sell Your Phone Online
Selling your phone online can be safe, profitable, and hassle-free when you follow the right steps. By backing up your data, signing out of accounts, resetting your phone, checking if it’s unlocked, choosing the right selling platform, and handling payments securely, you can ensure a smooth and successful sale.
Use this checklist to maximize your phone’s resale value and protect yourself from scams.
Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers.
