How to sell an old iPhone

So your iPhone is getting a little long in the tooth and you want to be rid of it. If you’re part of Apple’s own iPhone upgrade program you have an easy avenue to getting a new handset, but if you have older iPhones to be rid of, or just want the cash to buy something else, there’s money to be made from selling up. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

Before selling

Unpair your Apple Watch, if you have one

You can do this using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, under the information button of the specific watch you’re unpairing.

Backup your iPhone data

Before selling your old iPhone you’ll want to ensure all personal data has been wiped from the device. Before you delete anything, however, you should back it up. If you have an iCloud account, you can do this by connecting to Wi-Fi, going to Settings | iCloud | iCloud Backup and tapping Back Up Now. All of your data will then be stored on your current Apple ID. You can also do this with iTunes by connecting your phone to your computer and clicking Back Up Now.

Sign out of your Apple account

Next you’ll want to sign out of your Apple account, which is important because if you don’t it can cause problems for the person that next uses the device. Activation Lock could still be enabled and they won’t be able to sign in. To sign out,go to Settings | [your name] – at the top of the screen) | Sign Out – at the bottom of the screen.

Factory reset your iPhone

Go to Settings | General | Reset | Erase all Settings and Content. When a pop-up appears, tap Erase and enter your passcode, Apple ID and password when prompted. The device will begin to erase all your data, before rebooting and starting up again as if it were new.

Where to sell or trade in your iPhone

There’s a gamut of different services that buy used mobile devices, or let you trade it in as part of a new purchase. Here are some of the most popular: 

GiffGaff

Giffgaff buys old phones as well as selling refurbished models. Like other buyers on this list, you’ll generally get more for an unlocked handset than one tied to EE, O2, Three or other providers, and price will also depend on condition. At the time of writing an unlocked 256GB iPhone X in good condition will give you £320. 

Music Magpie

Much like its bird namesake, Music Magpie will generally pick up anything shiny. The site buys old phones, laptops, consoles, tablets, games, CDs, DVDs… iPhone prices vary depending on model, storage and condition, but at the time of writing an unlocked 256GB iPhone X in good condition will give you £296. 

Envirofone

Envirofone specialises in buying and selling old mobile phones. Much like other retailers, iPhone prices vary depending on model, storage and condition. At the time of writing an unlocked 256GB iPhone X in good condition will give you £280. 

WeBuyAnyPhone.com

Does what it says on the tin. The same variables as before, with more being paid for unlocked phones than handsets tied to a mobile provider. At the time of writing an unlocked 256GB iPhone X in good condition will give you £300. 

O2 recycle

O2 runs its own ‘recycle’ service, and you don’t have to be an O2 customer to use it. You’ll have the option of getting your payment as a transfer or as credit to an O2 bill. At the time of writing, an unlocked iPhone X 256GB will get you £230.

Apple trade-in

If you’re in the market for a new iPhone, there’s also the option of trading in your old handset with Apple directly. The company’s trade-in service will deduct the old phone’s value towards a new purchase. Apple will also recycle an old iPhone for free, if that’s preferable. At the time of writing, an unlocked iPhone X 256GB will get you £270.