What to Do Before Selling Your iPhone

Maximize Value by Selling Your Old iPhone

There’s nothing more frustrating than a cracked iPhone screen or a phone that won't work, especially if you’ve invested in the latest release and love it. The good news is that you can sell your old iPhone and recoup some of your investment.

If you’ve recently upgraded and your old phone is in good shape, selling it still makes sense. Otherwise, you’re left with a few risky options: leaving it in a drawer, throwing it away, or giving it to someone who may not appreciate or take care of it.

Why keep a dead phone lying around? If you move, it’s just one more thing to pack and take with you. Leaving it in a drawer poses a security risk, as it could be stolen and hacked. Throwing it away is wasteful, especially since it could be refurbished or used by someone who doesn’t mind an older model.

It's important to note that iPhones usually retain their resale value—even if they’re used or partially damaged—so you should try to recoup some of your investment.

Ready to sell your iPhone? Make sure none of your personal information is still on your phone. Here’s what to do before selling your device.

Safety Precautions When Selling Your iPhone

Understanding how to sell your smartphone safely is crucial. Not fully deleting your information can lead to data loss and identity theft.

Smartphones are more than just phones; they are powerful computers containing vast amounts of personal information. To protect yourself, ensure your data is secure.

Identity Theft and Your Phone

Identity theft is a serious issue that can cost you a lot of time and money to fix. The Identity Theft Resource Center reported that 60 million Americans have been victims of identity theft, with tens of thousands of dollars stolen annually.

Identity theft methods are not always obvious, so vigilance is key. For instance, if you’ve used your phone for emails or online purchases, your credit card login information is at risk. Almost all business accounts require an email address for setup and are often linked in multiple ways.

When you signed up for a credit card or bank account, it was linked to your email. Similarly, online purchases generate emailed receipts, creating a trail for hackers to follow.

This makes your financial information vulnerable. If a hacker accesses your emails, they could find login information for your accounts, leading to unauthorized purchases.

To prevent identity theft, remove all personal information from your old smartphone before selling it. Erase all stored data, including photos, phone numbers, account passwords, and financial information.

How to Erase Your iPhone

Protecting yourself from identity theft by resetting your phone is straightforward.

1. Unpair Linked Devices: Unpair devices like your Apple Watch.
2. Log Out: Log out of Find My iPhone and iMessage. Remove the phone’s serial number from your Apple account.
3. Remove iCloud Account: Remove your iCloud account from the device using either the phone or a computer.
4. Erase the iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings > Confirm.

Where to Sell Your iPhone

Once your data is erased, it’s time to find the best place to sell your smartphone. Options include private sales to family and friends, buy-back kiosks, carriers, or local computer stores.

However, these options may not offer the best price for your phone’s value. If you’re selling online, conduct thorough research to find the best site to sell your smartphone to get a fair deal.

How We Can Help

We can help you sell your iPhone with an easy-to-follow process. Apple products are our specialty, so you can be confident we’ll give you the best value for your device.

You can use our site to get a quote in under 30 seconds and even sell multiple devices in bulk. We don’t haggle, overwhelm you with too many steps, or make you wait.

If you have any questions, visit our site and chat with a sales expert. We’re happy to explain how everything works and give you the best possible suggestion!