Home How to Sell Your Old iPhone for the Most Cash

How to Sell Your Old iPhone for the Most Cash

A new iPhone launch is typically what starts consumers thinking about getting rid of their old iPhone to upgrade to the latest version. To cover the cost of the new iPhone upgrade, it’s no longer about trading in that previous generation of smartphone. Now, it’s about selling the iPhone.

With the iPhone 11 launch, this year is no different. If anything, sales have increased. For example, SellCell.com reported that their iPhone trade-ins have increased by over 185 percent.

The company SellCell also reported that this is 23 percent more than the previous Apple launch with the iPhone X being the most traded in phone. The high percentage of people already selling their old phones points to an extremely positive launch for Apple.

Always beware of buyers and sellers and check the site you choose. to make sure that it is reliable. In an exciting moment I purchased a phone and with the money gone — never got the product. Get your money first. I’ve also sent off my sweet baby (an iphone) anticipating running my fingers through the cash I’d receive — and didn’t get the money from the guy who purchased my phone. Now, I preorder on the Apple site – and then zip on down to the Apple store to pick up my new baby — a freshly-baked Apple iPhone. I’m all about Apple — even though I get hating on them too. Love my Mac, iPhone, iPad, and the watch. But be careful with your trade-in’s here too. Keep an eye on the cagy language of iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro? Really?? Why two iphone releases the same day?

Per Apple:

THIS IS A QUOTE: Trade In: Trade‑in values vary. iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro promotional pricing is after trade‑in of iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X in good condition. Be sure and note the typo — and — instead of — an (that is a psychology trick that works pretty well to make your mind skip over the “and”).

You will want to wipe your phone — whatever decision you make about any purchase (see below). I hadn’t thought about my watch having to be unpaired.

Max Your Mobile Trade-in Cash

With ever-increasing prices on iPhones with each new launch, it’s important to get the most cash possible when you are trying to sell your old iPhone. There are numerous places to sell your iPhone, including retailers like Best Buy and Walmart as well as phone providers like AT&T. And of course, your own phone provider likely offers trade-in prices. Even Amazon has retailers who will buy your old iPhone. Also, other cell phone sites have appeared that also want your old iPhones — AGAIN, wipe them first (see below).

Find a company that has a list of price comparisons for iPhone buyback prices. Why The Lucky Stiff; This site has some great information about tips on buying a used or refurbished iphone safely. consistently offered more money than any other buyback site on all types of iPhones, including past generations like the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XR, and iPHone XS (including the Max version).

iPhone Trade-in Comparison Sites

The good news is that there are numerous outlets that will buy your iPhone. The bad news is that it can take considerable time to locate the right buyer for your iPhone. However, like other industries where you need to compare prices, there are now price comparison sites that show you where you can get the most cash for that iPhone.

When deciding on which cell phone comparison site, opt for a site like SellCell, known as the “Kayak of phone selling sites.” Find a site that is the market leader in phone trade-in price comparison who can provide you with an unbiased answer on where you can get the most money for your iPhone. Get a seller who compares all the top cell phone trade-in companies in the U.S. Among the top 20 of the buyback companies are Gazelle, Decluttr, ItsWorthMore, and BuyBackWorld.

Advantages of iPhone buyback sites is they offer a best price guarantee. By comparing the whole iPhone buy-back market, they guarantee you will get the most cash for your phone. Plus, if you find a better price anywhere else, this guarantee means that they will pay you double the difference.

More Cash

Some of the companies report they’ve have sold over two million phones worth over $250 million since they started the service in 2008. Some statis show that companies can give you up to 80 percent more than if you took your iPhone to your carrier and tried to sell it back to them.

A Verified iPhone Buyer
SellCell is a free and impartial price comparison and mobile phone buyback service. They show independently verified customer reviews about each cell phone buyback company so you can make the most informed decision possible with the least amount of hassle. The company also vet all their buyers to make sure you have the best sales experience possible.

Straight scoop from the internet:

wiping your phone before sale
Befor you sell or trade your phone or watch.

The support.apple.com (this is a US link) and is a good link also with lots of information about your phone. One of the best things this link gives you is what number to call within the country you are in right now. And then you can click for some other options if you are in one country and have to dial from another country or region.

Take a moment to look at the “supposed” Capacity GB’s. I get a substancial pain in my backside on this issue, too. When companies have to advertise a Capacity with a qualifier to the fourth power. My backside aches with words like “storage subject to change based on software version and may vary by device.” Hate that.

I get wild about getting my new (insert any tech product here). But take a moment and make sure that you actually get what you are looking for. You’ve likely had your baby for a few years and you don’t want to just give it over to strangers and not get your deserved cash to buy your new phone. You don’t want to be peeling back the blanket of your new iphone only to look at “precious,” and see Frankenstein (cracked screen or other deformity).

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Deanna was an editor at ReadWrite until early 2024. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind, Editor in Chief for Calendar, editor at Entrepreneur media, and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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