Where Can I Sell My iPhone? – Top 8 Websites You Should Know

The iPhone has been the most popular type of cell phone for many years. Chances are, at some point, you’re going to want to upgrade to the latest model and get rid of the phone you already have. 

But you might be asking yourself, “where can I sell my iPhone?”

There are several places that offer cash for iPhones, including Apple, Best Buy, eBay, and more – so, how do you pick the right one? All have different policies concerning how much money you’ll receive when you send in your phone, as well as different guidelines on what they will accept.

So, if you’re wondering, “where can I sell my iPhone?”, we’ve got the answers! We’ve gathered up a list of the top sites you can use to get the best deal on your iPhone. Without anything further, let’s dive in!

Selling Your iPhone: Tips to Follow

Are you thinking about selling your old iPhone? Take a look at these helpful tips.

Sell Early 

Just like there’s a best time to buy an iPhone, there’s a best time to sell – and it’s early! If you are even remotely considering selling your phone, don’t wait. If you don’t need it, get rid of it. The longer you sit on it, the lower the price it will potentially fetch. Apple products grow significantly less valuable with each new iPhone release. 

Know Its Worth

Take the time to do some research on how much your phone might be worth. Obviously, the condition is the most important factor, but generation and model make a huge difference, too. 

Carrier

Most iPhones are meant to be sold unlocked, meaning they can be compatible with any text, data, and voice carrier. However, that’s not always the case, especially if you’re using an old cellphone that’s attached to a certain carrier. You can discover this by visiting the settings tab and looking up your phone’s IMEI number. 

Condition

Take great care of your phone before you sell it. Invest in a good case and keep your phone in the best condition possible, since a phone in “like new” condition will always be worth more than one with unsightly cosmetic damage. 

Of course, there are a few steps you should take before shipping your phone off to the highest bidder, too. Make sure you turn off the “Find My iPhone” feature and wipe the internal data. If you have it paired with an Apple Watch, unpair it. Be sure to remove the SIM card, give it a once-over cleaning, and remove the case. 

When you ship your phone, be sure to package it securely so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in transit. 

iPhone Model Generation

Apple will categorize its product launches into generations, starting with the original iPhone 2G and progressing all the way to the more modern generations. The more recent the generation, the more valuable it will be.

Price 

Most of the places we will mention in this article where you can sell your iPhone will do the pricing for you. You won’t need to worry about setting a price because the platform will take care of it. However, if you have to price your phone yourself and you aren’t sure how much to charge, browse through eBay or Amazon to see what the average going rate for used phones of your generation and condition are going for. 

Where can I Sell my iPhone?: Top 8 Options

1. Apple iPhone Trade-in Program

Without a doubt, one of the easiest ways to get rid of your iPhone is to trade it in with the Apple iPhone trade-in program. All you have to do is bring your phone to the nearest store, where experts will take a look at the condition of your phone and determine a reasonable price.

In return, you’ll get a discounted upgrade plan or you can get credit toward a new device (or just a gift card to the Apple store). You won’t get cash for your used iPhone, but there are lots of benefits – one of them being that you don’t have to worry about potential scams! Plus, Apple will take care of wiping all of your data from the phone, which can offer significant peace of mind when it comes to fraud and identity theft. 

2. GadgetGone

GadgetGone is another legit resource to tap into if you want to sell your old cell phone. It’s easy to get started.

You just have to select your iPhone model and condition – then, you’ll receive an instant offer.

If you wish to accept the offer, just ship the phone to the company (for free!) with a prepaid shipping label. Once your iPhone is received, it will be inspected to make sure it matches the condition you described. 

You can get paid via check or PayPal, but you’ll find that both arrive quickly. 

3. Decluttr

If you want to sell your iPhone along with other gadgets or gear you might have lying around the house, Decluttr is the way to go. This website pays exceptionally well and provides users with a simple, easy-to-use decluttering process. You can do this via the website or through the mobile app, which is available on iOS and Android.

To get started, all you need to do is plug in your carrier, model, and condition. You’ll receive a free quote instantly. Then, you’ll box up your phone and ship it off (for free) to Decluttr. As soon as the phone is received, it’s inspected for damages. You’ll be paid quickly, generally within 24 hours or so. If you are feeling philanthropic, you can forego the payment and let your proceeds go to charity instead. 

4. BuyBackBoss

Though the name is a bit of a mouthful, BuyBackBoss is another excellent option if you’re on a mission to sell your used cell phone. 

All you have to do is follow the company’s convenient three-step process to sell your phone. You’ll begin by plugging in your device information and you’ll receive a quote – in most cases, getting this quote takes less than one minute. 

Then, accept the offer and go through the checkout process. You can send your phone in for free and you’ll be paid as soon as the product is received – generally by PayPal or direct check. 

5. eBay

eBay has long had the reputation for being one of the world’s best auction sites – which makes sense, since it was the very first. A great place for refurbishers and independent sellers to get rid of their old phones, it may allow you to fetch the highest price.

You’ll need to create an eBay account and write up a compelling convincing description for your iPhone. You will need to wait until someone bids on or buys your item directly, though – and you can only get paid via PayPal. You will also have to pay both a selling and listing fee, which is something to keep in mind. 

6. Swappa

Don’t trust the big websites to make the sales for you? If you would rather sell your cell direct, Swappa is the way to go. You can create an account and write up a listing for your cell phone instantly – you get to set the price, not Swappa.

If your phone sells, you’ll be paid instantly via PayPal. Then you can ship it directly to the buyer. It is kind of like the eBay of cell phones!

To protect against scams, Swappa requires you to post a verification photo of the cell phone before you can get any hits. 

7. SellCell

SellCell isn’t necessarily an iPhone sales website, per se, but it does allow you to compare several buyback options at once. Often referred to as the “Kayak” of the cell phone buyback industry, it will let you see how much your cell phone is worth from many of the nation’s top buyback companies.

Rather than spending hours trying to find the best deal, SellCell will bring everything together for you – you can find the best deal in a matter of minutes. You’ll also be able to find user reviews for these vendors so you can determine their trustworthiness in a snap.

8. Gazelle

Gazelle is similar to Decluttr in that it will allow you to create a profile, list the generation and condition of your phone, and get an offer immediately.

Accept the offer and Gazelle will give you a free shipping label – you’ll be paid as soon as the phone is received and the condition is evaluated. You can get paid via a mailed check, a virtual gift card to Amazon, or by PayPal. 

Should I Recycle My Used iPhone? 

Sell your iPhone on one of the reputable, well-known sales and trade-in sites listed above, and you’ll be able to clean out your junk drawer and make some cash at the same time. 

Whether you sell your iPhone to one of the vendors listed in this article or choose to get rid of it in some other way, it’s important to note that you can’t just toss your cell phone in the trash. This can cause serious pollution and is a waste of valuable resources.

Instead, look for tech recycling centers near you. Often, these will accept your iPhones free of charge – though you won’t, of course, make any money from the deal!

When Should I Sell My iPhone?

Not sure whether it’s time to part with your dusty old iPhone?

The question of when you should sell your phone largely depends on your personal situation. If you upgrade phones often, it might make sense to trade in an old phone for the latest model each time a new one is released. 

But if you use your current iPhone as much or more than any other device and are happy with its performance, then keeping that same old phone can be a smart move financially. Of course, if your phone is damaged or malfunctioning in any way, then it might be time to move on to a new model (and don’t worry – because many companies offer cash even for broken iPhones!). 

There’s no right answer here – only what works best for you! 

FAQ: Selling your iPhone

Can I trade in a broken iPhone?

Some companies will allow you to sell broken iPhones – depending on the severity. A completely nonfunctional phone will typically not be accepted but minimal damages like a scratched or cracked screen or broken speaker will often be accepted at lower prices.

Can I sell a locked iPhone?

You can sell a locked iPhone but it’s going to be much harder to find a buyer. Most of the vendors listed above require that the activation lock be disabled before payment is released – this is to help prevent identity theft. 

Where can I sell my iPhone to Apple for cash?

You can bring your iPhone into any Apple store, where they will evaluate its condition and offer you a reasonable trade-in price. Apple does not offer direct cash payments but instead will offer you a credit toward a new phone, a gift card to the store, or a similar method of payment in return for your iPhone. 

Where can I turn in my old iPhone for cash?

There are plenty of places you can sell your old iPhone for cash – though most pay with check or by PayPal – such as Decluttr, BuyBack Boss, and even Apple.