How to Sell Your Old Phone: Get the Most Money in 2026
Selling your old smartphone? These tips will help you get the best price, avoid scams, and sell safely — whether you're on eBay, trade-in programs, or local marketplaces.
Your old smartphone is worth money. The question is how to get the most for it. Here's a complete guide to selling your phone for the best price while staying safe from scams.
Where to Sell: Your Options Compared
Trade-in programs (Apple, Samsung, carriers): The easiest option but rarely the best price. Convenient because you get credit toward a new device instantly. Apple Trade In, Samsung Trade-In, and major carriers all offer programs. Expect 20-40% below market value. Best for people who value convenience over maximum return. eBay: Highest potential prices but requires effort. You handle photography, listing, shipping, and buyer communication. Selling fees of around 12-13%. Best for premium devices where the price difference justifies the effort. Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist / local equivalents: No fees, cash transactions, but you meet strangers. Meet in a public place, preferably a police station parking lot which many stations designate for marketplace transactions. Specialist buyback sites (Swappa, Gazelle, MusicMagpie, etc.): Fixed quotes, no negotiation, quick payment. Prices are better than carrier trade-ins but lower than eBay. Safe and hassle-free.
Maximise Your Phone's Value
Clean your phone thoroughly — a clean phone photographs better and gives buyers confidence. Original packaging adds 10-15% to the selling price — keep your boxes. Include original accessories — earphones, charger, documentation. Minor scratches: use a screen polish kit to minimise surface scratches on glass. Be honest about condition — accurate descriptions prevent disputes and negative feedback.
Prepare Your Phone for Sale
Back up everything first. Sign out of all accounts — Apple ID, Google account, Samsung account. Disable Find My (iPhone) or Find My Device (Android) — the new owner cannot activate the phone without you doing this. Factory reset the device. Remove your SIM card and any microSD cards. Check the phone activates after reset before handing over.
Avoid Common Scams
Never accept payment via bank transfer from an unknown buyer — use PayPal Goods and Services (not Friends and Family) for eBay and online sales as it provides buyer/seller protection. Beware of overpayment scams — a buyer sends more than the asking price and asks for a refund of the difference (the original payment bounces). For local sales, only accept cash or bank transfer after confirming the funds have cleared.
Best Time to Sell
Sell before the next flagship announcement — prices drop immediately after Apple or Samsung announces a new phone. iPhone prices drop most in September when new iPhones are announced. Samsung Galaxy prices drop in January/February. Sell 2-4 weeks before anticipated announcements for maximum return.