If you are in in the market for a new iPhone 16 or planning to go big with the iPhone 16 Pro, don’t just throw your old phone in a drawer when you upgrade. Sell your iPhone! That old piece of glass is more valuable than you think. There are several services that will give you cash or store credit for a used iPhone. We’ve compared some popular options for trading in an old device. Most of these services also accept Samsung and Google devices, and all of them use iPhones.
Updated September 2024: We’ve updated the phones and pricing.
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Tips to Get a High Resale Price
If you want maximum resale value for your phone, make sure you take care of it. Buy a good case (see our guide to choosing a good phone case) and consider a screen protector (AmFilm protectors work well). They’ll keep your device fresh, which is the best way to make sure you get the most money possible when you sell.
Always buy an unlocked phone. This not only gives you the freedom to switch carriers, but you’ll get more for it when you go to sell it. Although the first few generations of iPhones had hardware that tethered them to carriers, over the past decade all iPhones in the US will work on any wireless network. There’s no reason to chain yourself to one carrier. In general, unless the carrier tells you the phone is unlocked, it probably isn’t, especially if you buy it on a payment plan.
The last thing to do before you cash in your old phone is to back up all your data using iCloud. Be sure to check the option to backup your Messages so that iCloud can store your text messages, which sometimes include photos and videos that you haven’t saved to your Camera Roll. Remember to unpair your Apple Watch if you have one, and wipe your phone’s data too.
1. Best for Reliable Cash: Gazelle
The Gazelle is an old hand in the world of used phones. The company has been buying phones since 2006 and has a very simple process. It also doesn’t require you to create an account just to get a quote on your phone.
You’ll fill out an online form and answer a few questions about your device—if it’s working, which carrier it’s tied to, and if there’s any cosmetic damage. You will receive an offer based on the answers you provide. If you accept the offer, Gazelle will send a box complete with a shipping label, and you’ll send the phone in for inspection. Once the company has checked your device and verified it’s in the condition you said it was, you’ll be paid—usually within seven to 10 days. Payment can be in the form of a check, PayPal, or Amazon gift card.
A factory-unlocked, 128-GB iPhone 15 in pristine condition will set you back $390. A 128-GB unlocked iPhone 14 will set you back around $300. Gazelle sometimes runs promotional offers around new device launches, so keep an eye out to get the best deals.
2. Best for Pristine iPhones: Swappa
An eBay clone of sorts, Swappa aims to eliminate some of the problems associated with eBay: high seller fees, poor seller-buyer communication tools, and too many poor-quality devices. You won’t be able to sell your iPhone here unless it’s in good condition, fully functional, and undamaged. You will also need to create an account and link it to your Paypal account before you can see an offer.
As long as your phone meets Swappa’s listing criteria and you’re willing to put in a little effort, this is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck for your old device. Just like you would on eBay, you’ll need to include a listing with photos. Be sure to remove the case from your phone, and be honest about the condition. Remember to factor in shipping when setting your selling price. Note that Swappa now requires you to link a Paypal account.
