How To: Sell Your old iPhone, Fast

The Best Way to Sell Your iPhone (And Get the Most Cash!)

With the iPhone 15 lineup out, it’s time to say goodbye to your old device and embrace the new! Whether you’re an early adopter or just looking to cash in on your trusty iPhone, here’s your ultimate guide to selling it for top dollar.

When to Sell Your iPhone

Timing is everything! Every year, trade-in prices drop just before the launch of a new model and keep dipping for months after. So, if you’re eyeing the latest release, the sooner you sell your old phone, the better your return!

1. Sell to an Independent Reseller (The Big Phone Store!)

Of course we’d put ourselves at number one – but hear us out! As the UK’s fastest-growing mobile phone reseller, The Big Phone Store is a top choice. Renowned for our dedication to quality and a trustworthy reputation, The Big Phone Store was born out of a large independent electronics refurbisher that’s been operating since 1999 – making us one of the longest-running mobile phone resellers in the UK. By the time the first iPhone was released, this phone store had already been in business for the best part of a decade.

If in good condition, your used iPhone 14 Pro Max could be worth over £700 when you trade in with The Big Phone Store – which is nearly all of the cost of the new iPhone 15!

• Pros:

  • Competitive pricing (often over £700 for a good-condition iPhone 14 Pro Max!).
  • Eco-conscious recycling with free shipping labels.
  • Money for broken iPhones, even if they’re water-damaged or cracked.

• Cons:

  • Final price depends on device condition—especially for broken phones.

2. Selling direct: eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace

If you’re tech-savvy enough, and already have a good customer rating on your ebay account or similar, you’ll get the most money if you sell your phone directly. These globally-recognised platforms provide you the chance to do just that – take control over the sale process – just so long as you also take the risks associated with that.

• Pros:

  • You can set your own price.
  • Reach a broad audience.

• Cons:

  • Fees for listing and transactions.
  • Risk of scams and disputes over the phone’s condition.

3. Apple Store / Apple Trade-In

Apple offers their own trade-in program, which might feel like the natural choice for brand loyalists. You might feel that by going direct to Apple themselves, you’ll be offered the highest price possible for your old iPhone. However, Apple does not simply re-sell these devices back to the consumer, meaning that they won’t pay you the true trade-in value of your old iPhone. Instead, old iPhones are either stripped and recycled into a ‘Certified Refurbished’ Apple product (which uses recycled internal components but replaces the battery and outer shell), or they’re sold on to a third-party reseller. In either case, your device isn’t worth as much to Apple as it is to an independent reseller, and so the prices offered are usually lower than you’ll find elsewhere.

• Pros:

  • Instant credit toward a new device.
  • Consistent and reliable process.

• Cons:

  • Fixed pricing—Apple’s offers are often lower than independent resellers.

4. Mobile Phone Carriers

Today, most mobile phone carriers offer money off your next phone contract when you trade in your old device. However, in 2023 many people are realising that being locked into a 12 or 24 month contract isn’t usually the best way to pay for a new iPhone. Some carriers offer store credit, but again, this locks you into staying with them rather than giving you the ability to make your own decision on where to buy your new device.

• Pros:

  • Bill credits or trade-in discounts.
  • Fast process if you’re already a customer.

• Cons:

  • Locked into contracts.
  • Lower trade-in values compared to other options.

5. Online Marketplaces

BackMarket and Mozillion are two phone trade-in services that act as a third-party, connecting you with recyclers, refurbishers and resellers. As third party sites, these are usually not the highest-paying option, but for trade-in services they can be very reliable.

• Pros:

  • Hassle-free—the marketplace does the legwork.
  • Instant quotes.

• Cons:

  • Lower prices than independent stores.
  • Final price can change after inspection.

Steps to Sell Your iPhone with The Big Phone Store

Ready to trade in? Here’s how it works:

1. Get a Quote: Enter your iPhone details on our website and get an instant quote based on its condition and storage.
2. Remove SIM Card: For security reasons, always remove your SIM card before shipping.
3. Unpair Apple Watch: If you have one, unpair it before syncing with your new device.
4. Sign out of iCloud: This will remove Activation Lock, allowing the next user to access the phone.
5. Factory Reset: For peace of mind, reset your phone before sending it in.
6. Pack it Securely: Ship your phone in a rigid box with padding, and use the prepaid shipping label we provide.

Where to buy your New Phone

Buy your new Phone at The Big Phone Store! Whether you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology with the iPhone 15 or get the most for your money with a refurbished older phone model, you’re sure to find an incredible deal with us!

In Summary

Deciding where to sell your iPhone comes down to your priorities—whether it’s profit, convenience, or reliability. The Big Phone Store offers competitive prices, a smooth process, and the added benefit of being eco-friendly. Ready to sell? We’re here to make it easy!