Don’t Let Your Old Phone Collect Dust – Sell It and Make Money!
We all know someone who gets a new phone, then leaves their old one sitting in a drawer until it’s completely forgotten. Not only is that terrible for the environment, but every day it’s sitting there, it’s losing value and costing you money!
Want to make the most out of your old phone and sell it fast? Follow these simple steps to prepare your phone for sale.
1) Wipe Your Phone’s Data and Memory
The most important step before selling your phone is protecting your privacy by doing a full factory reset. Don’t just delete apps—back up your data, wipe everything clean, and reset it to factory settings.
Here’s how to do it for iPhone, Android, and Samsung devices:
iPhone
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Tap Erase iPhone, then confirm.
- Enter your passcode and Apple ID password.
Android
- Remove your lock screen password: Settings > Display > Lock Screen and set it to none.
- Remove your Google account: Settings > Accounts & Sync > Google, tap the three dots, and remove account.
- Factory reset: Settings > Backup & Reset > Factory Data Reset > Reset Phone/Device.
Samsung
- Remove your lock screen password: Settings > Lock Screen and Security > Screen Lock Type and set it to none.
- Remove Google and Samsung accounts:
- Settings > Cloud & Accounts > Google, tap three dots, remove account.
- Settings > Lock Screen and Security > Find My Mobile, enter password, tap account, remove.
- Factory reset: Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset > Reset Device.
Once your phone is reset, it’s free of any personal data and ready to sell.
Clean Your Phone
First impressions count, so make sure your phone looks its best. Clean it thoroughly to remove fingerprints, smudges, and dust.
- Use a lint-free or microfibre cloth, dampen the edges slightly, and wipe the phone from top to bottom.
- For tricky areas (like speaker grills), use a cotton bud to clean without leaving fibres behind.
- Consider using disinfectant wipes for a final polish.
3) Take High-Quality Photos (For Selling Online)
If you’re selling on eBay or similar platforms, crisp, clear photos are key to a successful sale. Follow these tips:
- Use a white background for clean, professional-looking images.
- Take multiple photos from different angles: front, back, screen on/off.
- Highlight any blemishes or scratches in both the pictures and the description. Being transparent avoids returns and buyer disappointment.
4) Be Honest About Your Phone’s Condition
Whether you’re selling to a buyer or trading it in for cash, honesty is the best policy. If your phone has scratches, dents, or performance issues, be upfront about it. Most companies will offer a price based on the condition, and if there are surprises, they might lower their offer.
Ready to Sell? You’re All Set!
Now that your phone is wiped, cleaned, and ready for new photos, you’re all set to sell it and get the most money possible. Don’t let that old device gather dust—turn it into cash instead! At The Big Phone Store, you can get an instant quote for your old device, and could even be paid the same day!
Need a replacement? Save money and buy a refurbished phone from The Big Phone Store!
