Sell Your TechHow to sell your used electronics online.
Everything to do before you sell a phone, laptop or tablet: protect your data, understand what affects the price, and compare the main ways to sell. When you're ready, you can get a free quote from our buyback partner.
The quote button opens our partner Gizmogo's site. Getting a quote is free, and you see the offer before you send anything.
1. Prepare and wipe your device
Whoever you sell to, do these steps first. They protect your personal data and prevent the most common reason a sale falls through: a device that's still locked to your account.
Back up what you want to keep
Save photos, messages, contacts and files to your cloud account or your computer, and check the backup finished before you continue.
Sign out of your accounts and turn off device locks
On an iPhone, iPad or Mac, turn off Find My and sign out of your Apple ID. On Android, remove your Google account so Factory Reset Protection doesn't lock the next owner out. On a Windows laptop, sign out of your Microsoft account. A device still linked to your account usually can't be resold.
Unpair accessories and remove your SIM
Unpair any smartwatch, earbuds or keyboards, take out your SIM card, and remove any eSIM if you won't need it on this device again.
Erase the device
Use the built-in factory reset: "Erase All Content and Settings" on iPhone and iPad, Erase Assistant or Disk Utility on a Mac, "Reset this PC" with "Remove everything" on Windows, or "Factory data reset" on Android. This removes your data and settings.
Note the details a buyer will ask for
Write down the exact model, storage size, carrier (or whether it's unlocked), and an honest description of its condition, including any cracks, dents, battery issues or features that don't work.
2. What affects your device's value
Offers vary by buyer, but most look at the same factors. Knowing them helps you describe your device accurately and compare offers fairly.
Newer models are worth more
Recent iPhones, MacBooks and iPads tend to hold their value best. Value drops as newer generations are released.
More storage, higher offer
For laptops, the processor, memory and storage all matter. For phones and tablets, storage size is the main spec.
Cosmetic and working condition
Screen and body condition, battery health and whether everything works all affect the price. Describe it honestly, since buyers inspect devices on arrival.
Unlocked vs carrier-locked
Unlocked phones can be used on any network, which usually makes them more valuable to buyers.
Locks must be removed
A device still tied to an Apple ID or Google account generally can't be sold until the lock is removed by its owner.
Original box and accessories
Some buyers pay a little more for the original box or charger. Others don't factor them in, so check before you include them.
3. Trade-in, buyback or sell it yourself?
There's no single best way to sell. It depends on whether you want the highest price, the least effort, or credit toward a new device.
| Option | How it works | Good for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier or manufacturer trade-in | Hand in your old device when you buy a new one and get credit or a discount. | Upgrading anyway and wanting it done in one step. | You usually get store credit rather than cash, tied to a new purchase. |
| Online buyback site | Get a quote online, ship the device, and get paid after it's inspected. | Getting cash with little effort and no meeting strangers. | The final offer depends on inspection; offers can be lower than a private sale. |
| Selling it yourself | List it on a marketplace and handle questions, payment and shipping or a meet-up. | Getting the most money if you have time. | More time and effort, plus risks like scams and payment disputes. |
| Recycling | Drop off or mail the device to a certified electronics recycler. | Old or broken devices with little resale value. | Usually little or no payment. |
Tip: get two or three quotes and compare them against what similar devices actually sell for before you decide.
4. Selling safely
If you sell to a company
- Read how they inspect devices and what happens if their inspection disagrees with your description.
- Check whether you can get your device back if you decline a revised offer.
- Keep the tracking number and photos of the device before you ship it.
If you sell to a person
- Meet in a public place, ideally one with cameras, or use a marketplace's protected payment option.
- Be wary of overpayment offers, requests to ship before paying, or payment links sent by text.
- Never share account passwords or verification codes with a buyer.
5. Get a free quote from our partner, Gizmogo
If an online buyback suits you, our partner Gizmogo buys used phones, laptops, tablets and other electronics. Here's how their process works, based on their published information:
Choose your device, model and condition to get a quote online.
Accept the offer and ship with a prepaid label; shipping is free.
Get paid after your device arrives and is inspected. Payment options include PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, check and others.
Offers, payment options and terms are set by Gizmogo and may change; check their site for current details before you sell. Sell Your Tech is independent and not operated by Gizmogo. Gizmogo's service is available to U.S. residents.
What are you selling?
Opens gizmogo.com via our affiliate link.
6. Common questions
Do I need to wipe my device before selling it?
Yes. Back up your data, sign out of your accounts, turn off Find My or Factory Reset Protection, and then factory reset the device. See step 1 for the full checklist.
Can I sell a phone that's still linked to my Apple ID or Google account?
Generally no. Buyers can't use or resell a device with an active account lock, so remove the lock yourself before selling.
Will I get more money selling privately?
Often, but not always. A private sale can pay more but takes more time and carries more risk. Compare a few quotes with recent sale prices for the same model and condition.
Can I sell a damaged device?
Many buyers accept devices in a range of conditions, with the offer adjusted for damage. Describe the condition accurately when you request a quote so the final offer matches.
Who is behind this site, and how does it make money?
Sell Your Tech is an independent guide run by OSE Marketing. We earn a commission if you sign up with our partner Gizmogo through the quote buttons on this site. That doesn't change the price you're offered. See our About page and privacy policy.