How to sell an old phone, tablet or laptop safely
That drawer of old phones and laptops is often worth more than you'd think. The important part isn't the listing, it's making sure none of your data or accounts go with it.
Back up, then sign out
Before anything else, back up what you want to keep: photos, messages, files. Then sign out of your accounts on the device, and turn off the activation lock:
- iPhone and iPad: turn off Find My, then sign out of your Apple Account in Settings.
- Android: remove your Google account (and any manufacturer account) in Settings before resetting.
- Mac and Windows laptops: sign out of your Apple Account or Microsoft account and turn off device-finding features.
If you skip this, the device can stay locked to your account after a reset, and the buyer can't use it. That's the most common reason tech gets sent back.
Wipe it properly
Use the built-in factory reset ("Erase all content and settings" on Apple devices, "Factory data reset" on Android, "Reset this PC" with the option to remove everything on Windows). Then:
- Take out the SIM card and any memory card.
- Unpair it from your watch, car and other devices.
- Remove it from your account's list of trusted devices.
Trade-in or sell it yourself?
Trade-in (through your network, the manufacturer or a buy-back site) is quick and safe: you get a fixed offer, post it free, and get paid. The catch is the price, which is usually lower.
Selling it yourself on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Vinted usually gets more, especially for recent models in good condition, but takes more effort. Get a trade-in quote first so you know your minimum.
What buyers need in the listing
- The exact model and storage ("iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight").
- Whether it's unlocked or tied to a network.
- Battery health, if the device shows it (on iPhone it's in the Battery settings).
- Honest condition: scratches, dents, screen marks, anything that doesn't work.
- What's included: box, charger, cable, case.
- That it's been reset and is not linked to any account.
Photograph the screen switched on, every side, and close-ups of any marks. On eBay, a full model name in the title matters most. See the eBay listing generator.
Pricing
Search the exact model and storage on eBay and tick Sold items. Tech prices drop as new models come out, so price from recent sales, not ones from months ago. Condition, battery health and whether it's unlocked make the biggest difference.
Avoid the common scams
- Only accept payment through the platform, or cash in person. Don't send an item because of a "payment" email or screenshot.
- Ignore buyers who want to move to WhatsApp or pay by a link they send you.
- For local sales, meet somewhere public and let them check the device works before money changes hands.
- Use tracked, insured postage for anything valuable, and keep the receipt.
Snap the device, get the listing
Photograph it and Snappy writes the title with the model and storage, the condition and a suggested price for eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Vinted.
Try Snappy free → 3 free listings · no card neededFAQ
Back up your data, turn off Find My (iPhone) or remove your Google account (Android), then use the factory reset option in Settings and take out the SIM and memory card.
Trade-in is quicker and safer but usually pays less. Selling it yourself on eBay or Facebook Marketplace usually gets more for recent models in good condition.
A security feature that ties the device to your account. If you don't turn it off before resetting, the buyer can't set it up and will send it back.
eBay for the widest audience and the best prices on recent models, trade-in for speed, and Facebook Marketplace for a local cash sale.