How to Sell My iPhone: In case you hadn’t heard, Apple is set to unveil a trio of new handsets at one of its biggest launch events of all-time. New flagship the iPhone X will be joined by the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, meaning those looking to upgrade their Apple handset this year face a smorgasbord of decisions. Here’s what you need to know about selling or trading-in your iPhone in 2017.
There are loads of ways to sell your old iPhone. You can trade it back to your network provider, flog it on eBay, sell it to a dedicated online phone recycling site, or hit the High Street and search out the nearest dodgy phone shop.
Whatever option you choose, you’re going to want to make sure you’re getting the best price, and maximising your old iPhone’s resale value will vary depending on the route you take, and what your ultimate aim is.
Here’s our shakedown of the best ways to sell your old iPhone.
Related: iPhone 8
Sell My iPhone: Latest iPhone Trade-in Prices
Much has changed since we first put this guide together roughly a year ago, but fortunately, Carphone Warehouse has provided us with a 2017 indicator of the trade-in value of old iPhones, ahead of tonight’s big Apple launch.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the likely trade-in value of your old iPhone, post-iPhone 8 launch.
Related: iPhone 9
|
|
Unlocked |
O2 |
Vodafone |
Three |
EE |
|
iPhone 7 32GB |
£320 |
£300 |
£310 |
£300 |
£300 |
|
iPhone 7 128GB |
£350 |
£320 |
£340 |
£330 |
£310 |
|
iPhone 7 256GB |
£380 |
£380 |
£370 |
£380 |
£370 |
|
iPhone 7 Plus 32GB |
£360 |
£350 |
£350 |
£350 |
£350 |
|
iPhone 7 Plus 128GB |
£400 |
£370 |
£390 |
£380 |
£360 |
|
iPhone 7 Plus 256GB |
£460 |
£460 |
£450 |
£460 |
£450 |
Note that your mileage may vary based on the device you’re looking to flog, its condition, and the terms of any contract you may be under. Payment methods, shipping protocols and timelines are also likely to differ, so be sure to read the fine print before signing away that precious iPhone.
Related: iPhone launch live stream
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How to sell my iPhone – UK mobile networks
Nearly all major phone networks offer some sort of trade-in or phone recycling scheme. Depending on the condition of your old iPhone, you may be offered cash, or get money against your next iPhone – and the equally expensive contract that comes with it.
O2’s Refresh scheme is one such system, letting you trade-in your iPhone at any point during your contract to help you cover the cost of a new handset.
Unlike most other networks, O2 effectively splits your contract in half – your ‘device plan’ is what you pay towards your phone, while your ‘airtime’ tariff covers your data, minutes and texts.
When you trade-in an old phone under O2 Refresh, the cash you receive goes towards paying off your device plan, thus off-setting the cost of buying a new smartphone and simplifying the process of taking out a whole new contract.
Alternatively, you can use O2 Recycle. This is a good system for those who have finished their contract or have a older model in decent shape. O2 basically buys your old phone off you, valuing it according to its model and condition .
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Vodafone operates a similar trade-in service, imaginatively dubbed Vodafone Trade In. The principle is identical – head to the Vodafone Trade In website, input your model or IMEI number, and you’ll be offered a valuation payable in real-life money, should you choose to accept.
Trade-in programmes are also offered by the UK’s other two major networks – those are EE Recycle & Reward and Three’s Trade-in.
Related: Best iPhone 8 deals
How to sell your iPhone – online wheeler dealers
Alternatively, you can flog your ageing iPhone to any number of third-party online mobile recycling operations. There are too many to run through in one article, but Music Magpie and Mazuma Mobile are two of the bigger players in this space.
Here are some quick links to get you started:
Not sure which digital thrift shop is best? Compare and Recycle is a useful UK comparison site that gives you a bird’s eye view of how your phone is valued by a range of major recycling operations.
Related: AppleCare+ guide
How to sell your iPhone – DIY it with eBay and Amazon
Of course, you can also cut out the middleman and sell your old handset independently. There are various online auction and classifieds sites that will let you list your iPhone for little to nothing, but eBay and Amazon are almost certainly the biggest.
DIY phone flogging carries a few obvious benefits, like letting you establish a minimum price, but there are drawbacks – if you’re holding out for quickfire cash, these methods typically take longer, plus you’re responsible for pesky things like setting up the listing, shipping the device, and customer service before, during and potentially even after the sale.
Still, if you’re up for it, this is arguably the best option financially. After all, networks and third-parties will ultimately look to re-sell your device themselves and make a profit, which isn’t a factor if you’re working direct with the buyer.
You can find out more about selling on eBay here or hawking your wares via Amazon Marketplace here. Bear in mind that both sites still take a cut for providing the platform for your sale, but in our experience you’ll still come out on top if you get things right.
Related: 12 essential eBay tips, tricks and hacks
How to sell your iPhone – the Apple Upgrade ultimatum
There’s a new(ish) kid on the block when it comes to flogging your old iPhone – and it’s none other than Apple itself entering the fray.
As something of a ‘one more thing’ at 2017’s iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 launch, Apple announced it was extending the Apple Upgrade Program to the UK, meaning you can now pay monthly to be eligible for an annual iPhone upgrade.
The Apple Upgrade Programme, as it’s now known in proper speak, is basically a 0% APR loan towards your next iPhone – and it’ll continue this year with the iPhone 8.
If you value having AppleCare protection and are happy being locked in to an iPhone, it’s a pretty tempting offer, especially if you’re keen to simplify the whole iPhone selling process.
You can learn more about the Apple Upgrade Programme via the link below.
Related: Apple Upgrade Program
How to sell your iPhone – hit the streets
Your final option for selling an old iPhone is the most old fashioned one – hitting the High Street.
This may or may not be convenient for you, and your mileage is going to vary considerably based on just how shady your local dodgy phone shop is, but knowing what you now know about the loot on offer elsewhere, you should be able to make an informed decision.
One good starting point if you want to visit a physical shop is CEX, which is a reputable UK-wide second hand electronics chain. Based on our experience, you’ll be offered a fair price there and will have cash in hand on the same day – testing times vary, but you’re typically looking at an hour or so for smartphones.
Related: Best Black Friday deals
Got any tips for selling an old iPhone? Let us know in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.