How to sell a phone
Parting with your old phone doesn’t have to be an emotional affair.
In fact, selling your old phone is one of the best ways to recoup some of your investment, especially if you’ve upgraded to one of thebest phones available right now.
Rather than letting your device gather dust in a drawer, selling it online or through a trade-in scheme can help you make some extra cash.
Thankfully, the internet offers plenty of safe and easy ways to sell your phone. Let’s explore some of the best platforms to find a buyer for your old phone.
eBay
eBayis a top choice for selling just about anything, including phones. As one of the most popular online marketplaces, it provides access to a global audience of potential buyers. Creating a listing is simple: just snap some photos of your phone, write a detailed description, and set a price.
You can either list your phone at a fixed price or auction it. Using the eBay app is particularly convenient because it allows you to easily manage your listing, answer buyer questions, and track bids. Keep in mind thateBay charges seller fees, so make sure to review those costs before you finalise the sale.
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Gumtree
Gumtreeis a popular local selling platform that will connect you with buyers in your area. It’s particularly useful for avoiding shipping costs, as buyers typically pick up items in person. While the process of listing a phone is similar to eBay, Gumtree emphasises local sales, so it’s great for quick, no-fuss transactions.
However, be cautious when meeting with buyers. Arrange to meet in a public place and consider bringing a friend for added safety. Following Gumtree’s safety guidelines can help to ensure a smooth experience.
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Envirofone
Envirofoneis an eco-friendly option for selling your phone. The company resells, refurbishes, or recycles old devices. The process is simple: you send in your phone, and after it’s assessed, you receive payment.
Envirofone often offers competitive prices and even provides a 10% bonus if you opt for ‘Envirocash’, which can be used to buy refurbished phones from its store. It’s an excellent option for environmentally-conscious sellers.
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Music Magpie
Music Magpieisn’t just for music anymore – it’s now a popular platform for selling all kinds of gadgets, including phones. To sell your phone, you simply enter its model and condition on the website, and you’ll receive an instant quote.
Music Magpie provides decent offers for older phones, and the process is quick and straightforward. You don’t even need to have the original packaging to sell your phone here, which is a big plus if you’ve misplaced the box.
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O2 Recycle
O2 Recycleis another fantastic way to sell your phone and feel good about doing it. You don’t need to be an O2 customer to take advantage of this service, which accepts a wide range of phones, even if they’re faulty.
O2 Recycle offers competitive prices and has a price-match promise if you find a better deal within seven days of selling your phone. Even if your phone is locked to a carrier, O2 Recycle offers fair prices, especially for O2-locked devices.
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Mazuma
Mazumaallows you to sell your phone quickly and get paid the same day it’s received. The process is simple: you search for your phone model on the site, get an instant quote, and ship the device for free.
Mazuma pays via direct deposit or cheque, and it makes the transaction easy and hassle-free. With a reputation for fast payments, Mazuma is a reliable option for anyone looking to sell their phone quickly.
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Sellphone 24 Handtec
Sellphone 24 Handtecoperates in a similar way to Mazuma. You get an instant quote, ship your phone for free, and receive payment within 24 hours of receipt. It’s a simple process for anyone looking to sell their phone fast, with payment options including direct deposit or PayPal.
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Carphone Warehouse
Carphone Warehouseoffers a trade-in scheme where you can either receive cash or credit towards a new phone. It accepts older models like the iPhone 4, meaning you can get a little extra cash even for significantly outdated phones. It’s a quick and easy way to sell directly and upgrade.
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Apple Trade In
Apple Trade Inis perfect for Apple enthusiasts. You can trade in your old iPhone for an Apple Store gift card. While you won’t get cash, this option is ideal for those who plan on using the credit towards a new Apple product.
The process is easy and convenient, but keep in mind that Android devices typically fetch lower prices than iPhones.
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Amazon
Becoming anAmazon Sellercan be a bit more involved, but it grants you access to Amazon’s vast customer base. This option is excellent for selling popular phones like iPhones, as your listing may appear in relevant searches.
The setup process is slightly more complex than eBay, but it’s worth considering if you want to reach a broad audience. Here’s our guide onhow to sell on Amazon.
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Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplaceis another great place to sell your phone locally. With Facebook’s vast user base, you can quickly list your phone for sale and set it to display in specific locations. However, like Gumtree, local pickup is often required, so make sure to follow safety precautions when meeting buyers in person.
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CeX
CeXhas been a staple of the high street for years and offers in-store trade-ins or online selling options. You can receive either cash or in-store credit, with credit often being the better value. CeX makes the selling process straightforward, and with many physical locations, it’s a convenient option for those who prefer selling in person.
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So, whether you prefer selling to a global audience via eBay, a local buyer on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or through a trade-in scheme like Apple Trade In, there’s an option to suit every seller.
Choose the method that works best for you and turn that old phone into extra cash. And if you have other stuff to sell, check out our tips onwhere and how to sell it online.
Author: Artur Tomala, Mobile Writer, Tech Advisor
Artur is a Mobile Writer at Tech Advisor, where he covers a range of smartphone, tablet and smartwatch-related topics. He has been working in the tech industry since 2021, including time spent leading a team focused on mobile news, reviews and product rankings. As an ambassador for the productivity app Notion, he runs training workshops and creates advanced templates to help people stay organised and productive.
