Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about selling your phone, tablet or laptop with sellmyphones.co.uk/. If you don't find your answer below, please contact our team — we’re always happy to help.

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Payment Questions

How quickly will I get paid?

We pay you on the same day your device arrives and passes inspection at our Bristol facility. Inspections typically take 1–2 hours. Bank transfers (Faster Payments) usually land in your account within a couple of hours of being sent. PayPal payments are instant. Most customers receive their money within 2–3 business days of posting their device.

What payment methods do you offer?

We pay by bank transfer (Faster Payments) or PayPal. Bank transfer is our most popular option and most customers receive funds within a few hours of payment being sent. We do not currently offer cheque payments.

Is there a minimum payout amount?

There is no minimum payout threshold. Even if your device is a broken older model worth a small amount, we will pay you whatever the quoted price is.

Broken & Faulty Devices

Do you buy broken or cracked-screen phones?

Yes. We actively purchase phones with cracked screens, broken cameras, faulty charging ports, broken Face/Touch ID and other common faults. Simply describe the fault accurately when getting your quote and we’ll make you a fair cash offer based on the device’s parts and repair value. Read our guide on selling a broken phone for more detail.

Can I sell a water-damaged phone?

Yes. Water-damaged phones may still have value for parts or, in some cases, can be successfully dried and repaired. Select “faulty/broken” as your condition and describe the water damage in the notes field. We’ll assess what we can offer based on the model and extent of damage.

What if my phone won’t turn on at all?

Non-working phones are still accepted. Depending on the model, they may have parts value or recycling value. The quote will reflect this. Even a completely dead iPhone or Samsung Galaxy is worth something — don’t throw it away.

Data Safety

What happens to my personal data?

Before you send your device, we strongly recommend you perform a factory reset or full erase yourself (see our wipe guide). Once we receive your device, every item is professionally wiped to NIST 800-88 data erasure standards — regardless of whether you’ve already erased it. Your data is permanently and irrecoverably removed before the device is refurbished or recycled.

Should I remove my SIM card before posting?

Yes, please always remove your SIM card before posting your device. Your SIM contains your mobile number and network account details. You’ll also need it for your new phone. We do not accept liability for SIM cards left inside devices.

Postage & the Price Lock

Is postage really free?

Yes, completely free. After accepting your quote, we email you a prepaid postage label. There is no cost to you. Your device is fully insured at the quoted value from the moment it enters the postal system.

What if my device is lost in the post?

In the very unlikely event your device is lost in transit, you are fully covered by our postal insurance up to the full quoted value of your device. Simply contact our team with your proof of postage and we will process your claim and arrange payment promptly.

How long is my quote valid for?

Your quote is locked for 14 days from the point of acceptance. You can post your device at any time within that window and receive the exact quoted price (subject to condition matching). After 14 days, the quote may need to be refreshed at current market rates.

What happens if the price drops after I accept my quote?

Nothing happens to you — that’s what the price lock is for. If the market value of your device falls during your 14-day window, your quoted price is completely unaffected. We absorb that risk, not you.

Device Condition & Accessories

Does my phone need to be unlocked?

We accept both unlocked and network-locked (carrier-locked) devices. Unlocked phones typically achieve a higher price because they have a wider resale market. If your phone is locked to a specific network, select this when generating your quote and we’ll price accordingly.

Do I need to send the box and accessories?

No. You only need to send the device itself. Chargers, cases, earphones and original packaging are not required and will not affect your quoted price. Including them won’t increase our offer either, so keep your accessories for your next device.

What if the quote changes when my device arrives?

If our inspection finds that the device’s actual condition differs materially from what you described, we will contact you immediately with a revised offer. You have two clear options: accept the revised price (payment sent the same day), or request your device back — we will return it to you completely free of charge, no questions asked.

Does iCloud Activation Lock affect my payment?

Yes — critically. An iPhone or iPad with iCloud Activation Lock still active cannot be unlocked, refurbished or resold. Please ensure you have signed out of your Apple ID and disabled Find My before posting. If we receive a device with Activation Lock still on, we will contact you to resolve it remotely before we can process payment.