Best Time to Sell Your Google Pixel

Best Time to Sell Your Google Pixel

If you are thinking about selling a Google Pixel, timing can affect how much interest the phone attracts and how useful the final valuation is to you. There is no single perfect date for every model, but there are a few practical moments when checking the value makes sense: after an upgrade, before a major new Pixel generation becomes widely available, when the handset is still in good working order, or when you realise the phone is sitting unused.

Why Pixel values change over time

Phone values are not fixed. A Pixel’s value can be influenced by its exact model, storage capacity, age, physical condition, whether it powers on normally, battery and charging behaviour, camera and display condition, network or account restrictions, and current demand for that model. New launches can also change how buyers view older generations.

That does not mean you should rush to sell a phone you still need. It means that if a Pixel has become a spare device, it is worth checking its value rather than assuming it will stay the same for months.

Good times to check your Pixel’s value

1. Soon after upgrading

If your old Pixel is no longer your main phone, checking its value soon after the upgrade can be sensible. A working phone that is only sitting in a drawer may gradually lose value while still taking up space.

2. Before the device develops more wear

Cracks, charging faults, camera issues, battery problems and frame damage can reduce a valuation. If the phone is already unused and currently works well, delaying the decision can expose it to further wear without giving you any benefit.

3. Around major Pixel launch periods

New model releases can change attention and demand across older generations. You do not need to guess the market perfectly; simply compare the current value before and after a major launch if you are undecided.

What should you check before selling?

Start with the exact model and storage. Pixel names can be similar across standard, Pro, Pro XL and Fold versions, and choosing the wrong device can make the rest of the valuation irrelevant. Then review the handset using our phone condition guide.

• Check the display and touchscreen.
• Test cameras, speakers, microphones and buttons.
• Confirm charging works reliably.
• Look for cracks, dents or frame damage.
• Check whether any Google account or activation restriction remains.

Prepare your data before sending

Back up anything you need, verify the backup, sign out of your Google account and remove any relevant device-protection locks before completing a factory reset. Remove your SIM and memory card if present. Our data wipe guide explains the process in more detail.

Can you sell a damaged Google Pixel?

Potentially, yes. A cracked screen, weak battery, camera fault or charging issue can reduce value but does not automatically make the phone worthless. The best approach is to describe the fault accurately and use the closest condition grade. If damage is the main reason you are selling, see our broken phone guide.

UK postage and Bristol drop-off

Customers around the UK can follow the tracked sending route provided for their transaction. Bristol customers can also contact the team about local drop-off at 5 Union Street, Bristol, BS1 2DD. See the postage and delivery guide before packing your phone.

Bottom line

The best time to sell a Google Pixel is usually when you no longer need it, you know its real condition and you are comfortable with the current valuation. Check the exact model, protect your data and compare the practical value of selling now with keeping a spare device.

Ready to check your device? Browse Google Pixel models or use the main phone search.

How to Sell a Broken Samsung Phone for Cash

How to Sell a Broken Samsung Phone for Cash

A cracked screen, weak battery, faulty charging port or damaged camera does not automatically make a Samsung Galaxy worthless. Depending on the exact model and severity of the fault, a damaged phone may still have repair, refurbishment, parts or recycling value.

Start with the exact Samsung model

Samsung produces many devices with similar names. A Galaxy S model, Ultra, Fold, Flip, Note or A-series handset can have a very different value from another device that looks similar. Check the exact model number in Settings if the phone still powers on, or use the label or original documentation if it does not.

You can browse supported devices on the Samsung trade-in page.

Common faults that can affect value

• Cracked or non-responsive display
• Back-glass or housing damage
• Battery or charging faults
• Camera problems
• Speaker or microphone faults
• Water or liquid damage
• Phone not powering on
• Network, account or device-management restrictions

Do not try to hide a known fault. A valuation is more useful when the description matches the device that arrives for inspection.

Working but damaged vs non-working

A phone can be cosmetically damaged and still function normally, or look clean while having a serious internal fault. Test the functions you can safely use: display, touch, cameras, buttons, speakers, charging and normal startup. Then describe both the cosmetic and functional condition.

Protect your data first

If the phone still powers on, back up anything you need before resetting it. Sign out of your Samsung and Google accounts, remove device-protection locks, take out the SIM and memory card, then complete a factory reset. If the handset cannot be used normally, contact the team before sending rather than sharing passwords or security codes.

Do not post a swollen or unsafe battery

If the battery is swollen, leaking, punctured, overheating or otherwise unsafe, do not package it like a normal phone. Contact the carrier or the team first because damaged lithium batteries require special handling and may not be accepted through ordinary postal routes.

How inspection affects the final amount

The initial valuation is based on the details supplied before the phone is received. Inspection confirms the model, storage and condition. If the device matches the description, the transaction can proceed toward payment. If something important differs, a revised valuation may be needed before completion.

Can an old broken Samsung still be worth selling?

Possibly. Newer and higher-spec models can retain more repair or parts value, but even an older handset may be worth checking before you recycle it. The exact answer depends on the model and fault.

Sending or Bristol drop-off

Follow the available tracked sending instructions and keep proof of posting. If you are near Bristol, contact Sell My Phones before travelling to discuss local drop-off at 5 Union Street, Bristol, BS1 2DD.

For general damaged-device information, see our sell a broken phone guide and condition guide.

Is It Safe to Sell Your Phone Online? Avoiding UK Scams

Selling your phone online in the UK is generally safe — but only if you use the right channels and know what red flags to watch out for. Fraudsters do target the second-hand phone market, and understanding their tactics is the best way to protect yourself. This guide covers the key risks, how reputable buyback services eliminate most of them, and what to look for when choosing who to sell to.

Common Scams Targeting Phone Sellers in the UK

1. Fake Payment Confirmations

This is one of the most common scams on Facebook Marketplace and eBay. A “buyer” contacts you, agrees to buy your phone, and then sends a forged PayPal or bank transfer confirmation screenshot. The payment never actually arrives. By the time you realise, the phone has been posted and is gone. Always verify funds have actually cleared in your account before handing over or posting any device.

2. Overpayment Scams

A “buyer” sends you more than you asked for — by bank transfer or cheque — and then asks you to refund the difference. The original payment later bounces or is reversed (because it was fraudulent), leaving you out of pocket for the amount you refunded plus your phone.

3. Fake Buyback Websites

Scammers set up convincing-looking buyback websites that promise high prices, collect your device and personal details, and then either disappear or provide a dramatically reduced offer after you’ve sent your phone with no easy way to get it back. They often promote themselves aggressively via social media ads.

4. The Lowball Switch

Some less reputable buyback services quote a high price to attract sellers, then drastically reduce the offer once they have your device in hand — banking on the fact that many sellers will reluctantly accept rather than go through the hassle of requesting a return. This isn’t an outright scam but is deeply unfair practice.

5. Data Theft

Selling to an unknown private buyer or an unverified site without wiping your device risks your personal data being accessed. A phone full of banking app credentials, saved passwords and personal photos is valuable to the wrong person.

How Reputable Buyback Services Eliminate These Risks

Choosing a reputable UK buyback service removes the vast majority of these risks:

• No fake payment risk — you don’t hand over your phone until a legitimate, established company has committed to a price. Payment goes from their verified bank account to yours.
• No scam buyer interaction — you deal with a business, not anonymous strangers. There’s a contractual obligation to pay the quoted price.
• Insured postage — reputable services like sellmyphones.co.uk/ fully insure your device in transit, so you're protected against postal loss.
• Transparent process — a legitimate buyback service has clear terms about what happens if condition differs, and always offers the option to have your device returned if you disagree with any revised offer.
• Certified data wiping — professional data erasure is standard practice, providing an extra layer of data protection beyond your own factory reset.

How to Vet a Phone Buyback Service

Check Reviews on Independent Platforms

Look for the company on Trustpilot, Google Reviews or Reviews.io. A legitimate buyback service will have hundreds or thousands of genuine reviews. Be wary of services with very few reviews, a suspiciously high volume of five-star reviews with no detail, or a high proportion of recent negative reviews about non-payment.

Verify Company Registration

Check that the company is registered at Companies House (companies-house.gov.uk). Legitimate UK businesses must be registered. A phone buyer without a verifiable Companies House registration is a significant red flag.

Look for a Physical Address and Contact Details

A reputable buyback service will have a real UK address, a working phone number and a responsive email address. Test these before sending your device. A company with no verifiable physical presence or that only communicates via social media DMs is not one to trust.

Read the Returns Policy

A trustworthy buyer will have a clear, fair policy for what happens if they assess your device differently from your description. The right answer is always: they contact you with the revised offer and give you the option to accept it or receive your device back free of charge. If you can’t find this policy on their website, be cautious.

Confirm Insured Postage

Your phone should be insured at its full quoted value during transit. Don’t use a service that asks you to post at your own risk, or that caps insurance at a nominal amount far below your device’s value.

Protecting Your Data Before You Sell

Regardless of who you sell to, always wipe your device before posting. See our step-by-step guide on how to wipe your phone before selling for full instructions for both iPhone and Android. Key steps:

• Back up all data
• Sign out of iCloud (iPhone) or remove your Google account (Android)
• Perform a full factory reset / Erase All Content and Settings
• Remove your SIM card

The Best Time to Sell Your Old iPhone Before a New Model Drops

Timing matters enormously when it comes to getting the best price for your iPhone. Sell it at the wrong time — particularly just after Apple announces a new model — and you could receive 15–25% less than you would have a few weeks earlier. This guide explains the iPhone depreciation curve, the critical sale windows throughout the year, and the practical steps you should take to maximise your trade-in value.

The iPhone Depreciation Curve

Like all consumer electronics, iPhones lose value over time — but the depreciation is not linear. There are specific trigger points when value drops sharply:

Year 1: Minimal Depreciation

In the first six months after launch, a flagship iPhone retains most of its value — typically 75–85% of its retail price. Demand on the secondary market is strong because many people who couldn’t get the new model at launch are happy to buy second-hand. If you buy every new iPhone, this is the window where selling your previous model yields the best return.

The September Cliff

Apple holds its annual iPhone launch event every September (typically the second Tuesday of the month). The moment a new model is announced, the previous generation drops in trade-in and resale value — often by £50–£150 on flagship models overnight. This is the single most important date in the phone resale calendar. The weeks immediately before the September announcement are the highest-value window to sell your current iPhone.

Years 2–3: Steady Decline

After the first year, iPhones depreciate at a steadier rate of roughly 20–30% per year. The cumulative impact is significant: an iPhone that was worth £700 when new may be worth £300–£400 three years later in good condition, and £500–£600 after 18 months. Each passing September launch compounds the decline.

Older Models: Slower Decline, Lower Floor

Once an iPhone falls below a certain age, depreciation slows because it has found its floor value — mostly driven by the parts and refurbished entry-level market. An iPhone 11 might sit in the £70–£110 range for a couple of years before declining further. But this is still cash you could have in your pocket.

The Best Months to Sell Your iPhone

• July and August — The prime selling window for current-generation iPhones. Demand is still healthy and the September announcement cliff hasn’t hit yet. This is where you’ll find the highest trade-in values before the new model is unveiled.
• March–April — A secondary opportunity; values have stabilised after the post-Christmas dip and before mid-year. Good if you missed the summer window.
• Avoid October–November — This is the worst time to sell. New iPhone availability is high, the buzz is all about the new model, and demand for previous-generation devices has just experienced its sharpest drop.

Act Fast: Why Waiting Costs You Money

One of the most common mistakes people make is deciding to sell their iPhone but then leaving it in a drawer for months while they “think about it” or “get around to it”. Depreciation doesn’t pause because you haven’t made a decision. Every month you delay is money quietly evaporating.

Consider this: if your iPhone 15 Pro is worth £480 today and loses 2% of its value per month (a conservative estimate), you’ve lost nearly £100 in value over the next four months — simply from inaction. Meanwhile, the September announcement may be approaching.

Practical Steps to Maximise Your iPhone’s Trade-In Value

1. Set a reminder for mid-July — This prompts you to get quotes and sell before the September announcement
2. Get multiple quotes — Compare sellmyphones.co.uk/ with two or three other UK buyback services to verify you're getting the best price
3. Use the 14-day price lock — Accept your quote as soon as you’re happy with it; your price is then locked and won’t drop even if the market moves
4. Sort your backup and data wipe in advance — Having this ready means you can post immediately once your quote is accepted
5. Check battery health — If you’re planning to sell in a few months, avoid unnecessary overnight charging that degrades battery health

Want to know what your current iPhone is worth right now? Check our full iPhone value guide or head straight to our quote tool.

Timing a phone sale without trying to predict an exact price

Used-phone values usually change as devices age, new generations arrive and demand shifts, but there is no reliable rule that every handset loses the same percentage on a fixed date. A practical strategy is to sell once you no longer need the old device rather than leaving it unused for months while its battery ages and the market moves on. If you are waiting for a replacement phone, complete the transfer and backup first so you are not forced to choose between protecting your data and acting quickly.

Before sending, check the live valuation for the exact iPhone and describe its present condition honestly. That gives you a current reference point and avoids relying on launch-cycle predictions that may not match the actual secondary market.

Sell My Phone vs Trade-In: Which Gets You More Cash in 2026?

When the time comes to upgrade your phone, you have several options for getting rid of your old one. The three most common routes in the UK in 2026 are: trading it in through your network or retailer, listing it privately on a marketplace like eBay, or using a phone buyback service for instant cash. This honest comparison breaks down what each option actually means for you — in terms of money, time and effort.

Option 1: Network or Retailer Trade-In

How It Works

When you upgrade with your mobile network (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three) or a retailer like Currys or Apple, you can typically hand in your old phone as a “trade-in” towards the cost of your new device. The value is applied as credit against your new phone’s upfront cost or monthly bill.

The Pros

• Convenient — happens at the point of upgrade, no separate process required
• Immediate reduction in your new phone’s cost

The Cons

• You receive store credit, not cash — the value can only be spent with that specific retailer or network
• Values are typically lower — networks and retailers make a margin on trade-ins; their offered values are rarely market-leading
• Credit is often drip-fed — some networks apply trade-in credit across your monthly bills over 12–24 months, rather than as a single immediate reduction
• You’re locked into that retailer’s ecosystem — useful only if you’re definitely buying from them

Option 2: Private Sale on eBay or Facebook Marketplace

How It Works

You list your phone on eBay (auction or Buy It Now) or Facebook Marketplace. A buyer purchases it, you post it or hand it over locally, and receive the sale price minus fees.

The Pros

• Highest potential price — cutting out a middleman means you keep more of the resale value
• You receive actual cash (minus fees)

The Cons

• eBay fees — typically 12.8% + 30p per transaction on eBay, which meaningfully erodes your net proceeds
• Time and effort — photography, writing a detailed listing, answering buyer questions, packaging, posting
• Scam risk — phishing attempts, fake payment confirmations, “item not received” disputes are all common on consumer marketplaces
• Buyer returns — a buyer can open a dispute claiming the item is not as described, leaving you at risk of a forced refund
• Payment delay — eBay holds funds for new sellers; even for established sellers, payment arrives after the buyer confirms receipt
• No certainty — an auction may not achieve the price you hoped for; Buy It Now items can sit unsold for days or weeks

Option 3: Phone Buyback Service (e.g. sellmyphones.co.uk/)

How It Works

You visit a buyback site, enter your device details, receive an instant cash quote, post the device using a free insured label and receive payment — often the same day the device arrives.

The Pros

• Real cash — not store credit, actual money in your bank or PayPal
• Fast — most people receive payment within 2–3 business days of posting
• Hassle-free — no listing, no buyer questions, no packaging stress, no disputes
• Price certainty — you know exactly what you’ll receive before you post
• Broken phones accepted — buyback services typically accept faulty devices that private buyers won’t want
• Free insured postage — reputable services like sellmyphones.co.uk/ cover the cost and insure your device
• Price lock — a good service will lock your price for 14 days

The Cons

• Lower price than a successful private sale — you pay for the convenience; a buyback service needs to make margin on resale
• Requires accurate condition description — overstating condition can lead to a revised offer on arrival

Which Option Should You Choose?

The honest answer is: it depends on your priorities.

• If you want maximum money and don’t mind the effort and risk — private sale on eBay can net you more, particularly for high-value flagship phones.
• If you want fast cash with no hassle and certainty of payment — a buyback service is the best option for the vast majority of people.
• If you want convenience at the point of upgrade but aren’t focused on value — a network trade-in works fine, but you’ll almost certainly leave money on the table.

For most people selling phones in 2026, buyback services represent the sweet spot between value, speed and convenience — particularly when the buyback price gap versus eBay is narrowing as competition in the buyback market increases.

How to judge the current value of your used phone

A useful valuation starts with facts that can be checked: the exact model, storage, condition and whether the phone functions normally. Market demand then determines how strongly those features translate into a current trade-in amount. This is why an old example price can become misleading even when the article itself remains useful. If you are making a decision today, use the live phone catalogue and choose the exact device rather than assuming a figure quoted for another storage or condition still applies.

Condition deserves particular attention because two identical models can have very different practical reuse costs. A clean display, reliable cameras and charging, normal buttons and a usable battery generally make a device easier to reuse. Cracks, functional faults, account locks or major housing damage can reduce that flexibility. The condition guide gives a consistent way to describe those differences before inspection.

How to Wipe Your Phone Before Selling (iPhone & Android Guide)

Selling your phone is exciting — but before you seal that padded envelope, it’s essential to properly wipe your device. Your phone contains an enormous amount of personal data: banking apps, saved passwords, photos, texts, emails and login credentials for dozens of accounts. A proper factory reset removes all of this permanently, protecting your privacy and giving the next owner a clean slate.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for both iPhone (iOS) and Android devices, based on Apple’s and Google’s official guidance. It should take no more than 15–30 minutes, including backup time.

How to Wipe an iPhone Before Selling

Step 1: Back Up Your iPhone

Before erasing anything, ensure your photos, contacts, messages and app data are safely backed up. You have two options:

• iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and have sufficient iCloud storage.
• Mac/PC Backup: Connect your iPhone via a USB cable, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), select your iPhone and click “Back Up Now”. This creates a full local backup on your computer.

Step 2: Sign Out of iCloud and Disable Find My iPhone

This is the most critical step. If you skip this, the phone will have iCloud Activation Lock enabled, making it unusable for the next owner and significantly reducing (or eliminating) its trade-in value.

• Go to Settings > [your name]
• Scroll down and tap Sign Out
• Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
• Choose whether to keep a copy of your data on this iPhone (you can safely tap “Keep on iPhone” as you’re about to erase it anyway)
• Tap Sign Out and confirm

This action simultaneously signs you out of iCloud, disables Find My iPhone and removes Activation Lock. Confirm by going to Settings — your name should no longer be shown at the top.

Step 3: Erase All Content and Settings

• Go to Settings > General
• Scroll to Transfer or Reset iPhone
• Tap Erase All Content and Settings
• Tap Continue and enter your passcode if prompted
• Tap Erase iPhone to confirm

The process takes a few minutes. The iPhone will restart to the “Hello” setup screen, confirming it’s been completely wiped. On iOS 15.2 and later, this step is also available directly from the lock screen under Emergency > Erase iPhone if you’re locked out.

Step 4: Remove Your SIM Card

Use the SIM ejector tool (or a straightened paperclip) to remove your SIM from the SIM tray. Keep it safe — you’ll need it for your next phone. If your iPhone uses eSIM only (iPhone 14 or later bought in the US), you don’t need to worry about a physical SIM.

How to Wipe an Android Phone Before Selling

Step 1: Back Up Your Android Phone

Android phones back up to your Google account automatically, but it’s worth doing a final manual backup before you reset:

• Go to Settings > Google > Backup
• Ensure “Back Up to Google Drive” is enabled and tap Back Up Now
• Also consider backing up photos to Google Photos (Settings > Google Photos > Back Up & Sync)
• For Samsung devices, you can additionally back up to Samsung Cloud via Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud

Step 2: Remove Your Google Account

Similar to Apple’s Activation Lock, Android phones have Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If a Google account remains linked to the device and it is then factory reset, FRP will lock the phone to that Google account. To prevent this:

• Go to Settings > Accounts (or Accounts & Backup on Samsung)
• Tap Google and select your account
• Tap the three-dot menu or Remove Account
• Confirm removal

Step 3: Factory Reset Your Android Phone

For most Android phones (Google Pixel, OnePlus, Sony, Motorola, etc.):

• Go to Settings > System > Reset Options
• Tap Erase All Data (Factory Reset)
• Confirm and enter your PIN/password if prompted
• Tap Erase All Data to begin

For Samsung Galaxy devices:

• Go to Settings > General Management > Reset
• Tap Factory Data Reset
• Review the list of accounts and data to be deleted, then tap Reset
• Enter your PIN and confirm by tapping Delete All

Step 4: Remove SIM and SD Card

Before posting, eject your SIM card and any microSD card if fitted. These are easy to forget in the rush of preparing a device but important to retrieve.

Why Is a Factory Reset Sufficient to Protect Your Data?

Modern smartphones — both iPhones (since iPhone 3GS) and Android devices (Android 6.0 Marshmallow onwards) — store data in an encrypted form by default. When you perform a factory reset, the device destroys the encryption keys used to decode that data. This means that even if sophisticated data recovery software were applied to the storage chips, the encrypted data would be unreadable without those keys. For all practical purposes, a factory reset on a modern, encrypted smartphone is a secure and permanent erasure of personal data.

Additionally, once your device arrives with us, we perform a further professional wipe to NIST 800-88 standards as standard practice on every device.

Where to Sell a Broken Phone in the UK (Cracked or Water-Damaged)

So your phone screen is cracked, the charging port has stopped working, or it took an unexpected swim and is now showing signs of water damage. Your first instinct might be that it’s worthless — but that’s almost certainly not the case. In the UK, broken and faulty phones are bought and sold every day, often for surprisingly decent amounts of cash. This guide explains where to sell a broken phone, what it might be worth, and what to expect from the process.

Yes, You Can Still Get Cash for a Broken Phone

Broken phones have real value — for two main reasons. First, many faults (cracked screens, dead batteries, broken cameras) are entirely repairable. A refurbishment specialist can fix a cracked iPhone screen for a fraction of the retail price and sell the device on. Second, even phones that can’t be economically repaired contain valuable components — screens, batteries, cameras, chassis parts and precious metals — that are harvested and reused in the repair trade or recycled through professional streams.

What Counts as a “Broken” or “Faulty” Phone?

Common faults we see — and still buy — include:

• Cracked or shattered screen — one of the most common faults; still very buyable, especially on premium models
• Broken LCD / dead pixels / display bleed — screen still on but damaged display
• Faulty charging port — won’t charge via cable (wireless charging may still work)
• Dead/swollen battery — powers on but battery life is severely degraded or device won’t stay on
• Water damage — may or may not still power on; often repairable if caught early
• Broken Face ID or Touch ID — biometric sensor failure
• Broken rear or front camera — camera doesn’t work or produces distorted images
• Bent or cracked chassis — structural damage to the body
• Software fault / stuck on logo — won’t fully boot but hardware is intact
• Won’t power on at all — completely unresponsive; still has parts value

Where Are the Best Places to Sell a Broken Phone in the UK?

1. Phone Buyback Services (Best for Speed & Convenience)

Dedicated phone buyback services like sellmyphones.co.uk/ specifically cater to faulty and broken devices. You describe the fault, receive an instant cash quote, post the device free with full insurance, and get paid the same day it arrives. There's no need to photograph the damage, write a listing, respond to buyer questions or worry about returns. For most people, this is the easiest and most reliable route — particularly for popular models like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy handsets.

2. eBay (Higher Potential Price, More Hassle)

Selling a broken phone on eBay can achieve a higher price than a buyback service, because you’re selling directly to repair shops or parts buyers rather than to an intermediary. However, you’ll pay eBay’s selling fees, you need to carefully document the fault with photos, and you risk disputes from buyers. It’s more work and less certainty, but can be worth it for high-value flagship models.

3. Local Phone Repair Shops

Some local repair shops buy broken phones as a source of parts stock. Prices vary widely and you’ll need to visit in person, but for a phone with a very simple fault (like a cracked screen on a current-generation iPhone), a local shop may offer a reasonable price.

How We Assess Broken Phone Value at sellmyphones.co.uk/

When you describe your phone as faulty or broken on our quote tool, we assess value based on:

• The model — A broken iPhone 15 Pro has significantly more parts value than a broken mid-range Android
• The nature of the fault — A cracked screen is more recoverable than total water submersion
• Whether the phone powers on — Working but broken phones are worth more than completely non-responsive ones
• The storage and spec — Higher-spec devices retain more value even when faulty

Tips for Selling a Broken Phone

• Be completely honest about the fault — Accuracy at quote stage ensures the price holds on inspection. Exaggerating the condition will lead to a revised lower offer.
• Try to back up data before selling — If the phone still powers on, back up your photos and data first.
• Remove the SIM card — Even if the phone is broken, retrieve your SIM before posting.
• Don’t wait too long — Phone parts values also depreciate over time. A broken phone that fetches £120 today might only fetch £80 next year.
• Disable Find My / Google lock — If possible, sign out of your Apple ID or Google account before sending. This maximises the value we can offer.

Ready to find out what your broken phone is worth? Check our iPhone prices or Android phone prices now.

How damage changes the way a used phone should be described

Damage is not one category. A lightly scratched but fully working handset is different from a phone with cracked glass, display lines, camera failure, charging problems, severe liquid damage or a device that no longer powers on. Describe the main fault and any other issues you know about. Hiding a fault can only delay the process because the phone is inspected after it arrives.

Many damaged devices still have value for repair, refurbishment, reusable parts or material recovery. That does not mean every broken phone will receive the same outcome. The exact model and severity of the problem matter. Use the broken phone route and avoid powering or posting a device with an obviously swollen or unsafe battery until you have obtained appropriate advice.

How Much Is My iPhone Worth? 2026 UK Trade-In Value Guide

Thinking about selling your iPhone? Before you get a quote, it helps to understand what drives trade-in values and what kind of figure you can realistically expect in 2026. This guide breaks down every key factor affecting your iPhone’s worth, provides indicative price ranges by model and condition, and shares tips to maximise your payout.

What Determines Your iPhone’s Trade-In Value?

1. Model and Generation

The single biggest factor is which iPhone you have. Apple releases new models every autumn, and each new generation causes previous models to depreciate. Newer supported iPhone generations often attract stronger demand than much older models, but current value still depends on the exact device and condition. Older models like the iPhone 11 still have a trade-in value, but it is considerably lower.

2. Storage Capacity

Higher storage tiers are worth more. An iPhone 15 Pro with 512GB storage commands a meaningfully higher price than the same model with 128GB. This is because buyers pay a premium for higher storage on the secondary market. If you bought a high-storage model, this is good news for your trade-in.

3. Physical Condition

Condition is the second-most important factor after model. A clean fully working iPhone will normally be assessed differently from the same model with a cracked screen or significant body damage. Buyers on the refurbished market pay a premium for Grade A (like-new) devices.

4. Network Lock Status

An unlocked iPhone is worth more than a network-locked one because it can be used on any carrier globally, expanding the resale market. If your iPhone is locked to a network, it will still have a trade-in value — just slightly lower.

5. Battery Health

iPhones with a battery health above 85% (Settings > Battery > Battery Health) are considered to have good battery life remaining. Batteries below 80% health are more likely to need replacing soon, which reduces the device’s appeal on the secondary market and therefore its trade-in value.

Indicative iPhone Trade-In Value Ranges — UK 2026

The figures below are indicative ranges only, based on typical UK buyback market pricing in mid-2026. Actual prices vary by exact storage, colour, condition and real-time market rates. Always get a live quote for an accurate figure.

Tips to Get the Most Money for Your iPhone

Sell Before the New iPhone Launch

Apple announces new iPhones every September, and new model announcements can put downward pressure on older-device values, but the size and timing of any change varies with market demand. If you’re planning to upgrade, the best time to sell your current iPhone is in July or August, before the depreciation hit. Read our dedicated post on the best time to sell your iPhone for a full analysis.

Ensure It’s Properly Wiped and Unlocked

Sign out of iCloud and turn off Find My iPhone before posting. An iPhone with Activation Lock still active cannot be processed. For full instructions, see our guide on how to wipe your iPhone before selling.

Be Accurate About Condition

Describe your iPhone’s condition honestly when getting your quote. Overstating condition can lead to a revised valuation on arrival, while an accurate description reduces the chance of an unexpected change after inspection.

Don’t Wait Too Long

The longer you leave an old iPhone sitting in a drawer, the less it’s worth. Depreciation is continuous, even if gradual. If you no longer need the old iPhone, checking its current value now gives you a better basis for a decision than trying to predict one perfect selling date.

How to judge the current value of your iPhone

A useful valuation starts with facts that can be checked: the exact model, storage, condition and whether the phone functions normally. Market demand then determines how strongly those features translate into a current trade-in amount. This is why an old example price can become misleading even when the article itself remains useful. If you are making a decision today, use the live phone catalogue and choose the exact device rather than assuming a figure quoted for another storage or condition still applies.

Condition deserves particular attention because two identical models can have very different practical reuse costs. A clean display, reliable cameras and charging, normal buttons and a usable battery generally make a device easier to reuse. Cracks, functional faults, account locks or major housing damage can reduce that flexibility. The condition guide gives a consistent way to describe those differences before inspection.

Compare convenience, certainty and effort as well as the headline price

A private marketplace, network trade-in and specialist phone buyback service can produce different outcomes because they involve different amounts of work and risk. A private sale may let you set an asking price, but you can also spend time taking photographs, writing a listing, answering questions, negotiating, arranging collection or postage and dealing with payment or return disputes. A structured buyback service trades some of that flexibility for a defined device, condition and inspection process.

The best route depends on what matters to you. Compare the current net amount you expect to receive, the time you are willing to spend and how comfortable you are managing a private buyer. Avoid comparing an optimistic listing price with a confirmed trade-in amount as if they are the same thing.

Sell Old Phone for Cash: What Buyers Check First

Sell Old Phone for Cash: What Buyers Check First

When you sell an old phone, the first checks are usually straightforward: is it the correct model, what storage does it have, does it work normally, and does its condition match the description used for the valuation? Understanding these checks can help you submit more accurate information and avoid surprises during inspection.

1. Exact model and storage

Model names can be confusing. Standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max, Ultra, Fold and Flip versions are different devices. Storage can also affect value. Check the exact model and capacity in Settings where possible instead of choosing a similar-looking phone.

2. Does the phone power on?

A working phone is easier to test and describe. If the device will not start, say so. A non-working device may still have value, but it should not be graded as a normal working handset.

3. Screen and touchscreen condition

Buyers commonly check for cracks, dead pixels, screen burn, discolouration and touch-response problems. Small scratches are different from a cracked or non-responsive display, so describe them accurately.

4. Cameras, microphones and speakers

Front and rear cameras, microphones and speakers are everyday functions that can affect a phone’s condition. A clean-looking handset with a faulty camera is not equivalent to a fully working phone.

5. Charging and battery behaviour

Check whether the phone charges reliably and whether the battery behaves normally. If you know the battery is weak, swollen or causing shutdowns, disclose that before sending.

6. Housing, back glass and frame

Dents, bends, deep scratches, cracked back glass and missing parts can all affect condition. Cosmetic wear matters, but it should be considered alongside how the phone functions.

7. Account and activation locks

Before selling, sign out of Apple ID, Google, Samsung or other relevant accounts and remove activation locks. A factory reset alone may not remove every account-protection feature.

8. Ownership and restrictions

You should only sell a phone you have the legal right to sell. If finance, blacklisting, mobile-device management or another restriction could affect the phone, disclose it before sending.

9. Does the description match the device?

The inspection stage compares the received handset with the information used for the initial valuation. If the model, storage or condition differs materially, a revised amount may be needed before completion.

Before posting

Back up your data, remove accounts and locks, take out your SIM and memory card, photograph the phone and package it securely. Keep tracking evidence until the transaction is complete. Our postage guide and data wipe guide cover these steps.

Ready to check your phone?

Use the all phones catalogue to identify the exact device, then choose the condition that most closely matches it.

How Much Is My iPhone Worth Right Now?

How Much Is My iPhone Worth Right Now?

The current value of an iPhone depends on more than its name. Exact model, storage, physical condition, battery and charging behaviour, camera and display condition, account restrictions and current demand can all influence a valuation.

Start with the exact iPhone model

An iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and 17e are different devices. The same is true across earlier generations. Check the model and storage in Settings before relying on a valuation. Choosing the wrong model can make the figure meaningless.

Condition is more than scratches

A phone that looks tidy can still have a charging, camera or battery fault. A phone with visible wear can still be fully functional. A useful condition description should cover both appearance and operation.

Check these areas

• Screen and touch response
• Front and rear cameras
• Charging port and wireless charging where relevant
• Battery behaviour
• Face ID or Touch ID where applicable
• Speakers, microphones and buttons
• Housing, frame and back glass

Storage can affect value

Higher storage versions can be worth more than lower-capacity versions of the same model, but condition still matters. Confirm the actual capacity rather than guessing from memory.

Does battery health matter?

Battery condition can influence how a phone is graded, especially if it has a known fault, service warning or shutdown problem. If you know the battery is weak or damaged, disclose that before sending.

What about network or account locks?

Remove Find My and Activation Lock before selling. If the phone is network locked, financed, blacklisted or subject to another restriction, disclose that because it may affect whether the transaction can proceed.

Why values change over time

Used-phone demand changes as new devices launch and older models become more widely available. That is why a valuation from months ago should not automatically be treated as today’s value.

Damaged iPhones may still have value

A cracked display, broken back glass, weak battery or camera problem does not automatically make an iPhone worthless. Depending on the model and severity, it may still have repair, refurbishment, parts or recycling value. See our broken phone guide.

Get a more accurate valuation

Use the iPhone model catalogue, select the exact handset and storage, and choose the condition that most closely matches the phone. The initial valuation is based on the information supplied before inspection.

Before you send it

Back up your data, sign out of Apple ID, remove Find My, remove the SIM and erase the phone. Follow the data wipe guide and postage guide before sending.