There are many ways that you can sell your device. Some of these ways may be unsafe, some of them could put you at
risk, and then there are many ways that you can stay safe from the comfort of your own home.
Backup Your Data
Before doing anything, make sure that you’ve backed up your phone to ensure you don’t lose any data. This will help
make sure that transitioning to a new phone will go seamlessly. The steps are different for Android and Apple users,
so skip down to the part which applies to you.
For iPhone Users
If you’re signed into iCloud, it’s very likely that your phone is
already backing itself up automatically whenever it’s connected to wifi. You can check this by going to
Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and verifying that it is turned on.
iCloud storage is
limited, and it can take a while to download all your data, so if you’re switching over to a new phone, you can do
it quicker by backing up to iTunes on your computer.
To backup via iTunes on your computer
- Plug your iPhone into your computer.
- Open iTunes.
- Click the iPhone button in the toolbar’s top-left corner, or (newer OS users) iPhone in the
left column in Finder . - Click the “Back Up Now” button.
This could take a few minutes,
but once complete, you’ll have your data and information backed up on
your computer. Your new phone will prompt you to restore from this backup when you’re setting it up and it’s plugged
into the computer.
For Androids
All Androids are a
little different from the next, and you’ll likely have to
do some searching to ensure everything is backed up before continuing.
All of your contacts, calendar notifications and other data are probably already
synced and paired with your Google account. You can select to auto-back up app
data, call log history, device settings and notifications, photos and sms text messages by going to
Settings > System > Backup. Once in this menu, just make sure the switch is turned
on. It won’t hurt to go through everything and make sure your app data is backed up as well.
If
you’re logging into an app with a user account, it’s likely that it has been backing up your data
regularly to that account. In some situations, you may need to manually
create a backup file from that app’s settings menu.
We’d recommend plugging your
phone into your computer, and dragging those backup files onto your desktop. Make sure to drag over your
pictures as well, just in case and then you can store them safely for
your next phone.
Make sure to buy a new phone, then transfer the data, before you sell your old phone. This will
make sure the new phone is setup to your liking before wiping it and selling it.
Erase Your Data
Once you’ve backed everything up, it’s now time to erase all your data. This needs
to be completed in a way that makes it not possible to recover your data. Do not just manually delete apps and
pictures.
iPhone Users
If you have an iPhone, you can safely and securely erase
all your data from your device by heading to
Settings > General > Reset and tapping “Erase All Content and
Settings.” When this is finished, the device will restart and it will return you to the
“Welcome” screen you originally saw when you bought the phone.
For Androids
Majority of android
devices are encrypted, but some are not. We do recommend a few extra steps before erasing
your Android smartphone. Navigate your way to Settings > Security and look
for an “Encryption” setting. If you see something that notes that your phone
is encrypted, you’re all set — If not, tap “Encrypt Phone” to
start the process. These instructions may vary from phone to phone since there are so many different androids
out there.
The encryption process could take a couple hours, so we’d recommend putting the
phone on a charger when doing this. Once complete, navigate to Settings > System > Reset Options and
select “Erase All
Data (Factory Reset).” Once that’s complete, your phone will reset to factory default settings.
For older androids, you may not have an encryption option.
Before You Sell Your Phone
Now that you’ve backed up and restored your device, you’re almost ready to sell it!
Remove your old sim card and any SD cards that may still be in the device. These can store data. Removing them
is the last essential step to making sure your device is safe and ready to sell!
Clean the device using a disinfectant and a rag. Spray the rag and wipe it down
thoroughly.
Gather any charging cables and good condition cases you may have for it and get ready to get some
cash for it! Typically, the more accessories you include, like the original charger, headphones and box, the
more money you can get.
Selling Phones In-Person and Online
Sell on local marketplaces – This option is the most risky of all. You will have to go out meet up with a potential
buyer. Time and time again we hear stories of someone going to sell their device and getting robbed or assaulted.
Sell online via ebay – This option doesn’t always guarantee a sale at the price you’d like to get. Also, you’ll be
liable for seller fees that get assessed after the sale, which can total up to 15% or higher, depending on how you
setup your listing.
Sell on Tech Reboot – This option is the simple option with no seller fees, free shipping, and a set price as long as
it’s graded correctly.
Keeping things simple is often the best way to make sure your safe and don’t need to worry about dealing with buyers
who may return items, scam or do other things that frustrate you when all your trying to do is sell your electronics
from home.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash