How Much Is Your Old Phone Worth? Here’s How to Check and Sell It
Most of us have at least one old phone tucked away in a drawer. Maybe it is a cracked iPhone from two upgrades ago, or a Samsung that still works but never gets used. It feels like junk, so it just sits there. The truth is that your old phone could be worth real money, and finding out is easier than you might think.
Australians are sitting on a small fortune in unused devices. Studies have suggested there are millions of old phones stored in homes across the country, and a large share of them no longer work. That is a lot of value gathering dust. If your phone still turns on, there is a good chance someone will pay you for it.
So how do you find out what your phone is actually worth, and how do you turn it into cash without the hassle? Here is a simple guide.
What decides your phone’s value
A few key things shape how much your phone is worth on the resale market.
The first is the model and age. Newer flagship phones from Apple and Samsung hold their value better than budget models or older handsets. A two-year-old iPhone Pro will usually fetch more than a five-year-old mid-range Android.
The second is condition. Buyers care about cracked screens, deep scratches, and dents. A phone in clean, working order is worth far more than one with visible damage. Battery health matters too, especially on iPhones, where you can check the figure right in your settings.
Storage size also plays a part. A 256GB model is generally worth more than the 64GB version of the same phone. Finally, an unlocked phone that works on any network is more attractive to buyers than one tied to a single carrier.
How to check what your phone is worth
Once you know what affects the price, checking the value takes only a few minutes.
Start by finding your exact model and storage size. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then About. On most Android phones, the details sit under Settings and then About phone.
Next, compare prices. Look at what similar phones in similar condition are selling for on online marketplaces. This gives you a rough idea of the going rate. Then check the instant quotes offered by trade-in services, which let you pick your model and condition to see a price in seconds. Getting a few different quotes is the smartest move, because offers can vary quite a bit.
Keep in mind that the price you see is only a guide. The final offer usually depends on the real condition of the phone once it is inspected.
Where and how to sell
When it comes to actually selling, you have two main paths.
The first is selling it yourself on a marketplace. You can sometimes get a higher price this way, but it takes effort. You have to write a listing, reply to messages, meet strangers or post the item, and handle the risk of scams or payment problems.
The second path is using a trade-in service that buys phones directly. This is faster and far less stressful. You get a quote, send the phone in or drop it off, and receive payment once it is checked. If you would rather skip the haggling, you can sell your iPhone or Samsung for cash through a service that handles the whole process for you. It is a clean, simple way to clear out a device you no longer need.
What to do before you sell
Before your phone leaves your hands, protect your personal data. This step is important and often skipped.
Start by backing up anything you want to keep, such as photos, contacts, and messages. You can save these to the cloud or to a computer.
Next, sign out of your accounts and turn off any tracking features. On an iPhone, you must turn off Find My and sign out of your Apple Account, or the phone will stay locked to you. On an Android phone, remove your Google account before you reset. It is worth following the official steps from your phone maker so that nothing gets missed.
After that, do a full factory reset to erase your data. Finally, remove your SIM card and any memory cards. Once the phone is wiped and reset, it is ready for its new owner.
A few tips to get the best price
Small things can push your offer higher. Clean the phone gently so it looks its best. Find the original box and charger if you still have them, since a complete package can be worth more. Act sooner rather than later, because phones lose value as newer models come out.
Selling safely and getting paid fast
The best part of using a trusted trade-in service is the peace of mind. You know the price upfront, the payment is reliable, and your data is handled properly.
If you are ready to turn that idle device into money, you can sell your phone with iPhonesintocash within just a few steps. Pick your model, note the condition, send it in or drop it off, and get paid. There is no need to chase buyers or worry about a deal falling through at the last minute.
The bigger picture
Selling your old phone is not only good for your wallet. It is good for the planet too.
When phones sit in drawers or end up in the bin, valuable materials go to waste. Old devices contain metals like gold, copper, and aluminium that can be recovered and reused. Selling or recycling a phone keeps it in use for longer and supports what is known as the circular economy.
So before you write off that dusty handset, take five minutes to check its value. You might be surprised by how much your old phone is worth, and how easy it is to turn it into cash.
