How to Prepare Your Phone for Sale: Complete Checklist

Preparing your phone properly protects your personal data and helps you get the best price. Follow this step-by-step checklist to avoid common mistakes and maximize what you get for your device.

Getting Your Phone Ready to Sell

Follow these steps in order to ensure your data is safe and your phone is ready to sell for the best possible price.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before you do anything else, make sure all your important data is safely backed up. Losing photos, contacts, or documents is one of the most common regrets when selling a phone.

For iPhone Users

• iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
• iTunes/Finder Backup: Connect to computer and use iTunes (Windows/older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina+)
• Photos: Ensure iCloud Photos is enabled or manually transfer to computer
• Messages: Included in iCloud or iTunes backup

For Android Users

• Google Backup: Settings > Google > Backup > Back up now
• Photos: Use Google Photos with backup enabled
• Contacts: Synced with Google account automatically
• WhatsApp: Backup in WhatsApp settings to Google Drive

Step 2: Remove SIM Card and SD Card

This is an often-forgotten step that's crucial for protecting your mobile account and personal files.

What to Do

1. Use the SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to remove the SIM tray
2. Remove your SIM card and store it safely
3. If your phone has an SD card slot, remove the SD card as well
4. Keep these cards for your next device

Step 3: Sign Out of All Accounts

Failing to sign out properly can cause issues for both you and the buyer. Here's what you need to do:

iPhone

• iCloud: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out
• Find My iPhone: Must be disabled (Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone > Turn Off)
• Apple ID: Sign out completely to remove activation lock

Android

• Google Account: Settings > Accounts > Remove all accounts
• Samsung Account: If applicable, sign out from Samsung account
• Other Apps: Sign out of banking apps, social media, etc.

Step 4: Factory Reset Your Phone

A factory reset erases all your personal data and returns the phone to its original state. This is the most important security step.

iPhone Factory Reset

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Tap "Erase All Content and Settings"
3. Enter your passcode if prompted
4. Confirm the reset (this cannot be undone)
5. Wait for the process to complete (10-20 minutes)

Android Factory Reset

1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options
2. Select "Erase all data (factory reset)"
3. Enter your PIN/password if prompted
4. Confirm the reset
5. Wait for completion (10-20 minutes)

Step 5: Clean Your Phone

A clean phone looks more valuable and can actually increase your quote grade. Here's how to clean it properly:

What You'll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• Screen cleaning solution (or isopropyl alcohol 70%)
• Cotton swabs for ports and crevices
• Compressed air (optional)

Cleaning Process

1. Power off the device completely
2. Gently wipe the screen with a damp microfiber cloth
3. Clean the back and sides with the same cloth
4. Use cotton swabs for charging ports and speaker grilles
5. Remove any case residue or stuck-on dirt
6. Let it air dry completely

Step 6: Gather Original Accessories

Including original accessories can increase your device's value by 5-10%. Here's what to look for:

• Original Box: If you still have it, include it
• Charger: Original charging cable and adapter
• Earphones: If they came with the phone
• Documentation: Manuals, warranty cards
• SIM Tool: The small ejector tool

Step 7: Check Network Lock Status

Unlocked phones are worth 10-15% more than locked ones. Here's how to check:

Check if Your Phone is Unlocked

1. Contact your carrier and ask about unlock status
2. Try a SIM card from a different network (if available)
3. Check in phone settings (some phones show this)

How to Unlock

• Contact your carrier (usually free if contract is complete)
• Provide your IMEI number when requested
• Wait for unlock confirmation (usually 24-48 hours)
• Follow carrier's unlock instructions

Step 8: Take Photos for Your Records

Before sending your phone, document its condition:

1. Take clear photos of the front and back
2. Photo of the IMEI number (Settings > About or back of phone)
3. Any scratches or damage
4. Photos with accessories included
5. Store these photos safely

Step 9: Secure Packaging

Proper packaging prevents damage during shipping and ensures your phone arrives safely:

Packaging Tips

• Use the original box if available
• Wrap phone in bubble wrap or foam
• Fill empty space in box with packing material
• Seal box securely with strong tape
• Place shipping label clearly on the outside

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not backing up data: You can't recover it after factory reset
• Forgetting to disable Find My iPhone: Creates activation lock issues
• Leaving SIM card in: Risk of unauthorized use of your number
• Poor packaging: Can lead to damage and reduced payment
• Not checking carrier lock: Miss out on 10-15% extra value

Final Checklist Before Shipping

1. ✓ All data backed up
2. ✓ SIM and SD cards removed
3. ✓ Signed out of all accounts
4. ✓ Factory reset completed
5. ✓ Phone cleaned thoroughly
6. ✓ Original accessories gathered
7. ✓ Network lock checked/unlocked
8. ✓ Photos taken for records
9. ✓ Securely packaged
10. ✓ Shipping label attached

Conclusion

Following this checklist helps ensure a smooth selling experience. You'll protect your personal data, get the best price, and avoid common mistakes. At Cash My Tech, sellers who properly prepare their phones get the smoothest transactions and best prices.

Remember: taking an extra 30 minutes to properly prepare your phone can mean the difference between Grade B and Grade A pricing – that's potentially £50-100 extra in your pocket!