Trade in old devices for cash. Not tech in your drawer.

Sell my phone guide

What to know before you sell a phone online in the UK.

When people search for sell my phone, they usually want more than a headline price. They want to know whether the buyer accepts their exact handset, what condition means, how to protect personal data, whether a damaged phone is still worth checking, how the device should be sent and what happens if the inspection finds something different from the original description. A good phone trade-in journey should answer those questions before the handset leaves your hands.

Start with the exact model, not a similar-looking phone

Model names can be deceptively close. A standard handset may sit next to a Plus, Pro, Pro Max, Ultra, Fold or Flip version, and different storage capacities can change the valuation. Use the search to identify the exact device and then confirm storage in the phone settings if possible. Apple owners can browse our iPhone trade-in range, Samsung owners can use the Samsung Galaxy page, and Google owners can browse Google Pixel models. If your phone is missing, contact us rather than choosing another model simply to continue.

Condition includes function as well as appearance

A phone with light cosmetic wear can still be a good working device, while a handset that looks clean may have a charging, camera, battery or display fault. Check the screen and back glass for cracks, look at the frame for serious dents or bends, and test the everyday functions you already use. If the device has a known problem, include it. The purpose of a condition grade is to describe the phone honestly so the initial valuation can be compared fairly with the inspection. Our phone condition guide explains the main checks in more detail.

Broken phones can still have a route to value

A cracked screen, weak battery, faulty charging port, damaged camera or another defect does not automatically make a phone worthless. Depending on the exact model and severity of the problem, the handset may still have repair, refurbishment, parts or recycling value. Use the sell a broken phone route when damage is the main reason you are selling. Do not try to hide a fault or force the device into a higher condition grade; that only increases the chance of a revised valuation later.

Back up your data before you reset anything

Modern phones can hold photographs, messages, banking apps, authenticator codes, work profiles and cloud accounts. Back up what you need and verify the backup before erasing the handset. Then sign out of the relevant Apple, Google, Samsung or other accounts, remove activation locks, remove physical SIM and memory cards, and complete a factory reset where possible. If you are unsure about the order, follow our data wipe guide. Never send passwords or one-time security codes in ordinary messages.

Use secure packaging and keep tracking evidence

For a postal trade-in, protect the handset with suitable cushioning and use a strong outer package. Fill empty space so the device cannot move freely, and avoid placing loose hard accessories beside it. Follow the sending method provided with your trade-in and keep the tracking number or proof of posting until the transaction is complete. The phone postage guide includes a practical packing checklist and safety advice for damaged batteries.

Inspection confirms the information used for the valuation

An online valuation is based on the details supplied before the phone is received. Inspection checks that the device, storage and condition match those details. If they do, the trade-in can move toward payment after successful inspection. If there is a material difference, a revised valuation may be needed before completion. This is why we describe the process as clear rather than claiming every initial figure is unconditional. You can read the full sequence on our how it works page.

Choose the selling route that fits your priorities

Private marketplaces can give you control over an asking price, but they can also involve photographs, listings, repeated questions, negotiation, collection arrangements and payment or return disputes. A structured phone buyback service is designed around a defined model, condition and inspection process. The best choice depends on the balance you want between price, time, effort and certainty. Compare realistic net outcomes rather than an optimistic private listing price with a confirmed trade-in amount as if they were identical.

Bristol customers can ask about local drop-off

If you are near Bristol and would rather not post your phone, contact us before travelling to discuss local drop-off at 55 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AD. The same preparation still matters: identify the exact handset, remove your personal accounts and describe its condition accurately. For anything unusual, such as a phone that will not power on or a model that is not listed, use the contact page before making a special journey.