How to sell an old laptop or MacBook for cash

An old laptop is one of the more valuable things likely to be lurking in a cupboard. Even a few years old, a working laptop or MacBook is useful to someone — a student, a small business, a family that needs a second machine. The main thing that stops people selling is worry about their data. That's easy to deal with if you follow the right steps.

What affects a laptop's value

• Model and year. For MacBooks, the chip (Intel or Apple silicon such as M1, M2 and later) matters a lot. For Windows laptops, the processor, graphics and build quality matter.
• RAM and storage. More memory and a larger SSD make a laptop more useful and more valuable.
• Condition. Screen marks, worn keys, dents and battery health all count.
• Charger. Including the original charger makes a laptop easier to resell.
• Gaming laptops with dedicated graphics cards hold value better than general-purpose machines of the same age.

Step 1: Back up your files

Use an external drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive or Time Machine on a Mac. Don't forget browser bookmarks, saved passwords (export them or rely on your password manager), and any locally stored email.

Step 2: Sign out and deauthorise

• Mac: sign out of iCloud (System Settings > [your name] > Sign Out), which also turns off Find My Mac and Activation Lock. Sign out of Messages and the App Store, and deauthorise the computer in the Music or TV app if you've used it.
• Windows: remove your Microsoft account link where possible, sign out of OneDrive, and if you used Find My Device or BitLocker, make sure you have your recovery key saved to your Microsoft account.
• Chromebook: a Powerwash removes all accounts.

Step 3: Wipe it securely

• Mac with Apple silicon or a T2 chip: System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Older Intel Mac: boot into macOS Recovery, use Disk Utility to erase the drive, then reinstall macOS.
• Windows 10/11: Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything. Choose the option to clean the drive fully when asked. It takes longer but is more thorough.
• Chromebook: Settings > Advanced > Reset settings > Powerwash.

Leave the laptop at the first set-up screen.

Step 4: Clean it

Wipe the screen with a dry microfibre cloth, clean the keyboard with a soft brush, and wipe the case. Remove stickers if they come off cleanly.

Selling it

Selling a laptop privately takes photos, a description with all the specs, answering technical questions, and posting a fragile item. If that sounds like a chore, get an instant offer on SendForCash instead. Accept the offer and we send a free postage label; we pay the same day we inspect, by bank transfer or PayPal. We also securely wipe every device we receive as standard.

Packing a laptop

Wrap the laptop in bubble wrap, then place it in a box with padding all around so it can't move. Pack the charger separately so it doesn't press on the screen. A padded envelope isn't enough. See our packing guide.

FAQ

Can I sell a laptop with a dead battery?

If the battery no longer holds charge, the laptop isn't fully working, so it's not one we can accept. Light battery wear is fine.

Should I remove the hard drive or SSD?

Not if you've wiped it properly. A laptop without storage is incomplete and worth much less.

Do you buy old desktops?

Yes, if they work and are within 30kg and 1.5m. Graphics cards and other components can be sold too — see our graphics card guide.

My MacBook is still linked to my old Apple ID. What do I do?

Sign in at icloud.com, open Find My and remove the device. Activation-locked devices can't be accepted.