How to sell your old phone for cash in the UK

Most of us have at least one old phone in a drawer. Maybe it's the one you replaced on upgrade day, maybe it's a backup that never got used, maybe it's a handset that belonged to someone else in the house. Either way, a working phone loses value every month it sits there doing nothing. The good news is that selling it is far simpler than most people think.

This guide walks through what actually decides how much your phone is worth, how to get it ready, and the options open to you in the UK — from listing it yourself to sending it off for a fixed offer.

What decides how much your phone is worth

There's no secret formula on the buyer's side. Every serious buyer looks at roughly the same things:

• Model and storage. A newer flagship with more storage will always be worth more than an older base model. Check the exact model name in Settings (on an iPhone: Settings > General > About; on Android: Settings > About phone).
• Condition. Screen scratches, cracked back glass, dents on the frame and battery health all matter. Be honest with yourself — "a few marks" to you might be "heavy wear" to a buyer.
• Network lock. Unlocked phones are easier to resell. Most phones sold in the UK in recent years are unlocked, but older contract handsets may still be locked to a network.
• Accounts and finance. A phone still signed into iCloud or a Google account (with Activation Lock or Factory Reset Protection on) can't be used by anyone else, so nobody reputable will buy it. The same goes for handsets with outstanding finance or that have been reported lost or stolen.
• Box and accessories. Nice to have, rarely a deal-breaker. The original box can make a phone slightly more appealing to a buyer.

The biggest factor of all is timing. Phones lose value steadily, and they tend to dip whenever a new model is announced. If you know you're not going to use it again, selling sooner is almost always better than later.

Before you sell: get it ready

Whichever route you choose, do these things first.

1. Back it up. Photos, messages, authenticator apps, WhatsApp chats. On iPhone, use iCloud or a computer backup. On Android, use Google One backup or your manufacturer's tool.
2. Move your eSIM or remove your SIM. If you use an eSIM, transfer it to your new phone or ask your network to move it before you wipe.
3. Sign out of your accounts. On iPhone, turn off Find My and sign out of your Apple ID. On Android, remove your Google account and any Samsung account. This is the step people forget most often.
4. Factory reset. This removes your data and settings. Our step-by-step guide on how to wipe an iPhone before selling covers it in detail.
5. Give it a clean. A soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth and a dry cotton bud for the ports go a long way.

Your options for selling in the UK

Selling it yourself on eBay or Facebook Marketplace

Selling privately can work, but it comes with work attached. You'll need to take photos, write a listing, answer questions (often the same ones repeatedly), deal with offers, and then either meet a stranger or package and post it yourself. With online marketplaces you also need to think about payment scams and buyers claiming an item "wasn't as described".

If you enjoy the process and have time, it's an option. For a lot of people, it's the reason the phone stays in the drawer.

Trading in when you upgrade

Networks and manufacturers often offer trade-ins against a new phone. It's convenient if you're buying anyway, but the value is usually tied to that purchase, often paid as credit, and only available at the point you upgrade.

Sending it off for a fixed cash offer

This is the route designed for people who want it done. With SendForCash, you describe the phone — model, storage, condition and what's included — and get an instant cash offer. Accept it and we send you a free postage label. Pack the phone, drop it off, and we pay you the same day we inspect it, by bank transfer or PayPal.

No listing, no messages, no haggling, no meeting anyone in a car park. And if your phone isn't quite as described when it arrives, we explain why and offer a revised price — if you'd rather not accept, we send it back free.

Phones with damage or faults

We only buy working items, so a phone that won't power on, has a dead touchscreen or a failing battery that shuts it down isn't one for us. If yours is broken, consider a local repair shop (sometimes a cheap repair makes a phone worth selling) or recycle it properly — our guide to e-waste recycling in the UK explains where to take it.

Cosmetic wear is a different matter. Scratches and scuffs on a fully working phone simply mean a lower offer, not a refusal. Choose the condition option that honestly matches the phone and you'll avoid surprises.

Packing it safely

Phones are small but fragile. Wrap the phone in bubble wrap, put it in a small sturdy box rather than a padded envelope, and fill any gaps so it can't move about. Our guide on how to package items for posting has more detail.

FAQ

Can I sell a phone that's still on a contract?

You can sell a phone you own outright once any device finance is paid off. If the phone was supplied on a contract that's now finished and the device is yours, that's fine. Phones with outstanding finance or that are blacklisted can't be accepted.

Do I need the original box and charger?

No. They're nice to include but a phone on its own is perfectly sellable. Just tell us what's included when you get your offer.

Will you wipe my phone?

Please factory reset it before sending — it protects you. We also securely wipe every device we receive as standard.

How long is my offer valid?

Once you accept an offer it stays valid for five days, which gives you plenty of time to back up, reset and post your phone.

What's the smallest amount you'll offer?

Our minimum offer is £15. Older budget phones may fall below that, in which case recycling is the better option.