There are five main ways to sell an iPhone in the UK, and the "best" one depends on what matters most to you: the highest possible price, cash rather than credit, speed, or simply not having to deal with buyers. Here is how they compare.
1. Apple Trade In
Apple gives you credit towards a new Apple product, or an Apple Gift Card, for an eligible iPhone. It is convenient if you are buying from Apple anyway, but you are paid in credit, not cash, and damaged phones are typically worth little or are offered free recycling only.
Best for: people upgrading through Apple who don't need cash.
2. Network or retailer trade-in
Mobile networks and big retailers offer trade-in credit when you take out a new contract or buy a new phone. Like Apple, the value usually comes as credit or a bill discount rather than money in your account.
Best for: people already upgrading with that network or retailer.
3. Selling privately (eBay, Facebook Marketplace)
A private sale can get the highest price for a working phone in good condition, but it takes the most effort: photos, listings, questions, meeting or posting to strangers, and the risk of scams, returns and payment disputes. Marketplace selling fees reduce what you actually receive.
Best for: people with time who want the top price for a phone in excellent condition.
4. High-street shops
Second-hand stores will buy your iPhone over the counter, usually for cash or a higher-value store voucher. It is quick if there is a shop near you, but cash offers tend to be lower than other options, and you have to take the phone in.
Best for: people who want to walk out with cash today.
5. Online buyback services
Online buyers such as Gadget Recycle give you an instant quote, collect the phone and pay you by bank transfer. There is no listing, no haggling and no meeting strangers, and they also buy cracked and faulty iPhones. Compare quotes like for like: the same model, storage and condition.
Best for: people who want cash with little effort, or who have a damaged phone.
How to compare offers
- Cash or credit? Credit is only worth its full value if you were going to spend it there anyway.
- What happens if the condition is disputed? Check whether you get a revised offer you can decline, and whether the phone is returned free.
- How fast is payment? Look for payment within a day or two of the phone arriving.
- Collection or postage: free, insured collection removes the risk of a lost parcel.
- Broken phones: not every option buys them. Online buyers usually do; see sell a broken iPhone.
Before you sell
Whichever option you choose, back up, sign out of your Apple ID and erase the phone first: how to factory reset your iPhone before selling.
To see what your iPhone is worth right now, check our trade-in value guide or get an instant quote on the Sell My iPhone page.
