Last Updated: October 28, 2026
Quick Summary
To find out your old phone worth, check the model, storage size, and condition, then compare at least three buyback offers. SellCell's tool compares offers from more than 40 U.S. buyback companies, and Swappa recommends checking completed sales for the exact model, storage, condition, and carrier-lock status.
- Nearly 70% of smartphone owners have never sold an old phone, per CNET's reporting.
- Check model and storage under Settings > General > About before comparing offers.
- Unlocked phones sell higher than carrier-locked ones.
- We accept cracked screens and water damage for cash or store credit.
- Selling takes four steps: wipe it, document it, compare offers, and pick your channel.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Check What Your Phone Is Worth Before You Sell
- What Drives Old Phone Trade-In Value
- How to Sell an Old Phone and Sell a Phone With a Cracked Screen
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Check What Your Phone Is Worth Before You Sell
Finding out what your old phone worth is starts with three numbers: the model, the storage size, and the condition. Nearly 70% of smartphone owners have never sold an old phone, according to CNET's reporting on why people keep old devices, and data privacy is a big reason, but holding onto a phone doesn't protect your data any better than wiping it does.
Check the model and storage under Settings > General > About, note carrier lock status and whether the phone is paid off, grade condition honestly, and compare at least three buyback offers. SellCell's buyback comparison tool compares offers from more than 40 U.S. buyback companies in one place, while Swappa's resale guidance recommends checking completed sales for the exact model, storage tier, condition grade, and carrier-lock status.
Once you know the range, act on it: we buy phones for cash on the spot. Time to Level Up lets you trade in your used or broken electronics for cash or store credit.
What Drives Old Phone Trade-In Value
| Factor | What Moves the Price | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Model and brand | Demand for popular models | Exact model number |
| Cosmetic condition | Scratches, cracks, wear | Screen and back glass |
| Carrier status | Unlocked phones sell higher | Carrier lock setting |
We don't: we accept cracked screens and water damage, and you can read what damage we accept and how value is estimated before you come in. Weighing a repair against a sale? Our breakdown of phone screen repair costs gives real ranges.
How to Sell an Old Phone and Sell a Phone With a Cracked Screen
Selling an old phone takes four steps: wipe it, document it, compare offers, and pick your channel. A cracked phone follows the same steps.
Step 1: Back up and wipe your data. Sign out of your accounts, then factory reset the device. Our guide on how to securely wipe your phone before selling walks through the full process.
Factory Unlocked Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 256GB Gold โ
Step 2: Photograph the damage.
Step 3: Compare channels. In-store buyers pay on the spot. Our comparison of in-store versus online trade-ins covers the risks of each.
Step 4: Confirm the offer in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check what my phone is worth before selling it?
Start by noting the exact model, storage capacity, carrier-lock status, and condition. Then enter those details into an online estimator that compares buyback offers.
Does a cracked screen lower a phone's resale value?
Yes. A local store that buys broken electronics can still make an offer.
Is it better to trade in or sell an old phone?
Selling outright to us pays cash on the spot. Compare offers using your exact model and condition before deciding which route fits your timeline.
Your old phone is sitting in a drawer losing value every month. We pay cash on the spot, wipe your data securely in front of you, and stand behind every purchase with a 30-day warranty and a 7-day money-back guarantee. Get started with Buy, Sell & Trade Electronics and turn that drawer phone into cash today.
