Selling a used phone in Europe

What drives the price

• Exact model: standard, Plus, Pro and Max versions differ a lot in value.
• Storage: more storage sells for more. Check it in the settings, not just on the box.
• Battery health: many phones show the battery condition in the settings; a weak battery lowers the price.
• Condition: screen scratches or cracks, back glass, frame dents, camera lenses, buttons and ports.
• Completeness: box and cable help a little; the phone itself matters most.

Account locks and carrier locks

A phone that is still linked to the previous owner's account (for example Apple's Activation Lock or a Google account after a reset) cannot be set up by a new owner and is worth only a fraction of the price. Make sure the seller removes the account and resets the phone in front of you. Also check whether the phone is locked to a mobile network: unlocked phones sell to more buyers.

Common mistakes

• Buying a phone that is still signed in to an account.
• Comparing prices of a different storage size or version.
• Not checking for a replaced or non-original screen.
• Ignoring battery health.

Quick checklist

• Model and storage confirmed in the settings.
• Signed out of all accounts and factory reset.
• Not locked to a network.
• Battery health checked.
• Screen, cameras, speakers, microphone and charging port tested.

Where to sell and how to check quickly

Phones sell on eBay, classifieds and Vinted; see where to sell used electronics in Europe. FlipLens identifies the model from a photo or barcode, lets you set the storage, and compares listings on eBay in five EU countries or on eBay.co.uk. How it works.

Questions