Selling your old iPhone should be easy and straightforward, but one small mistake can complicate the whole process, resulting in you losing time, energy and money.
iPhones hold their value better than other smartphones so by avoiding costly mistakes you can sell your iPhone online easily and for the most money. In this article we’re going to cover:
- The five biggest mistakes people make when selling their used iPhone
- How you can avoid them
- Where to sell your iPhone for the most money
5 Common Mistakes People Make When Selling Old iPhone
1. Not Backing Up and Erasing Your iPhone Data
When selling your iPhone, not backing up and erasing your data is one of the biggest mistakes you can make because you not just lose your data, you also hand it over to a stranger who can do as they please with your sensitive information. Best case scenario the buyer gracefully wipes your data and continues using the iPhone. Worst case scenario, they dig through your photos, messages, banking apps, and passwords, leaving you wide open to identity theft, fraud, or even blackmail.
How To Avoid
- Using iCloud:
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Toggle iCloud Backup ON and tap Back Up Now.
- Wait until the backup is complete (keep Wi-Fi connected).
- Using iTunes/Finder (on a computer):
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).
- Select your iPhone when it appears.
- Click Back Up Now and wait until the process finishes.
Factory reset your iPhone
- Sign out of iCloud/Apple ID: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
- Your iPhone will erase all data and restart fresh.
2. Forgetting to Unlock the iPhone Before Selling
Another big mistake people often make when selling their iPhone is neglecting to unlock the device. Unlocked iPhones are valued a lot more than locked iPhone, so they sell for more money. The reason for this is because unlocked iPhones can be used anywhere on any network while locked iPhones are tied to a single carrier network .
How To Avoid
- Contact your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) and request an unlock.
- Make sure your account is in good standing (no unpaid bills).
- Confirm your iPhone is eligible to be unlocked.
- Once approved, you may need to:
- Insert a SIM card from another carrier, OR
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and restart it to complete the unlock.
3. Creating a Vague Listing and Ignoring Accessories
One of the biggest turn-offs for potential buyers is a vague listing. If you don’t clearly describe your iPhone’s condition, buyers may assume you’re hiding something. On top of that, not including accessories like the box, charger, or even a case can reduce your phone’s appeal and overall value.
How To Avoid
- Be specific about scratches, dents, and battery health.
- Upload clear, well-lit photos from different angles.
- Include original accessories if you have them; they help your listing stand out and justify a higher price.
4. Selling Your iPhone at the Wrong Time
Not knowing when to sell used iPhone is another costly mistake people make, in fact it might just be the costliest. When new iPhones launch, the value of older iPhones drop significantly, by as much as $100-$150. So selling your iPhone at the wrong time can reduce your iPhone’s resale value by a lot.
How To Avoid
- Plan to sell your iPhone a few weeks before the latest iPhone announcement.
- Aim for high-demand periods, such as back-to-school season or holiday shopping times.
5. Leaving the iPhone Dirty or Untidy
Leaving the iPhone dirty or untidy is like trying to sell a car covered in mud, buyers can’t see its real value and will instantly assume it’s poorly cared for. In today’s world, presentation, how your iPhone looks matters a lot when selling it. Afterall, most buyers start (and sometimes end) judging by how clean the iPhone looks. So make your iPhone look as clean and fresh as possible before putting it up for sale.
How To Avoid:
Simple, clean your iPhone properly. Here’s how:
- Turn it off and unplug any cables.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe off dust and fingerprints.
- For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen the cloth or use 70% isopropyl/75% ethyl alcohol wipes.
- Avoid openings (charging port, speakers, SIM tray), keep moisture out.
- Don’t use harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or compressed air.
- Finish by drying with a clean cloth and take your listing photos right after.
Where to Sell Used iPhone Online
The Whiz Cells is the best place to sell your iPhone. Apart from offering the highest pay for your used iPhone, you’ll get a smooth, hassle-free and fast selling experience. It only takes a few minutes to sell your iPhone and payout arrives within 24 hours of receiving your device.
How To Sell Your iPhone To The Whiz Cells
- Go to TheWhizCells.com.
- Search for your device.
- Select your device details: carrier (network status), storage, condition, and whether or not the device is paid off.
- Receive your offer and click checkout.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Final Words
At the end of the day, selling your iPhone isn’t just about handing over a device, it’s about protecting your personal information and getting the best value possible. Avoiding mistakes like failing to back up and erase, leaving the phone locked, skipping on accessories, or presenting it dirty can make or break your sale. Take a little extra time to prepare your iPhone properly, and you’ll walk away with peace of mind and more cash in your pocket.
Now that you know how to avoid costly mistakes, don’t waste any more time and allow your iPhone’s value depreciate. Sell your iPhone to TheWhizCells.com to get the most money today!
FAQs on Big Mistakes Most People Make When Selling Their Used iPhone
What are the risks of trying to sell my iPhone?
The biggest risks are losing your personal data, exposing sensitive information to strangers, and getting less money than your iPhone is worth. If you don’t back up and erase your device properly, the new owner could access your photos, messages, and even banking apps. There’s also the risk of scams if you sell on the wrong platform.
What is the most common mistake people make when selling their iPhone?
The most common mistake is not backing up and factory resetting the phone before selling. This not only risks your private data but can also make the phone harder to set up for the next owner. Other common slip-ups include forgetting to unlock the iPhone or selling it at the wrong time, which lowers its value.
What to do before selling a mobile phone?
After deciding on “how to sell my iPhone” make sure to back up your data using iCloud or iTunes, sign out of your Apple ID, and erase all content and settings. Make sure your iPhone is carrier-unlocked, clean it thoroughly, and gather any original accessories like the box and charger. Doing this helps protect your data, makes the phone more appealing to buyers, and ensures you get the best resale value.