So, the time has finally come to sell your iPhone 11 Pro Max. Whether you are looking to get cash for it or trade it in toward an upgrade, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind, especially if your goal is to increase the trade-in value of your device.

In this article, we’ll break down how iPhone trade-in value works and then walk you through practical tips and tricks that can help you get the most value possible from your iPhone 11 Pro Max.

How Does Trade-In Value Work?

Trade-in value simply refers to how much your device is worth at the point of sale. Like most electronics, smartphones depreciate over time, gradually losing value as they age and are used, and iPhones are no exception.

According to data from resale tracking platforms like BankMyCell, iPhones typically lose 25–40% of their value in the first year. Premium models like the Pro Max often retain value better than base models due to stronger demand in the secondary market.

That means even though the iPhone 11 Pro Max is several years old, it still holds decent resale value compared to many other smartphones released in the same period.

Key factors that affect the value of your iPhone 11 Pro Max include:

• Screen condition
• Battery health
• Overall physical condition
• Presence of scratches, cracks, or breaks
• Storage capacity

Now that you understand what influences your phone’s value, let’s look at what you can do to maximise it.

Understanding Your Selling Options

Before choosing where to sell, it helps to understand your options.

There are generally three main ways to sell your iPhone:

• Marketplaces (Facebook, eBay)
• Carrier trade-ins
• Direct buyback platforms

Each option offers different trade-offs in speed, risk, and payout consistency:

• Marketplaces may offer slightly higher prices, but require negotiation and patience.
• Carrier trade-ins are convenient but often provide store credit instead of cash.
• Direct buyback platforms focus on speed and guaranteed payment.

Choosing the right option depends on whether you value maximum payout, convenience, or peace of mind.

How To Maximize Your iPhone 11 Pro Max Trade-In Value

Tip 1: Fix Only the Defects That Make Financial Sense

Whether you are selling directly to a buyer or using a buyback service, functionality plays a major role in determining value. A fully functional iPhone will almost always attract better offers than one with major defects.

While most buyback companies will still accept damaged iPhones, fixing certain issues can improve your payout. That said, not every repair is worth the cost.

For example, an iPhone 11 Pro Max with 92% battery health may qualify as “good condition” and get a higher offer, while one below 80% is often flagged as “service recommended,” which can reduce offers by $20–$50 depending on the platform.

Battery replacements are usually cheaper than screen repairs, and in many cases, fixing the battery yields a positive return.On the other hand, screen repairs can be expensive, and in many cases, the cost of replacing the screen outweighs the additional value you would gain. Selling the phone as-is may be the more practical option in that situation.

Tip 2: Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms

One of the most effective ways to increase your trade-in value is simply comparing offers. Prices can vary widely between platforms, and accepting the first offer you see often means leaving money on the table.

You can check listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay, or use buyback comparison tools that evaluate your phone’s condition and storage capacity to generate estimates from multiple buyers.

Taking a few extra minutes to compare offers gives you a clearer picture of what your iPhone 11 Pro Max is actually worth and helps you choose the most competitive deal.

Tip 3: Include Accessories to Boost Perceived Value

If you still have the original box, charging cable, or proof of purchase, consider including them when selling your iPhone. While accessories may not dramatically increase trade-in offers on all platforms, they can improve perceived value, especially when selling directly to buyers.

In many cases, including accessories helps your listing stand out and can make buyers more willing to pay a slightly higher price.

Tip 4: Choose the Right Time to Sell

A common question many people ask is:

“When is the best time to sell my iPhone 11 Pro Max?”

Being absolutely honest, the best time to sell your iPhone 11 Pro Max is now because phone value depreciates daily, but selling now isn’t always practical. Also iPhone trade-in value tends to drop when new models are released, as demand shifts toward the latest devices.

Historically, Apple announces new iPhones around September. As these releases approach, older models like the iPhone 11 Pro Max often see a decline in resale and trade-in value. Selling before a new lineup is announced can help you lock in a better offer. Check out our full guide on the best time to sell iPhone to help better inform your decision.

Tip 5: Common Trade-In Mistakes to Avoid

Before you trade in your iPhone 11 Pro Max, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

Accepting the first offer
Always compare multiple offers before committing. A little research can significantly increase your payout.

Misrepresenting the phone’s condition
Be honest when describing your device. Buyback companies inspect phones carefully, and inaccurate descriptions can lead to reduced payouts or rejected trades.

Not removing accounts
Neglecting to remove your iCloud account from your device before selling basically renders the device useless even if you factory reset it. So ensure you remove your accounts before trading-in your iPhone 11 Pro Max

Not checking payout methods
Different platforms pay in different ways and have different fees. So make sure the payout method and timeline work for you before proceeding.

Check out our guide article for more common mistakes to avoid when selling your iPhone.

Best Place To Trade-In iPhone 11 Pro Max 

If your main priority is a hassle free selling experience while getting the most value for your iPhone 11 Pro Max, then The Whiz Cells is the best option for you. Selling your iPhone 11 Pro Max to The Whiz Cells is easy and straightforward. And payment is processed within 24 hours of receiving your device.

How To Trade-In iPhone 11 Pro Max To The Whiz Cells

• Go to The Whiz Cells iPhone 11 Pro Max page here
• 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.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to trade in your iPhone 11 Pro Max, timing and preparation matter. By understanding how trade-in value works, fixing only cost-effective issues, comparing offers, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve how much you get for your device.

Selling your iPhone the right way doesn’t take much extra effort, it just takes the right approach.

FAQs 

How much can you trade in an iPhone 11 Pro Max for?

Your iPhone 11 Pro Max should be able to get you anywhere between $190 and $330, depending on several factors such as the condition of the phone and its overall functionality. 

What can I do with my old iPhone 11 Pro Max?

If you don’t intend to give it to a family member or a friend, then you should look towards selling it online, either through a selling platform or trading it in for a newer one. 

Is it better to trade-in or sell my iPhone?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. You could sell it directly, but you would have to compete with all the other people that are selling online as well as the risk of scams and sketchy deals with hagglers. However, you could also just trade it in and have no worries whatsoever, and the added assurance of competitive pricing and maximum value retention.