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1. Does Best Buy Sell Iphones

You can sell your iPod touch, iPhone, or older iPod device for real cash at several places. They'll give you money for your used or broken device, which you can then use for anything, often on the same website or elsewhere.

Selling an iPhone or other device isn't just a method for making some extra cash on the side; it's also a great idea if you plan to upgrade to something newer. For example, instead of purchasing a brand-new phone and keeping your old one, you can basically trade in your iPhone for cash that you can then use to purchase a new phone. The same is true for iPod touch and other devices.

You could always try websites like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook to sell your electronics, but then you're forced to wait for a buyer. The websites below are the best places to sell your iPod or iPhone for real money because the company purchases the device from you and you get paid directly from them, usually rather quickly.

While there are lots of trade-in sites for electronics, they don't all work the same. One might give you more money than any other or offer more value in store credit than cash, and a few might not even accept your specific iPhone or iPod. Be sure to read each company's terms before accepting the trade.

Amazon.com

Amazon Trade-In buys all kinds of used electronics at competitive prices. You can sell iPhones, iPads, and many other gadgets in exchange for an Amazon gift card.

To trade in your iPhone or iPod, you want to first see what the Amazon Trade-In program will take for it. Visit the link above and search for your device. You'll be asked various questions about it.

Be as honest as you possibly can when answering these questions, because if they're found to be incorrect when Amazon receives your iPhone or iPod, they might not give you the money they quoted you for.

Before you finish this trade-in, you're asked what you want Amazon to do if they find the iPhone or iPod to be of lesser value than how you described it. They can send the device back to you (for free) or you can automatically accept the lower price.

Amazon will cover the shipping, so all you have to do is print a prepaid shipping label and put it on a box with your device inside. You'll get the shipping label in an email or you can download it from the final confirmation page.

Keep in mind that if your trade-in works out and you get money for your iPod or iPhone, you'll have to use the credit on Amazon.com. If you don't use Amazon often, you might shop around before trading in your device to make sure there's something you like that you can use your credit to purchase.

Apple

Apple's iPhone trade-in program is called Apple Trade In, and it works for not only smartphones but also tablets, computers, and smartwatches. Other Apple devices like iPods are only available for recycle (you won't get paid).

Find your device from the list of acceptable trade-ins and answer some questions about it. If you're selling an iPhone back to Apple, for example, you'll be asked which model you have and if it's in good condition.

You'll immediately be told its trade-in value and have the option to trade it in for a gift card.

After you fill out a few personal details, you'll get a free shipping label emailed to you directly from Apple that you'll need to print and attach to the box your device is in. You'll get paid for your iPhone or other Apple device once they receive it and can confirm that your answers to the online questions were correct.

Apple Trade In works in Apple stores, too, so if you visit a store to purchase a new device, you can ask about trading in your old one while you're there. However, to make sure you're getting the best price for your device, you might spend a few minutes getting quotes from other trade-in sites first.

Best Buy

Another retail giant with a trade-in program for iPods and iPhones is Best Buy. Visit the Best Buy Trade-In page to browse or search for the device you want to trade in for cash.

Provide the condition of the device and answer any related questions—like whether you've disabled security features, how large the internal storage is, and if your device supports Wi-Fi—and you'll get an instant quote right there on the page.

To accept the offer, choose Add To Your Basket and then decide whether you want to trade in at the store or mail it in.

The estimate you see for the store trade-in is valid for one week. You can take it in to Best Buy and give them your number and email address for them to pull up the trade-in value you were quoted for online.

In-store Best Buy trade-ins provide a Best Buy gift card, and online ones email an E-Gift Card.

Gamestop

Leading video game retailer GameStop has a trade-in program for not only video games but also Apple devices like iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. You'll get your quote with just one question, but you unfortunately can't trade in your device online.

Visit the GameStop trade offers and values page, and select Electronics to search for your device. Pick from three conditions—Working, Damaged, or Dead—and you'll see the trade-in value adjust appropriately.

Make a user account at GameStop to save your trade-in value, and then print it off and take it to a GameStop store to have an employee assess the value there and offer you cash for your device.

Gazelle

One of the leading sites of its kind, Gazelle buys all kinds of used electronics—from cell phones to iPods—based on their condition, the packaging and accessories they include, and more.

Prices paid for iPods and iPhones are among the highest. Gazelle also offers a 30-day price lock option: agree to sell your iPhone now and you have 30 days to complete the transaction. This allows you to lock in the higher price for a phone before the new models are announced and reduce the value of previous generations.

Before you trade in your iPhone or other device, you need to answer a few questions—like most electronics-for-cash services. When trading in an iPhone, for example, you might be asked which carrier it was being used with, the storage capacity, whether it powers on, if there are any scratches, and if the screen lights up normally.

Gazelle also has a loyalty program called Gazelle Rewards that you can sign up for to get one point for each dollar your device is worth when you sell your items through Gazelle. You can redeem the points the next time you sell something.

NextWorth

The other major site in the market, NextWorth, makes it easy to sell a used device. Like Gazelle, it offers a price-lock option so you can secure a higher price before new models come out. Shipping is free and payment options include gift cards, PayPal, and check.

However, NextWorth's list of supported devices you can sell is relatively short. In fact, it only supports smartphones, tablets, and wearables from Apple (you can't sell iPods here). Beyond those restrictions, not all iPhones are even supported.

However, if you want a second option to make sure you're getting the most from your iPhone trade-in, NextWorth is there.

Unlike most of these Apple product trade-in services, this one asks quite a few questions. When you're finished supplying answers, you'll need to provide the IMEI number if you're selling an iPhone.

PowerMax

Apple reseller PowerMax buys used iPads, iPhones, and iPods (as well as used Macs). Unlike other sites, you have to call them and share the details of the device you want to sell in order to get a quote, rather than getting a quote live on the website. Payment options include check and store credit.

Roostr

If you've got a working or broken iPhone, iPad, Apple laptop, Apple TV, or Apple Watch, Roostr could be an option for you to get some money for your unused products.

Visit the site and let them know what kind of device you have and answer a few questions about its details and condition, and then you'll get a quote. If you accept the trade-in value quote, you'll get a prepaid FedEx label to apply to a box that you supply to send your device.

You have 10 days to send it off, and you get paid one day after they review it, via PayPal or check (your choice).

Simply Mac

Simply Mac is another Apple reseller who will take your iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch and convert it to store credit. This means that the money you get for your electronics must be spent at Simply Mac.

One way Simply Mac differs from some of these other trade-in services is that there are tons of brands you can choose from, so you can use it for non-Apple devices, too.

However, even if you're selling an iPhone, for instance, you can select from really old devices such as the iPhone 3GS, plus new ones like iPhone X. Several carrier options are available, too—beyond the popular ones are others like Cricket.

You'll need to know the IMEI, MEID, ESN, or serial number for the devices you sell to Simply Mac.

Small Dog Electronics

Small DoG Electronics is a long-time Apple reseller that buys iPods, iPads, and Macs (but not iPhones). If you've got one of those devices to sell, you can either ship it to them or take it into a Small Dog store.

Their Trade-In Request Calculator is super easy to use: just enter the product and you'll see a price appear.

If you ship it, you'll do so with an estimated price, but will get a final price once Small Dog receives and inspects it.

uSell

uSell offers an interesting twist to the online iPhone trade-in business. Instead of offering to buy your used device directly, its search engine combs the offerings from a wide variety of services to provide you the best offer from that network of sites.

The network doesn't seem to include major sites like Gazelle, though, so the offers can sometimes be lower than you'd receive elsewhere. Still, searching a network of sites from one place may be useful for you, and they also include themselves.

uSell sends you a prepaid and pre-addressed shipping kit, and your trade-in value is valid for 30 days. You can get paid for your iPhone or iPod (or other device) via check or PayPal. Bulk trade-ins are accepted, too.

Walmart

Walmart's electronics buy-back program, called Gadget to Gift Cards, is similar to Apple's. If you're selling an iPhone, you'll receive a Walmart eGift Card that you can then apply to the purchase or something else, such as a newer iPhone.

The program also buys back many other kinds of electronics. There are four categories you can pick from: cell phones, tablets, game consoles, and voice speakers.

To trade in your iPhone or other product to Walmart, follow the onscreen steps to print the free FedEx shipping label, and then attach it to the box with your item inside. You can drop it off at any FedEx location.

YouRenew

YouRenew offers the same basic service that many other companies on this list do: search for your device, describe its content, and get an estimated value. You get paid via check.

If you accept the trade-in value for your iPhone, iPod, or other device, print a prepaid shipping label and then send it in to get paid. Devices that don't have cash value can be sent to YouRenew for recycling.

Its sibling business, CorporateRenew, allows businesses to resell or recycle their devices in bulk.

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With new iPhones just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about your upgrade plans. You no doubt want one of the newer models -- but you've probably already paid a pretty penny for one of the old ones.

So what's the solution? Sell your iPhone to subsidize the new one. Here's how to sell your iPhone in the most profitable manner possible.

Disclaimer: CNET may receive a share of revenue from the sale of the products featured on this page.

Do it right now

When selling iPhones, the closer we get to new iPhone preorders, the less your earlier iPhone model will be worth. According to trade-in site Gazelle's general manager, Yanyan Ji, the most recent iPhone model drops as much as $100 in value after the new iPhone is released, and the previous iPhone model can drop between 10 and 20 percent.

MusicMagpie, a UK-based tech trade-in site (which operates in the US as Decluttr), notes that while Apple phones have the lowest depreciation of any brand, iPhones will lose as much as 25 percent of their value immediately following the announcement of new models.

Does Best Buy Sell Iphones

If you have backup mobile devices -- or can borrow one -- sell your phone right now. If that's not an option, some sites (including Gazelle) give you a grace period of up 30 days before you send in your smartphone.

Before you sell

Whether you sell your iPhone by yourself or trade it in to a third-party company, there are a few things you should do to make sure your data is safe:

• Back it up: Back up all of your important data -- including contact, photos, videos and apps -- using Apple's iCloud service or a third-party cloud storage service.
• Turn off Find My iPhone: Find My iPhone is a security feature that must be turned off before you sell your phone -- or nobody else will be able to use or reset it. To turn off Find My iPhone, open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to iCloud > Find My iPhone and toggle it off.
• Wipe it: Sign out of all apps, services and connected accounts (like your iCloud account). Then, open the Settings app and go to General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to erase everything from your iPhone. Once this is complete, you can also go to General > Reset > Reset All Settings to restore the iPhone to factory settings, just in case.
• Remove the SIM card: Don't forget to pop out your SIM card, which you'll likely need for the new phone to keep your existing number and service.

You'll receive the most money for your phone if it's in tip-top shape, but you can still do well if it's in 'good' condition: No cracks in the screen, no big dents or scratches in the casing, no water damage and everything is working well (meaning the phone turns on, holds a charge and so forth).

What if your iPhone is damaged?

If your phone is damaged you can probably still get something for it, even if it doesn't turn on. It's not worth it to repair a cracked screen before you sell, but if your screen is only slightly damaged -- a small hairline crack in the corner, for example -- you may want to sell it on your own instead of trading it in. An individual may be willing to overlook superficial screen damage for a good price.

Option 1: Sell it yourself

Selling iPhones by yourself will usually net you the most profit, but it's not without risks.

Craigslist

Craigslist is the riskiest option, but you will receive cash for your device. The biggest challenge here isn't finding customers -- it's getting them to show up. Be prepared for flakes.

If you do decide to use Craigslist or another in-person option, make sure you meet your buyer in a well-lit, public place (many police departments offer their parking lots as transaction sites). For the smoothest transaction, make the agreement clear prior to meeting -- your customer should know the price, condition of the phone and its wireless carrier in advance.

eBay

If you don't mind putting in a little work -- listing, shipping and paying a small sales fee -- eBay is a better place to sell than Craigslist if you have a used iPhone for sale. Because eBay offers its buyers purchase protection, people are more comfortable buying from strangers.

The downside? Fees. eBay charges a sales fee for products that are sold through its site: 10 percent of the final value (selling price). If you accept payment through PayPal, it charges a fee of 2.9 percent (4 percent if sold internationally) of the final value.

To price your device, search for your model on eBay and check the 'sold' listings. At the time of writing this article, these are the ballpark going rates for various used iPhones on eBay:

• iPhone X (64GB): $525-$800
• iPhone 8 ($450 at Amazon) (64GB): $425-$580
• iPhone 8 Plus ($699 at Amazon) (256GB): $495-$760
• iPhone 7 ($200 at Walmart) (64GB): $330-$495

The main downside to selling your iPhone on eBay is the potential risk of buyers' remorse. eBay offers both the seller and the buyer protection, but tends to side with the buyer in the event of a dispute. Scammers know how to take advantage of this. You can minimize your risk by documenting everything and shipping your device through a trackable service with proof of delivery.

Option 2: Use a service

Trading in your device for cash, store credit or gift cards is often the least profitable option, but you also won't be liable for any issues with the device once it leaves your hands. (Plus, if your iPhone is in less-than-great condition, some companies will still take it -- even if it doesn't turn on at all.) Trading in your iPhone instead of selling it is a great option if you're willing to give up a little profit for an easy process, convenience and peace of mind.

There are traditional trade-in options like those offered by Apple and Best Buy, and then there are buy/sell marketplaces such as Decluttr, Gazelle, Glyde, NextWorth and Swappa.

Don't want to spend time jumping from store to store getting quotes? Head to Flipsy, which compares trade-in values on around 20 buyback stores. It shows you the payment methods, price-lock duration (that's how long you have before you need to send the phone in) and price based on condition. (Unfortunately, because each buy-back store is little different when it comes to 'condition' definitions, Flipsy doesn't drill down beyond phone model, carrier and storage.)

Just for reference, here are some sample trade-in prices from Apple, Best Buy and Gazelle:

Apple's trade-in program

Apple's trade-in program doesn't have any deals on the iPhone 8 or iPhone X online yet. But if you have an older model, this is a potentially easy way to make your way to a new one, as trades net you Apple Store credit.

Apple's estimated trade-in quotes (which vary depending on model and condition and are accurate as of Sept. 10, 2018) are as follows:

• iPhone 6S ($159 at Walmart): Up to $100
• iPhone 6S Plus ($650 at Sprint): Up to $150
• iPhone 7 Plus ($360 at Amazon): Up to $290
• iPhone 7: Up to $200
• iPhone 8 and iPhone X: No trade-in options currently available.

Best Buy Trade In

In the past, Best Buy offered some of the better trade-in prices on cell phones and tablets, but it's important to note that your money is paid out in Best Buy gift cards. That's fine if you're a Best Buy fan, or plan to buy your next iPhone there, but it's not ideal if you're looking to buy elsewhere.

Best Buy's trade values are based on carrier, color, capacity and, of course, condition. A few examples:

• iPhone 8 (64GB) on AT&T, silver, good condition: $285
• iPhone 7 Plus (128GB) on Sprint, gold, good condition: $290
  
• iPhone 6s (64GB), unlocked, space gray, good condition: $0 (yep -- Best Buy won't give you a dime for this model)

Gazelle

Gazelle is a third-party buy-back company that offers straight cash (via check or PayPal; they also have an Amazon gift card option) for your device. Even scratched/broken iPhones might be worth something; an iPhone 7 with clearly visible scratches and cracks might be worth as much as $90.

Gazelle tends to offer less for carrier-locked phones, so you may want to unlock your phone before trading it in. A few examples of current trade-in prices:

• iPhone 8 (64GB), unlocked, flawless condition: $350
• iPhone 7 Plus (256GB), unlocked, flawless condition: $330

Have you ever sold or traded an iPhone? If so, what process did you use, and how was the experience? Was it easy?

First published Aug. 22, 2016.

Updated Aug. 13, 2019

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