Top 5 Things to Check Before Selling Your Phone or Laptop
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Planning to sell your phone, tablet, or laptop? Great move—used electronics can bring in some serious cash. But before you hand your device over to a buyer or store, it’s important to properly prepare your electronics for resale.
Here are the top 5 things you should always check before selling your phone or laptop to protect your data, increase its value, and ensure a smooth transaction.
1. 🔒 Backup & Remove Personal Data
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is forgetting to wipe their devices. Always back up and remove your personal data first.
For phones:
- Back up your data to iCloud or Google Drive
- Sign out of Apple ID, Google Account, or Samsung Account
- Erase all content via factory reset
For laptops:
- Transfer files to an external drive or cloud
- Sign out of iCloud, OneDrive, or Google account
- Delete all personal folders
- Perform a clean reset or reinstall the operating system
🛑 Never sell a device that’s still signed into your accounts—it may be unusable for the buyer!
2. 🔋 Check Battery Health
Buyers care about battery performance. Whether you're selling online or to a local electronics buyer, a poor battery can lower the offer.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
- On Android: Use diagnostic apps or check in settings
- On Windows: Run
powercfg /batteryreport - On Mac: Hold Option and click the battery icon in the menu bar
💡 If battery health is under 80%, consider mentioning it honestly in your listing.
3. 📱 Unlock Your Device (If Possible)
An unlocked phone or laptop is often worth more because it can work with any carrier or user.
- Contact your carrier to request a network unlock (if applicable)
- Ensure there are no outstanding payments
- Remove any MDM or management locks (especially for business or school-issued devices)
Buyers and companies that buy electronics will always pay more for clean, unlocked devices.
4. 🧼 Clean the Device (Inside & Out)
A clean, presentable device can improve the resale price. Take 5–10 minutes to:
- Wipe down screens and keyboards
- Use a microfiber cloth to remove smudges
- Clean out any dust from ports or vents
- Remove old stickers
Also, make sure the charger or cable is untangled and clean. First impressions matter!
5. 📦 Include Accessories or Original Packaging
While not required, including the following can help boost your offer:
- Original box
- Charger and cables
- Laptop sleeve or phone case
- Manuals or receipts (if available)
Buyers love complete packages—especially if you’re selling locally to a store that buys used electronics.
Bonus Tip: Take Clear Photos (If Selling Online)
Planning to post your item on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp?
Use a clean background and take clear photos of:
- Front and back
- Charging ports
- Serial number or model label
- Any damage (be honest)
This helps you build trust with buyers and avoid returns or complaints.
Final Thoughts
If you're thinking about selling your old phone, laptop, or tablet, take time to prepare it properly. A few simple steps can mean:
- A higher cash offer
- A faster sale
- And a safe, secure transaction
Whether you're selling to a neighbor or a local electronics buyer, these tips apply every time.
💰 Looking to Sell Your Phone or Laptop for Cash?
We make it easy.
📍 Cash4UrElectronic
1711 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90806
📞 Call/Text: (562) 726-1725
🌐 www.Cash4UrElectronic.com
We buy iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, MacBooks, Windows laptops, tablets, game consoles, and more—working or not!
Walk in today and leave with cash in hand.