How To Make Money Off Your Old/Used Devices

Your used devices are still worth good money. Even if they may have some scratches or slight damages.

Instead of keeping your old phones, laptops, tablets, or consoles to gather up dust – you can sell or trade them in.

Here is a practical, step-by-step guide to help you get the best price, protect your personal data, and safely take out the gadgets you no longer need.

How to Sell Your Used Devices

When it comes to parting with your old devices, you have three main routes depending on whether you value more money or sheer convenience:

(1) Sell it yourself

If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, selling your device yourself on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace will almost always yield the good profit.

On eBay, check what buying firms are offering first, then set your reserve price so you don’t sell short. On Facebook Marketplace, local buyers come to you, saving you the hassle of shipping.

This approach may take a lot of effort and time to finally sell out.

(2) Get a device-buying company to buy it

These are companies that specialize in buying old tech. You simply enter your model details on their website, get a price, and ship it off.

To make sure you’re getting the best payout, use a comparison tool like view prices across multiple sites at once.

The most recommended is Compareandrecycle.co.uk which compares over 30 buyers and gives you the best deal.

For devices like Consoles (PS5, Xbox), speakers and even books – you should check out Musicmagpie.co.uk for good deals.

(3) Trade-in your device

With the Amazon Trade-In program, you can swap your old devices and thousands of other eligible electronics, such as phones and video games, for an Amazon Gift Card based on their estimated value.

Plus, select trade ins qualify for a limited time instant discount or rebate on your next eligible Amazon device, including Echo, Kindle, Fire TV, and home security gear.

Alternatively, if you are already planning to buy a new device, trading in your old one with the manufacturer (like Apple or Samsung) or your mobile network is another smooth route. They simply deduct the value of your old handset directly from the bill of your new purchase.

Amazon Trade-In program gives you multiple options to choose from either a gift card or rebate to purchase a variety of other products.

How do device-buying companies work?

Once you find an online recycler with a price you like, you’ll need to send them your device. Most companies will send you a pre-paid padded envelope or a printable Freepost label.

Important Shipping Note: Most standard Freepost options do not include transit insurance. If your device goes missing in the post, the buyer won’t take responsibility. For expensive handsets, it’s well worth spending a few extra pounds on a tracked, insured delivery service.

Once the company receives and inspects your device, they usually process your payment on the very same day.

Be honest about your device condition

Most sites ask you to rate your device’s condition—typically choosing between Excellent, Fair, or Faulty. Resist the temptation to overestimate its shape.

If the company finds deeper scratches or poor battery health during evaluation, they will send a revised, lower offer.

Pro Tip: Take clear, close-up photos of your device from every angle right before boxing it up. If there’s ever a dispute about its condition when it arrives at the warehouse, you’ll have solid visual evidence.

Do these before you sell, give Away, or trade in your old phone

● Back up your data

Save files to iCloud, Google Drive, or a computer hard drive. Once wiped, unbacked-up data is gone forever.

● Remove SIM & SD cards

Pop out the SIM tray using a SIM tool or paperclip. This protects your phone number, memory, and personal contacts.

● Turn off device locks

Disable Activation Lock (Apple) or Reactivation Lock (Samsung). Crucial: If enabled, the buyer cannot set up or use the device.

● Remove any accessories

Remove accessories like cases and screen protectors before trading in your phone to return it to its original condition. Though you no longer need them, someone else might—so consider selling or donating them!

● Sign out of accounts

Manually log out of your Apple ID or Google Account in Settings. Prevents unauthorized access to your cloud account.

● Factory reset

Run a complete “Factory Data Reset” via Settings. Fully erases all settings, apps, and personal data.

Can you sell a broken or damaged phone?

Yes, but it depends on the severity. Most buyback sites will accept mildly damaged handsets such as phones with dented casings, worn buttons, or devices that won’t power on properly.

You can generally expect to earn around 10% to 50% of the standard working price for these. Simply select the ‘Damaged’ or ‘Faulty’ option when requesting an online quote.

However, if the phone is severely smashed, unresponsive, or suffers from heavy water damage, commercial buyers likely won’t pay for it.

Is your device completely damaged? recycle it.

If your device is far beyond repair and carries zero cash value, never throw it into your household rubbish bin.

As electronics decay in landfills, their batteries and components leak toxic chemical substances like lead, flame retardants, beryllium, and lithium—which can contaminate local water systems and surrounding ecosystems.

Instead, give it a responsible exit:

Drop-off locations: Use platforms like Recycle Your Electricals to find local council recycling centres or high-street stores (like Currys or John Lewis) with dedicated e-waste bins.

Charity donation schemes: Look into network schemes like O2’s Community Calling, Vodafone’s Great British Tech Appeal, or Three’s Reconnected. They accept donated devices, wipe them safely, and rehome them alongside free mobile data for individuals in need.

🎯Action Points

Make a decision!

(1) Go with a device-buying firm (for fast & easy cash)

Need money in your account with zero back-and-forth?

Compare instant offers from top buyers in under 60 seconds, print your free return label, and get paid the day your device arrives.

(2) Trade-in (for gift card or upgrade)

Want a Giftcard? or Ready to upgrade to a brand-new device today?

Check your current device’s trade-in value with your retailer or network provider, and apply it instantly as a discount on your new phone. Preferably use Amazon.

(3) Sell it yourself (for desired payout but marketing needed)

Want to pocket every single pound your phone is worth?

Don’t settle for trade-in discounts! Take 3 clear photos of your clean device right now, set a fair reserve price, and list it on eBay or Facebook Marketplace today to keep 100% of the cash.