Buy & Sell Used Phones: Best Sites Compared

The best sites to buy and sell used phones are Swappa, Back Market, Decluttr, and eBay — each serving a different trade-off between price, convenience, and buyer protection. On Swappa you deal directly with other people but with strict listing rules, while Back Market and Decluttr sell you professionally refurbished devices with warranties. For selling, Swappa and eBay usually fetch higher prices but require more effort; Decluttr and trade-in programs like Apple’s or Samsung’s are easier but pay less.

How the Used Phone Market Works

Used phones move through three main channels: peer-to-peer marketplaces, refurbishers, and trade-in programs. Peer-to-peer sites connect individual buyers and sellers; the platform handles payment and sometimes escrow, but you inspect the phone yourself. Refurbishers buy phones in bulk, test and repair them, then sell them with a warranty — you pay more but get a consistent product. Trade-in programs are run by manufacturers or carriers; they give you a credit toward a new device, often the lowest cash value but the least hassle.

Prices vary widely depending on condition, age, carrier, and whether the phone is unlocked. A flagship phone loses roughly 40–50% of its value in the first year, then declines more slowly. Knowing the current market price for your exact model is the first step before buying or selling.

Best Sites to Buy Used Phones

• Swappa — Peer-to-peer with strict listing requirements (no broken screens, no iCloud/Google locks). Prices are usually lower than refurbishers because you’re buying from individuals. Buyer protection via PayPal.
• Back Market — Refurbished phones graded from “Fair� to “Excellent.� Each device is tested and comes with a 12-month warranty. Prices are higher than Swappa but lower than buying new.
• Decluttr — Similar to Back Market but with a simpler grading system. Offers a 12-month warranty and free shipping both ways.
• eBay — Huge selection, but quality varies. Look for sellers with high feedback and a return policy. Use the “Used� filter and check photos carefully.
• Amazon Renewed — Refurbished phones sold by third parties, backed by Amazon’s return policy. Quality can be inconsistent, so read reviews.

For buying, the trade-off is between price and protection. Swappa gives you the best price but you must verify the phone yourself. Back Market and Decluttr give you peace of mind with warranties, but you pay a premium.

Best Sites to Sell Used Phones

• Swappa — You set the price and pay a small listing fee (about $10). You get paid via PayPal. Best for getting top dollar if you can take photos and ship quickly.
• eBay — Auction or fixed price. Fees are around 13% of the sale price. You can reach a huge audience, but you’re responsible for accurate descriptions and shipping.
• Decluttr — You enter your phone’s model and condition, get an instant quote, ship it free, and get paid via PayPal or bank transfer. Very easy, but the quote is often 20–30% lower than what you’d get on Swappa.
• Gazelle — Similar to Decluttr, but now owned by Assurant. Offers instant quotes and free shipping. Good for older phones.
• Apple Trade In / Samsung Trade-In — Give you credit toward a new device. The value is usually lower than selling outright, but it’s the simplest.
• Carrier trade-ins — Often give promotional credit over 24–36 months, which can be higher than the phone’s actual value but locks you into a contract.

If you want maximum cash, sell on Swappa or eBay. If you want speed and convenience, use Decluttr or a trade-in program.

How to Choose the Right Site

Consider four factors:

1. Condition of the phone — If it has a cracked screen or battery issues, refurbishers like Decluttr may still accept it but pay less. Peer-to-peer sites may not allow broken phones at all.
2. Time vs. money — Selling on Swappa takes a few days and requires shipping. Trade-in is instant but pays less. Decide what you value more.
3. Buyer protection — For buying, always use a site that offers escrow or a warranty. Avoid Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for phones unless you can meet in a safe place and verify the phone’s IMEI.
4. Carrier compatibility — Make sure the phone works on your network. Some sites list whether a phone is locked to a carrier. If you buy a locked phone, you may need to get it unlocked.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

• Blacklisted IMEI — The phone was reported stolen or has unpaid bills. Always ask for the IMEI and check it on a free IMEI checker before buying. On Swappa, IMEI checks are part of the listing process.
• iCloud/Google lock — If the previous owner didn’t remove their account, you can’t use the phone. On peer-to-peer sites, ask for a screenshot showing “Find My iPhone� is off.
• Battery health — On iPhones, check Settings > Battery > Battery Health. On Androids, use an app like AccuBattery. A battery below 80% capacity will need replacement soon.
• Scratches not shown in photos — Ask for photos under bright light. If buying from a refurbisher, the grading should describe cosmetic issues.
• Shipping scams — When selling, only ship to the address provided by the platform. When buying, avoid deals that require payment via wire transfer or gift cards.

Costs and Fees Comparison

Each platform has a different fee structure:

• Swappa — Buyer pays a $10 fee (included in price). Seller pays nothing upfront, but Swappa takes a small percentage of the sale (about 3%).
• eBay — Seller pays a final value fee of about 13% (plus a $0.30 per order fee). Listing is free for up to 250 items per month.
• Decluttr — No fees; the quoted price is what you get. Shipping is free.
• Back Market — No fees for buyers; sellers are professional refurbishers.
• Trade-in programs — No fees, but the value is applied as credit, not cash.

Also consider shipping costs. On peer-to-peer sites, the seller usually pays shipping, which can be $10–$20 with insurance. On refurbisher sites, shipping is often free.

Safety Tips for Buying and Selling

• Always use a platform that offers buyer/seller protection. Avoid direct bank transfers or cash apps.
• Meet in a public place if doing local pickup. Many police stations have designated online exchange zones.
• Check the IMEI before paying. Use a free checker like IMEI.info or the carrier’s own tool.
• For sellers, take photos of the phone’s condition and the shipping packaging. Use tracking and insurance.
• For buyers, verify the phone is not carrier-locked unless you intend to use that carrier. If it’s locked, ask the seller to unlock it before shipping.
• Never share your Apple ID or Google account credentials with a buyer. Reset the phone to factory settings before selling.

Alternatives to Buying Used

If you’re hesitant about used phones, consider certified refurbished from the manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, Google) — these come with a new battery and a one-year warranty, often at a discount. Another option is buying a previous-generation new phone, which can be heavily discounted when a new model launches. Finally, some carriers offer “like-new� devices with a warranty, but you’re often locked into a contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Swappa safe for buying used phones?

Swappa is generally safe because it requires sellers to provide the IMEI, which is checked against carrier databases for blacklists and unpaid bills. Payments go through PayPal, which offers buyer protection. However, you’re still buying from an individual, so you should review the seller’s ratings and ask for photos of the actual device.

How do I check if a used phone is stolen?

Ask the seller for the IMEI number (dial *#06# on the phone). Then use a free IMEI checker online or your carrier’s tool. If the phone is reported stolen, the IMEI will be blacklisted, and you won’t be able to use it on most networks.

What does “refurbished� mean?

Refurbished means the phone has been returned, tested, and repaired to working condition. Professional refurbishers replace faulty parts, often including the battery, and clean the device. They usually grade the cosmetic condition (e.g., “Excellent� or “Fair�) and offer a warranty. However, the phone may have minor scratches or dents.

Can I sell a phone with a cracked screen?

Yes, but you’ll get a much lower price. Refurbishers like Decluttr and Gazelle accept cracked phones, but they deduct the cost of screen replacement. On Swappa, cracked phones are not allowed unless you list them as “Broken� (which is a separate category).

How do I wipe my phone before selling?

On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase all data (factory reset). Make sure to sign out of your accounts and disable “Find My� before resetting. After reset, the phone should show the setup screen.

How much can I get for my old phone?

It depends on the model, age, condition, and carrier. As a rough guide, a two-year-old flagship in good condition might sell for 30–50% of its original price. For an exact estimate, check current listings on Swappa or get an instant quote from Decluttr.

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