At some point, even with the best Apple Watch, the time comes to say goodbye. So if you're looking to upgrade to a new Apple Watch Series, switch between aluminum or stainless steel, or aren't using your Watch anymore and want to find it a new home, sell it can help you earn back some cash. While there aren't as many places to sell your old Apple Watch as your old iPhone, there are still a few worth checking out.

Here's a look at how to sell your Apple Watch.

First things first: should you sell your Apple Watch?

The arrival of a new Apple product often means saying goodbye to a previous model. However, before deciding whether to replace your existing Apple Watch with the shiny new one on the Apple website, there are a few points to consider.

First, understand that Apple Watch doesn't hold its value nearly as well as other Apple products, including iPhone and iPad. Therefore, it's likely you won't get as much as you expected if you decide to sell yours.

Additionally, if you're thinking of selling your current Watch, perhaps the Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE, you should ask yourself how much you'll get out of the new Watch.

And hey, if you want a fresh look, maybe look at a new watch band instead. Apple releases new bands throughout the year, so there's usually something cool and different to check out.

If you do decide to sell your Watch, here's how you can do it.

When should you sell?

Apple Watches continue to get more popular with each passing year. And yet, the product represents just a fraction of Apple's revenues each year. Because of this, I'd say anytime is a good time to unload a used Apple Watch. However, if you're selling a model that Apple is no longer selling, I'd try to do so around the time of a new product announcement, which means in September or soon after.

How to prepare your Apple Watch for sale

You might be tempted to toss your Apple Watch at someone, count your cash, and walk away. But if you take a few minutes to prep, not only will your Apple Watch be safer to part with, you might end up with even more cash to count.

How should you sell your Apple Watch?

There are five places I'd recommend selling your old Apple Watch. Each offers pros and cons. Ultimately, I'd suggest using the site or business that provides the best price with the least amount of hassle.

The mothership offers credit towards new purchases both online and in stores. They will also recycle your device for free if that's the path you wish to take. Unfortunately, it's been my experience that Apple doesn't offer nearly the same amount on device trade-ins as others. You should check current prices regardless, however.

If you're purchasing a new Apple Watch with cellular, you might be able to snag an excellent trade-in bonus at launch. Just make sure you need a wearable device with Wi-Fi and cellular. If you don't, there's no reason to spend the extra only to get a few extra bucks on the trade-in.

The long-time online marketplace offers all the tools you need to sell your used Apple Watch. Because you set the price, you can sometimes get more through eBay than you would elsewhere. Unfortunately, eBay charges fees that would offset any bonus you might get.

One reason to select Swappa is that it doesn't charge seller fees. Instead, buyers are the ones that pay a small fee that's included in the sale price. So when your item sells on Swappa, you get paid instantly via PayPal. Yes, even before you ship your old Watch.

If you're in the United States, Best Buy is worth considering for your Apple Watch trade-in. Prices are often higher than average, and you typically receive your reward in the form of a Best Buy gift card.

What about selling to a family member or friend?

Selling to family and friends isn't quite the same as making a transaction with a stranger, although it should be. If you don't just want to give it to them for free, you will probably want to offer them the best deal possible. Happy relationships are good relationships, after all.

Also, make sure the Apple Watch is in the best condition possible, and everyone is treated fairly. If anything goes wrong, everyone is going to hear about it for a long time.

Selling your Apple Watch and still have questions?

We're not going anywhere! If you have additional questions on how to sell your Apple Watch, leave them in the comments below. Also, check out our Apple Watch forums, where you can get lots of great advice from people who've been buying and selling Apple Watches for a while now.

And, when you've sold, be sure to tell us what you did and how it worked out!

We get it: You want to upgrade every year so that you have the latest and greatest iPhone available. Or maybe you haven't upgraded in a while and just want some extra cash to cushion the blow.

Either way, if you're selling your iPhone, here's what you can expect to get for it.

Always keep in mind that the value of your used phone will change based on condition, color, storage capacity, and whether or not it's locked to a carrier. For maximum value, make sure you unlock it before selling it.

I used Gazelle.com, a popular used tech buy and sell site, as well as other buy and sell sites to find pricing.

• iPhone 4/4s
• iPhone 5/5c/5s
• iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
• iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• iPhone X

iPhone 4 and 4s

The truth of the matter is that you probably won't be able to sell your iPhone 4 or 4s anymore. The devices have been obsolete for a full cycle and they're essentially useless at this point to anyone who still wants good service, iOS updates, and quite frankly, a phone that works the way they want it to.

Gazelle.com doesn't even have a category for anything earlier than iPhone 5s. If you're really trying to unload your 4 or 4s, we did see some on eBay that range between $30 and $200 depending on storage options and conditions.

iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s

Before selling your iPhone 5 or 5c, it should be noted that neither is compatible with iOS 11. The earliest iPhone that can receive the iOS 11 update is the iPhone 5s. For that reason, you may have a hard time selling your iPhone 5 or 5c. The seller site Gazelle.com, in fact, no longer has listings for anything earlier than iPhone 5s. That being said, here's what you can expect to get for them:

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Now that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are relatively old devices, their resale value is waning, though not terribly.

iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

Private sale prices of iPhone 6s or 6s Plus have come down around $100 since last year, now that the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X have hit resale time.

iPhone SE

Compared to what it costs brand new, the iPhone SE doesn't have the best resale value, with the earliest models starting around $100. Depending on storage options and generation, you can expect to get back roughly half of what you paid, if you have one of the more recent models.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Now that they're a couple years old, resale value on the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have come down roughly 25 percent on average.

iPhone 8 and 8 Plus

After only a year on the market, you'll get the most bang for your buck for reselling an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus.

iPhone X

The iPhone X, being only a year old and the cream of the iPhone crop, will still fetch you a solid price if you decide to sell in order to upgrade.

Have you sold an iPhone before?

Have you recently sold your used iPhone? What did you get for it and how did you go about it? Let us know in the comments below!

Updated September 2018: Updated with new pricing and the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X.

It's easy to get caught up in Nintendo hype, but if you've defeated Calamity Ganon and decided you'd rather have that $300 back in your pocket instead of waiting for the next big title to drop, you're going to want to sell that Switch. You've got a lot of options, but it's important to know if your goal is to get the most money back or if your goal is to make a quick sale and get it out of your house before you change your mind. Depending on what you want, there are different services available to suit your needs. Here are our favorites!

Swappa

The folks at Swappa do third-party smartphone and tablet sales better than anyone else. One of the things that makes Swappa so valuable to sellers is the ability to thoroughly document the condition of your hardware and communicate with buyers before and after the transaction happens. This ensures both sides are happy by the time everything is finished, which means you're way more likely to get the most money from your sale. Everybody wins!

Check out Swappa for more information!

eBay

Everyone knows about eBay, and love it or hate it, there are a lot of Switch consoles sold through this site every day. If your goal is to guarantee a sale without a lot of extra work on your part, eBay is likely to get the job done within a week or so. You could get lucky with a bidding war and get more than you paid for a Switch, or you could set your sale up as a cheaper-than-usual Buy it Now and be sure to get a sale quickly. There's a lot of flexibility here, so you get what you want out of the experience.

Check out eBay for more information!

Jaybrokers

If you've never used Jaybrokers before, here's the one thing you need to know: This service prides itself on being able to sell your thing fast. Promises of offers in minutes is not hyperbole; there are people constantly looking to make you an offer. If you want to sell fast and you're not overly picky about price, this is where you should head.

Check out Jaybrokers for more information!

Gamestop

For the uninitiated, Gamestop's trade-in program is unique because it offers a higher dollar amount if you agree to accept Gamestop currency instead of actual cash. This is great for gamers who know they want another game or another console, so if that describes you, this is where you want to be. If you're looking for cash, however, Gamestop is rarely the highest payer for hardware or games.

Check out Gamestop for more information!

One other thing to keep in mind if you are planning on selling your Switch is that you are going to want to prep the device properly. You don't want to sell you Switch with any of your data still in there. If you need some guidance on how to reset your Switch in order to sell it, it just so happens that we have a handy-dandy guide right here!

Updated July 2018: Added more info about selling your Switch!.

When you purchase a product from Apple directly, AppleCare+ is available on practically everything and allows you get your device fixed for a reduced price. The exact details on how AppleCare+ works and what damage it covers changes per product, but typically, AppleCare+ extends coverage to two years. The good news is AppleCare protection plans can be transferred to new owners.

When you use third-party services — like Swappa — to buy or sell your old iPhones, iPads, or other devices, it's always advantageous to include an AppleCare plan if you can. The process is a little tricky and requires a bit of work, but here's how you transfer your AppleCare+ protection plan.

The things you'll need

Before you can initiate a transfer of an AppleCare+ plan, you'll need to assemble the follow items:

• Your AppleCare agreement number (found on your Apple account).
• The serial number of the device the AppleCare plan is currently covering (found in Settings of the device). Make sure you know how to find your serial number of your iPhone and iPad
• Your original receipt for the purchase of the device and AppleCare plan.

Get ahold of Apple

Once you have all the important details together, you'll need to get a hold of Apple to request a transfer of AppleCare ownership.

The easiest way to get ahold of Apple is to call Apple Support and talk to a representative to fulfill your request.

You do have the option of mailing Apple the following documents and information.

• The AppleCare agreement number.
• Copies of all sales receipts.
• The serial number of your Apple device.
• Your telephone number, email, and mailing address.

Any questions?

Let us know if you have any more questions on how to transfer your AppleCare to a new owner by leaving a comment down below.

Your old iPhone is still worth money. Someone out there wants one, but doesn't quite have enough to spend on a brand new model. Though yours may be two years old, you can still get a pretty penny for it on the resale market. There're just a few things you should do before putting it up on the auction block.

Step 1: Unlock your iPhone

In general, smartphones are worth a lot more money if they've been unlocked from their original carrier first. If you purchased an unlocked phone, you're already there. If you bought your iPhone from AT&T, Verizon, or another carrier, you'll have to request it to be unlocked from the company directly. Each carrier has different rules, including contract status and sometimes fees. Check your carrier to see what the unlocking policy is.

If you're not sure whether your iPhone is unlocked, call your current carrier and ask customer support for the status.

Major carrier device unlock policy links:

• AT&T
• Verizon
• T-Mobile
• Sprint

For more detailed information on how to unlock your iPhone on each of these carriers, check out our ultimate guide.

How to unlock your iPhone before selling it

Step 2: Unpair your Apple Watch

Before your iPhone goes on to another happy owner, you should unpair your Apple Watch so you can easily pair it with another iPhone without having to jump through any unnecessary hoops.

1. Launch the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap My Watch at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap your Watch.
4. Tap the Info button to the right of Watch details. It looks like an i with a circle around it.

5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
6. Tap Unpair [Watch name] to confirm.
7. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
8. Tap Unpair.

Step 3: Back up your iPhone

It's important to have the most up-to-date version of your iPhone backed up before you erase it. This ensures you can easily transition to your new iPhone without skipping a beat.

If you back up your iPhone data in iCloud, it happens automatically when your device is plugged in and connect to your local Wi-Fi. However you can manually trigger a backup at any time.

1. Openthe Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your Apple ID banner at the top of the screen.
3. Tap iCloud.

4. Tap iCloud Backup.
5. Tap Back Up Now.

How to manually trigger a backup via iTunes

If you use iTunes on your computer to back up your iPhone, you'll want to run one last backup before you shut it all down.

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC using your Lightning cable.
2. Launch iTunes.
3. Click on the iPhone icon in the menu bar when it appears.
4. Tick the box to Encrypt Backup and add a password.
5. Click on Back Up Now.
6. Confirm you want to Back up Apps, if asked.

Step 4: Sign out of iCloud

To ensure that no one is able to access your iCloud data after you've handed your iPhone off, you should sign out of everything that is connected to your Apple ID. Though you're going to erase everything on your iPhone in the next step, you should still sign out of iCloud first.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your Apple ID banner.
3. Scroll down to the bottom and tap Sign Out.

Note: If you use a separate account for iTunes and the App Store, make sure to sign out of those, as well. Settings > Apple ID banner > iTunes & App Store > your Apple ID > Sign Out.

Step 5: Erase your iPhone

Once you're backed up and signed out, it's time to make the iPhone like new again. Erase!

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

5. Enter your passcode.
6. Tap Erase iPhone.
7. Tap Erase iPhone again to confirm.
8. Enter your Apple ID password to turn of Activation Lock and remove the device from Find my iPhone.
9. Tap Erase.

Step 6: Clean your iPhone

To get the most moolah for your merchandise, you'll want your iPhone to look as brand new as possible. You may not be able to get rid of all the scuffs and scratches (or cracked screens), but you can make it nice and shiny with a good cleaning.

It's especially important to make your iPhone look as clean as possible when selling it yourself, like through eBay or Craigslist.

• How to clean your iPhone
• How to clean your iPhone's charging port

Step 7: Gather the accessories (especially cables)

If you're selling your iPhone yourself, you'll be able to command a better price for your device if you include all of the original peripherals, like the Lightning cable, (unused) EarPods, and power adapter. Still have the original box? Even better. If you have any additional accessories that you don't want to carry over to your new iPhone, like a case that only fits that model, throw it in with the sale. If you're selling it on an online auction house, like eBay, it'll fetch a little more if it comes with a special case or other accessory.

Any questions?

That's every thing you need to prepare your iPhone for sale. Now all you have to do is get out there and sell it. If you have any questions about how to get your iPhone ready for sale, put them in the comments and we'll help you out.

When it's time to upgrade our iPhone, most of us will go to our carriers and see what deals they have to offer — but don't forget about the bustling used smartphone market. You can find your next great phone at a discounted price by buying used, but we've got some tips to consider before hopping on Craigslist and buying the first phone that pops up.

Always inspect the phone in person — if possible

Honest folks will properly photograph and report any and all damage on the phone in their online ad, but if you're buying a used iPhone from a local seller, you'll want to do a full inspection before sealing the deal. If you're buying from a local seller and are planning to meet up in public (always choose a public location for in-person meet-ups), be sure to take the time to look over the device thoroughly.

Chances are the phone isn't going to be as rough as the one above, but look for all signs of wear— especially any dents along the side or chips around the edge of the screen. Those denote that the phone has taken some serious bumps in its lifetime. Since it's likely the phone will no longer be under warranty, you don't want to end up buying a phone that's on its dying legs or on the verge of some serious issues, like a cracked screen. Also always make sure the phone powers on properly and that it doesn't have any security locks — a telltale sign that someone's trying to sell you a stolen phone.

Look beyond Craigslist and eBay

While you might instinctively search Craigslist or other local swap sites for used iPhones being sold in your city, or try and score a big deal on an eBay auction, there's an inherent risk involved with both services that you might get ripped off.

That's why you should check out reputable phone reselling sites, which acts as a third-party intermediaries between the seller and the buyer, while also verifying the condition and value of the phone. You've got two main options to choose from:

Gazelle sells certified pre-owned devices that go through a rigorous inspection process to check for any functionality or cosmetic issues. Gazelle also ensures that all devices are reset prior to shipment and include a USB charger and charging cable for your phone. With unlocked phones as well as models locked to specific carriers available, you can save some money and get a new (to you) phone at a steep discount.

Swappa is the other site worthy of your attention. Swappa relies on PayPal for all transactions, allowing you to pay the seller directly while remaining protected by PayPal's outstanding buyer protection policy. Swappa offers more comprehensive information about the market prices for phones, too, so you can see how the average price has fallen over time.

No matter which service you go with, make sure you've done your research and know exactly what you're buying.

It pays to be patient

If you're in no immediate hurry to buy a used phone, it might be well worth waiting for the next big phone launch before buying a phone. Consider that the average price of a used 64GB iPhone 6s Plus on Swappa has dropped by around $40 since March 2017 and expect those prices to continue to go down as we get closer to the release of the next iPhone as early adopters look to offload their older devices.

So the lesson here is to be strategic. Wait for the next big phone release and watch the market for a flood of last year's device. The iPhone 8 is expected to drop in the fall, so if you can hold off for a few months, you should be able to get an even better deal.

Be aware of any carrier locks

Typically, you're going to find the better deals on a phone that is locked to a specific carrier. This is fine, as long as you buy the right phone for your carrier. While certified sellers will absolutely include whether a phone is carrier-locked in the posting title or description, Chuck from across town might be oblivious to this and think he's selling an unlocked phone when it's actually from AT&T.

To save yourself a headache, if you're buying in person, try inserting your SIM card in the phone and powering it on. If you get any network lock notifications, that's an immediate red flag, especially if it was advertised as being unlocked.

Alternatively, with sites like Swappa or Gazelle you're typically going to pay a premium for an unlocked phone, so if you can find the phone you want that's available on the carrier you're with go for it. If you have no intentions of switching carriers any time soon, you can save some serious cash.

Another issue specific to iPhones is ensuring the phone isn't iCloud locked. This is a security measure put in place by Apple to prevent stolen phones from being used and despite what you may read online, there's no way to get around it without the original owner's credentials. If the person you're buying the phone from can't unlock it or refuses to, that's a major red flag and you should back out of the deal — unless you're interested in buying a rather expensive paperweight.

Use some of your savings to protect your purchase

Around these parts, we always recommend getting a case or screen protector for your new phone. This advice goes double when you're buying a used phone because you can't be too sure what hell a phone may have gone through before it got into your hands.

I've had phones take a drop and appear to be fine, only to have the screen crack weeks or months later from something much more minor because the structural integrity of the phone had been somewhat compromised. The thing is, you just never know the full history of that used phone you're buying, so it's always best to err on the side of caution. Besides, you're already going to be saving a ton of money by buying used, what's $10 or $20 for some accessories that will extend the life of your phone?

What are your tips?

Have you bought used phones before? What was your experience like? Got any tips to add to our list? Share them in the comments below!

Most iPhones become locked to a specific carrier once a SIM card has been installed. This means that the iPhone can only be used on that specific carrier. Luckily, the steps to unlock an iPhone have never been easier, and we'll send you in the right direction to get it done. 

If you're selling an iPhone, you can increase the value if it's unlocked. That way, the buyer doesn't have to pay to have it unlocked or go through the trouble of figuring out how to unlock an iPhone themselves. After unlocking an iPhone, the device should then work on most GSM mobile networks (as long as it's compatible with that network's radio bands).

How to unlock an iPhone

How to unlock any smartphone is specific to the carrier. You'll have to go through your carrier and request an unlock code (in most cases) and won't be able to do it yourself.

Keep in mind that you must still be a customer of the carrier to which the phone is locked; otherwise, you're out of luck. There will also be some requirements that must be met before your carrier unlocks an iPhone. Your account will have to be in good standing, and you'll have to be up-to-date on all your bills. Your iPhone cannot be reported as lost or stolen and it has to be paid in full. Your carrier reserves the right to refuse you an unlock code at any point, so be nice!

There is third party software you can purchase in order to unlock your iPhone, but we do not recommend it since it may be unsafe.

We'll walk you through how to unlock an iPhone with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint in an easy to follow guide. 

• How to unlock your iPhone on AT&T
• How to unlock your iPhone on T-Mobile
• How to unlock your iPhone on Verizon
• How to unlock your iPhone on Sprint

iPhone unlocked

Once you've followed our simple guide and contacted your carrier, your iPhone should be unlocked within a few days. Nowadays, the best iPhones, like the iPhone 14, ship with no SIM tray and eSIM compatibility. The process should be identical to unlock these devices, although if you bought the device directly from Apple, it will already be unlocked. 

Buying a brand new iPhone is not cheap. Even though the iPhone 7 release has pushed down the price of some great older models such as the iPhone 6, you still may be looking for cheaper options.

Buying a used iPhone can be a little tricky. Sure, it will probably save you some money, but there are some common pitfalls that you can avoid. Don't stress; iMore is here to help you out with these handy tips.

• Consider your retail options
• Make sure the iPhone will work with your carrier
• Check to see if the iPhone's Activation Lock is disabled
• Check the iPhone for damage
• Protect your purchase

Consider your retail options

Believe it or not, you have quite a few options for purchasing a used iPhone. It's probably tempting to jump on eBay — or even Craigslist — and buy the cheapest one you can find, but before you do that, consider going through a reputable second-hand dealer.

Gazelle is probably one of the most reliable second-hand phone dealers out there. All of the iPhones they sell go through a 30-point inspection, meaning they are all certified to be in working order so that you won't be buying a brick. Plus, Gazelle even gives you other valuable information, like whether or not the iPhone is locked to a particular carrier, and it even offers you a return policy.

Swappa is another reputable platform for buying used iPhones that lets you see pictures of the phone, so there should be no surprises when it comes to its condition.

Buying from a reliable source like Gazelle or Swappa does have its drawbacks. If you're looking for a very specific model, you may not be able to find it, and if you do locate the one you want, it will likely be more expensive than something you can find on eBay.

Make sure the iPhone will work with your carrier

Whether you're buying through a service or from a private source, you need to know if the iPhone is locked to a specific carrier. Locked phones can not always be easily switched over between carriers. For example, if you're a T-Mobile customer and the iPhone you're looking to purchase is locked to AT&T, you will need to get it unlocked before you can use it on the T-Mobile network.

Of course, you can get used iPhones that are already unlocked, saving you the hassle of doing it yourself. Unlocked phones will work with any carrier's SIM cards, so you never have to worry about getting service.

If you're purchasing used, I urge you to take a look at unlocked iPhones to save yourself some stress; however, I know that sometimes buying a locked iPhone may be the better deal. If that's the case, make sure you research if the phone is compatible with the carrier you want, and make sure you know how to unlock the iPhone from the old carrier. Here are some links to get you started:

• Can I use a used iPhone with my carrier?
• How to unlock your iPhone on AT&T
• How to unlock your iPhone on T-Mobile
• How to unlock your iPhone on Verizon

Check to see if the iPhone's Activation Lock is disabled

If you buy a used iPhone that's Activation Locked—password protected on someone else's iCloud account—it's as good as useless to you. It's imperative you get confirmation that the activation lock is disabled, or you are essentially buying a brick.

If you're buying from a private source, make such the seller confirms that they have disabled the lock. Better yet, get them to completely erase all the data on the iPhone as well, that way you won't be able to access their info either. Safety for all those involved.

• How to check Activation lock before buying a used iPhone
• How to check Activation Lock status in person

Check the iPhone for damage

This may seem like an obvious tip, but don't underestimate its importance. If you have the chance to look at the phone yourself before buying it, here are some things you should look for:

• Cosmetic damage such as scrapes and scratches
• Speaker problems: Play some audio and make sure it sounds clear.
• Water damage: Check inside the SIM card slot with a flashlight to see if white sticker has turned red or pink.
• Check for dead pixels by using an iPhone dead pixel test.

On top of looking for damage, ask the seller if they purchased AppleCare because that can be transferred to you. It takes a tiny bit of effort on the seller's part, but if they care about giving away the phone, they should do it. Apple has a great outline for how to transfer ownership of AppleCare.

Protect your purchase

As with any purchase online, you need to take measures to protect yourself. If you're buying from sources like eBay, check the feedback on the seller and make sure there are no red flags. If you see lots of different people angry with their purchases, don't buy from that seller. Also, consider using PayPal so you'll qualify for their purchase protection plan, which means you can get your money back if something is wrong with the product or — heaven forbid — you never receive your iPhone.

Don't forget about financial protection too. Take necessary steps to prevent your information from being stolen. Using virtual numbers, two-factor authentication, or even additional privacy services to protect your finances is highly recommended and quite prudent in private sales situations.

Have you bought a used iPhone before?

Do you have any tips for purchasing a used iPhone? Do you have any horror stories? We'd love to hear them — leave us a comment below!

How do you check if an iPhone has been Activation Locked before you buy? Online or in person, here's what you have to do!

If you buy a used iPhone that's Activation Locked—password protected on someone else's iCloud account—it's as good as useless to you. So, save yourself some aggravation, and some wasted cash, and make sure to check the Activation Lock status of any used iPhone before you buy.

• How to check Activation Lock status online
• How to check Activation Lock status in person
• Carrier and region locks

How to check Activation Lock status online

If you're purchasing a used iPhone from a website, you can verify its activation status online. Apple lets you check the activation status of any iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch by entering the device's IMEI.

You need to ask the seller for the IMEI number. It's located on the back of the original box the iPhone came in. If they don't have access to the box, send them these instructions:

1. Tap Settings on the Home screen.
2. Tap General.

3. Tap About.
4. Swipe up until you find the IMEI number.

Once you have the IMEI number

1. Go to www.icloud.com/activationlock on your Mac or Windows PC.

2. Type in the device's IMEI
3. Type in the verification code
4. Click Continue.

If the IMEI number comes back as locked, don't buy the used iPhone.

How to check Activation Lock status in person

If you're buying your used iPhone in person, simply check to make sure Find My iPhone has been turned off.

1. Launch Settings from the Home screen.
2. Tap on iCloud.
3. Tap Find My iPhone.

4. Make sure Find My iPhone is set to Off.

It's better, though, to simply have the seller completely reset their iPhone before giving it to you. That way they can make sure all their data is safely erased and inaccessible as well.

1. Tap Settings on the Home screen.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Reset.

4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Enter your Passcode.
6. Tap Erase iPhone

7. Enter the iCloud password associated with the iPhone to disable Activation Lock.

Once finished, Activation Lock will be disabled and the iPhone will reboot ready for you to log into and set up as yours.

Carrier and region locks

Don't forget to verify any region or carrier locks the iPhone might have. These are completely separate than the activation lock and could get between you using your iPhone on the carrier of your choice.

If you're looking for a used iPhone, find one in good condition and for a reasonable price, but the catch is, Activation Lock is on, it's an immediate red flag. An iPhone that has been Activation Locked can only be unlocked with the iCloud credentials of its owner. Therefore, buying an iCloud locked phone is equivalent to buying a very expensive paperweight.

Despite what YouTube videos or websites say about hacks or programs that let you break past an iCloud lock, you can't do it. It's a layer of security designed by Apple to protect people from having their phones stolen and then resold by thieves. As such, you can't get around it unless you were the original owner of the phone who put the Activation Lock in place.

Not all iCloud locked phones are stolen, of course. Occasionally a seller might forget to deactivate their iCloud account through Find My iPhone before handing it over. That's why you need to check and make absolutely sure that step is done before you take possession of a new iPhone.

• How to check if a used iPhone is activation locked

If you're buying off eBay or online, and you can't verify the iPhone is unlocked, don't buy it. If you're buying off of Craigslist or in person, and the seller is unable to unlock it for you before handing it over, do not make the deal.

There are a lot of great deals on used iPhones out there. Activation Locked iPhones aren't one of them.

There's a grading system for used iPhone that can sometimes be a little confusing. It's not employed by every seller, and what the grades mean can vary from seller to seller, but it's still worth knowing about and trying to understanding.

The most important thing to note about the typical grading system you see in the used iPhone market-space is that it is neither standardized nor regulated. The grades are assigned to used iPhones by the retailer according to their own system. Accordingly, their meanings vary from seller to seller.

We're providing broad generalization for your information only and you shouldn't rely on them to make a buying decision. Make sure you should ask your seller for their specific grading criteria and carefully inspect the iPhone before you buy it.

Grade A

Like new or "near mint" condition. The screen may or may not have been replaced. If there is any damage, it is minor and confined to signs of every-day wear.

Grade B

Used or "good" condition. The screen has been replaced. There may be some light cosmetic damage on the case, such as scratches and scuff marks.

Grade C

Heavily used or "fair" condition. The screen has been replaced. There are signs of heavy wear on the case. No one will mistake it for a new iPhone.

Buyer beware

As with any used product, it pays to do your due diligence when purchasing a used iPhone. One good way to protect yourself is to ask the seller if the iPhone is still under AppleCare (under a year since original purchase) or has AppleCare+ (under two years since original purchase). Otherwise, check to see if the seller offers their own warranty.

Either way, it's wise to test the used iPhone before you buy it. Make sure, regardless of grade, that it's working: it turns on, it makes calls, it loads web pages, it takes pictures, it plays music, etc.

Have you bought a used iPhone?

Do you have experience with used iPhone grading systems? Tell us about it in the comments!

If you've recently bought a used iPhone and want to get it going on your carrier, there are a few things you'll have to consider beforehand.

• Buying locked
• Buying unlocked
• Is it compatible with your network?
• The bottom line

Buying a locked iPhone

This is the first step in checking if your used iPhone will work with your carrier. Ask the seller which carrier they were using the iPhone with. If they were using the carrier that you want to use, then you're good to go. If they refuse to tell you, then that should send up a red flag and you probably shouldn't buy the iPhone.

Buying unlocked

If you want to use your used iPhone on a carrier other than the one it was used with before, then you'll need to check if it's unlocked.

It's best to buy an unlocked phone in the first place, but just in case, the best way to check is as easy as inserting a SIM card. Here's how to run the SIM unlock test on a used iPhone:

1. Ask the seller what carrier their iPhone currently works on (let's say AT&T).
2. Borrow a SIM from a friend on a different Network (eg. Verizon). If you're really smooth, you might even be able to borrow one from a carrier's store.
3. Make a call on the "unlocked" iPhone with the owner's SIM to make sure the phone works.
4. Power off the phone.
5. Swap in the other carrier's SIM and try and make a call. If it connects, the phone is unlocked!

Is it compatible with your network?

iPhones connect to mobile networks via radio signals, also know as "bands." Certain carriers will use certain bands, meaning not all phones are compatible with all carriers. Not only that, but certain networks use different connection technologies, which makes compatibility even trickier.

Luckily, iPhones are some of the most widely compatible phones in the world; you'll just have to make sure that the iPhone model you bought works with your carrier. The model number appears on the back of your iPhone, under the word "iPhone."

Note: Though your used iPhone may be compatible with a certain network, you may not receive total coverage in all areas nor may you receive full LTE speeds everywhere you go.

All iPhone models are compatible with AT&T's network.

All iPhone models will work on T-Mobile's network; however, some models may only be able to receive 2G speeds. You'll need to double-check with T-Mobile directly to confirm whether or not you will be able to receive 3G or LTE in your area. You can call T-Mobile's customer service line at 1-888-795-3776.

Verizon is the most difficult carrier to deal with when it comes to unlocked phones. If you bought a used and unlocked iPhone, Verizon will first have to decide to allow you to bring it to its network. With any iPhone newer than the iPhone 5, your phone should work with Verizon, but whether or not they let you in is a different story altogether.

Your best bet is to call Verizon's customer service line at 1-800-922-0204.

Most iPhone models will work on Sprint's network, but you will have to call them first to see if you'll be able to receive 3G or LTE data. Some model numbers of particular iPhone versions may not work with Sprint, due to network restrictions.

In some cases, Sprint may deem an iPhone ineligible, though the only way to find out any of this is to talk to Sprint directly.

You can head into the nearest Sprint store or you can call their customer service line at 1-866-789-8292.

The bottom line

In terms of model, newer iPhone models have a better chance of working with the carrier of your choice. Make sure it's unlocked or at least locked to the carrier you want to use. Don't bother with Verizon is if it unlocked.

There are a few important factors you should look for when considering a used iPhone. One of them is whether or not the iPhone you're about to buy is unlocked or not. An unlocked iPhone can be used on almost any carrier in the world. A locked iPhone... well, you may have to jump through hoops to get it unlocked, or may not be able to get it unlocked at all.

• Why do I need an unlocked iPhone?
• How can I tell if my iPhone is unlocked?
• What can I do if I bought an iPhone locked that isn't unlocked?

Why do I need an unlocked iPhone?

Having an unlocked iPhone means you can take it to almost any wireless carrier and it will work with their network. The Apple Store sells unlocked iPhones but most carrier stores only sell iPhones locked to their own networks. So, for example, an AT&T iPhone will only work on AT&T, not T-Mobile. A Rogers iPhone won't work on Telus or Bell. A Vodafone iPhone... you get the idea.

This means you can't just get any old iPhone and use it on any old carrier. If you are not sure which carrier you want to go with then buying an unlocked iPhone is a good idea.

How can I tell if my iPhone is unlocked?

If you're buying your phone secondhand, usually people specify in the ad if a phone is unlocked since that makes it more attractive. You should still ask when buying, though, to make certain whether or not a used iPhone is locked to a certain carrier and then make absolutely certain by testing it yourself.

The simplest way to test if a phone is actually unlocked requires an extra SIM card. The SIM card is the tiny card that goes into your phone and gives you access to a particular carrier's network.

Here's how to run the SIM unlock test on a used iPhone:

1. Ask the seller what carrier their iPhone currently works on (let's say AT&T).
2. Get or borrow a SIM on a different Network (eg. T-Mobile).
3. Turn the iPhone you're buying on.
4. Browse to a website (you can use iMore!) and make a call on the iPhone with the owner's SIM to make sure the phone works.
5. Turn the iPhone off.
6. Stick the SIM card in the iPhone, turn it on, and see if it picks up the network. You can tell by checking the top left of the Home screen and looking for your carrier name and signal strength indicators.
7. Browse to a webpage and place a call to make sure.

What can I do if an iPhone is carrier-locked?

If you haven't already bought the phone and it's not unlocked, you can ask the seller to contact the carrier and request the phone be unlocked before you buy it.. If the phone is off of contract at this point, most carriers will do this for their customers, as long as they were the original owner of the phone.

If they don't know how to do this, or say it's too much work, shoot them these links if they're locked to one of the big four:

• How to unlock an iPhone on AT&T
• How to unlock an iPhone on Verizon
• How to unlock an iPhone on T-Mobile

If you've already bought the phone and want it unlocked in the easiest way possible, you can use an online unlocking service like Chronic Unlocks or keys2iPhone. With services like these, you specify some information about your phone and within a few days, they will send you a confirmation message once your phone is unlocked.

The bottom line

You don't need to buy an unlocked iPhone if you can find a used one on the same carrier you plan on using. If you don't know who you will ultimately go with, then an unlocked iPhone is your safest bet. If the iPhone is not unlocked, you can always use an online unlocking service, but that will cost you a little extra money. If you want to have the most options available when selecting a carrier for your secondhand iPhone, then buying an unlocked one is the best way to go.

iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s are classics. If you're looking for a used iPhone, both of them will be among the least-expensive options available. They're similar in many ways, but if you're in the market, there are some important differences you'll need to consider before making your choice!

• Size
• Camera
• Battery life
• Processor and storage
• iOS compatibility
• Siri
• Carrier support

Size

Both phones are 4.5 inches tall, 2.3 inches wide, and 0.37 inches thick. The only size difference between them is that, technically, the iPhone 4 weighs in at 4.8 ounces, while the 4s comes in at a whopping 4.9 ounces.

Not a huge difference.

Camera

The iPhone 4 offers 4 megapixel still shots, while the iPhone 4s can do 8 megapixels. The iPhone 4 offers 720p video at 30 FPS while the the iPhone 4s was improved to 1080p at 30 FPS, which is significant.

If you care about camera quality, the iPhone 4s is the way to go.

Battery life

Both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s are capable of 10 hours of video playback, but the battery in the iPhone 4 can support 7 hours of talk time, while the iPhone 4s will give you up to 8. iPhone 4s also lasts longer on Wi-Fi surfing than iPhone 4—and hour longer.

Processor and storage

The iPhone 4 has a single core A4 processor, and is available in 16GB and 32GB. The iPhone 4s, with an improved dual-core A5 processor, offers a 64GB option.

iOS compatibility

In terms of keeping your phone updated, it's important to know that the iPhone 4 can only run iOS 5 or earlier. That means no more updates, no more security patches, and the potential that new apps won't work on its older hardware.

iPhone 4S, on the other hand, can run up to iOS 9, the latest version of Apple's operating system. It doesn't run it fully or anywhere nearly as well as newer iPhones, but you'll still get software updates, security patches, and apps that work.

If you don't regularly download games and apps, this won't be a concern, but if you do, you may need to look to newer versions of the iPhone to support your preferences.

Siri

Apple's personal virtual assistant, Siri, was introduced with the iPhone 4s. That means it isn't available for iPhone 4. In other words, if you want proper voice control, you'll need to go for iPhone 4s.

Carrier support

The original iPhone 4 only supported AT&T in the U.S. and GSM carriers globally. A Verizon-version compatible with CDMA networks was released just over half-a-year later, however. iPhone 4s had support for both AT&T and Verizon built-in from day one.

So, if you plan to use your iPhone 4 of iPhone 4s on AT&T or on an international network, you'll likely be fine with either. You'll be limited to 3G speeds, but you'll be online. If you plan to use your iPhone on Verizon, you'll need to make sure you're getting a Verizon iPhone 4 or an iPhone 4s specifically.

The bottom line

Both iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s are perfectly usable phones. They can handle your essential requirements, from calls and text messages, to internet searches, email notifications, and photos. If you're looking for a basic, entry level iPhone, they're okay options, especially the iPhone 4s.

There is no question that you can save scads of money if you buy a used iPhone as opposed to a new one. If you're thinking about going to an Apple Store to get one, however, you're out of luck — Apple does not sell used devices. Don't worry, though, there are a number of reputable used iPhone dealers around that you can shop with safely!

• New vs. used
• Buy from reputable sellers only
• Reputable used iPhone dealers

New vs. used

There are several reasons why you might prefer to get a used iPhone over a new one. The big one is price. New iPhones come at a premium and, with wireless carriers moving to shorter contracts, getting a new iPhone can be very expensive.

Used iPhones, on the other hand, are priced much more affordably—sometimes hundreds of dollars cheaper than their new counterparts.

They are previously owned, though, which means there are some things you'll need to pay attention to.

Buy from reputable sellers only

When shopping for a used iPhone, it's important to deal only with reputable sellers. At the very least, the seller has to offer some kind of warranty in the event that the iPhone you receive isn't as advertised, or worse yet, doesn't work.

You also want to make sure the seller has an inspection process for all the used iPhones they sell. That way you can rest assured you're buying a device that's in good condition and in working order. This inspection process should be explained in detail.

Finally, most sellers have some sort of rating system for the condition of their used iPhones. This should also be explained in detail so that you know what you're getting.

Reputable used iPhone dealers

All of the sellers below warrant their merchandise to be in working order and as advertised. Most of them put their used iPhones through a thorough inspection before selling them and you can find the details of how they do this on their websites.

In the e-commerce business since 2007, Gazelle is a re-seller of used electronics, including iPhones.

We consider Gazelle to be a reputable seller because they inspect every iPhone they buy before putting it up for sale. Their devices are guaranteed to work, and, to back it up, they offer a 30-day return policy.

Like Gazelle, Orchard buys iPhones from the public and then puts them up for sale on its website.

Orchard has an inspection process for its merchandise that you can read about here and offers a 30-day warranty on its inventory.

A benefit to shopping with Orchard is that it offers an extended warranty that covers replacement and repair on their used devices for one year after purchase. This costs extra, but could be worth it to you if you're worried about having problems down the line.

Best Buy is a big name in the new electronics market, but did you know that it also sells used devices, including used iPhones?

Buying a used iPhone from a big retailer like Best Buy means that you have the strength of its brand behind your purchase.

While Best Buy doesn't include any details about its inspection process or how it refurbishes its used merchandise, it does have a 7-day return policy, similar to what it offers on its new merchandise.

You can also opt to buy an extended warranty from Best Buy that will cover your purchase for a year or more.

Like Best Buy, buying from GameStop gives you the reassurance of buying from a reputable brand. Yes, it does sell used electronics, including iPhones — not just games anymore.

GameStop has an inspection process; although, like Best Buy, I couldn't find any details about this on its website. However, it does have a 7-day return policy, so if you run into any problems with your purchase, you can always return it and get your money back.

Glyde is a little different from the other used iPhone dealers on this list in that it acts as the middleman between people wanting to sell their iPhones and people who want to buy them.

Since Glyde is the middleman between seller and buyer, it doesn't have any inventory and therefore can't inspect it to make sure it all works.

However, Glyde does offer a money-back guarantee on any device sold using its service: if you notify Glyde of an issue within three days of receiving your device, it will refund your money.

Although we don't usually recommend buying from a middleman, we are recommending Glyde because of its good reputation and because of its guarantee.

The bottom line

While the Apple Store doesn't sell used iPhones, there are many other places where you can get deals on them.

You should always shop from reputable sellers only. If you do this and do your due diligence before you buy, you should have a great experience with your new-to-you iPhone!

Have you bought a used Apple device from any of the sellers listed? How was your experience? Did I miss any other good sellers? Let me know in the comments!

The secondhand market for used iPhones and iPads is hot, and unfortunately so are some the devices being sold on it. To try and protect people from buying devices that turn out to have been lost, stolen, or otherwise misappropriated, Apple has created a new Activation Lock Status checker on iCloud.com

Activation Lock is a feature designed to make iPhones and iPads less appealing to thieves. It debuted in iOS 7 and prevents anyone from restoring or otherwise taking over an iPhone or iPad without first entering the Apple ID password of the owner. The theory is, if the device can't be used, it becomes little more than a glass and aluminum paper weight, it's value drops, and so people are less likely to steal them.

Of course, it can't stop thieves who have unwittingly stolen Activation Lock protected iPhones and iPads from trying to pawn them off anyway. That's where the Activation Lock Status checker comes in. Take the EMEI or serial number, enter it in, and iCloud.com will tell you its status.

Unfortunately, the Activation Lock Status checker currently only works on the web, and only on a desktop browser. That means you can check an IMEI or serial number emailed or texted to you, if you think you can trust it, or you can bring a laptop with you to an in-person sale, but you can't yet just read it off and plug it into your iPhone or iPad to check. (Of course it's not hard to imagine Apple adding that functionality to a future Find My Friends app update.)

If you occasionally or routine buy and/or sell your iPhones and iPads on the secondhand market, let me know — how useful will the Activation Lock Status checker be to you?