Sell Before You Upgrade, Not After
Most people wait until their new iPhone arrives to sell the old one. That's backwards. The best strategy is to get your quote and ship your old phone the same week your new one arrives — or even a few days before.
Here's why: your old phone has already transferred everything to the new one. It's sitting unused. Every week it sits in a drawer, it's losing $5–$15 in value. iPhones depreciate year-round. Sell it fast.
Step 1: Get Your Quote Before Your New Phone Arrives
Go to iphonetraderexpress.com/iphone and get a quote for your current phone now. The quote is locked for 14 days — that gives you two full weeks to upgrade, set up your new phone, and ship.
Step 2: Back Up Your Old Phone
Two options:
- iCloud Backup: Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. Your data syncs to iCloud.
- Direct Transfer: When setting up your new iPhone, hold the two phones near each other and use Quick Start. This copies everything directly — fastest method.
Step 3: Remove Apple ID and Sign Out
This is the step most people forget — and it delays payment.
- Go to Settings → [your name]
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out
- Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off for Find My iPhone
- Tap Sign Out and confirm
After this, the phone is no longer tied to your Apple ID. We can process it when it arrives.
Step 4: Erase Your iPhone
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. This wipes the phone completely. It should return to the "Hello" setup screen.
Step 5: Ship It
We email you a prepaid UPS label. Pack the phone in any small box with padding — bubble wrap, packing paper, even a few layers of towel. Drop it at any UPS location. No cost, no printer needed (UPS locations can print from the QR code on your phone).
Step 6: Get Paid
Within 24 hours of our team receiving and inspecting your phone, payment is sent via PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, or check. The whole process from shipping to payment typically takes 3–5 business days depending on your location.
What Happens If You Already Have Your New Phone and Forgot to Sell
Still fine. Get a quote now. The phone is just sitting unused — sell it today rather than letting it lose more value.