Can I Sell a Locked iPhone?

Yes, you can legally sell an iPhone that is locked or activation locked as long as you rightfully own the device. While a locked iPhone is worth less than an unlocked version, there are many reputable options for selling a locked iPhone and recovering decent value.

Selling an iPhone with any type of lock in place used to be nearly impossible. But times have changed and now there are many options for successfully selling a locked iPhone for a fair price. Let‘s dive into the details on whether you can sell a locked iPhone, how much they are worth, and tips for getting the most cash for your device.

What is a Locked iPhone?

When we talk about a locked iPhone, it means the device has some type of activation lock that prevents it from being used normally. There are a few different types of locked iPhones:

• Carrier locked – The iPhone is locked to a specific mobile carrier. It can only be used with a SIM card from that provider. This is common when purchasing a subsidized phone on a contract.

• iCloud locked – The previous owner‘s Apple ID is still associated with the device. It cannot be bypassed without their password. Occurs when selling a used iPhone still linked to an iCloud account.

• Blacklisted – The iPhone was reported lost, stolen or blocked from cellular networks. It cannot make calls or use data. Usually the result of device theft or non-payment.

• Passcode locked – A passcode is enabled and the previous owner did not disable it or share the code. Prevents accessing the iPhone.

These types of locks prevent using the full functionality of an iPhone until the lock is removed. But in most cases, it is legal to sell a locked device as long as you rightfully own it.

Is It Legal to Sell a Locked iPhone?

If you legally own a locked iPhone and have proof of ownership, it is perfectly legal to sell it – even with the lock enabled.

According to the CTIA, you maintain legal ownership of a smartphone you purchase, even if it is carrier locked or you still owe money on the service contract. The carrier cannot prevent you from selling your property.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also states that once your contract term is over, the carrier must unlock your phone so you can use it on other networks. This allows selling an unlocked device.

As long as you acquired the iPhone through normal legal means, disclosing the locked status to potential buyers, you can sell your locked iPhone without issue. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act also made circumventing carrier locks illegal.

Trying to sell a stolen or illegally obtained locked iPhone, or passing off a locked device as unlocked, would be unlawful. Be sure you legally own the phone and are transparent about the lock status.

According to Consumer Reports, you legally own a carrier locked iPhone you purchased, even if you still owe money on the service contract. The carrier cannot force you to pay off the phone or return it if you decide to sell.

As long as you legally own the device, it is perfectly legal to sell a locked iPhone. Just disclose that clearly to any potential buyers.

How Much are Locked iPhones Worth?

Locked iPhones are generally worth less than their unlocked counterparts when reselling. How much less depends on factors like:

• Phone model
• Lock type
• Age of device
• Storage capacity
• Cosmetic condition
• Original accessories

Typically, an iCloud locked iPhone retains the least value, while a carrier locked device will be worth more. Blacklisted phones fall somewhere in between.

For example, according to data from BankMyCell, ItsWorthMore, and SellCell, here are some average resale prices based on lock status:

iPhone Model	Unlocked	Carrier Locked	iCloud Locked	Blacklisted
iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB	$720	$630	$120	$350
iPhone XR 64GB	$240	$200	$40	$130
iPhone XS 256GB	$390	$340	$60	$200
iPhone 7 32GB	$105	$90	$20	$50

As you can see, an unlocked iPhone provides the maximum resale value. But a carrier locked device still retains a decent percentage of the unlocked price. iCloud locked phones have the least value, but are not completely worthless.

Condition, accessories, storage size and color can also impact resale value. Use sites like ItsWorthMore and SellCell to check prices for your specific iPhone.

So while less than unlocked devices, locked iPhones can still be sold for a reasonable amount depending on the factors above.

Tips for Selling a Locked iPhone

If you want to get the most cash for selling your locked iPhone, here are some top tips:

Disclose the Lock Status

Clearly state your iPhone is locked and exactly what kind of lock it has (carrier, iCloud, etc) in your selling description. This avoids unhappy buyers and issues down the road. Be 100% transparent.

Price it Appropriately

Research reputable sites to determine the fair market value for your locked device based on model, storage, condition and type of lock. Price it competitively based on market data.

Factory Reset the iPhone

Perform a factory reset before selling to wipe all data and disable any activation locks enabled. This also makes the sale process smoother.

Include Original Accessories

Having the original box, charger, headphones and other accessories can increase the resale value. Make sure to note what is included.

Utilize Buyback Sites

Sell via reputable buyback sites like Decluttr and ItsWorthMore that deal specifically in locked devices. More options than local selling.

List on Marketplaces

In addition to buyback sites, list your locked iPhone for sale on eBay, Craigslist, Swappa, OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace to maximize exposure.

Take Good Photos

Take high quality photos of your iPhone from multiple angles. Capture any scratches, dents or other cosmetic issues so buyers know the condition.

Highlight Functional Aspects

Note in your listing what functions still work like WiFi, Bluetooth, camera, etc. so buyers understand the usability.

Following these tips will help you get the maximum resale cash when selling your locked iPhone.

Where Can I Sell a Locked iPhone?

There are many reputable options for selling an iPhone that is activation locked or carrier locked. Here are some top recommended places to sell a locked device:

Buyback Sites

Sell via online buyback sites that specialize in purchasing locked smartphones:

• Decluttr – One of the largest buyback sites. Accepts iCloud locked devices. Free shipping label. Payout via PayPal, direct deposit or check.

• ItsWorthMore – Top buyback site dealing in all conditions of smartphones. Pay via PayPal, Venmo or virtual prepaid card.

• SellCell – Longstanding reputable buyback company purchasing all models in any condition. Free shipping.

• BuyBackWorld – Cash payouts for new and used smartphones. Accepts damaged and locked devices.

I have sold several locked devices through Decluttr and SellCell and found them reputable, with quick payment and free shipping. Utilizing buyback sites expands your options beyond local selling.

Carrier Stores

• Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile – May accept locked device trade-ins for credit on new purchases. Can also request unlocking.

• Apple Store – Take locked iPhones for recycling/trade in. Apply credit towards a new Apple device purchase. Convenient if nearby.

If you are looking to upgrade your phone, trading in at a carrier store allows recycling your old locked device for credit. Just know the value may be less than selling outright.

Other Options

• eBay – Largest online marketplace. Big exposure but more work than buyback sites.

• Facebook Marketplace – Buy and sell locally. Meet in person to hand off the phone.

• Craigslist – Veteran online classifieds site. Best for in-person selling in your city.

• r/appleswap – Active Reddit community for buying/selling Apple products. Can post your locked iPhone.

• Swappa – Buy & sell gently used phones. Requires phones to be fully paid off.

• Gazelle – Accepts locked trade-ins online or at ecoATM kiosks inside Walmart stores.

• MobileKarma – Sell new/used smartphones for cash + Karma Points redeemable for rewards.

Utilize a combination of buyback sites and online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist to maximize your options for selling a locked iPhone. This provides the most potential buyers.

What Can You Do With a Locked iPhone?

Wondering what functionality you‘ll have if you purchase a locked iPhone? Here are some of the key things you can still do with a locked device:

• Make emergency calls to 911 or other local emergency services.

• Connect to WiFi networks like your home or office wireless. Browse the internet and use apps over WiFi.

• Access certain default apps like Calculator, Clock, Calendar, Contacts, Compass, Maps, Notes, Reminders, Stocks, and Weather.

• Play music or view photos stored locally on the device. Just not from cloud services.

• Use the camera, video recorder, and microphone. Great for photos and videos.

• Make FaceTime video calls and exchange iMessages if you add the previous owner‘s Apple ID.

• Change common settings like display brightness, notification sounds, Do Not Disturb mode, wallpaper, and accessability options.

• View widgets like weather, calendar, reminders, and stock prices if previously set up.

• Use Apple services like iMessage, Siri, and Find My iPhone if the original owner‘s Apple ID remains on the device.

So while full functionality is limited without unlocking the iPhone, there are still many useful things you can do with a locked device like use WiFi, take photos, play media, message contacts, and run certain apps.

Just be sure to factor the locked status into how much you pay if purchasing a locked iPhone. Compare prices for the same model unlocked vs. locked. And know that unlocking options may be limited depending on the type of lock.

Avoiding Stolen Locked iPhones

When purchasing a used locked iPhone, it is crucial to avoid devices that may be stolen. iPhones may end up locked when they are stolen, so buyers need to beware. Here are some tips:

• Ask for proof of purchase – Have the seller show receipt, invoice, payment records, or other evidence they own the device.

• Check the IMEI number – The unique device identifier can be checked against databases for blacklisting. Ask seller for IMEI.

• Meet in a public place – When buying locally insist on meeting at a neutral busy location like a coffee shop. Don‘t go to unfamiliar locations.

• Trust your gut – If the price seems too good to be true or the seller seems shifty, walk away. Better safe than sorry.

• Consider buyback sites – Reputable buyback companies thoroughly vet devices before purchasing. Much safer than random Craigslist sellers.

• Know activation lock – iPhones with Find My iPhone enabled activation lock. Verify this is disabled via iTunes when you meet seller.

Following these tips when buying a used locked iPhone will help you avoid purchasing a stolen device. Make sure to thoroughly vet the seller, iPhone‘s history, and purchase from trustworthy sources.

Selling a Locked iPhone Summary

Selling an iPhone with any type of lock used to be extremely difficult. But now there are ample reputable options for recovering value from your locked device:

• Check your iPhone‘s fair market value based on model, storage, condition, accessories and lock status.

• Clearly disclose the device is locked when listing for sale online or locally.

• Perform a factory reset prior to sale to wipe the device and remove any activation lock.

• Include any original accessories like charger, box, headphones to increase value.

• Price competitively based on market value data from sites like ItsWorthMore and SellCell.

• Leverage buyback sites like Decluttr and ItsWorthMore for quick and easy selling experience.

• Also list on eBay, Craigslist, Swappa and social platforms to maximize exposure.

• Be transparent about condition and lock status to avoid issues or returns.

• Provide buyer tips about usability of locked device and options for unlocking.

As long as you legally own the locked iPhone and take the proper preparation steps, you can successfully sell your iPhone activation locked, carrier locked, blacklisted or passcode locked. There is still decent value to be recovered. With the rise of buyback sites and broader consumer awareness, selling a locked iPhone has never been easier.