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Top 3 Ways to Sell Second-hand iPhone 12 Series

Mar 09, 2023 • Filed to: Data Wipe Solutions • Proven solutions

iPhone 12 users gather here. Two new iPhone models, "iPhone 13" & "iPhone 14," are already on the market, and it's obvious that many of you are tempted to upgrade to either.

Well, it's okay to be drawn to test the latest technology. But don't just toss your old phone in a drawer at home. You could sell a second-hand iPhone 12 for a valuable price.

If you don't know how to sell iPhone 12 second-hand, fret not. This guide will walk you through five different ways to go about it and earn a couple of hundred dollars towards acquiring your new iPhone.

sell old iphone 12

Part 1. About iPhone 12 Series?

The Apple iPhone 12 series consists of four models: the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Each model boasts some of the finest technology in the mobile industry, from 5G connectivity to a fast six-core A14 Bionic processor, improved cameras, and many more.

Overall, the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini are the most affordable in the lineup, and they've got similar dual 12-megapixel rear cameras, though the iPhone 12 is larger in size than the iPhone 12 mini. As for the Pro models, they are more expensive and support a triple 12-megapixel rear camera that can take better quality photos compared to iPhone 12 and 12 Mini.

How Much is Your Used iPhone 12 Series Worth?

The cost of the used iPhone 12 series has really depreciated due to the release of the two new iPhone families, the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14. However, the worth of your iPhone 12 is based on its condition, model, storage space, and many other factors. So, if your iPhone 12 series is in really good condition with a charger, you can sell it for a high price.

Also, the price of your iPhone 12 series could depend on the platform you're using to sell. While some platforms would offer you a higher price, others might not. It varies!

We've listed the average price you could sell your iPhone 12 Series depending on its carrier, condition, storage capacity, price, and lots more in various platforms below:

Note: The price listed below could fluctuate over time.

Platform Used 64GB iPhone 12 on AT & T in Good Condition sed 128GB iPhone 12 on AT&T in good condition Used 256GB iPhone 12 on AT & T in Good Condition
Amazon Trade-In $265 $283 $305
Apple Trade-In Up to $300 Up to $300 Up to $300
Best Buy $220 $220 $220
eBay $230 and above $290 and above $300 and above
SellCell $276 $305 $316
BuyBack Boss $276 $305 $316
Decluttr $275 $304 $316

Part 2. How to Sell Your Old iPhone 12 Series

You can either sell your used iPhone 12 by yourself online, via phone buyback services or trade it in. Regardless of what method you choose to use, we've explained how you can go about it below. So, keep reading.

Way 1: Sell Old iPhone Online Yourself

The most profitable way to sell a second-hand iPhone 12 is to sell it yourself online. However, this method comes with risks and hassles, as you might fall victim to scammers. We recommend you only meet prospective buyers at a place, which is best known to you, and don't forget to take your friend along.

The table below shows the different platforms where you can sell old iPhone 12 yourself online;

Platform Users Rating Reason for Recommendation
eBay 8.7/10 A safe platform for buyers & sellers to transact.
Facebook Marketplace 7.5/10 Seller protection is not assured, but it's good for profitable sales
Craigslist 3.0/10 Highly risky, but it's perfect for really good cash

1. eBay

ebay selling interface

We all know eBay to be a go-to platform for purchasing second-hand goods, and there's no doubt that it allows the safe buying and selling of goods. So, if you're looking for a perfect platform to sell your iPhone 12, you can never go wrong with eBay, though you'll need to put in small work for listing, shipping, and paying sales fees.

Besides, eBay is a better platform to sell your old iPhone 12 than Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist as it offers purchase protection, making buyers more comfortable purchasing second-hand goods.

2. Facebook Marketplace

facebook marketplace interface

If you've been buying stuff online, you might be familiar with Facebook Marketplace. Well, it's another decent platform for you to sell used iPhone 12, and the cool thing about using the marketplace is that Facebook gives you access to the information of anyone looking to buy your iPhones. You can check the buyer's profile to check his/her location and other details.

Also, Facebook Marketplace gives you control over where and to whom your listing is shown.

3. Craigslist

craigslist website logo

Craigslist is a very risky option when it comes to selling your stuff online. But it can help you generate the most cash as buyers are always ready to pay with cash for second-hand iPhones.

If you intend to use craigslist to sell an old iPhone 12, you must be ready for the hassles attached to it because it's always quite difficult to find an ideal buyer and get them to show up in the agreed location. Also, it's advisable to come to an agreement prior to the meeting with the buyer and let them know the condition of your iPhone and other necessary things.

Way 2. Sell Old iPhone to Phone BuyBack Service - Fastest

If you wish to sell an old iPhone 12 quickly without hassle, selling it to a BuyBack service is the way to go. A BuyBack service is 100% risk-free and saves you stress and time compared to selling yourself online. However, keep in mind that it's less profitable compared to the prior recommended method, and the value you get for your iPhone 12 is based on its condition. For example, if your iPhone is in bad condition, you tend to get a value less than the full quote from the platform.

The table below shows various trusted BuyBack services where you can sell second-hand iPhone 12 within a few minutes;

Platform Users Rating Reason for Recommendation
SellCell 4.8/5 (Trustpilot) Best Price Guaranteed
BuyBack Boss 4.3/5 (Trustpilot) Fast Quotes

1. SellCell

sellcell website interface

SellCell is a platform that you can trust to sell your used iPhone 12 for the best price. The platform offers Best Price Guarantee, which compares deals on pre-owned phones and helps you find the best value to sell iPhone 12, thus giving you 100% assurance to get the best price for the phone you intend to sell.

Overall, it does not matter what condition your iPhone 12 series might be in, and chances are SellCell will offer you the best price you can find in the market.

2. BuyBack Boss

buyback boss website interface

BuyBack Boss is another great buyback service that is popular amongst folks who sell used devices. Here, you can sell your used iPhone 12 quickly and easily. Thanks to the website's clean interface, navigating your way around the website will be easier than you think. But the offer they give is lower than SellCell's offer.

3. Decluttr

decluttr website interface

Decluttr is one of the fastest buyback services that offer a good quote for a used iPhone. On this platform, you can sell a used iPhone 12 at a decent value, and the process is pretty simple.

Way 3. Trade in Old iPhone and Get a Credit

You can also trade in your iPhone to get a credit card, and the good news is Apple Store offers such a service. You can also rely on other platforms like Best Buy and Amazon to trade in your iPhone 12 series for a gift card.

Platform Users Rating Reason for Recommendation
Apple Trade-In 1.4/5 (Trustpilot) Direct Apple Store Credit
Best Buy Trade-In 1.3/5 (Trustpilot) Trade iTem for Store Gift Card
Amazon Trade-In 1.7/5 (Trustpilot) Trade items for Amazon Gift Card

1. Apple Trade-In

apple trade in interface

Trading your iPhone with Apple Trade-In will get your Apple store credit that you can use to get a new iPhone, and their rate is really decent when compared to their competitors. Besides, even if your iPhone is not eligible for the trade-in program, they can help you recycle it for free, which is really great. The value of your iPhone depends on its condition and other factors.

2. Best Buy Trade-In

best buy trade-in interface

Best Buy is another reliable platform that supports trade-in programs. Just like Apple Trade-In, they also give quotes for iPhones based on the condition of the device.

All you just have to do is to tell Best Buy Trade-In service the storage size, condition, and other information, though they don't accept unlocked iPhone trade-ins. Your iPhone 12 must be carrier-locked to be able to sell it to Best Buy Trade-In.

3. Amazon Trade-In

Amazon Trade-In works much the same way as Apple Trade-In and Best Buy. When you provide information about the iPhone 12 series you want to sell, you get a quote, and if you're satisfied, Amazon will ask you to ship it to them for free. If the iPhone is in the same condition as you told them, you'll receive an Amazon Gift card, which can be used to make a purchase on the platform.

amazon trade-in interface

Part 3. Don't Forget To Do These Things Before You Sell Your Old iPhone 12 Series

Whether you're selling your iPhone by yourself online, to a buyback service, or you're trading it in, the above platforms are trustworthy for carrying out the operation. However, make sure you complete the following tips before proceeding to make the sale.

1. Backup iPhone Data

Method 1: Backup to iCloud

The official way to back up iPhone data is via iCloud. However, the free 5G storage might not be enough for you to back up your iPhone to iCloud. So, you need to pay for extra iCloud storage to be able to execute the operation smoothly.

See how it works below;

Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone and tap the Apple ID banner displaying your name.

tap the apple id banner and icloud

Step 2: Select iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn on the toggle next to Back Up this iPhone.

Step 3: Tap Back Up Now to back up your iPhone data to iCloud instantly.

select icloud backup and backup now

Method 2: Backup iPhone to Computer

If you don't want to pay for extra iCloud storage or you're switching to a device that is not iOS, you can easily back up your iPhone to a computer by using advanced software like Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS).

Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) facilitates seamless iPhone data backup to a computer with the help of advanced tools. You can use it to back up various iPhone data, including photos, videos, messages, music, notes, etc., and you don't necessarily need technical knowledge to operate.

Key Features of Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS)

  • Back up iPhone data automatically and wirelessly without requiring advanced knowledge.
  • Supports selective restore of iTunes or iCloud backup to iPhone.
  • Selectively back up iPhone data to a computer without compromising existing data.
  • Preview backed-up data quickly and easily.

How to Backup iPhone with Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS)

Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) allows you to back up your iPhone to a computer in two different ways. Yes, you can either operate manually or automatically.

We've explained how to backup an iPhone to a computer using Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) below;

Step 1: Download and install the Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) software on your Mac or Windows computer.

Step 2: Start the installed software and select Phone Backup from the available functions.

select the phone backup function

Step 3: Connect your iPhone to the PC using a compatible USB cable. Then, click Backup on your PC.

connect iphone and choose backup

Step 4: Once you click Backup, Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) will automatically detect your iPhone. Then, from the new screen, select the type of iPhone data that you wish to back up to your computer.

select iphone data to backup

Step 5: Click the Backup button at the bottom right corner to begin the backup process. Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) tool will begin to back up the selected iPhone data to your computer. This process will take only a few minutes, depending on the storage size of your iPhone.

start iphone backup

Step 6: After the backup process is complete, you can disconnect your iPhone from the PC and use the View Backup History option to view the files that you back up to your computer.

complete and view backup

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2. Erase iPhone Data

It's crucial to erase data before selling a secondhand iPhone 12. This prevents third-party from getting access to your information, and you can get this done either by factory resetting your iPhone or using advanced data eraser software.

Method 1: Factory Reset

Erasing your iPhone via factory reset deletes all data on your iPhone and reset it to factory settings. However, keep in mind that data deletion via factory reset can be recovered using advanced data recovery software.

The following steps explain how to factory reset your iPhone;

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General. Then, select Transfer or Reset iPhone on the new page.

Step 2: Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

factory reset iphone

Step 3: You'll be asked to enter your iPhone password and Apple ID password to complete the operation.

Your iPhone should reset to factory settings within a few minutes once you complete the above steps.

Method 2: Erase iPhone Data Completely with Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS)

Since data deletion via factory reset can be recovered using advanced data recovery software, you might need advanced software like Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS) to delete iPhone data completely.

Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS) software allows you to totally wipe iPhone data and make it unrecoverable. It can be used to delete private information, contacts, app data, call history, safari bookmarks, notes, photos, videos, and many more iPhone data just within a few clicks.

Key Features

  • Erase all data on your iPhone, including music, notes, contacts, and lots more, permanently.
  • Supports complete deletion of third-party apps data, such as WhatsApp, Viber, Kik, etc.
  • Free up iPhone storage at a lightning-fast speed.
  • Clear junk files and speed up iPhone actions quickly and easily.

Here is how to use Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iPhone)

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone software on your Mac or Windows computer and select Data Eraser from the main interface.

choose the data eraser function

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer using a lightning cable. Once Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS) detects your iPhone, you'll see three options displayed on your PC screen. Just select Erase All Data.

click start

Step 3: Next, you'll be required to select a data security level to erase your iPhone data. The higher the security level, the lower the chances of your data being recoverable by anyone, including top hackers.

select security level

Note: The higher the security level you choose, the longer it takes for your iPhone data to be deleted.

Step 4: Next, enter the "000000" code in the relevant box and click Erase Now to begin to data erasing process.

enter code and click erase now

Step 5: Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS) will begin to erase your iPhone data. Ensure you don't shake or disconnect the iPhone during this process.

erase iphone data

Step 6: Once the data is completely erased, a pop-up message will appear on your PC screen, asking you to reboot your iPhone to apply the changes. Click OK to proceed.

reboot iphone

Step 7: Your iPhone data should be erased afterward. It's as simple as that!

complete iphone data erasure

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3. Remove Linked Accounts & Paired Devices

Sign out of all accounts that you linked to your iPhone, from Google accounts to iCloud accounts and others.

Also, you should unpair the devices you've paired with your iPhone. This includes AirPods, Apple wristwatches, Bluetooth speakers, and others.

4. Deregister iMessage (If you're switching to a phone that's not iOS)

If you're switching to an Android phone, it's always recommended to deregister iMessage so your friends who use iPhones will only be able to send you messages via SMS. See the steps to deregister iMessage on iPhone below;

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone

Step 2: Scroll down and select Messages.

select messages

Step 3: Turn off the toggle next to iMessage.

turn off the imessage toggle

Step 4: Also, find the FaceTime app from the main interface of the Settings app and tap on it. Then, turn off the toggle next to FaceTime to complete.

turn off the facetime toggle

5. Remove SIM Card

You'd surely need the contacts on your SIM card on the new phone you intend to acquire. So, ensure to eject your SIM card from your iPhone 12 series before selling it.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the above guide will help you sell your iPhone quickly. As you can see, there are various platforms for you to use to sell second-hand iPhone 12. It does not matter if you're looking to sell it yourself, trade it in, or sell it to a buyback service.

Nevertheless, make sure you complete the tips we outlined before selling your iPhone 12. And we recommend using Dr.Fone Data Eraser (iOS) to erase iPhone data and Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS) to back up your iPhone to your PC, as both tools offer all you need to make the process flawless.

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