Unlock your devices in 3 steps
Recover data in 3 steps
Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Data Wipe Solutions • Proven solutions
Buying or selling an iCloud-locked iPhone is not illegal. However, you need to be upfront and honest about it to ensure the buyer knows you don't have the iPhone's Apple ID credentials. This is because the new owner will not be able to access the full features of the iPhone, whether it's an iPhone 12 Pro Max iCloud locked for sale at a low price.
This begs the question: how do you buy or sell an iCloud-locked iPhone? The article will teach you the meaning of an iCloud-locked iPhone by following our handy guide below.
Your iPhone being iCloud locked is a protective measure Apple implements on their products if your mobile is stolen or misplaced. If you don't have the iPhone's iCloud information, you will not be able to use the iOS device.
There are several reasons why an iPhone has an iCloud activation lock. It can be due to the following:
If you can't remove the iCloud activation lock on an iPhone, you can still put an iCloud-locked iPhone for sale, as there are no restrictions on selling one acquired legally. However, being honest with the buyer is a must, as they will not be able to utilize the phone's features if it's locked fully.
Keep in mind, though, that iCloud-locked iPhones sell for very little, and it's hard to find interested buyers. People who bought an iPhone with iCloud lock do so mainly because of its spare parts. Hence, you should set your expectations low when selling an iCloud-locked iPhone.
Suppose you're planning on selling an iCloud-locked iPhone to sites such as ecoATM, bankmycell, or SellLocked. In that case, you should probably start locally on platforms such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to try to find private buyers. Other prominent stores like American retailer GameStop accommodate locked iPhones with their buyback program.
As mentioned earlier, the price of an iCloud-locked iPhone will considerably sell for less than one with unlocked iCloud if you sell it at stores with buyback programs. In this case, here are the two best places to sell iCloud-locked iPhones. You can also refer to them to check and compare prices when selling.
The bankmycell site lets you sell locked or unlocked iPhones in three simple steps. It provides you with the top quotes in one place so you can sell your iPhone in less time. Selling your iPhone in bankmycell includes free shipping and zero-hassle returns if you change your mind.
Like bankmycell, SellLocked buys iPhones in all kinds of conditions, whether iCloud locked, unlocked, financed, or blacklisted. Selllocked provides a prepaid mailing label to ship your iPhone for free. Once your iPhone gets sold on the market, SellLocked pays you by check or via PayPal.
Yes, selling an iCloud-locked iPhone for parts is a viable option. The device might not function normally due to the Activation Lock. Yet, it still contains valuable components that can be reused. Several parts within an iPhone retain value and can be sold separately or used for repairs. These include the display, battery, camera modules, buttons, and other internal components.
Selling an iCloud-locked iPhone for parts can be beneficial. It allows you to recoup some value from the device, even if it cannot be unlocked or used. Many buyers might be interested in purchasing specific components from iCloud-locked devices. These buyers include repair shops, technicians, or individuals looking for spare parts.
Platforms like eBay, local classifieds, and specialized online marketplaces look for phone parts. Often, buyers are seeking individual iPhone parts for repair purposes or personal projects. Be transparent about the iCloud lock status when selling individual parts. This helps manage buyers' expectations and avoids potential disputes.
You can recover a portion of the iPhone's value by dismantling and selling the functional components separately. That makes it a practical option for devices that cannot be unlocked or used in their entirety due to the iCloud Activation Lock. Regardless of all the benefits of selling iCloud-locked iPhones, there is still a better price for intact Apple devices. Sometimes, you may find it difficult to find a buyer for separate iPhone parts. Also, it is not cost-effective compared to selling intact iPhones. How to unlock an iCloud-locked iPhone to get a better price? Keep reading!
Using dedicated programs like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to force an iPhone bypass means the screen lock or iCloud locks on your iPhone will force open if you forget your password after restoring a device.
To know more about Dr.Fone, here are some of its key features.
Bypass iCloud activation lock in any scenario
Here are the steps to unlock your iOS device with Dr.Fone.
Step 1: Download and install Dr.Fone. Launch the app afterward.
Step 2: Click Screen Unlock on the main program window. On the next screen, click iOS > iCloud Activation Lock Removal.
Step 3: Click Start to initiate the process of unlocking your iPhone.
Your iPhone needs to be jailbroken before bypassing its iCloud activation lock.
After step 3, there are two possible outcomes for GSM (Global System for Mobiles) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) iPhone devices.
If you own a GSM device, the unlocking will not harm your iOS device, and you can enjoy your iPhone as usual.
If the iPhone is CDMA, you won't be able to use the device for phone calls and cellular data use. You can still use your iPhone's other important functions apart from that, such as using an Apple ID for the App Store.
You might also interest:
iOS 16: Best Ways to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad
Ultimate Guide on iPhone 6/6S/7 iCloud Activation Lock Bypass
How To Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on Mac? Best Ever Solution
While it's not illegal to sell iCloud-locked iPhones, it's important to let the buyer know about your iOS device's limitations. Buyback stores like GameStop can take your iPhone as-is, but don't expect to get paid more compared to a fully unlocked iPhone.
You can try unlocking your iPhone using dedicated programs like Dr.Fone to bypass its locks. However, remember that this is still not a foolproof way to fully unlock your device. In most cases, selling your iCloud lock iPhone to online resellers is your best bet.
staff Editor
