Sell your old phone in Australia: cash, trade-in or recycling?

Compare the payment—not just the headline offer

This is a shortlist of different disposal paths, not an exhaustive market comparison or a ranking. We checked the linked provider pages; we have not sent test devices or independently measured payment times. Quotes depend on model, storage, condition and inspection.

Buyback: inspect the terms before posting

Mobile Monster offers an online quote and inspection process. Its terms allow a revised offer when condition differs. They say you can reject a revised offer and have the device returned free, but a non-response for 14 days can result in payment at the revised price. The original quote also has a receipt deadline. Check both deadlines in your order.

Free postage does not necessarily mean transit loss is covered. The terms exclude liability for Australia Post transit loss or damage and recommend optional cover. Check carrier eligibility and cover conditions before buying insurance. Do not include accessories you want returned: the terms say these may be recycled or disposed of.

Trade-in: calculate the upgrade cost

Apple Australia offers purchase-related trade-in credit or a gift card. Its FAQ explains how a lower inspected value can be accepted or rejected, and when the device can be returned. Payment timing and credit handling depend on how you buy the new device. Read your order terms rather than treating a displayed estimate as guaranteed cash.

Private sale: factor in your time and risk

Private selling gives you control over price, but there is no guaranteed buyer. Check the marketplace's current seller fees, payment protections and shipping rules. For an in-person exchange, use a suitable public location and confirm payment in your own account—not a screenshot supplied by a buyer. Never share login codes or pay a fee demanded by a supposed buyer to “release” your money.

A fair way to compare two offers

1. Record the exact model, storage capacity, battery health if available, screen damage, repairs and whether the phone powers on.
2. Request offers using the same condition description on the same day. Save the quote and its expiry date.
3. Write down the payment type, postage, optional cover, seller fees, expected processing time and what happens if the offer is reduced.
4. For a sale, compare expected payment minus your selling costs. For a trade-in, compare the full upgrade cost after credit.
5. If an offer changes after inspection, compare the new net amount with the effort and terms of having the phone returned.

Illustrative example, not a phone valuation: a $200 sale with $20 of fees and postage leaves $180. A $220 gift card is not automatically better if you would otherwise buy elsewhere or do not need a new device. We do not publish fixed resale estimates because a model name alone does not establish condition or value.

Before handing over your phone

1. Back up and transfer first. Verify photos, messages, authenticator access and important accounts on your replacement device before deleting anything.
2. Follow the manufacturer's account-removal instructions. Remove ownership locks, linked accounts and paired devices as directed. Do not give a buyer your account password.
3. Erase the phone using the official reset process. Deleting photos one by one can also delete cloud copies. Apple's instructions explain how to erase the device without deleting your iCloud content.
4. Move your mobile service. Remove physical SIM and memory cards. Transfer your eSIM/service before removing its old profile; ask your carrier if unsure.
5. Check the handover state. Confirm the phone is ready for a new owner, photograph its condition and retain the quote, tracking number and receipt. Don't publish its full serial number or IMEI in a public listing.

Use Apple's sale and trade-in checklist or Google's reset guidance and manufacturer links. A reset is destructive: do not proceed until your backup and account access are confirmed.

When free recycling is the better option

If a phone cannot reasonably be reused or repaired, MobileMuster's locator and mailing guidance provide a practical next step. Confirm the specific collection point, accepted items and packing requirements before travelling or posting. Never assume that every retail branch has a collection bin. For donation, ask the intended organisation whether it currently accepts your model and condition; do not leave devices at an unconfirmed collection point.

Common questions

Who pays the most for old phones?

There is no verified universal winner. Compare current quotes for your exact model and condition, then subtract costs and distinguish money from restricted credit. A promotional “up to” amount is not your offer.

Can I sell a phone with a cracked screen?

Some buyback services quote for damaged devices. Disclose all faults and check acceptance before sending. A damaged battery requires separate safety instructions, even if cracked screens are accepted.

Do I have to buy a new phone?

Not for a normal private sale or eligible standalone buyback. Apple also offers a gift-card route, but a gift card remains restricted credit, not cash.

Should I sell or recycle an account-locked phone?

Resolve ownership and account access through the manufacturer first. Do not advertise it as ready to use or assume a buyer will unlock it. If recovery is impossible, discuss data and acceptance with the recycling program.