Yes, you can sell locked iPhones. Many buyback stores will take them as is, but if you can unlock the phone, you may be able to get paid more.
You can sell your iPhone device whether it is locked or not. There are several kinds of locks that may affect the efficiency of your device, including activation lock, password lock, and iCloud lock. Keep reading to learn more about each lock and what to do about them before selling the iPhone.
Can I sell an iPhone that's Activation Locked? Yes, you can sell your locked iPhone – provided you can find a buyer. Most buyback vendors and carriers require activation lock to be disabled before they release payment.
You'll also want to unlock your iPhone before selling it. A locked phone can only work on a certain carrier's network, and buyers may want to use your device with a different service.
iCloud locked iPhones are worth almost nothing and are generally only purchased by companies who scrap them for spare parts. You'll have a very hard time finding interested buyers, as companies like GadgetGone do not accept iCloud locked iPhones. If, however, you came by the iPhone legally, then yes, you can sell it.
Even if your iPhone is fully erased, the person who has it can't use it. Activation Lock stays on and there is no way to bypass it. As soon as the iPhone boots up, it asks for an Apple ID and password and it won't go past the activation screen without the information.
Sites like BankMyCell or GadgetGone buy your carrier-locked iPhones. Alternatively, you can use SellLocked.com for your passcode-locked iPhones. It's just a start! There are many more platforms that buy locked iPhones with different types of locks, carrier or iCloud.
Is it Safe to Buy an iPhone That's iCloud Locked? No. You'll need the owner to unlock it before you're able to use it. When shopping for used iPhones online, it's best to skip ones that are locked devices.
Is it better to get an unlocked iPhone? For most people, it's better to get an unlocked iPhone because it can work on almost any carrier. Unfortunately, you'll probably end up paying a little more than you would for a locked phone.
Apple does not charge to unlock activation lock. If you are the original owner of an iOS device, you can remove the Activation Lock by signing in with your Apple ID and password. You can also contact Apple Support for help with unlocking your device.
Once you exhausted all efforts to find the owner on the device, check with the police to see if it has been reported stolen or is needed for evidence. If all is clear with the authorities, you do have the option of selling it or even unlocking it and using it yourself.
At BankMyCell, we can help you find the best buyer to sell your iCloud locked iPhone. We also have partners that buy iOS or carrier-locked phones.
Private buyers may be reluctant to buy phones with a bad ESN or IMEI, especially if they don't know how to unblock it or switch carriers. Despite this, it is possible to sell a phone with a bad IMEI or ESN. While the offers are typically lower, a few online buyback stores will buy blocked phones.
Can my mobile service provider refuse to unlock my phone because I owe them money or am currently under contract? Yes. Providers do not have to unlock devices for existing or former customers that are not in good standing.
There are a couple of benefits to purchasing a locked device. First, it is generally sold at a discounted price. By having you agree to stay on their network, the carrier subsidizes a portion of the cost (or bundles it into your monthly subscription rate). Also, locked phones prevent theft.
One of the major benefits of buying a locked device is it usually costs less. Wireless carriers can subsidize the retail price by having you locked into their network. Alternatively, they spread the device cost over a certain period through payment plans, so you don't have to pay the full price upfront.
Normally, when you get any stolen device, it has a screen passcode. Or if the buyer tells you the passcode, it might also be linked to a certain Apple ID. Sometimes, the device is locked at the iCloud activation lock. This lock requires the Apple ID and password.
The iPhone will be permanently locked. If you attempt to unlock the iPhone a tenth time and you fail to input the correct passcode, then one of two things will happen. If you have the “Erase Data” option enabled in the Apple Passcode Lockout Security Feature, then your data will be wiped from the phone.
iPhone: $20 to $80 for some carriers and $120 to $220 for premium & high guaranteed unlocks. Samsung: Start at $3 and range between $20 to $30 for higher-end models. Models with some carriers even cost up to $80.
iPhone thieves who spied on a victim's passcode before stealing the Apple device can easily reset settings preventing its owner from accessing it.
If your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or Apple Watch is lost or stolen, you can erase it in Find Devices on iCloud.com. To sign in to Find Devices, go to icloud.com/find.
Method 3: Use iCloud to Find Your Lost iPhone Even When It's Powered Off/ Factory Reset. You can also use iCloud's website to track your lost iPhone even if it has been powered off or doesn't have enough battery backup.
There are five unsuccessful attempts to unlock your iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID.
We will be happy to provide some guidance. If you look at the section entitled, " Will my new iPhone be unlocked?" in the following article, you will see that every phone purchase through the Apple store is unlocked with the exception of a few carrier financing options.