Who buys locked iPhones near me? – 2024

Who buys locked iPhones near me? Selling a locked iPhone is a daunting task at first glance. You might need help trying to sell that phone. You have to figure out the different locks available on the iPhone before you try selling it. You might have limited options when selling carrier-locked or passcode-locked phones. But there is a thriving market for locked iPhones, and understanding who buys these devices can help you turn what seems like a paperweight into cash. 

Drawing insights from various resources, this article aims to guide you through selling your locked iPhone, specifically targeting those in the United States.

Different Types of Locked iPhones

Before diving into who buys locked iPhones, it’s crucial to understand the different types of locks and why they matter:

• Carrier Locks: These iPhones are tied to a specific carrier and cannot be used with other carriers unless unlocked.
• iCloud Locks (Activation Locks): This security feature is designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone if lost or stolen.
• Passcode Locks: When an iPhone is locked with a passcode or has been disabled due to multiple incorrect passcode attempts.

Who buys locked iPhones near me?

There are several places where you can sell your locked iPhones. For instance, it can be buyback companies or even online marketplaces. Let’s take a quick look at all the options that you have in hand – 

1. Buyback Companies

Techiaid, PayMore, and BankMyCell are examples of buyback companies that purchase locked iPhones. These platforms offer a straightforward way to sell your device, providing quotes based on its condition and lock status. They cater to various types of locks, including carrier and iCloud locks. eBay and Craigslist also serve as platforms where individuals can sell locked iPhones. The key here is transparency about the lock status to avoid disputes.

2. Repair Shops and Refurbishers

Local repair shops often buy locked iPhones for parts or to refurbish and resell. They are particularly interested in devices in good physical condition, even if they’re iCloud or passcode-locked.

Refurbishing companies work on a larger scale, buying locked iPhones to repair and sell as certified pre-owned devices. These companies usually have the expertise to handle various locks and may offer competitive prices.

3. Specialized Online Services

Websites like Dr.Fone offer services to unlock iPhones, catering to owners who’d prefer to unlock their devices before selling. However, they also purchase locked iPhones, recognizing the value of these devices.

4. Peer-to-Peer Sales

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp allow you to sell directly to consumers. While selling a locked iPhone this way requires caution and honesty about its status, it can sometimes yield a better return.

5. Recycling Programs

Some organizations and electronic waste recycling programs are interested in purchasing locked iPhones to refurbish or recycle their parts responsibly.

How to Sell Your Locked iPhone?

If you have a locked iPhone and are wondering who buys locked iPhones near me, you must figure out a few more things before that. Here, we have listed a step-by-step process that you can follow when trying to sell your locked iPhone – 

1. Determine the Lock Type: Identify whether your iPhone is carrier-locked, iCloud-locked, or passcode-locked. This will help you find the right buyer and provide accurate information in your listing.

2. Assess the Condition: Evaluate the physical and functional condition of your iPhone, as this significantly affects its value.

3. Research Buyers: Explore the options above to find the best place to sell your locked iPhone. Consider factors like ease of transaction, payment speed, and the offered price.

4. Be Transparent: When listing your iPhone, be clear about its lock status and condition. Honesty prevents issues with buyers and helps ensure a smooth transaction.

5. Compare Offers: Get quotes from multiple buyers to ensure you get a fair price for your locked iPhone.

6. Prepare Your iPhone for Sale: If you can, erase your personal information and any data from the iPhone before selling it. This may not be possible for iCloud-locked phones, but always log out of your accounts and turn off tracking.

7. Legal Considerations: When selling a locked iPhone, ensuring the sale is legal is crucial. Selling a device that’s been reported lost or stolen or attempting to sell a device locked to someone else’s iCloud account without permission is illegal. Always ensure that the device is rightfully yours to sell and that you’ve obtained it through legitimate means.

Conclusion

Selling a locked iPhone in the United States might seem overwhelming. However, the reality is different. There is a high possibility of selling locked iPhones. But you have to know basics like the ones listed in this article. There’s a market for almost every type of locked device, with various buyers ranging from buyback companies to individual tech enthusiasts. By understanding who buys locked iPhones and how to navigate the sale process, you can turn your seemingly unusable device into cash. Remember to research, be transparent, and follow legal guidelines to ensure a smooth and profitable sale.

Also read: How Accurate is Find My iPhone?