How to Sell or Trade In Your Old Android Phone: Step-by-Step Guide

Exciting new smartphones like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Flip3, and S21 Ultra, plus Google's Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro, are tempting upgrades. Trading in or selling your old Android device is a smart way to offset costs without paying full price.

Whether eyeing a foldable Samsung or upcoming Pixel 6 series, or opting for a budget-friendly used model, preparing your phone properly maximizes returns. Drawing from years testing and trading devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, and more, here's our expert guide—focusing on Samsung and Pixel, with similar steps for others.

Inspect Your Phone

A well-maintained device fetches top dollar, just like with iPhones. Assess condition honestly: note scratches, dents, cracks, or issues. Transparency builds trust and avoids disputes.

Even flawed phones have value—disclose everything upfront.

Photo by James Bareham / I/O Means

Erase Your Phone

Securely wipe your Android in three steps. Variations exist by brand and OS version.

Samsung (Android 11):

1. Disable Factory Reset Protection: Turn off screen lock first (Settings > Lock Screen > Screen Lock Type > None).
2. Remove Accounts: Settings > Accounts & Backup > Manage Accounts > Delete each account. Back up first if needed.
3. Factory Reset: Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset. Confirm after entering Samsung password.

Google Pixel (Android 12 beta):

1. Disable Factory Reset Protection: Settings > Security > Screen Lock > None.
2. Remove Accounts: Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Delete each account.
3. Factory Reset: Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. Back up via Google Drive if needed.

Trade In Your Phone?

Carriers and manufacturers offer credits toward new devices for convenience.

Samsung provides up to $750 for Z Fold3/Z Flip3; Galaxy S9 ($150), Note 9/S10 Plus ($400), S20 Ultra ($750).

Google pre-order: up to $600. Real quotes: Pixel 4 XL 128GB ($170), 4a 5G 128GB ($190), Pixel 3 128GB ($58), Pixel 32/128GB ($25).

Carriers like Verizon: up to $800 off S21 5G with trade-in and unlimited plan—read terms carefully.

Photo by Sean O’Kane / I/O Means

Sell Your Phone

Swappa excels with direct buyer-seller listings. List with photos/price; Swappa pays you post-sale (buyer pays fee; you cover shipping). Lowest recent prices: Galaxy S9 64GB ($129), Note 9 ($219), S10+ ($249), S20 Ultra ($539). Pixels: 32GB ($62), XL ($60), 2 64GB ($90), 2 XL ($99), 3 64GB ($115), 3 XL ($95), 4 XL 64GB ($250).

Other trusted options:

• Decluttr: Instant quote, ship within 28 days; inspected, revised offer if needed (14 days to accept).
• Gazelle: Quote online, ship in 30 days; similar inspection process.
• Best Buy: Mail or in-store for e-gift card.
• Flipsy: Compares vendors; ship in 14 days (they pay shipping); check return policies.
• eBay: Free 250 listings/month; 10.2% + $0.30 fee on sales.
• Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist: Free local sales (you ship/pay).

Choose based on effort vs. payout—trade-ins for ease, marketplaces for max cash.