Short answer: Yes, you can sell a locked phone for cash if it is legally yours.
Even if you still owe money on the phone’s contract, it’s possible to sell it. The main limitation is that not all buyers accept locked phones, but you can sell to third-party repair stores that often do. However, the process depends on the type of lock it has.
There are four common types: carrier lock, passcode lock, iCloud lock, and finance blacklist. If your iPhone is carrier-locked, it can only work with a specific network until it’s unlocked. If the phone is passcode-locked, you can’t access it without the correct passcode, but you might be able to unlock it using a restore method. An iCloud-locked iPhone means you can’t access it without the Apple ID used to lock it, and you may need the original owner to unlock it. A finance-blacklisted iPhone happens when payments haven’t been made, and it can’t be used until the payments are cleared.
In all cases, you can still sell old phones that are locked but the value might be lower depending on the lock type. You’ll likely get a better price if you can unlock the device. However, even locked phones can be sold through third-party repair stores or buyback services, which can offer competitive quotes. Always check the lock status and make sure the phone is legally yours before selling it.
What Is a Locked Phone?
A locked phone is one that is restricted to a specific carrier, account, or security system, preventing it from being used freely with other networks or devices.
Common Types of Locked Phones:
Below, we have listed some of the most common types of locked phones:
iCloud Activation Locks
iCloud Activation Locks are a security feature by Apple that stops people from using their phones if they are lost or stolen. If you forget your Apple ID or buy a used phone that’s not unlocked, it can stay locked to iCloud.
Carrier Locked Phones
Carrier-locked phones are tied to one network. They can only be used with that network until the contract is finished and the phone is unlocked.
Blacklisted iPhones
Blacklisted iPhones have a unique ID called IMEI. If the phone is reported lost, stolen, or has unpaid bills, it gets blacklisted and can’t connect to any network.
Passcode Locked Phones
Passcode Locked Phones happen when you forget your password after trying it too many times. This is common if you haven’t used your phone for a while or someone else set it up for you.
Knowing about these different types of locks helps you understand how to unlock your phone or decide what to do with it.
How to Sell Locked Phones
The process depends on the type of lock on the phone. Here’s what you need to know for each case:
Selling an iCloud-Locked iPhone
If your iPhone is iCloud-locked, it’s still possible to sell it, but it will be worth less. Here’s what you can do:
- Try to unlock it: If possible, log in to iCloud, erase the device, and remove it from your account to increase its value.
- Be upfront: If you can’t unlock it, be transparent with buyers about the iCloud lock. Many may only buy it for parts.
Some buyback stores will still accept iCloud-locked iPhones but expect lower offers than for unlocked devices.
Selling a Carrier-Locked Phone
Carrier-locked phones are locked to a specific network, usually due to an unpaid contract. Here’s how to sell one:
- Check if it can be unlocked: If the phone is on contract, the carrier might unlock it after a certain period or after full payment.
- Sell as is: If you can’t unlock it, buyback stores will still purchase carrier-locked iPhones.
Carrier-locked phones may sell lower, but you can still get a decent offer, especially if the contract is completed.
Selling a Passcode-Locked Phone
A passcode-locked phone occurs when you forget the screen lock pattern, PIN, or password or enter it incorrectly too many times. Here’s what you can do:
- Try unlocking it: For Android phones, use your Google account credentials via Find My Device or perform a factory reset (via recovery mode). This will erase the data but may make the phone more appealing to buyers. For other phones, similar recovery options might be available depending on the manufacturer.
- Sell it as is: If you can’t unlock the device, you can still sell phone for cash, but ensure transparency about its locked status. This might limit your potential buyers, but honest communication is key.
- Consider trade-in or buyback programs: Many stores accept passcode-locked phones. However, unlocking it, if possible, often leads to a better price.
Always wipe your data when possible to ensure security before selling.
Selling a Blacklisted Phone
Blacklisted phones are marked due to theft, loss, or unpaid contracts. Here’s how to handle it:
- Ensure legality: Only sell blacklisted phones if you legally obtain them. If the phone is lost or stolen, return it to its rightful owner.
- Sell with caution: Some buyback services will accept blacklisted phones, but they may offer a lower price (around 55%-98% of the unlocked price).
If you bought it legally, you can still sell it, but be prepared for a reduced offer.
To Sum Up
Yes, you can sell a locked phone for cash if it is legally yours. There are different types of locks, like iCloud, carrier, passcode, and finance blacklist. Each type affects the phone’s value. You can sell it to repair stores or buyback services, but it may be worth less if it’s locked. Try to unlock it first to get a better price. You can attempt to unlock iCloud or passcode-locked phones, while carrier-locked phones can only be used with a specific network. Blacklisted phones may still sell, but expect a lower offer. Always check the lock status before selling.
