Tips on preparing a preowned Apple MacBook Air for sale and more!

Laptops make it easier to accomplish our tasks and help us be productive on the go. So naturally, we want something that is portable and easy to carry around. Thus, many laptop users opt for Apple MacBook Air models for that reason. But what to do with your older used Mac when it’s time to upgrade? Or maybe you are looking for a desktop instead? The good news is you can still likely resell it for some cash. But there are a few things to be done before you can do so.

This post will walk you through the process of preparing your preowned MacBook Air for sale and share a few tips on where and how to sell it.

Prepping a Used MacBook Air for Sale

To successfully sell your MacBook Air for cash or trade it in, please do the following:

Create a Backup

To save data stored on the MacBook Air you are selling, back it up first. For that, you can use either an external hard drive, which is a better option if you are switching to a PC, or use your iCloud to store your stuff on the network.

Sign out of iTunes

To sign out of your iTunes account, select Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize this Computer. Quite simple but an important step. 

Sign out of Your iCloud Account

This is a mandatory step. First, you have to sign out of your iCloud account to ensure nobody else has access to it. And second, no one else can use an iCloud locked device; thus, it does not have a resale value. 

To sign out, go to the Apple Menu > System Preferences > Apple ID. Then select iCloud and turn off Find My Mac. Lastly, click on Overview and Sign Out. 

Sign out of iMessage

If you are using OS X Mountain Lion or later, sign out of your iMessage account. Go to the Message app and choose Message > Preferences, and click Accounts. Then, select the iMessage account and click on Sign out. 

Unpair Bluetooth

If you have any Bluetooth devices connected to your Macbook Air, like headphones, an Apple watch, or speakers, it is best to unpair them. For that, go over to the Apple Menu > System Preferences and click on Bluetooth. Then hover over the device you want to unpair and click Remove to complete the action.

Erase your Data

Finally, let’s reset your Mac Air. Performing a factory reset is the best way to wipe any residual information and prepare the laptop for the next owner. That way, any installed applications, programs, stored documents, photos, and other files, will be erased from the drive, and your computer will be reset to its original out-of-the-box state. Please check our How to factory reset an Apple laptop post for more details on the reset process.

Where to Sell My MacBook Air For Cash?

So, now that your Apple MacBook Air is reset, the question is: “Where to sell my MacBook for cash?” Many companies would gladly take it off your hands, but how to pick the best one?

When it comes to used tech resale, your options can be narrowed down to the following three:

• Sell your Mac locally. With the help of apps and marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craiglist, OfferUp. This option is suitable for people who are willing to invest some time and effort into selling of their used computer. This means the seller is responsible for creating of a cohesive marketplace listing, competitive price research, potentially shipping expenses, and constant negotiating with potential buyers. Plus, there is always risk of being scammed.
• Sell it online. Sellers can opt to use an online buyback service or a trade-in program, especially if they look for quick turnaround. Here one can either resell your MacBook Air for cash payment or trade it in for a gift card or store credit, depending on the chosen retailer.
• In-person sale via your social circle. This option does not require a third-party service or a middleman. For example, you can rersell your preowned Apple MacBook Air to a collegue, a friend or a family member. Selling via your own network might be the best option if you already know of someone interested in buying a used laptop.

Upfront Prices for Selling Used MacBook Air & Other Gizmos

The internet offers many solutions within a click. You can google a buyback place near you, but thanks to e-commerce, you can actually sell your gadget to anyone within the US from the comfort of your own home.

For example, we at Gadget Salvation work nationwide. Our company strives to continuously provide the most convenient way of selling preowned tech online. We accept PC laptops, MacBooks, iPhones, Android smartphones, smartwatches, gaming consoles, and more. We offer quick payments via PayPal, Zelle, and Venmo. But if you prefer a check, we will mail one, too!

To sell your used MacBook Air for cash with us, please follow these steps:

1. Locate the Serial number of your Mac, type in the last three digits into the search bar on this page, and click Enter.
2. Pick your configuration, calculate the offer based on the condition of your laptop, and fill out the checkout form.
3. Receive a prepaid shipping label, package your gadget in a sturdy box and drop it off at the nearest UPS store.

Payment is issued within one to two business days of us receiving and inspecting your MacBook Air.

Used MacBook Air Trade-in Value

Overall, almost all preowned Apple products hold good resale value, thanks to quality design, latest tech, and sophisticated software. However, your used MacBook Air resale value also depends on factors like release year, configuration, overall working, and cosmetic condition.

To give you an idea, here are a few dollar estimate examples:

• Used Apple MacBook Air 13-inch from 2019 with Core i5 1.6GHz processor and 256GB of storage can go for up to $412*.
• A bit older one, MacBook Air 13 2015 i7 2.2GHz 256GB SSD in flawless condition can be resold for $207 with us*.
• Apple M1 chip-based MacBook Air 13 with 256GB SSD goes for up to $494*.

Bottom Line

Before you can sell your preowned MacBook Air for cash, it is crucial to sign out of all linked accounts (iCloud, iTunes, iMessage, etc.) and delete all stored files, otherwise, you won’t be able to get paid for it. Please note that locked Apple devices have no resale value. If you are looking to upgrade your Mac to a newer model, consider trading it in with Apple instead. But whether you resell for cash or trade it in, be sure to follow the preparation steps described in this post in order to maximize your MacBooks value.