While the Apple iPhone X is considered an older model by today’s standards, it still holds some resale value on the second-hand market. But you must take certain preparation steps before you can resell your preowned phone. 

This post will walk readers through the process of getting your iPhone X ready for the next owner and suggest a few options for a quick sale.

Why Should You Reset Your iPhone?

When selling, trading in, or donating any smartphone, not just an iPhone, the original owner must remove their information from the device and reset it to factory defaults. This procedure will remove stored data like contacts, photos, apps, and everything else you might have installed or saved throughout using your smartphone.  

Factory reset is also a great troubleshooting tool for when you experience performance issues with your Apple iPhone X. It may help you fix problems like slow performance, viruses, malware, touchscreen freeze, etc.

How to Reset an Apple iPhone X?

Start with backing up your phone. And because your iPhone is likely connected to your iCloud account, you have periodic backups set up already. But do make the most recent backup of your data, follow the steps below:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on Settings app > [your name], and iCloud.
3. Select iCloud Backup.
4. Opt to Back Up Now. Ensure your iPhone X is online throughout the process. Once you are done, you will see the date and time of your latest backup under the Under Back Up Now.

Now, because you intend to resell your used iPhone X, it is crucial to remove it from your iCloud account before you do anything else. So, please turn off your Find My iPhone app, remove passcodes, Touch and Face ID, and sign out from your Apple ID. Also, don’t forget to remove any linked email accounts as well. Only then can you proceed with resetting your iPhone X 

Here is how to perform a reset:

1.  Open your Settings.
2. Go to General and scroll all the way down to Reset.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings option.
4. You might be prompted to type in your passcode one last time, even if already removed.
5. If asked, enter your Apple ID password to confirm the action.

How to factory reset your iPhone X with iTunes

You can also reset your iPhone X using iTunes on your computer:

1. Open iTunes and click on the iPhone icon in the top-left.
2. Click on Restore iPhone button and confirm the action.
3. Your iPhone X will restart once reset. You have now restored it to its original out-of-box state.  

Remember: A factory reset will not remove your passcodes and Apple ID. You must remove your iPhone X from the iCloud account before resetting it; otherwise, the new owner will be prompted to enter your Apple ID during setup. Locked iPhones cannot be resold and have no cash value.

Where to Sell a Used iPhone X 

Now that your iPhone X is correctly reset, it is time to find the right marketplace to resell it. And trust us, there is no shortage of platforms for reselling preowned technology so the search can be tedious. 

eBay

One of the oldest and most popular platforms many resellers turn to is eBay. But, there are also numerous buyback sites and trade-in programs. 

eBay used to be the only site for reselling used tech like phones, desktops, laptops, or just about anything. The marketplace became a middleman between buyers and sellers, providing virtual space for connecting demand and proposition. However, things quickly went downhill for sellers. eBay shifts most of the financial responsibility on their sellers, leaving them vulnerable to scams, high selling, and shipping fees. And starting in 2020, registering an eBay account becomes even more complicated, requiring sellers to provide their SSNs and bank information. But let’s face it, most one-time sellers are not comfortable sharing it, and rightfully so. 

Another downside of selling your iPhone X on eBay is that you’d have to create a listing, take good, almost professional photos, monitor and revise your asking price, address numerous inquires and low-ball offers, etc. And once your cellphone sells, you would need to give eBay a portion of your proceeds. 

Online Buyback

However, there is a better alternative. An online buyback platform, like ours, removes all that hassle and a needless wait. When you sell your iPhone X to Gadget Salvation, you save precious time and get paid faster via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle. And we won’t ask you for confidential information, like a bank account number. 

Trade-In

Lastly, you can opt to receive a trade-in credit to upgrade to a newer model. Since new iPhones come out every year, many of us are tempted to keep up with that trend and upgrade regularly. If that’s the case, Apple Trade-In is your best best. It works similarly to any buyback service, but you will receive a store credit to put towards your upgrade instead of cash. However, there is a caveat. Your used iPhone X must be in perfect working and cosmetic condition to qualify for a store credit. Unfortunately, unlike online buyback sites, trade-in programs do not accept non-functional devices for monetary compensation. But they will recycle your defective iPhone for you free of charge. 

Bottom Line

When selling a preowned Apple iPhone X or any other smartphone model, it is essential to reset it correctly so that the new owner can add it to their account. For instance, you must pay off your iPhone in full before you can resell it. And whether you choose to sell it on eBay, trade it in, or use Gadget Salvation, we hope this guide will help you navigate the preparation process.