ALL your questions answered: How to sell an iPhone you purchased

[WolfSnap]

Ok, I keep seeing this over and over in the threads, and I keep seeing WRONG info being spread around. So, allow me to present my:

100% accurate, 100% complete, no nonsense guide to selling an iPhone you bought to sell.

This isn't a debate about whether you SHOULD be selling the phones, this is just information that will INEVITABLY help the buyer of your phone.

1. If you bought your phone from Apple.com and had it SHIPPED to you, AND you paid full price:
   1. If the phone is T-Mobile, there's nothing special to do. Print a copy of the original invoice for the buyer so they can prove ownership, and sell the phone.
   2. If the phone is Verizon, Sprint or AT&T: **STOP** You can NOT sell it without first opening the box and turning on the phone, and completing the initial verification. Apple official support document https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203304 explaining the reasons...
      1. Also, once you complete the verification, the *now active SIM on your account* is the one in the new phone. Don't bother removing it first, it won't matter. The phone was sold as a replacement device on your account, and the carrier WILL swap the active SIM to the sim in the phone when it shipped. So, remove that SIM *AFTER* you've gone through the initial activation screen. Don't log into your iCloud account, etc, just skip all setup questions, then, go to Settings, General, Reset, Erase all Content and Settings. Once you've done that, turn the phone off, remove the SIM, package the phone back up, and sell it. Include a copy of the original invoice with the phone.
2. If you bought your phone AT an Apple retail store, AND you paid full price:
   1. Sell the phone. Include a copy of the invoice with the phone.
3. If you bought the phone from a Carrier store that ISN'T Verizon:
   1. You must first unlock the phone with your carrier.
   2. Then, sell the phone with a copy of the invoice.
4. If you bought the phone FROM VERIZON:
   1. The phone is already unlocked. Sell it with a copy of the invoice.
5. Bought the phone ANYWHERE ELSE?
   1. The phone follows the activation profile of how it was originally turned on. Ensure you FIRST install a Verizon SIM into the device, then power it on and activate it. Reset the phone after, and remove the Verizon SIM.
   2. If you boot the phone with an AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or any other SIM, the phone WILL BE locked to that carrier. Unlock it first, then sell.
   3. Include a copy of the invoice with the phone.

I hope this helps.. This is from YEARS of experience, and carefully studying what happens when you buy iPhones in a variety of ways. This IS accurate, and failure to follow the directions WILL result in VERY upset buyers.

 

[riverfreak]

I have a question about 1.2.1.

You say that he now active SIM will be the one in he new iPhone. If you are intending to sell the device does this mean that:

1) You should retain that new sim and place it in whichever phone you are using

2) that Verizon now thinks your device is an iPhone X instead of whatever phone you are actually using

3) that your account is charged the $30 upgrade fee?

 

[WolfSnap]

I have a question about 1.2.1.

You say that he now active SIM will be the one in he new iPhone. If you are intending to sell the device does this mean that:

1) You should retain that new sim and place it in whichever phone you are using

2) that Verizon now thinks your device is an iPhone X instead of whatever phone you are actually using

3) that your account is charged the $30 upgrade fee?

1. You need to use the SIM that was in the new phone. So, you'll be swapping SIMs on your own device too.
2. Yes, but, Verizon doesn't really care about the IMEI. If you really care, call them and give them your phone's IMEI again and have them update their records.
3. You'll be charged $30 no matter what. Call them to have them remove the fee, if they'll do it.

 

[unitedbit]

So what happens to a buyer who sells an AT&T phone NIB and what happens to the seller who buys the NIB phone? (assuming the seller did nothing but sell the phone as soon as he got it)

 

[riverfreak]

1. You need to use the SIM that was in the new phone. So, you'll be swapping SIMs on your own device too.
2. Yes, but, Verizon doesn't really care about the IMEI. If you really care, call them and give them your phone's IMEI again and have them update their records.
3. You'll be charged $30 no matter what. Call them to have them remove the fee, if they'll do it.

Excellent. Very clear now.

 

[WolfSnap]

So what happens to a buyer who sells an AT&T phone NIB and what happens to the seller who buys the NIB phone? (assuming the buyer did nothing but sell the phone as soon as he got it)

The buyer will get a phone that REQUIRES the seller's last four of their SSN and the zip code. Also, let's assume that you send the phone unopened, and with the SIM inside the phone (and, of course, you didn't do the verification screens), here's what will happen.

Your buyer will contact you and tell you they need that info. You, having no choice, will have to give a stranger the last four of your social and zip code. AT&T will then helpfully transfer your PHONE SERVICE to the new iPhone X that the stranger has in their possession.

Let's say they swap SIMs first, you'll STILL need to give SSN/zip, and then AT&T will just transfer service to the SIM that's been removed from the phone.

In either case, a stranger now has your SSN and zip AND a SIM with your phone # and account details on it. You now need to get a new SIM, and hope they aren't going to do anything bad in the meantime...

 

[Subhumanguy]

The buyer will get a phone that REQUIRES the seller's last four of their SSN and the zip code. Also, let's assume that you send the phone unopened, and with the SIM inside the phone (and, of course, you didn't do the verification screens), here's what will happen.

Your buyer will contact you and tell you they need that info. You, having no choice, will have to give a stranger the last four of your social and zip code. AT&T will then helpfully transfer your PHONE SERVICE to the new iPhone X that the stranger has in their possession.

Let's say they swap SIMs first, you'll STILL need to give SSN/zip, and then AT&T will just transfer service to the SIM that's been removed from the phone.

In either case, a stranger now has your SSN and zip AND a SIM with your phone # and account details on it. You now need to get a new SIM, and hope they aren't going to do anything bad in the meantime...

Thanks for all of your answers!

So just to clarify, in the situation you described where you paid full price from Apple.com for Verizon service: Even if you open the phone and immediately (before even turning it on) take out the factory SIM that is attached to the Verizon number you purchased against, and place in a new SIM of a different phone number, the iPhone will still prompt for SSN and zip? There's no way to call Verizon (and be successful at least) and say, "Hey, I received this phone, here's the IMEI go ahead and unlock it?"

 

[WolfSnap]

Thanks for all of your answers!

So just to clarify, in the situation you described where you paid full price from Apple.com for Verizon service: Even if you open the phone and immediately (before even turning it on) take out the factory SIM that is attached to the Verizon number you purchased against, and place in a new SIM of a different phone number, the iPhone will still prompt for SSN and zip? There's no way to call Verizon (and be successful at least) and say, "Hey, I received this phone, here's the IMEI go ahead and unlock it?"

Nope. That's what the verification screen is for.. To tell Verizon you got the phone.

 

[geoff5093]

I can just imagine how many people are going to sell it when they receive it not realizing this, so thanks for posting.

 

[jetlagged]

Isn’t there a sim-free phone iPhone x?

 

[WolfSnap]

Isn’t there a sim-free phone iPhone x?

Not in the USA there isn’t. At least, not yet.

 

[unitedbit]

I can just imagine how many people are going to sell it when they receive it not realizing this, so thanks for posting.

Yeah this is going to be a nightmare for people. just wait.

Thanks wolfsnap

 

[hpnas]

This happened to me last year when I sold my iPhone 7+. I had to give the buyer the last 4 of my SSN and zip code. Once I did that the new phone activated but my current 6 got deactivated. I had to go to the AT&T store to get a new SIM for my 6 and then I was back in business.

I thought that maybe swapping the sim before turning it on would result in a different outcome. If you swap the SIM card before turning it on how could the verification screen expect the buyers SSN and zip code?

 

[WolfSnap]

This happened to me last year when I sold my iPhone 7+. I had to give the buyer the last 4 of my SSN and zip code. Once I did that the new phone activated but my current 6 got deactivated. I had to go to the AT&T store to get a new SIM for my 6 and then I was back in business.

I thought that maybe swapping the sim before turning it on would result in a different outcome. If you swap the SIM card before turning it on how could the verification screen expect the buyers SSN and zip code?

Nope. There isn’t a workaround, short of the original buyer doing the verification screens.

 

[hpnas]

Nope. There isn’t a workaround, short of the original buyer doing the verification screens.

Bummer, yea a lot of people are not realizing this. I have one to sell but it's T-Mobile so should be ok

 

[Lobwedgephil]

• If you bought the phone from a Carrier store that ISN'T Verizon:
  1. You must first unlock the phone with your carrier.
  2. Then, sell the phone with a copy of the invoice.

Why do you have to unlock the phone? You can sell an At&t phone, as an At&t phone.

 

[tstarks33]

The buyer will get a phone that REQUIRES the seller's last four of their SSN and the zip code. Also, let's assume that you send the phone unopened, and with the SIM inside the phone (and, of course, you didn't do the verification screens), here's what will happen.

Your buyer will contact you and tell you they need that info. You, having no choice, will have to give a stranger the last four of your social and zip code. AT&T will then helpfully transfer your PHONE SERVICE to the new iPhone X that the stranger has in their possession.

Let's say they swap SIMs first, you'll STILL need to give SSN/zip, and then AT&T will just transfer service to the SIM that's been removed from the phone.

In either case, a stranger now has your SSN and zip AND a SIM with your phone # and account details on it. You now need to get a new SIM, and hope they aren't going to do anything bad in the meantime...

Thanks for this. Just so it's clear, what steps should the seller take before selling it to the buyer? This is for the example where a phone is bought outright from AT&T. In your OP, you say "unlock" the phone. I don't think unlocking the phone to sell it to someone on AT&T is necessary (but please correct me if I'm wrong). Do I just have to open the box, activate the phone by putting in my social and #, and then removing the sim? Do I get charged an upgrade fee for this?

 

[WolfSnap]

Why do you have to unlock the phone? You can sell an At&t phone, as an At&t phone.

You’re actually 100% right. You can totally sell it as a locked phone. But, the point is that buying full price at a carrier store will get you a locked phone.
[doublepost=1509569796][/doublepost]

Thanks for this. Just so it's clear, what steps should the seller take before selling it to the buyer? This is for the example where a phone is bought outright from AT&T. In your OP, you say "unlock" the phone. I don't think unlocking the phone to sell it to someone on AT&T is necessary (but please correct me if I'm wrong). Do I just have to open the box, activate the phone by putting in my social and #, and then removing the sim? Do I get charged an upgrade fee for this?

If you’re paying full price from AT&T, it’s a phone call to AT&T to get it unlocked. Nothing you need to do—just call (or use their website) and request the unlock. They’ll whitelist it in apples database, and it’ll be unlocked for the new owner.

Takes like 5 mins of work. Do it.

Sprint, afaik, will not unlock. T-Mobile requires the phone to be on Tmob for a few months before they’ll unlock it (if bought from Tmob directly).

 

[hpnas]

You’re actually 100% right. You can totally sell it as a locked phone. But, the point is that buying full price at a carrier store will get you a locked phone.
[doublepost=1509569796][/doublepost]
If you’re paying full price from AT&T, it’s a phone call to AT&T to get it unlocked. Nothing you need to do—just call (or use their website) and request the unlock. They’ll whitelist it in apples database, and it’ll be unlocked for the new owner.

Takes like 5 mins of work. Do it.

Sprint, afaik, will not unlock. T-Mobile requires the phone to be on Tmob for a few months before they’ll unlock it (if bought from Tmob directly).

The ATT unlock site syas it can take 2 days for your unlock request to be approved. That won't work for people looking to sell on release day

 

[WolfSnap]

The ATT unlock site syas it can take 2 days for your unlock request to be approved. That won't work for people looking to sell on release day

If you're selling in person, that's correct.

If you're shipping, just do it as soon as you get the phone.. But, honestly, buying from a carrier store for resale is a terrible idea IMHO, for exactly this reason..

 

[tstarks33]

If you’re paying full price from AT&T, it’s a phone call to AT&T to get it unlocked. Nothing you need to do—just call (or use their website) and request the unlock. They’ll whitelist it in apples database, and it’ll be unlocked for the new owner.

Takes like 5 mins of work. Do it.

Sprint, afaik, will not unlock. T-Mobile requires the phone to be on Tmob for a few months before they’ll unlock it (if bought from Tmob directly).

Right,but separately from the locked/unlocked part, what do I have to do in order to sell the phone so that the buyer isn't required to enter my SSN/address info? I want to give him a phone and then we both go our separate ways. Do I just need to activate it first myself and then remove the sim?

 

[lsbuffs]

On number 4, if you bought the phone from Verizon, you either bought it to replace a phone on an existing line or bought it as a new line.

I don’t understand why in this case you just give the buyer the unopened phone with the invoice. If the buyer turns it on, won’t it either replace the phone line you bought it on or activate the additional line you used to make the purchase?

I bought an extra X on Verizon by adding an additional line. My plan was to contact Verizon to let them know to remove it from my account.

 

[WolfSnap]

Right,but separately from the locked/unlocked part, what do I have to do in order to sell the phone so that the buyer isn't required to enter my SSN/address info? I want to give him a phone and then we both go our separate ways. Do I just need to activate it first myself and then remove the sim?

Yes, turn it on, activate it, remove the sim, and do a full reset.
[doublepost=1509570813][/doublepost]

On number 4, if you bought the phone from Verizon, you either bought it to replace a phone on an existing line or bought it as a new line.

I don’t understand why in this case you just give the buyer the unopened phone with the invoice. If the buyer turns it on, won’t it either replace the phone line you bought it on or activate the additional line you used to make the purchase?

I bought an extra X on Verizon by adding an additional line. My plan was to contact Verizon to let them know to remove it from my account.

You'll still need to get past the verification screen. The phone has a phone # associated with it, and it's associated with your account. You'll need to do the last four/zip thing, then remove SIM and do a full reset. Then, repackage it and sell it.

 

[tstarks33]

Great, thanks!

 

[lsbuffs]

Yes, turn it on, activate it, remove the sim, and do a full reset.
[doublepost=1509570813][/doublepost]
You'll still need to get past the verification screen. The phone has a phone # associated with it, and it's associated with your account. You'll need to do the last four/zip thing, then remove SIM and do a full reset. Then, repackage it and sell it.

Ok but you said if I bought from Verizon I just sell it with a copy of the invoice since it’s already unlocked. But now I have to open it an do the verification, remove SIM and reset?