When we make an offer on an iPhone, three questions matter more than almost anything else: is it carrier-unlocked, is it paid off, and is it signed out of iCloud. You can check all three yourself in a couple of minutes.
Is it carrier-unlocked?
Go to Settings → General → About and scroll to Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM restrictions," the phone is unlocked and can be used on any carrier. If it says "SIM locked," it is tied to the carrier that sold it. Unlocked phones are worth more because they can be resold to anyone.
Is it paid off?
If you bought the phone on an installment plan, the carrier owns a claim on it until the last payment. Check your carrier app or bill for a line like "device installment" or "equipment balance." A phone with a balance still owed can be blacklisted later, which is why we buy those for parts only. If you are a few payments away, paying it off first will usually get you a much better offer.
Is it signed out of iCloud?
Open Settings and look at the top. If your name is there, the phone is signed into iCloud and Find My is almost certainly on. Before selling, go to Settings → your name → Sign Out, enter your Apple ID password, and then erase the phone from Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone. A phone that still has an Activation Lock or a passcode nobody can remove is also bought for parts only.
What this means for your offer
| Unlocked, paid off, signed out | Full offer for the model and condition |
|---|---|
| Carrier-locked, paid off, signed out | Slightly lower offer |
| Balance owed | Parts-only offer |
| iCloud lock or unknown passcode | Parts-only offer |
Not sure what you are looking at? Text a photo of the About screen to (214) 308-1272 and we will tell you.
Selling in Dallas–Fort Worth? Cash N Phones buys iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, one or in bulk, and pays cash at a public meetup. Call or text (214) 308-1272.