What to do with an old iPhone: Sell, reuse, or recycle?
Do you have an old iPhone that you no longer use? Instead of keeping it in a drawer, give it a new purpose: how to sell, reuse, or recycle it responsibly.
In this article, you will discover different paths to take and understand which makes the most sense for you.
Why you shouldn't leave your old iPhone unused
After buying a new iPhone, it's common to keep the old one "as a backup". But if the device still works, it still has value.
The problem is that, over time, this value decreases. And leaving a phone unused is wasting the opportunity to recover some money or give it a new use.
Before deciding what to do with your old iPhone, start by checking its condition.
How to assess the condition of your iPhone
If you're thinking of selling an old iPhone or want to understand how much it might be worth, check these points:
- Screen: Does it have scratches, cracks, or stains?
- Battery: Is the battery life below 80% capacity?
- Casing: Are there dents or damage to the structure?
- Functionality: Does it turn on, respond, make calls, and run apps without glitches?
- Unlock status: Is it unlocked or tied to a carrier?
If it's functional and unlocked, it has good chances of being valued in the used market.
5 Ways to give your device a new life
1. Sell used iPhone
If you want to recover part of the money invested, selling a used iPhone can be the best option.
Models a few years old, such as the iPhone SE (2020), 11, or 12, continue to be in demand in the refurbished market, because they offer a good price-performance ratio.
By selling your device, you can:
- Recover part of the initial investment;
- Reduce the amount you'll pay for a new model;
- Prevent the device from sitting idle in a drawer;
- Reduce electronic waste.
At iSell & Repair, you can sell your used iPhone simply, securely, and without leaving your home:
- You do a free online evaluation.
- You receive a proposal based on the model and condition of the device.
- You send the device free of charge.
- You receive payment in your account after validation.
If you want to know how much your old iPhone is worth, this is a practical and secure solution.
2. Use as a second phone
If you prefer to keep the device, you can use it for various situations:
- Work phone;
- Travel phone;
- Emergency device;
- Device for testing apps.
Even older models can be used to make calls, send messages, browse the internet, or use basic applications.
3. Turn into a media device
Another idea for reusing an old iPhone is to give it a new function at home:
- Music player connected to Bluetooth speakers;
- Remote control for Smart TV;
- Dedicated screen for recipes in the kitchen;
- Exclusive device for streaming;
- Alarm clock or digital desk calendar.
This way, you make the most of its capabilities and keep the device active for longer.
4. Give it to a family member
If you have children, parents, or grandparents who don't need a top-of-the-range model, your old iPhone might be sufficient for calls, messages, and basic applications.
Before handing it over, remember to:
- Make a backup;
- Remove your Apple ID;
- Sign out of iCloud;
- Restore factory settings.
If you're giving the iPhone to a minor, also consider:
- Activating parental controls and content restrictions;
- Setting screen time limits;
- Configuring only essential apps.
This way, the old iPhone gets a second life in the hands of someone close to you.
5. Recycle an iPhone: When selling is no longer worthwhile
If your old iPhone no longer turns on, is severely damaged, or the battery is in poor condition, recycling is the most responsible alternative.
Smartphones contain materials such as lithium, cobalt, lead, and other components that must be handled appropriately.
By recycling correctly:
- You prevent environmental contamination.
- You reduce the risk associated with damaged batteries.
- You allow raw materials to be reused for the production of new equipment.
Never put a phone in general waste. Hand in the device at authorized collection points.
Sell or keep: Which is the best decision?
It depends on the condition of the device. But if the device still works, selling is usually the most advantageous option.
At iSell & Repair, we have helped thousands of customers sell their old iPhone quickly and securely. We assess each device based on its actual condition, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
If you have an old iPhone lying around at home, it might be losing value every day. Find out now how much your iPhone is worth and decide the next step.