How Much Can I Get For Trading In iPhone 11 UK?

This guide will give you a realistic idea of your iPhone 11's trade-in value and show you how to get the best possible price. We will cover the key factors that affect its value, the steps to prepare your mobile for sale, and whether trading in or selling privately is the right choice for you.

For an unlocked 64GB iPhone 11 in good condition, you can generally expect a trade-in offer between £100 and £150. The final amount will depend on its physical condition, storage size, and whether it is locked to a network.

Your iPhone 11 Trade-In Value in the UK

Understanding the factors that determine your mobile's value is the key to knowing what to expect when you trade it in. We'll break down everything from cosmetic scuffs to its storage capacity so you can get a clear picture of its worth.

We'll also compare the convenience of a trade-in service against the extra cash you might make by selling privately. Finally, we’ll walk you through the practical steps to get your iPhone 11 ready for its new home, helping you secure a great offer while keeping your personal data safe.

How Well Does the iPhone 11 Hold Its Value?

First released in September 2019, the iPhone 11 has held its value remarkably well over the years. This impressive resilience makes it one of the better older models to trade in, as there is still strong demand for this reliable device.

Even several years after its launch, it still keeps a decent portion of its original worth, which translates directly into a better cash offer for you. For more insights into its long-term value, you can also have a look at our guide on the iPhone 11's value in 2025.

What Determines Your iPhone 11 Trade-In Price

The exact amount you'll get for your iPhone 11 isn't a random number. A fair offer is calculated based on several key details, which is why two seemingly identical phones can have different valuations.

The final figure comes down to four main things: the mobile's physical condition, its storage size, whether it’s locked to a network, and even the time of year. A well-cared-for phone will always fetch a higher price than one showing its age.

Physical Condition

This is the biggest factor influencing your trade-in value. A phone with a flawless screen and body will secure the top price because it needs very little work before it can be resold.

During an inspection, assessors look for a few key things:

• Screen: Any cracks, deep scratches, or dead pixels will lower the offer.
• Body: Scuffs, dents, or chips on the casing and around the camera lenses are also checked.
• Functionality: All buttons, cameras, and ports must work correctly.

Even minor cosmetic wear is noted. Devices are sorted into different grades, from 'Like New' to 'Good'. If you're unsure how your mobile might be classified, have a read of our detailed guide to refurbished phone grades to get a clearer picture.

Storage Capacity and Network Status

More storage means more value. An iPhone 11 with 256GB of storage will always get a better price than the base 64GB model because it’s more desirable for the next owner.

Similarly, an unlocked iPhone fetches a higher price. A phone locked to a specific network like O2 or EE is less flexible and, therefore, less valuable. If your contract has finished, it’s worth contacting your network to get it unlocked before sending it in. This small step can often give your offer a nice boost.

Timing is Everything

The value of older iPhones tends to be highest just before Apple announces new models, which usually happens in September. Trading in during the summer months can often get you a better price than waiting until autumn, when the market gets flooded with devices from people upgrading.

Comparing Trade-In Services and Private Sales

When you decide to part with your iPhone 11, you have two main options: use a trade-in service for convenience or sell it privately for potentially more cash. Your answer to the question of how much can I get for trading in an iPhone 11 in the UK often depends on which path you choose.

The Simplicity of Trading In

The biggest advantage of a trade-in service is how straightforward it is. You get an online quote in minutes, post your phone for free, and receive a guaranteed payment once it’s been checked. This removes the hassle of selling to the public.

This option is ideal if you want to avoid:

• Creating Listings: No need to take photos or write descriptions for online marketplaces.
• Dealing with Buyers: You can skip the questions, haggling, and potential time-wasters.
• Managing Postage: The company provides postage, so you don’t have to arrange delivery.

For example, a customer named Sarah wanted to upgrade her iPhone 11 but didn't have time to manage a private sale. She used a trade-in service, got a quote of £120 for her good-condition 64GB model, posted it the next day, and had the money in her account within 48 hours of it being received. The ease and speed were perfect for her.

The Potential of a Private Sale

Selling your iPhone 11 privately on a platform like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can often fetch a higher price. By cutting out the middleman, you can set your own price and potentially make more money.

However, this extra cash comes at the cost of your time and effort. You’ll need to manage the entire sales process, from creating a listing to packaging the mobile and posting it. You also face the risk of dealing with difficult buyers or potential scams.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Trade-In vs Private Sale for Your iPhone 11

Feature	Trading In	Selling Privately
Speed	Very Fast. Quote in minutes, payment within days.	Slow. Can take days or weeks to find a buyer.
Convenience	High. Free postage and minimal effort required.	Low. You handle listings, photos, and shipping.
Price	Good. A fair, guaranteed price with no fees.	Potentially Higher. You set the price but may face fees.
Security	Very Secure. Payment is guaranteed from a trusted company.	Risky. Potential for scams or difficult buyers.
Effort	Minimal. Just package it and post it.	High. Requires active management and communication.

If you’re comfortable with the sales process and have the time, a private sale could be more profitable. But for a quick and hassle-free way to get cash for your old phone, trading in is hard to beat. For a deeper look, our guide on where to sell an iPhone provides more detail.

How to Get the Best Possible Trade-In Offer

Spending just ten minutes preparing your iPhone 11 can make a real difference to your final quote. A few simple steps will help present your mobile in the best possible light and lock in a better price.

Give It a Proper Clean

First impressions count. A phone that arrives covered in fingerprints and dust suggests it hasn't been well cared for, which may prompt a closer inspection for faults.

Take a few moments to give it a gentle clean:

• Screen and Body: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the entire phone. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can cause damage.
• Ports and Speakers: Carefully clear out any dust from the charging port and speaker grilles using a soft-bristled brush or a wooden toothpick.

A clean phone is more likely to get a favourable grade. It’s an easy way to maximise how much you can get for trading in an iPhone 11 in the UK.

Gather the Original Accessories

If you still have the original box or charging cable, including them can sometimes add a little extra to your valuation. It shows the device has been well kept.

Don't worry if you can't find them, as it won't drastically reduce your offer. However, sending the phone in its original packaging is a nice touch that contributes to a positive assessment.

Be Honest About its Condition

When filling out the online form for your quote, describe your mobile's condition as accurately as possible. If you select 'Like New' for a phone with a few scuffs, the price will only be adjusted downwards after inspection.

Being upfront about any scratches or functional issues ensures the initial quote is realistic. This avoids disappointment later and makes the process smoother for everyone. For more tips, check out our guide on how to sell your iPhone.

Preparing Your iPhone 11 for a Safe Trade-In

Before you trade in your iPhone 11, it’s vital to prepare it correctly. This protects your personal data and ensures the process is smooth and free from delays. Following these steps will help you back up your data, sign out of your accounts, and securely wipe the device.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Warning: The final step involves permanently erasing all data from your iPhone 11. Please ensure you have a complete and recent backup before you proceed.

This is the most important step. Before doing anything else, back up your iPhone to make sure you don't lose photos, messages, or other important information.

You have two main options for creating a backup:

• iCloud: Connect to Wi-Fi, then go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now and wait for it to complete.
• Computer: Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC. Use Finder (on newer Macs) or iTunes (on older Macs and PCs) to start the backup.

Step 2: Sign Out and Turn Off Find My

Your iPhone must be disconnected from your Apple ID before a trade-in company can accept it. This involves signing out of iCloud and, crucially, turning off the 'Find My' feature.

Follow this path to do it:

1. Go to Settings > [your name].
2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
3. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted to turn off Find My, then tap Turn Off.
4. Tap Sign Out again to confirm.

Once you’ve signed out, your iPhone is no longer linked to your account.

Step 3: Erase All Content and Settings

The final step is to perform a factory reset, which securely wipes everything from your mobile. To do this, navigate to:

• Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
• Tap Erase All Content and Settings
• Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.

This process can take a few minutes. Once it’s finished, the iPhone will restart to the "Hello" screen, and it is now ready to be sent for your trade-in. If you need more help with this, our guide on how to reset your iPhone can provide further assistance.

What Happens to Your iPhone After Trade-In?

Your old mobile begins a new journey after you post it, playing a key part in the circular economy for electronics.

When your iPhone 11 arrives, a technician checks its functions, from battery health to screen condition. This confirms the grade and finalises your trade-in offer.

Data Security and Refurbishment

Next is a secure data wipe using professional, government-approved software to erase all personal information, guaranteeing your privacy. This is more robust than a factory reset and leaves no trace of your data.

Once wiped, the refurbishment begins. If the phone is in good working order, it's cleaned and prepared for resale. If parts are faulty, like a tired battery, they are repaired or replaced with high-quality components. The goal is to return the mobile to full working order for a new owner.

Responsible Recycling for a Better Planet

If a device is beyond economic repair, it is sent for responsible recycling. The phone is dismantled, and valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper are recovered for use in new products.

Any components that can't be reused are disposed of safely and ethically, preventing harmful substances from damaging the environment. This ensures your old iPhone 11 contributes positively, either through reuse or recycling.

Your iPhone 11 Trade-In Questions Answered

Here are some answers to common questions about trading in an iPhone 11.

Can I Still Trade In a Broken or Damaged iPhone 11?

Yes, in most cases you can trade in a damaged iPhone 11, but the value will reflect its condition. A cracked screen, faulty buttons, or poor battery life will lower the offer. Even a phone that won't turn on has value for its parts, so it’s always worth getting a quote. Be honest about the damage to get an accurate price upfront.

Does a UK Network Lock Affect the Trade-In Price?

Yes, it does. An unlocked iPhone 11 is worth more because it can be used with any network. If your phone is locked to a provider like EE or Vodafone, contact them to unlock it before sending it in, especially if your contract is finished. Most networks will do this for free, which can boost your final offer.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Trade In My iPhone?

The best time to trade in your mobile is usually just before Apple’s annual event in September. In the weeks leading up to new iPhone announcements, trade-in values for older models are often at their highest. Once new models are released, the market is flooded with older phones, which typically causes prices to drop.

What if I Forgot to Remove My Apple ID?

If we receive a mobile that is still locked to an Apple ID with 'Find My' turned on, we cannot process it. This security feature prevents anyone else from using the device. If this happens, we will contact you with instructions on how to remove the device from your account remotely via iCloud.com. This will delay your payment, so it’s best to sign out and erase your iPhone before you send it.

Written by James Waterston — 24 years in the mobile phone industry from customer service to Sales Director of a global repair & recycling company; now running Used Mobiles 4 U for 8+ years. LinkedIn