How to Sell an iPhone 11 and Get the Best Price
Thinking about selling your iPhone 11? This guide will walk you through how to get the best price for your old mobile, securely and with minimal fuss. We’ll cover preparing your phone, protecting your data, and figuring out what it’s worth in today's market.
Even a few years after its release, the iPhone 11 holds its value well and is still popular on the used mobile market. The key to a good sale is preparation. Getting your mobile ready not only keeps your personal information safe but can also increase the price you get. First, you'll need to back up your data, wipe the device properly, assess its condition, and then choose where to sell it.
If you just want a quick and secure way to trade in your device, you can get an instant quote on our sell your phone page.
Getting Your iPhone 11 Ready for a New Owner
Before you list your iPhone 11 for sale, there are a few essential steps to take. This isn’t just about getting the phone ready for its new home; it’s about protecting your personal data and ensuring a smooth, secure handover. Think of it like moving out of a house—you wouldn't leave all your personal belongings behind for the next person.
First on the list is backing up your data. We’ve seen it happen too many times: people lose years of photos and messages because they rush this step. Getting to grips with some basic data leak prevention strategies before you sell is key to safeguarding your information.
Warning: Always create and verify a full backup of your device before you erase anything. Once the phone is wiped, that data is gone for good. There’s no getting it back.
Step 1: Back Up and Wipe Your Data
Apple gives you a couple of straightforward ways to back up your mobile.
- Back up with iCloud: This is usually the easiest route. Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network, then go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. Make sure the backup has finished before moving on.
- Back up with a computer: If you prefer a wired connection, you can plug your iPhone into a Mac or a Windows PC. On a Mac, you’ll use Finder. On a PC, you’ll need the Apple Devices app or iTunes. The software will walk you through creating a full backup on your computer.
Once you’re certain your backup is complete, it’s time to remove the Activation Lock. This security feature stops anyone else from using your iPhone if it’s lost or stolen, but it must be switched off before you sell.
To turn it off, simply sign out of your Apple ID. Go to Settings > [your name], scroll to the bottom, and tap Sign Out. You might be asked if you want to keep a copy of data on the phone—choose not to, as you're about to wipe everything.
Now you can securely wipe the iPhone. This returns it to its original factory state.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. Your iPhone will restart to the "Hello" screen, confirming it's ready for a new user.
For a more detailed walkthrough, our guide on how to prepare an iPhone for sale covers every step.
Step 2: Make Your Phone Look Its Best
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a quick clean. A little effort can make a big difference. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the screen and back. Avoid harsh cleaning products that could scratch the finish.
When you take photos for a listing, find a spot with good, natural light. Capture the phone from every angle—front, back, and all sides. If there are any minor scratches or scuffs, be honest and take a clear picture of them. It builds trust and usually leads to a smoother sale.
How to Determine Your iPhone 11's Value
Getting the price right is crucial when you decide to sell an iPhone 11. Price it too high, and it won’t sell. Price it too low, and you're leaving money on the table. A realistic valuation is key.
The three things that really affect its value are its cosmetic state, battery health, and storage size.
Assessing Your iPhone's Condition
Here at Used Mobiles 4 U, we use simple grades when we buy phones, which you can use to get a solid idea of your iPhone 11's worth.
- Like New: The phone looks immaculate, as if it's just been unboxed. There are no scuffs, marks, or scratches on the screen or body.
- Good: This is what we see most often. The phone might have a few light scratches or tiny scuffs, but nothing deep or distracting. Crucially, there are no cracks or major dents.
- Fair: The phone works perfectly but definitely looks used. You might see noticeable scratches on the display, a few dings on the corners, or scuffing on the back panel.
A customer recently wanted to sell an iPhone 11 they’d described as 'Like New'. When we received it, we found a deep scratch across the screen. This immediately put it in the 'Fair' category, and we had to adjust our offer. Being upfront from the start saves everyone a lot of hassle.
Checking Battery Health and Storage
Battery health is a massive selling point. A buyer wants to know they won't be glued to a charger all day. Checking this is easy.
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. You're looking for the Maximum Capacity percentage.
A capacity of 85% or higher is great for a used iPhone 11. If it drops below 80%, Apple considers the battery degraded, which will lower its resale value. Don't forget storage—a 128GB or 256GB model will always fetch a better price than the base 64GB version.
Researching the Going Rate
Now that you know your phone's details, it’s time to see what it's worth. The fastest method is to use an online trade-in calculator for an instant quote. You can also get a feel for the market by checking recently sold listings on sites like eBay to see what people are actually paying.
This table gives you a ballpark idea of what an unlocked iPhone 11 could fetch in the UK. Prices fluctuate based on demand and condition.
| Estimated iPhone 11 Resale Value in the UK |
|---|
| This table shows estimated price ranges for a used iPhone 11 based on its cosmetic condition and storage. Prices are for unlocked devices and can vary. |
| Condition |
| Like New |
| Good |
| Fair |
If you’re curious about what your device could be worth, you can learn more about what you can get for trading in an iPhone 11 with us.
Where to Sell Your iPhone 11 in the UK
So, you’ve prepped your iPhone 11 and know what it’s worth. Now, where do you sell it? The choice comes down to whether you want maximum convenience or the highest possible price.
Apple’s popularity in the UK, where it holds around 50% of the market (Wakephone.com), means there's always strong demand for used iPhones. This is great news for you, as it ensures you’ll find a buyer.
Specialist Trade-In Services
The fastest way to sell an iPhone 11 is through a specialist trade-in company, like us at Used Mobiles 4 U. The process is simple: you get an instant quote online, we send you a free postage pack, and as soon as we've checked the phone, the money is sent to your bank account.
The biggest advantages are speed and certainty. You get a guaranteed price without the back-and-forth of private selling. It’s perfect if you want it done quickly and securely.
We recently heard from a customer who’d been trying to sell his iPhone 11 on Facebook Marketplace. He told us, "I was fed up with time-wasters and low-ball offers. I sold it to you because I just wanted a guaranteed payment without the headache." We hear stories like this all the time.
Online Marketplaces
If getting the most cash is your priority, selling privately on a platform like eBay or Facebook Marketplace could be your best bet. You set the price and control the sale, but it requires more work.
You’ll need to:
- Create a detailed listing with good photos.
- Respond to questions from potential buyers.
- Handle the payment securely.
- Organise insured postage.
Marketplace fees, particularly on eBay, can also take a chunk out of your profit. For more tips, our guide on the best place to sell an iPhone in the UK offers a deeper comparison.
Common Questions About Selling an iPhone 11
It’s normal to have a few questions. Here are our answers to the most common queries we get.
Is It Still Worth Selling an iPhone 11?
Definitely. The iPhone 11 is still a popular model on the UK's used market. It offers dependable performance and a great camera at a wallet-friendly price. This steady demand helps it hold its value well, making it a good time to sell.
What if My iPhone 11 Has a Cracked Screen or Poor Battery?
You can still sell an iPhone 11 even if it's damaged. Just be honest about any issues. A cracked screen or poor battery health (usually when the capacity is below 80%) will lower its value, but it’s still worth something. Many companies, including us, buy damaged phones to refurbish or salvage their working parts.
Should I Sell My iPhone 11 Unlocked or Locked?
An unlocked iPhone 11 will almost always sell for more money and much faster. It can be used with any mobile network, making it more attractive to a larger group of buyers. If your phone is locked, it’s worth contacting your network to see if they can unlock it. Most will do this for free once your contract has ended.
If you're ready for a simple and secure way to sell your old mobile, Used Mobiles 4 U offers instant quotes and a straightforward process. Find out what your device is worth today at https://usedmobiles4u.co.uk.
Written by James Waterston — 24 years in the mobile phone industry from customer service through to Sales Director of a global repair and recycling company. Now running Used Mobiles 4 U for over 8 years.
LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/james-waterston-9039a21a
