Boost your phone’s resale value by taking good care of it and preparing it for sale. For example, Dr. Phone Fix advises that a “well-kept smartphone” with minimal wear will fetch a much higher price. Similarly, selling your old phone can greatly lower the cost of upgrading to a newer model. These five simple tips will help you preserve value and get the best price for your device.

1. Protect Your Phone to Preserve Its Resale Value

– Use a durable case: A sturdy case shields your phone from drops and bumps. Investing in a high-quality case (and a tempered glass screen protector) keeps the handset looking “almost brand new,” which buyers pay extra for.
– Add a screen protector: A tempered glass protector guards against scratches and cracks, preventing the most common damage that cuts into resale value.
– Avoid damage: Handle your phone carefully and avoid harsh environments. Even minor scratches or cracks can shave $50–$200 off its trade-in value. Using certified accessories and treating the phone gently will preserve its condition.

2. Keep All Accessories to Boost Resale Value

– Save the original box and manuals: Selling your phone with its original packaging shows that you cared for the device, which builds buyer confidence. In fact, devices with their original box and accessories often sell for more money.
– Include all accessories: Bundle the original charger, cable, earbuds and any extras. A complete set of accessories increases the resale value, as buyers are willing to pay a premium for a full package.

3. Clean and Reset Your Phone

– Clean it thoroughly: Use a soft cloth to remove fingerprints, dust, and smudges from the screen, ports, and body. A clean, spotless phone looks newer and more attractive to buyers.
– Factory reset: Back up your data, sign out of accounts, and perform a full factory reset. Dr. Phone Fix emphasizes that erasing all personal information and restoring the phone to its “pristine, out-of-the-box state” is one of the most important steps before selling. This not only protects your privacy but also makes the phone look fresh and ready for its next owner.

4. Maintain Battery and System Health

– Check battery health: If the battery capacity has degraded, consider replacing it. Buyers and trade-in services pay more for devices with strong battery life. As one guide notes, replacing an aging battery can increase your offer by 10–15%.
– Use original parts: If your phone ever needs repairs, use manufacturer-certified parts (e.g. an OEM screen or battery). Non-original components can significantly reduce the phone’s value.
– Avoid overheating: Keep your phone out of extreme heat or cold. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can damage the battery and internal components, which hurts resale value.

5. Unlock It and Time Your Sale Right

– Sell unlocked: Phones that are carrier-unlocked generally fetch higher prices. Unlocked devices appeal to more buyers (anyone with a compatible network), so a used unlocked phone can sell for roughly 20–30% more than a locked one. For example, Verizon notes that unlocked phones often retain much of their value compared to carrier-locked models.
– Time your sale: Research the market and list your phone at a strategic time. Ideally, sell a few weeks before a major new model launch, when demand (and prices) are still high. Smartphone values typically dip immediately after new releases. By timing the sale and checking similar listings online, you can price competitively and maximize your final offer.

By following these guidelines—using a good case, keeping the phone clean and complete, and choosing the right time to sell—you’ll be ready to maximize your phone’s resale value. As one trade-in guide concludes, applying these care tips will help you fully maximize the value of your device, meaning more money in your pocket when it’s time to upgrade.