Got an old phone collecting dust? It could be worth more than you think.
Whether you're upgrading your iPhone, Samsung or Google Pixel, selling your old device is a great way to put some extra money in your pocket. But with so many options — from buyback services to carrier trade-ins and Facebook Marketplace — where should you sell it?
The best choice depends on how much money you want and how much effort you're willing to put in.
In this guide, we'll compare the best ways to sell your phone in Canada, explain what affects its value, and show you how to get the most money for it.
Where can you sell your phone in Canada?
Canadians have several options for selling used phones, whether they're iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, Google Pixels or something else entirely.
The best choice depends on how much money you want to make and how much time you're willing to spend.
We've already put together a detailed guide to the best places to sell an iPhone in Canada. While that article focuses on iPhones, many of the same considerations apply to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners.
Here's a quick overview of your options.
Buyback services
Phone buyback companies purchase used devices directly from consumers, then inspect, refurbish and resell them.
You typically enter your phone's model and condition online, receive an estimated price, and send it in for inspection.
The biggest advantage is convenience. You don't need to create a listing, negotiate with strangers or wait for someone to buy your phone.
At Orchard, we specialize in buying and selling used smartphones, making it easy for Canadians to turn their old devices into money without the hassle of a private sale.
Carrier and manufacturer trade-ins
Major Canadian carriers and phone manufacturers offer trade-in programs that let you exchange an old device for credit toward another purchase.
Apple, Samsung and Google have trade-in options, as do carriers like Rogers, Bell and TELUS.
These programs can be convenient when you're already upgrading, but they're not necessarily the best choice if you simply want cash for your old phone.
Private sales (Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji)
Selling directly to another person can potentially get you the highest price.
There's no reseller in the middle, so you may be able to earn more than you would through a buyback service.
The downside? You'll have to photograph your phone, create a listing, answer messages, negotiate prices and arrange a meetup.
You'll also need to watch out for scams and buyers who don't show up.
Online marketplaces (eBay)
eBay lets you reach buyers beyond your local area.
This can be especially useful if you're selling a less common phone or an older model that might be difficult to sell locally.
However, you'll need to manage the listing, shipping and any potential buyer disputes. Selling fees may also reduce your final payout.
Local phone shops and in-store buyers
Some independent phone repair shops and used-electronics stores buy secondhand devices.
This can be a convenient option if you want to sell your phone in person and receive an offer quickly.
Just remember that local shops need to make a profit when they resell your device, so their offers may be lower than what you'd receive through other channels.
Which option is best for you?
There's no single best place to sell a phone in Canada. It depends on what matters most to you.
Our guide to selling an iPhone in Canada compares the major options in more detail, and much of that advice applies to Samsung and Google Pixel devices too.
Here's how to narrow down your choices.
If you want the most money
A private sale on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji may get you the highest price.
You're selling directly to the person who will use the phone, rather than a company that needs to refurbish and resell it.
But the highest possible price isn't guaranteed. You'll need to find a buyer who's willing to pay what you're asking.
If you want the fastest, easiest sale
A dedicated buyback service is usually a good choice.
You can get an estimate without creating a listing or negotiating with strangers.
While you'll need to allow time for shipping and inspection with mail-in services, the process generally requires much less work on your part.
If you’re upgrading right now
Check your carrier's or manufacturer's trade-in program.
Some offer promotional bonuses when you purchase a new device.
Just make sure you're comparing the total value of the deal, especially if a carrier promotion requires a particular phone plan.
If you don’t live in a big city
An online buyback service can be particularly convenient.
You don't need to find someone nearby who wants your exact phone, and you won't have to travel to a store or arrange a meetup.
Instead, you can complete most of the process from home and mail in your device.
How much is your phone worth?
One of the first questions people ask when selling an old phone is: How much can I actually get for it?
Unfortunately, there's no universal answer.
A relatively recent flagship phone in excellent condition could still be worth hundreds of dollars, while an older budget device might have very little resale value.
Even two identical phone models can receive different offers depending on their condition.
What affects resale value
Several factors determine how much someone will pay for your used phone.
Model and age: Newer phones generally command higher prices. Flagship devices also tend to retain more value than budget models.
Storage capacity: A phone with 256GB or 512GB of storage may be worth more than the same model with 128GB, although the difference is often smaller than the original price gap.
Physical condition: Scratches, dents, cracked screens and damaged back glass can all reduce resale value.
Functionality: A phone with working cameras, speakers, charging ports, buttons and biometric authentication is worth more than one with hardware problems.
Battery health: Batteries lose capacity over time. A heavily degraded battery can reduce the amount a buyer is willing to pay.
Market demand: Some models are more desirable on the secondhand market than others, regardless of their original retail prices.
Software support: Phones that still receive operating system and security updates are generally more attractive to buyers.
Android vs iPhone resale value
Not all smartphones depreciate at the same rate.
Historically, iPhones have tended to retain their resale value better than many Android phones.
One reason is demand. Apple's relatively small range of models, long software support periods and strong secondhand market make older iPhones attractive to buyers.
Android resale values vary more widely.
Premium Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixel phones can still command meaningful prices, particularly when they're relatively new. However, some Android devices lose value more quickly, especially when manufacturers offer steep discounts on new models.
That doesn't mean your Android phone isn't worth selling.
A two- or three-year-old Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel can still have significant resale value, particularly if it's in good working condition.
The important thing is to get a quote based on your specific device rather than assuming its value based on what you originally paid.
How to get an accurate quote
The easiest way to estimate your phone's value is to compare offers from several buyers.
Before requesting a quote, make sure you know:
- Your phone's exact model
- Its storage capacity
- Whether it powers on and functions normally
- Its physical condition
- Whether it has any damaged or non-working components
Be honest when describing your phone.
If you select “excellent condition” when your screen is cracked, your final offer will almost certainly change after inspection.
It's better to receive an accurate estimate upfront than an inflated quote that won't hold up.
And remember to compare the amount you'll actually receive. A slightly higher offer may not be worthwhile if you need to pay for shipping or other fees.
Canada-specific checks before you sell
Before selling your phone, there are a few things Canadian sellers should understand.
These checks can help you avoid problems with buyers and ensure your device can be activated by its next owner.
Carrier lock and unlocking
A carrier-locked phone can only be used with a particular wireless provider.
Fortunately, Canada has rules designed to prevent this from being a problem.
Since December 1, 2017, Canadian wireless providers have been required to sell phones unlocked and unlock eligible previously locked devices free of charge.
That means most phones purchased from Canadian carriers in recent years should already be unlocked.
However, if you have an older phone or a phone originally purchased outside Canada, it's worth checking.
For iPhones, you can check the carrier-lock status under Settings > General > About.
For Android phones, the process varies by manufacturer and model. Contacting the original carrier or testing a SIM from another provider may help confirm compatibility.
An unlocked phone is generally easier to resell because the next owner has more flexibility when choosing a carrier.
IMEI and blacklist status
Every mobile phone has a unique identification number called an IMEI.
You can usually find it by dialling *#06# or checking your phone's settings.
In Canada, phones reported lost or stolen can be placed on a national blacklist, preventing them from accessing participating Canadian mobile networks.
Before selling, make sure your phone hasn't been reported lost or stolen.
You can check its status using the Canadian device-checking service provided through the wireless industry's blacklist system.
If you're selling privately, a legitimate buyer may ask for the IMEI to verify that the phone isn't blacklisted.
Be careful about where you share this information, and use trusted verification services.
Financed or unpaid phones
What if you're still making payments on your phone?
This is where things can get complicated.
Selling a device doesn't automatically eliminate the balance you owe on it.
If you purchased your phone through a carrier financing agreement, you may still be responsible for the remaining payments even after selling it.
Some agreements also have specific conditions regarding early repayment, upgrades or transfers.
Before selling a financed phone, review your contract or contact your carrier.
You should also check the buyer's acceptance requirements. Some buyback companies won't accept phones with outstanding financing obligations.
The safest approach is to resolve any outstanding balance and confirm that the device is eligible for resale.
How to sell your phone, step by step
Once you've decided where to sell your phone, there are a few important steps to take before handing it over.
These steps apply to most iPhones and Android phones, although the exact settings may differ.
Step 1: Back up your data
Before doing anything else, make sure you've saved everything you want to keep.
That includes photos, contacts, messages, documents and app data.
iPhone users can back up their devices using iCloud or a computer.
Android users can use Google's backup services, manufacturer-specific tools or a computer.
If you're moving to a new phone, it's worth transferring your data and checking that everything arrived successfully before erasing the old device.
Don't forget about apps that may require special transfer steps, such as authenticator apps, banking apps and messaging services.
Step 2: Sign out of your accounts (Apple ID and Google)
This is one of the most important steps when preparing a phone for resale.
Modern smartphones have anti-theft protections that can prevent someone else from activating the device if it's still associated with your account.
For iPhones, follow Apple's instructions to sign out of your Apple Account and remove Activation Lock as part of preparing the device for sale.
For Android phones, remove your Google account and any relevant manufacturer accounts, such as your Samsung account, before resetting the device.
This helps prevent Factory Reset Protection from locking the next owner out of the phone.
If you're unsure, follow the manufacturer's current instructions for preparing your specific model for resale.
Step 3: Factory reset your phone
Once your data is backed up and your accounts are properly handled, erase the phone.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
On Android, the exact path depends on the manufacturer, but you'll generally find the factory reset option under Settings > System or General Management.
A factory reset removes your personal data and restores the phone to its initial setup state.
After resetting, check that the phone displays the initial welcome or setup screen and isn't asking for your personal account credentials.
Step 4: Remove your SIM and accessories
If your phone uses a physical SIM card, remove it before selling.
If you use an eSIM, follow your carrier's instructions to transfer or remove it.
You should also remove your phone case and any accessories you plan to keep.
Unless the buyer specifically requests them, you generally don't need to include your personal charging cables, cases or headphones.
Check the requirements of your chosen buyback service before packaging the device.
Step 5: Compare quotes
Now it's time to find out what your phone is worth.
Request offers from a few reputable buyback companies, check any available trade-in promotions, and compare them with realistic private-sale prices.
Remember that a private listing price isn't necessarily what a phone will sell for.
And don't forget to factor in your time.
Spending hours negotiating with buyers to make an extra $20 may not be worth it.
Step 6: Ship or hand over the phone
If you're using a mail-in buyback service, follow its packaging and shipping instructions carefully.
Use a sturdy box and enough protective material to prevent the phone from moving around during transit.
If you're selling locally, meet in a safe public location and allow the buyer to inspect the device.
Don't hand over the phone until you've confirmed payment.
Step 7: Get paid
The final step is receiving your money.
With a private sale, payment usually happens when you hand over the device.
With a mail-in buyback service, payment typically follows inspection and confirmation of the final offer.
Before choosing a service, check how and when you'll be paid.
Also find out what happens if the company revises its original estimate after inspecting your phone.
A trustworthy buyer should clearly explain the process before you send in your device.
Where to sell an Android phone
If you're selling an Android phone, you have many of the same options as an iPhone owner.
However, Android resale values and buyer demand can vary considerably between brands.
Here's what to consider for some of the most popular Android phones in Canada.
Selling a Samsung phone
Samsung Galaxy phones are among the most recognizable Android devices, making them relatively easy to identify and compare on the used market.
Recent Galaxy S-series and Z-series phones may retain meaningful resale value, particularly when they're in good condition.
You can sell a Samsung phone privately, use a buyback service that accepts Samsung devices, or explore Samsung's own trade-in offers.
Before selling, make sure you've removed your Google and Samsung accounts and completed a factory reset.
If you're considering a trade-in promotion, compare its value with what you could receive by selling the phone separately.
Selling a Google Pixel
Google Pixel phones are another popular option on the Canadian secondhand market.
Their clean Android experience, camera capabilities and software support make them attractive to buyers.
If you're selling a Pixel, compare offers from services that specifically accept Google devices.
Not every phone buyer supports the same Android models, and some services may offer more competitive prices than others.
As with other Android phones, remove your Google account before resetting the device so the next owner doesn't encounter activation problems.
Selling other Android brands
What if you have a Motorola, OnePlus, Sony or another Android phone?
You may still be able to sell it, but your options could be more limited.
Some buyback services focus primarily on iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixels.
For less common brands, private marketplaces or local electronics buyers may be worth exploring.
If the phone is older or wasn't particularly expensive when new, check its current resale value before spending too much time trying to sell it.
Can you sell a broken or cracked phone?
Yes, in many cases.
A phone doesn't necessarily become worthless just because it has a cracked screen or another problem.
However, the type of damage makes a big difference to its resale value.
Cracked screens and display damage
A cracked screen is one of the most common problems affecting used phones.
If the display still works and the touchscreen responds normally, the phone may retain significant value.
However, broken glass, dead pixels, flickering, discolouration or unresponsive touch controls can all reduce what buyers are willing to pay.
Some buyback companies accept phones with screen damage, while others only purchase fully functional devices.
Be sure to describe the damage accurately when requesting a quote.
Water damage and dead phones
Water damage is more complicated.
Even if a phone appears to work normally after getting wet, moisture can cause corrosion and other problems over time.
Phones that won't power on are also harder to value because buyers can't easily test their components.
Some companies purchase non-working devices for parts or recycling, but many standard buyback programs don't accept them.
If your phone has water damage or won't turn on, check the buyer's eligibility requirements before sending it in.
Repair first or sell as-is?
It's tempting to repair a damaged phone before selling it.
But that isn't always the best financial decision.
Let's say replacing a cracked screen costs $200.
If repairing the phone increases its resale value by only $100, you've actually lost money.
Before paying for a repair, get two estimates: one for the phone in its current condition and another for what it would be worth after repair.
Then compare the difference with the repair cost.
In many cases, selling a damaged phone as-is makes more financial sense.
How to sell an old phone
Just because a phone is several years old doesn't mean it's worthless.
There are plenty of people who don't need the latest technology and are happy to buy an older device at a lower price.
But eventually, every phone reaches a point where its resale value becomes minimal.
Phones that are still worth something
Older flagship phones can retain value longer than you might expect.
An iPhone or premium Samsung Galaxy device that's several years old may still be useful for everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, navigation and taking photos.
Condition matters, though.
A well-maintained older phone with a functioning battery and no major damage is generally more attractive than one with serious hardware problems.
Software support also matters. Buyers may be reluctant to purchase devices that no longer receive important security updates.
The easiest way to find out whether your old phone is worth selling is to request a quote.
What to do with a phone that has little resale value
If your phone is too old or damaged to sell, don't throw it in the garbage.
Smartphones contain valuable materials that can be recovered through electronics recycling.
They also contain batteries that require proper disposal.
Many Canadian electronics retailers, municipal recycling programs and dedicated electronics recyclers accept old phones.
Before recycling, back up and erase your personal data if the device still works.
If it doesn't power on, ask the recycling provider about secure data-handling options.
Recycling an old phone is better than leaving it in a drawer indefinitely — and much better than sending it to a landfill.
Sell your phone online vs. near you
Another decision you'll need to make is whether to sell your phone online or find a buyer nearby.
Both approaches have advantages.
Pros and cons of mail-in buyback
Mail-in buyback services are particularly convenient because you can complete the process without leaving home.
You typically receive an estimate online, ship your device and get paid after inspection.
Advantages:
- No need to find a local buyer
- No negotiating with strangers
- Convenient for Canadians outside major cities
- Straightforward process
- Less time spent managing a sale
Disadvantages:
- You need to wait for shipping and inspection
- The final offer may change if the phone's condition differs from your description
- You don't receive payment immediately
For many people, the convenience outweighs the waiting period.
Pros and cons of selling locally
Selling locally can be appealing if you want to complete the transaction in person.
You may be able to find a private buyer willing to pay more than a buyback company.
And if everything goes smoothly, you could receive payment the same day.
However, local selling also has drawbacks.
You'll need to create a listing, communicate with buyers and arrange a meeting.
Your options may be limited if you live in a smaller town, and there's always the possibility of no-shows or attempted scams.
Staying safe during in-person sales
If you decide to sell your phone privately, take a few basic precautions.
Meet in a busy, public location, preferably somewhere with security cameras.
Avoid inviting strangers into your home or travelling to unfamiliar, isolated locations.
Be cautious of buyers who insist on unusual payment methods or try to rush the transaction.
If you're accepting an e-transfer, verify that the money has actually arrived in your account. Don't rely on screenshots or emails claiming payment has been sent.
And don't hand over your phone until the transaction is complete.
If any part of the interaction feels suspicious, it's fine to walk away.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I sell my phone for cash?
You can sell your phone for cash through a private sale, some local phone shops or a buyback service that offers cash payment or a cash-equivalent payout.
Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji can be good options if you want to sell directly to another person.
If you'd rather avoid negotiating and meeting strangers, consider a dedicated phone buyback service.
Always check the available payment methods before accepting an offer, since some programs provide store credit rather than money you can spend anywhere.
Where can I sell my phone instantly?
If you need money immediately, a local phone shop or an in-person private sale may be your fastest option.
Some stores can inspect a device and make an offer during the same visit.
However, an instant sale doesn't necessarily mean the best price.
Mail-in buyback services generally take longer because the phone needs to be shipped and inspected, but they can be more convenient if you're not in a rush.
Can I sell a phone that isn’t paid off?
You may be able to sell a phone that still has an outstanding financing balance, but you're generally still responsible for paying what you owe.
Selling the device doesn't automatically cancel your financing agreement.
Some buyers also have restrictions on accepting financed phones.
Check your contract and confirm the device's eligibility before selling.
Do I need the original box?
Usually not.
Most people buying a used phone care much more about the device's condition and functionality than whether you still have its original packaging.
A box may make a private listing more attractive, but it generally won't transform the resale value of your phone.
Buyback services have different requirements, so check whether you need to include anything besides the device itself.
Is it better to trade in or sell?
Selling your phone generally gives you more opportunities to maximize its value.
A private sale may get you the highest price, while a dedicated buyback service offers a more convenient way to sell without finding your own buyer.
Trade-ins are particularly useful when you're already upgrading and want to apply the value of your old phone toward a new one.
The best option depends on whether you prioritize price, convenience or speed.
When is the best time to sell a phone?
Generally, the best time to sell a phone is when you no longer need it.
Smartphones lose value over time as newer models are released, batteries age and software support eventually ends.
Resale values can also decline around major new-phone launches, when more people start selling their old devices.
If you're planning to upgrade, getting a quote before the next generation launches can help you understand your phone's current value.
And if you have an unused phone sitting in a drawer, there's usually little financial benefit to waiting.
