What’s the Best Place to Sell Your iPhone in Canada?

Got an old iPhone sitting in a drawer? Depending on the model, it could still be worth hundreds of dollars.

The question is: where should you sell it?

Canadians have more options than ever. You can sell your iPhone to a buyback company, trade it in with Apple or your carrier, or list it yourself on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji or eBay.

Each option has its advantages. Selling your phone privately could get you the most money, but it also means taking photos, making a listing, answering messages, negotiating with buyers and arranging a meetup. A trade-in is easier, but you may get less for your phone or receive credit instead of cash.

And then there are dedicated phone buyback services, which try to offer the best of both worlds: a competitive price without the hassle of finding a buyer yourself.

So, which option is best?

We compared the major ways to sell an iPhone in Canada based on price, convenience, speed, safety and reliability to help you decide.

What’s the best place to sell an iPhone in Canada?

We know this is a long article, so we’ll give you the short answer first.

For most Canadians, we believe the best place to sell an iPhone is Orchard.

Yes, we’re biased. But hear us out.

If your only goal is getting the absolute highest possible price, you may be able to get more by selling directly to someone on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. There’s no reseller in the middle, so a private buyer may be willing to pay more for your phone.

But you’ll have to earn that extra money.

You need to figure out what your phone is worth, photograph it, create a listing, answer messages, negotiate with buyers and arrange a safe meetup. There’s also no guarantee your phone will sell for the price you list it at — or sell quickly at all.

Apple and carrier trade-ins are much easier, but convenience can come at the expense of value. Depending on the program, you may also receive store or account credit rather than the flexibility you’d get from selling your phone.

Dedicated buyback services eliminate most of that work. And among comparable Canadian buyback services, Orchard’s offers can be higher.

For example, when comparing offers for an iPhone 13 with 128GB of storage in the lowest fully functional condition tier, Orchard offers $209. GoRecell offers $191, while Mobile Klinik and UniverCell each offer $190.

That’s $18 to $19 more from Orchard — roughly 9% to 10% more.

Buyback values change over time and depend on your exact model and its condition, so it’s always worth comparing current quotes. But this example illustrates why you don’t necessarily have to choose between a convenient buyback process and a competitive price.

Here’s the short version:

Let’s take a closer look at each option.

Sell your iPhone to Orchard

What is Orchard?

Orchard is a Canadian company specializing in buying and selling used smartphones.

Instead of finding someone to buy your phone yourself, you can get an instant estimate from Orchard, send in your device for free and have it professionally inspected.

That makes Orchard different from marketplaces like Facebook and Kijiji. You aren’t posting an ad and hoping a buyer comes along. You’re selling directly to a company that specializes in used phones.

Advantages

Competitive buyback prices

One of the biggest drawbacks of many trade-in and buyback programs is that you sacrifice money for convenience.

Orchard aims to narrow that gap.

Consider an iPhone 13 with 128GB of storage in the lowest fully functional condition tier:

In this example, Orchard pays $18 more than GoRecell and $19 more than Mobile Klinik and UniverCell.

That works out to roughly 9% to 10% more.

Of course, these aren't permanent prices. The resale value of iPhones changes constantly, and your offer will depend on your model, storage and condition.

But it’s worth comparing buyback companies before accepting an offer. A difference that looks small on one phone can become more meaningful with newer or more valuable devices.

No need to find a buyer

If you’ve ever sold something on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, you know the routine.

“Is this still available?”

“Will you take half your asking price?”

“Can you drive an hour to meet me?”

And, occasionally, after agreeing on a time and place, the buyer simply doesn’t show up.

With Orchard, there’s no listing to create and no strangers to negotiate with. You get an estimate and send in your phone.

No awkward meetups

Selling directly to a business means you don't have to arrange a cash meetup with a stranger or worry about whether a payment is legitimate.

Your phone is professionally inspected

Private buyers generally aren't smartphone technicians. They may disagree with you about the condition of your phone or worry that something is wrong with it.

Orchard specializes in used phones, so devices are evaluated by people who know what they're looking at.

That also means you don't need to become an expert on used-phone grading just to sell your old device.

Bonus, if we find that your iPhone is in better condition than you told us, you get paid more!

Sell from anywhere in Canada

A local marketplace works best when there are interested buyers near you. A buyback service isn't dependent on finding someone in your neighbourhood who happens to want your exact iPhone.

That makes it especially useful if you don't live in a major city or simply don't want to spend your time arranging a local sale.

Disadvantages

You might get more from a private buyer

Convenience has value.

Orchard needs to buy your phone, inspect it, potentially refurbish it and eventually sell it to another customer. A private buyer who wants the phone for themselves doesn't have those same costs.

That means you may be able to sell your phone for more on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji.

If getting every possible dollar is your only priority and you don't mind doing the work yourself, a private sale may be your best option.

For everyone else, the question is whether the possibility of a higher price is worth creating listings, answering messages, negotiating and meeting strangers.

Sell your iPhone on Facebook Marketplace

What is Facebook Marketplace?

Facebook Marketplace lets people buy and sell directly to other Facebook users.

You create a listing with photos, a description and an asking price. Interested buyers message you, and you handle the rest of the transaction yourself.

For a popular device like an iPhone, that can mean getting your listing in front of plenty of potential buyers.

It can also mean plenty of messages.

Advantages

You could get the highest price

This is the biggest reason to sell privately.

There's no refurbisher buying your phone with the intention of reselling it. You're selling directly to the person who will use it, so you may be able to get more money.

You set the price

You decide what your iPhone is worth and what you're willing to accept.

If you're in no hurry, you can start with a higher asking price and wait to see whether someone bites.

Lots of potential buyers

iPhones are popular, and Facebook Marketplace gives you access to a large local audience.

A well-priced recent iPhone in good condition may attract interest quickly.

Disadvantages

Selling can be a lot of work

First, you'll need to research your phone's value.

Then you'll need to clean it, take good photos, write a description and post the listing.

After that come the messages, questions, negotiations and meetup arrangements.

If your first buyer changes their mind or doesn't show up, you get to start again.

Your asking price isn't your selling price

Seeing other people list the same iPhone for $500 doesn't mean they're actually getting $500.

Marketplace listings show what sellers want for their phones, not necessarily what buyers ultimately pay.

You should expect at least some buyers to negotiate.

Scams are a risk

Private marketplaces attract legitimate buyers and sellers, but they can also attract scammers.

Be especially careful with unusual payment arrangements, buyers who want someone else to pick up the phone, or anyone pressuring you to hand over the device before you've confirmed payment.

You have to meet a stranger

For many sellers, this is the biggest drawback.

If you sell an iPhone privately, arrange the transaction in a busy public location and don't hand over your phone until you're certain you've been paid.

Sell your iPhone on Kijiji

What is Kijiji?

Kijiji is one of Canada's best-known classifieds platforms.

The process is similar to Facebook Marketplace: you create an ad, choose your asking price and communicate directly with potential buyers.

Advantages

Potentially higher payout

Like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji lets you sell directly to the eventual owner of the phone.

Cutting out the middleman gives you the opportunity to make more than you would from many trade-in or buyback programs.

You control the sale

You decide your asking price, whether you're willing to negotiate and who you ultimately sell to.

Good for local cash sales

If you find the right buyer nearby, you can potentially complete the entire transaction quickly.

Disadvantages

Lowball offers

If you list a phone privately, expect negotiation.

Even if you've priced your phone fairly, some buyers will make substantially lower offers to see whether you'll accept.

No-shows and non-serious buyers

An interest message isn't the same as a sale.

Potential buyers can change their minds, stop responding or fail to show up after you've arranged a meeting.

Safety and scam concerns

You're dealing directly with someone you don't know.

For a relatively valuable item such as an iPhone, take sensible precautions and meet in a safe, public location.

It takes time

Selling privately can be worthwhile if the additional money matters to you, but it isn't passive.

You're effectively doing the work that a reseller would otherwise handle.

Trade in your iPhone with Apple

What is Apple Trade In?

Apple Trade In lets you exchange an eligible device for value that can be put toward an Apple purchase.

For someone who is already planning to buy their next iPhone directly from Apple, it's an obvious option to consider. Note that you might see a higher trade-in value than with other buyback services, but you will have to put that money towards an Apple purchase (cheapest iPhone currently retails for $1149)

Advantages

It's easy

Convenience is Apple's biggest advantage.

If you're already buying a new iPhone, you can handle your old phone at the same time instead of finding a separate buyer.

You're dealing directly with Apple

There's no unknown buyer or unfamiliar marketplace seller involved.

For people who prioritize simplicity and familiarity, that's appealing.

No negotiating

You don't have to decide on an asking price or haggle with someone who thinks your phone is worth $150 less than you do.

Disadvantages

Only useful when you're upgrading

Apple Trade In makes the most sense when you're already in the Apple buying process.

If your main goal is simply to sell an old iPhone for the best combination of value and flexibility, other options may make more sense AND actually offer cash instead of an Apple store credit.

Not every device has significant trade-in value

Your phone's age and condition can have a major effect on its eligibility and value.

Is it better to trade an iPhone in to Apple or sell it?

It depends on what matters most to you.

Apple Trade In is hard to beat for convenience if you're already buying a new Apple device.

Selling your phone elsewhere, however, may get you more value.

Before trading in, get a few quotes. It takes only a few minutes and lets you see exactly how much that convenience is costing you.

Trade in your iPhone with your carrier

What is a carrier trade-in?

Major Canadian wireless carriers offer trade-in programs that let customers exchange old devices when upgrading.

Depending on the carrier and current promotion, the value of your old iPhone may be applied toward a new device, your account or another eligible purchase.

Advantages

Convenient when upgrading

If you're already visiting your carrier or ordering a new phone, adding a trade-in can be simple.

There's no need to find a separate buyer.

Trade-in promotions can be attractive

Carriers sometimes offer promotional trade-in bonuses.

If the promotion applies to your device and you're already planning to stay with that carrier, it can be worth considering.

No private-sale hassles

No listing. No negotiating. No stranger asking you to meet in a parking lot.

Disadvantages

The trade-in price may not be the best

Always compare the carrier's offer with other options.

A convenient offer isn't necessarily a competitive one.

Look at the whole deal

A large promotional trade-in value can sound great, but don't evaluate it in isolation.

If accessing that promotion requires you to move to a more expensive plan or meet other conditions, calculate what you'll actually spend over the entire term.

Saving $100 on a phone isn't much of a bargain if it costs you hundreds more elsewhere.

You may receive credit instead of cash

Check the specific terms of the carrier's trade-in program so you understand how you'll receive the value of your old phone and what restrictions apply.

Sell your iPhone on eBay

eBay gives you access to buyers beyond your immediate area.

You create a listing, add photos and a description, set a fixed price or use an auction format, and ship the device to the buyer after it sells.

Advantages

A much larger audience

You're not limited to buyers who live close enough to meet you.

That can be especially useful for less common models, storage capacities or older devices.

Potential for a higher selling price

Like other marketplaces, eBay lets you sell closer to the phone's end-user value rather than accepting a wholesale-style buyback price.

Disadvantages

More work

You need to photograph your phone, create an accurate listing, communicate with buyers, package the device and ship it.

Fees can reduce your payout

The number that matters isn't what your phone sells for. It's what you have left after any applicable selling costs, shipping expenses and other charges.

Compare your net proceeds with buyback offers rather than simply comparing headline selling prices.

Returns and disputes

Selling remotely introduces complications that don't exist with a straightforward buyback.

Describe the phone's condition accurately and document it carefully before shipping.

Which place pays the most for used iPhones in Canada?

There's an important distinction between the highest possible price and the best place to sell.

If you're willing to do all the work yourself, a private sale on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji could get you the most money.

That's because you're selling directly to the person who wants the phone.

But the highest possible price isn't guaranteed.

You may list your phone and receive nothing but lowball offers. You may wait weeks for the right buyer. You may agree on a price only to have the buyer negotiate again when you meet.

Buyback services work differently. You're accepting a price from a business in exchange for removing much of that uncertainty and effort.

And that's where comparing buyback offers becomes important.

For an iPhone 13, 128GB in the lowest fully functional condition tier, the offers we compared were:

•  Orchard: $209
• GoRecell: $191
• Mobile Klinik: $190
• UniverCell: $190

So although a private buyer may pay more, Orchard's offer in this example is higher than those of comparable dedicated buyback services.

That's why we think the better question isn't simply, “Who could theoretically pay me the most?”

It's “How much will I actually get, and what do I have to do to get it?”

How much is my used iPhone worth?

There's no single price for a used iPhone.

Two people can own exactly the same model and get different offers depending on their phones' condition.

The biggest factors affecting your iPhone's value include:

• Model: Newer and higher-end iPhones are generally worth more.
• Storage: Higher-capacity models may command higher resale values.
• Physical condition: Scratches, cracks and other damage can reduce value.
• Functionality: Problems with the display, cameras, buttons, speakers, charging or Face ID can make a significant difference.
• Demand: Used-phone prices change based on what buyers currently want.
• Age: iPhones generally lose value as newer generations arrive.

The easiest way to find out what your phone is worth is to get a quote for the exact model and condition.

How can I get the most money for my iPhone?

If maximizing the value of your old phone matters to you, don't accept the first number you see.

Compare your options.

Get quotes from buyback services, check current trade-in offers and look at what comparable phones are realistically selling for privately.

Remember to compare the amount you'll actually receive, not just the advertised selling price. Marketplace fees, shipping costs, repairs and your own time can all change the equation.

It's also usually better to sell a phone while it still has meaningful resale value rather than leaving it in a drawer for another two years.

And think carefully before paying for repairs solely to increase the sale price.

If your screen is cracked, for example, compare what you could get for the phone as-is with what it would be worth after repair. Spending $200 fixing a device doesn't make sense if the repair increases its resale value by only $100.

What should I do before selling my iPhone?

Before handing your iPhone to anyone, make sure your information is backed up and removed from the device.

Apple's exact steps can change as its software and services evolve, so follow its current instructions when preparing your phone for sale.

Generally, you'll want to:

1. Back up the information you want to keep.
2. Transfer the information you need to your new phone.
3. Unpair connected devices such as an Apple Watch where applicable.
4. Handle your physical SIM or eSIM appropriately.
5. Sign out of or remove the device from relevant Apple services as instructed.
6. Erase your personal content and settings.
7. Remove your case and any accessories you're keeping.
8. If you're mailing the phone, package it securely.
   

Don't simply delete your photos and assume you're finished. Properly erasing the device protects your personal information and makes the phone ready for its next owner.

So, where should you sell your iPhone?

There's no single option that's best for absolutely everyone.

If you want to chase the highest possible selling price and don't mind putting in the work, try Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. You'll deal directly with buyers and may get more for your phone, but you'll also have to manage the entire sale yourself.

If you're already upgrading directly through Apple, its trade-in program is extremely convenient. The same goes for a carrier trade-in, especially if there's a genuinely good promotion available.

If you want access to a much larger pool of individual buyers and don't mind managing listings, shipping and potential disputes, eBay is another option.

But if you want a competitive price without listings, negotiations, lowball offers, no-shows and meetups with strangers, we think Orchard offers the best overall balance for Canadians.

And unlike some buyback services, convenience doesn't necessarily mean settling for the lowest offer. In our iPhone 13 comparison, Orchard's $209 offer beat comparable offers of $190 to $191.

Your old iPhone may be worth more than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best place to sell an iPhone in Canada?

For most people, we believe Orchard offers the best balance of price, convenience and safety. You can get an estimate without finding a buyer yourself, and Orchard's buyback prices can compare favourably with other dedicated Canadian buyback services.

If maximizing your potential selling price is more important than convenience, you may be able to get more through a private sale on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji.

Who pays the most for used iPhones in Canada?

There isn't one company or marketplace that will always pay the most for every iPhone.

A private buyer may offer the highest potential price because you're selling directly to the end user. However, the final amount depends on finding someone willing to pay your asking price.

Among dedicated buyback services, offers can also vary significantly. For example, for an iPhone 13 with 128GB of storage in the lowest fully functional condition tier, Orchard offers $209 compared with $191 from GoRecell and $190 from both Mobile Klinik and UniverCell.

Always compare current offers for your specific device before selling.

Is it better to trade in or sell an iPhone?

Selling your iPhone generally gives you more opportunities to maximize its value, while trading it in prioritizes convenience.

If you're already buying a new device from Apple or a carrier and you're happy with the trade-in value, trading it in can be very easy.

If getting more value for your old phone matters, compare that trade-in offer with buyback services and private-sale prices first.

Can I sell a broken iPhone?

Potentially. Whether a buyer or buyback service accepts your phone — and how much they'll pay — depends on the type and extent of the damage.

Before paying to repair a damaged phone, compare the cost of the repair with how much additional resale value it would create.

Can I sell an iPhone that isn't paid off?

Selling the physical phone doesn't necessarily eliminate any financing or contractual obligations associated with it.

If you still owe money on your device, check the terms of your financing agreement or contact your carrier before selling it so you understand what balance remains and what you're required to do.

When is the best time to sell an iPhone?

Generally, the sooner you sell an iPhone you no longer need, the better.

Phones are depreciating assets. As newer models arrive and your device gets older, its resale value will generally decline.

If an old phone is sitting unused in a drawer, waiting another year is unlikely to make it more valuable.

Do I need the original box to sell my iPhone?

That depends on where you're selling it.

A private buyer may appreciate the original packaging, but a box doesn't necessarily add much to the phone's value. Buyback services have their own requirements, so check what needs to be included before sending your device.

Should I erase my iPhone before selling it?

Yes. Back up anything you want to keep and follow Apple's current instructions for preparing an iPhone for sale, trade-in or transfer.

Properly erasing the phone protects your personal information and ensures the device is ready for its next owner.