Sell smartphones? 7 tips you should not forget
Maybe you still have some old devices that you want to get rid of, or you want to sell your most recently used smartphone because you have another device. There are a number of things that are important to know. We list them for you.
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Tips to sell your smartphone
It’s a shame if your used smartphone is just gathering dust. Maybe you can make someone else happy with it and save some pocket money yourself. For example, because you no longer use it, or because you would rather go for a different device. How do you handle it?
1. Backup
The most important thing before completely draining your phone is to create a backup. This is extra handy with Android devices, because you can immediately put it back on your new device. The most convenient way is therefore to make a backup in your Google account. You can do this by following the steps below;
- Go to the settings of your Android smartphone, and look for the option ‘Google’ in the menu.
- There you will get a complete overview with all options that have to do with your Google account. Choose ‘Backup’.
- You will then see when the last backup was made. Of course you want to have the most current data in your backup. Press the blue “Back Up Now” bar. This may take some time. Optionally, you can also immediately take a backup of your Google Photos.
WhatsApp and other apps
Incidentally, it is good to know that not all data is included with this backup. It is recommended to make a WhatsApp backup separately. To do this, go to WhatsApp settings > chats > Chat backup > Backup. This is also stored in your Google Drive account.
Also check on your current Android device whether there are apps that do not automatically carry data that you do want to keep. This can be all kinds of apps, a to-do app, note-taking app or other application. Also check whether your contacts are on your phone memory, or whether they have all been transferred to your Google account. You can check this by going to Google Contacts in your browser (possibly on your PC).
2. Delete WhatsApp
It is useful to remove WhatsApp from your device. This way you won’t miss any new messages in the meantime when you switch to your new device. That way you also have something to do with your backup. If you are popular on WhatsApp, there may be a lot of new messages coming in in the meantime, which you then miss in your backup.
3. Remove your SIM and memory card
An important step in this ‘process’ is to remove your SIM card and possibly the memory card. Sometimes you will have to look for the pin, or the sim needle, to open this slot. If you can’t find it anymore, you can also use the end of a paper clip.
If you no longer need your memory card, we recommend that you format it. This can be done via the device. To do this, go to Settings > system and updates/additional settings > reset > and choose to format your memory card. You can also do this via a memory card adapter in the computer.
It is even easier to keep the memory card yourself and not to supply it with the sale. That way you don’t have to worry about data being recovered. On some devices you can also clear the storage of the memory card via Settings > storage > memory card > format. Don’t forget to remove it from your phone after formatting.
4. Back to factory settings
Are you sure that all data is saved in a backup, cards removed and everything you want to keep? Then we can now go to the ‘definitive’ part of this step-by-step plan; return to factory settings. This will erase everything stored on the phone.
The location of this option may differ per phone. For some devices this is under additional settings, for some under software & updates. You will also find the option if you use the search function at the top of the settings. For example, with Huawei you will see ‘Reset all settings’, ‘Reset network settings’ and ‘Reset phone’. Choose ‘Reset phone’, otherwise everything will not be erased. You will then get an overview of what will be removed. Agree? Then the removal can begin.
5. Cleaning
A smartphone is a source of bacteria. We recently wrote an extensive article on DroidApp about how to clean and keep your smartphone. For example, you can wipe the fingerprints away with a dry cloth and make sure the screen looks a bit neater again. So be sure to read this article about cleaning your smartphone.
6. Packing
If you still have the original box for your smartphone, grab it right away. Insert the USB cable/charger and adapter, don’t forget the sim needle and any other accessories. If you have used a case, and it still looks good, it may just be interesting for a buyer to supply. Make sure to clean those too. If you have not used the supplied headset, you can also supply it. If you have used it, it is not so hygienic to supply it.
7. Sell it
Now the sale can begin. You can put it on Marktplaats. Use good photos that clearly show any damage. In this way you give interested parties a fair picture. Do not randomly copy and paste known (Wikipedia) texts, but write something about the device, some specifications and the reason why you are selling it. If it is still under warranty, give the receipt to the buyer as well.
Choose whether you let people bid, work with a fixed price or another option. Keep in mind that you rarely get what you ask for. Perhaps unnecessarily, but if you send your old smartphone to someone, let them pay before you send the package.
