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Can I Sell a Locked iPhone?

October 23rd, 2023

In a world where technology evolves at a rapid pace, upgrading to a newer iPhone has become a common practice. As a result, many people find themselves with an old or unused iPhone, often locked to a specific carrier or iCloud account. This prompts the question: can you sell a locked iPhone? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the type of lock and various factors.

  1. Carrier Locked iPhones
    Carrier-locked iPhones are devices that are tied to a specific mobile carrier, meaning they can only be used with that carrier's SIM card. If you have a carrier-locked iPhone, selling it to Jay Brokers is possible, but there are some important considerations. You'll need to check with your carrier to ensure that the device is paid off and not under contract. If it's not fully paid for, you will need to either clear any outstanding dues before selling it, or specify the "Financed (Under Device Payments)" checkbox on our website to get the correct offer amount. Jay Brokers checks all IMEIs upon receipt, so if you try to hide the status of your IMEI, it'll only cause delays and problems in processing your item after the fact. So, if your device is still financed be sure to disclose it upfront by checking the corresponding checkbox while getting an instant offer.
  2. iCloud Locked iPhones
    Selling iCloud locked iPhones are a different story. These devices are linked to a specific iCloud account, and without the associated Apple ID and password, they are virtually unusable. If you have an iCloud-locked iPhone, selling it to Jay Brokers is NOT permitted. It's important to note that selling an iCloud-locked iPhone without the owner's consent can be illegal in many jurisdictions. Attempting to unlock or circumvent the iCloud activation lock is also illegal and can lead to civil or criminal penalties.
  3. Blacklisted or Stolen iPhones
    If you're considering selling an iPhone to Jay Brokers, make sure it's not blacklisted. Blacklisted devices are reported as lost or stolen, and using or selling one can have serious consequences. To check the status of your iPhone, you can contact your carrier or use online services that offer IMEI checking. If you're in doubt it's best to contact Jay Brokers first with your IMEI and we can check it for you beforehand. Otherwise trying to conceal the blacklisted status and shipping the blacklisted iPhone to Jay Brokers can lead to civil or criminal consequences.
  4. Factory Unlocked iPhones
    Selling factory unlocked iPhones are the most versatile when it comes to resale value. These devices are not tied to any carrier and can be used with any SIM card from any carrier worldwide. Note there is a difference between factory unlocked iPhones and carrier unlocked iPhones. The latter simply means the device is paid off with the carrier and eligible for unlocking. Be sure to clearly describe which applies to your unique situation and if you aren't sure please contact Jay Brokers with your IMEI and we're glad to check it for you upfront to let you know.
  5. Preparing Your Locked iPhone for Sale
    Before selling a locked iPhone to Jay Brokers, it's essential to prepare it properly. Remove all personal data, including photos, contacts, and apps, and perform a factory reset to erase all settings and content. Make sure to disclose the locked status of the device, as transparency is key to a successful sale. Be sure to remove any existing iCloud accounts and disable the "Find my..." feature as Jay Brokers cannot buy iCloud locked devices.

In conclusion, whether or not you can sell a locked iPhone depends on the type of lock and its specific circumstances. While selling a carrier-locked iPhone is generally possible with the cooperation of your carrier, iCloud-locked or blacklisted devices present legal and ethical challenges. It's crucial to be aware of the laws and regulations in your region and take the necessary steps to ensure that you're selling your iPhone responsibly and legally. When in doubt, contact Jay Brokers upfront and provide your IMEI so we can check it for you to avoid any potential issues.