Selling a smartphone isn’t just about getting rid of an old device. It’s about transitioning from one chapter of your digital life to another and doing it with clarity, safety, and a touch of professionalism. Whether you’re planning to list your device on a marketplace or hand it over to a friend, there’s a right way to do it and it’s easier than you think.

Let’s walk through what really matters when selling your used smartphone, from preparing it for sale to making sure you get the best value, all without compromising your privacy or wasting time.

Start With What the Buyer Will See First

Before touching anything inside the phone, think about what people notice at first glance. Cleanliness matters, not just on a visual level, but psychologically. A phone that looks clean and cared for builds trust instantly. Use a soft cloth, wipe the screen carefully, clean around the charging port and speakers, and if you still have the original box or accessories, bring them out. People love the feeling of buying something that feels “complete.”

If there are any visible scratches or dents, be honest about them. No one likes surprises after paying for something, transparency will often get you a faster, smoother sale than trying to oversell the condition.

Secure Everything That Belongs to You

Now that your device looks good on the outside, it’s time to handle what’s inside, your data. Begin by backing up everything. Whether you’re on iOS or Android, there are built-in tools to help you create a full backup of your apps, contacts, photos, and settings.

Once you’ve confirmed your backup is successful, the next step is to sign out of every account. This includes your Apple ID or Google Account, as well as apps like WhatsApp, banking apps, email, social media, and cloud storage services. On iPhones, forgetting to sign out of iCloud can lock the phone with Activation Lock, making it useless to the next user-and nearly impossible to sell. On Android devices, a similar issue can occur with Factory Reset Protection.

Perform a Proper Factory Reset

A full reset isn’t just about deleting apps. It’s about removing every trace of your usage, login credentials, photos, browsing history, and files. On both iPhone and Android devices, there are official reset options built into the system settings. Use those don’t just manually delete apps or photos.

The right reset erases all content and settings, and it’s designed to make the phone feel like it’s just left the factory. That’s exactly what your buyer expects. After the reset is complete, your phone will restart and prompt for initial setup just like when you first unboxed it.

Check That the Phone is Unlocked and Ready to Go

This is a step many people skip, and it leads to major headaches later. A locked phone whether it’s carrier-locked or account-locked limits who can use it and where. If your phone was tied to a specific carrier in Saudi Arabia, confirm with the provider that it’s fully unlocked. Some devices are only usable with certain SIM cards, and that can kill a sale instantly.

Similarly, check that the phone isn’t still registered to a device protection service or insurance program, which could raise questions for the new owner.

If the phone is ready to be used with any SIM card and there are no hidden restrictions, include that information when listing it for sale. Buyers love knowing they won’t face any surprises after payment.

Take Great Photos (They Matter More Than You Think)

You don’t need a DSLR or fancy lighting setup to take good photos just natural light and a clean surface. Take pictures from different angles: front, back, sides, and close-ups of any imperfections. If you’re including accessories like the charger, box, or case, make sure to include those in the frame.

High-quality photos instantly set your listing apart. They make you look serious and trustworthy, which leads to faster deals and fewer back-and-forth messages.

Write an Honest and Useful Description

Don’t just say “phone in good condition.” Be specific. Mention the model, storage capacity, color, how long you’ve used it, and any minor issues it might have. Mention what’s included: charger, box, headphones, screen protector, etc.

A clear, honest description reduces unnecessary messages and builds confidence with potential buyers.

Final Step: Choose a Safe Way to Sell

Once your phone is clean, reset, and ready to go, it’s time to sell — but how and where you sell makes all the difference. A smooth, safe experience isn’t just about getting paid, it’s about peace of mind for both you and the buyer.

Instead of juggling messages across multiple platforms or worrying about meeting strangers in public, you can choose a selling experience that’s built to be simple, secure, and fast. That’s exactly what we offer at Soum.

With Soum, you can list your device in minutes, and get a fair price without the usual hassle. No awkward meetups, no endless negotiations, just a streamlined way to sell your phone the right way.

If you’ve taken care of your phone, it deserves a proper send-off and Soum helps you do exactly that.

Ready to sell it smart?Let’s make it happen right here.