The short answer
Back up and wipe any device that holds data, and remove it from your accounts so activation locks are off. Test it, gather cables, chargers and the box, and find the exact model number. Check recent sold prices for the same model in the same condition, then sell working items, list faulty ones for parts, and recycle the rest responsibly.
Step 1: wipe your data and remove accounts
Anything with storage or an account can hold personal information: laptops, tablets, phones, smart speakers, cameras, game consoles, routers, smartwatches and printers.
- Back up anything you want to keep.
- Sign out and remove activation locks. On Apple devices, sign out of your Apple Account so Find My is off. On Windows and Android devices, sign out of your Microsoft or Google account and remove the device from your account online. Remove smart home devices from their apps.
- Erase using the maker's official reset or erase option. For computers with older hard drives, the maker's guidance or a reputable erase tool can wipe the drive securely.
- Remove memory cards, SIM cards, discs and any drives you are keeping.
- Check that the device starts at its setup screen and asks for no account of yours.
Step 2: clean it
Power off and unplug first. Wipe cases and screens with a soft microfiber cloth, lightly dampened if the maker allows. Clear dust from vents and keyboards with a soft brush or short bursts of compressed air. Clean earpads and headbands gently, and replace worn earpads only if you say so.
Step 3: test it
- It powers on, charges and holds a charge. Note battery health if the device reports it.
- Screens, keyboards, trackpads, buttons, speakers, microphones and cameras.
- Ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- For laptops, the storage and memory shown in the system information.
Check older batteries for swelling, such as a lifting screen or a bulging case. Stop using a swollen device, say so in the listing and check your carrier's rules before shipping it.
Step 4: gather accessories and paperwork
Chargers, cables, remotes, cases, manuals, the original box and receipts all help. A device with its original charger is easier to sell and test. Write down exactly what is included.
Step 5: photograph it
- The whole device from the front and back, in soft light, with the screen on if it has one.
- The system information or settings page showing the model and specifications.
- The model label, with serial numbers blurred in public photos.
- Ports, accessories, the box and every flaw.
Step 6: research the value
The exact model, specification and condition matter more than the brand. Scan the item with WorthAI to identify the likely model and see an estimated worth with a range, a suggested asking price, a reading of buyer demand and the marketplace listings it found. Add a photo of the model label if it asks, or tap Refine Result. Then check recent sold prices for the same model and specification, working or for parts. Some older gadgets, such as early audio players, are collected; our guide to old iPods shows what buyers look for.
Step 7: choose where to sell
- General marketplaces: a wide audience for working devices, collectible gadgets and parts.
- Local selling: good for bulky items such as monitors, printers and speakers.
- Trade-in and buyback programs: run by makers, stores and carriers. Simple and fast, usually for less.
- Repair shops and hobby groups: buyers for faulty devices and parts.
- Electronics recycling: for items with no resale value. Many stores and local programs accept e-waste; do not put batteries in household trash.
Step 8: write the listing
Include the brand, model, key specifications such as storage or screen size, and "working" or "for parts". Our listing title builder helps. In the description, state what you tested, what does not work, what is included and that the device has been reset.
Step 9: price it and count the fees
Price from recent sales of the same model and condition. For lower-value items, shipping and fees can take much of the sale, so use the resale profit calculator and compare with a trade-in offer or a local sale.
Step 10: ship or meet safely
Pack devices in a sturdy box with padding on every side, and protect screens with cardboard. Follow your carrier's rules for lithium batteries. Use tracking. For local sales, meet in a busy public place, let the buyer test the device, and verify payment before handing it over.
After the sale
Keep photos and tracking until the sale is final, remove the device from any account device lists online, and cancel subscriptions or warranties tied to it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wipe a laptop before selling it?
Back up your files, sign out of your accounts and turn off any find-my-device feature, then use the operating system's official reset or erase option. Check that it starts at the setup screen afterward.
Can I sell electronics that do not work?
Often yes. Repairers and hobbyists buy faulty devices for parts. List them clearly as for parts or not working and describe the fault.
What should I do with electronics nobody will buy?
Recycle them through a store, a local e-waste program or the maker's take-back scheme. Wipe your data first, and do not put batteries in household trash.