Preparing Your Device
Preparing Your Device for Sale
Before sending, dropping off or arranging collection of your device, please take a few important steps to protect your personal information and avoid delays with your order.
Following this guide will help us inspect your phone, tablet, smartwatch, laptop or console quickly and process your payment as smoothly as possible.
Step 1: Back Up Your Personal Data
Before selling your device, make sure you have backed up anything you want to keep, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, documents and app data.
Once your device is received, it may be tested, reset, wiped or processed as part of our inspection procedure. We are not responsible for any personal data left on a device.
Common backup options include:
iPhone or iPad: back up to iCloud or a computer.
Samsung or Android devices: back up to Google, Samsung Cloud or a computer.
Laptops and computers: back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Step 2: Remove Your Accounts and Security Locks
Please remove all accounts, passwords and security locks before sending or handing over your device. Devices with active account locks can be delayed, rejected or reduced in value.
For Apple iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
Sign out of iCloud.
Turn off Find My iPhone, Find My iPad or Find My Apple Watch.
Remove your Apple ID from the device.
Unpair your Apple Watch if you are selling one.
You can usually do this by going to:
Settings > Your Name > Find My > Turn Off Find My
Then erase the device by going to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
For Samsung and Android Devices
Remove your Google account.
Remove your Samsung account if applicable.
Turn off screen locks, PINs, passwords and pattern locks.
Disable any tracking or anti-theft features.
To reset most Android devices, go to:
Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data
On Samsung devices, this may appear as:
Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset
Step 3: Remove SIM Cards and Memory Cards
Please remove your SIM card, eSIM profile where possible, and any memory card before sending or handing over your device.
We are not responsible for SIM cards, memory cards or personal accessories left inside devices.
Step 4: Check Your Device Condition
To help avoid a revised offer, please make sure the condition you select matches the device as accurately as possible.
Please check for:
Cracked screen or back glass
Battery health issues
Charging faults
Camera faults
Speaker or microphone issues
Face ID, Touch ID or fingerprint faults
Water or liquid damage
Network locks or blacklist status
Previous repairs or replacement parts
If the device condition is different from the information provided, we may contact you with a revised offer before proceeding.
Step 5: Package Your Device Securely
If you are posting your device to us, please package it carefully to prevent damage in transit.
We recommend:
Using a strong box or padded envelope.
Wrapping the device securely with bubble wrap or protective packaging.
Avoiding loose movement inside the parcel.
Using tracked postage where provided or recommended.
Keeping proof of postage until your order is completed.
Please do not send unnecessary accessories unless requested. Chargers, cables, cases and boxes are not usually required unless they form part of your quote.
Sending, Dropping Off or Arranging Collection
We offer flexible ways to sell your device:
Post your device using our tracked shipping service.
Visit our Sunderland store at 93 Chester Road, Sunderland, SR4 7EZ.
Arrange local collection if you are based within approximately 20 miles of Sunderland.
If you are local to Sunderland or the surrounding North East area, visiting the store or arranging collection can be a quick and convenient option.
Important Information Before Sending Your Device
Your device must not be reported lost or stolen.
Your device must not be blocked, blacklisted or barred.
You must have the legal right to sell the device.
If your phone is on contract or finance, please contact us before placing your order.
All account locks must be removed before we can complete inspection.
Payment is processed after your device has been received, inspected and accepted.
Need Help Preparing Your Device?
If you are unsure how to remove an account, reset your device or package it correctly, our team is here to help.
You can contact us before sending your device, visit our Sunderland store, or ask about our local collection service.
The Phone Shop Sunderland
93 Chester Road
Sunderland
SR4 7EZ
Phone: 0191 564 1919
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 07883 582248