What's Your Old Electronics Worth?
Find buyback and scrap values for phones, laptops, tablets, and gaming devices. Compare trade-in vs. parts vs. recycling.
Smartphone Details
Device Condition *
Prepare Your Device for Sale
Maximize your payout and protect your data with these essential tools and steps.
Data Security
- •Factory reset is NOT enough - use manufacturer wipe tools
- •Remove iCloud, Google, Samsung accounts BEFORE selling
- •Backup your data first (iCloud, Google Photos, etc.)
Maximize Value
- •Clean device thoroughly - buyers pay more for clean devices
- •Include original box and accessories (adds 10-15% value)
- •Fix minor cosmetic issues if cost-effective
For Parting Out
- iFixit toolkits for phone/laptop repair
- Replacement screens and parts on eBay
- Battery testing multimeter
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Inside Your Electronics?
Understanding the precious metals content helps explain why certain devices have scrap value.
| Material | Smartphone | Laptop | Current Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 0.034 grams | 0.2 grams | $2.50 / $15 |
| Silver | 0.34 grams | 1 gram | $0.25 / $0.75 |
| Palladium | 0.015 grams | 0.1 grams | $1.50 / $10 |
| Copper | 15 grams | 100 grams | $0.30 / $2 |
| Total Precious Metals | ~$4-5 | ~$30-40 | Per device |
Why you shouldn't try to extract it yourself: The chemicals required (nitric acid, aqua regia) are dangerous and expensive. Professional e-waste recyclers process thousands of devices at once to make it economical. For individuals, it costs more to extract than the metals are worth.
Scam Warning: Never ship your device before getting a written quote. Legitimate buyback companies provide quotes based on your condition assessment, then may adjust slightly upon inspection. If someone offers $500 for your beat-up iPhone 8, they're scamming you. Always compare quotes from multiple reputable companies (Gazelle, Decluttr, Apple Trade-In, Best Buy).
How E-Waste Values Work
Device values depend on several factors that buyers carefully evaluate:
- •Working condition: A cracked screen can reduce value by 30-40%
- •Storage capacity: 256GB phones worth significantly more than 64GB
- •Activation lock: iCloud or Google locked devices only worth scrap value ($5-20)
- •Age and model: Newer flagship devices hold value much better
- •Market demand: Popular models like iPhones resell easier and command higher prices
Important Notes
- ⚠ALWAYS wipe your data before selling. Factory reset is not enough - use manufacturer data erasure tools
- ⚠Remove all accounts (iCloud, Google, Samsung) or the device may be worth only scrap value ($5-20)
- ⚠Beware of scams: If someone quotes $500 for your old iPhone 7, they're lying. Check real market values first
- ⚠Parting out devices can yield 50-100% more value but takes time and technical knowledge
Related Tools & Resources
Scrap Value Lookup
Find scrap metal values for electronics components and circuit boards.
Find E-Waste Recyclers
Search for certified e-waste recycling centers near you.
Electronics Recycling Guide
Learn how to properly recycle old electronics.
Environmental Impact
Calculate the environmental benefit of recycling electronics.