Selling Your iPhone Online: A Mail-In Checklist
Plan your online iPhone sale before you ship
An online buyback quote is a starting point based on the device details you provide. Before mailing your iPhone, check what is included in the shipping service, prepare your personal data, and understand what happens after inspection.
1. Get a quote for the exact phone you own
Open Settings → General → About and check your model and total storage capacity. Select the correct carrier status and describe screen damage, back-glass damage, charging issues, camera problems, and other faults accurately. A current quote is more useful than an old resale estimate.
Compare offers using the same device details. Check whether the offer is cash, store credit, or promotional bill credits with additional requirements. FlipaCell does not promise to match every competing offer.
Check your current iPhone offer or read how to compare iPhone buyback offers.
2. Understand what the prepaid label covers
FlipaCell provides a free prepaid inbound shipping label for eligible orders. Follow the carrier and shipping instructions supplied with your order. A prepaid label does not mean a box, packing materials, or a printer-free drop-off is automatically included.
Use a sturdy box and protective cushioning so the phone cannot move inside the package. Follow the order instructions for any paperwork, and keep your drop-off receipt and tracking number. Do not assume accessories or the original retail box increase the quote unless the quote specifically says so.
If you cannot find your label, check your spam folder and contact help@flipacell.com with your order number and the email used for the quote.
3. Prepare your data and account access
Back up and transfer your personal data before erasing your iPhone. Transfer your mobile service, unpair your Apple Watch if applicable, sign out of your Apple Account, and remove Find My / Activation Lock. Follow Apple’s instructions for selling or giving away an iPhone.
Do not ship an iPhone with personal information still on it or rely on a resale service as your only data-erasure step. Never send passwords, account recovery codes, or verification codes with your device.
4. Check ownership and eligibility
FlipaCell serves U.S. sellers through a mail-in process. Sell only an iPhone you own and are entitled to sell. We do not buy lost, stolen, or Activation-Locked devices. Carrier lock is different from Activation Lock; select the correct status in the quote tool. For a financed or loaned phone, contact us about required ownership or payoff documentation before shipping.
Damage or a functional fault can affect eligibility and value. If the quote tool does not describe your phone’s condition, contact FlipaCell before sending it.
5. Know what happens at inspection
We compare the received phone with the details submitted for the quote. Incoming packages are video recorded, and devices undergo IMEI checks. If the device differs from your description, you may receive a revised offer that you can accept or decline.
If you decline a revised offer, you provide a prepaid return shipping label and cover that return cost. Free inbound shipping does not mean free return shipping. Read the Terms of Service before completing your order.
6. Choose a payment method and allow processing time
The quote checkout offers PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, or paper check. Payment follows receipt, inspection, and acceptance under the Terms of Service; submitting a quote does not produce an immediate payment. Paper checks require additional mailing time.
Check the deadline in your order confirmation, retain your records, and contact us if you need help with an existing order. For more detail, see the shipping and payment FAQs.
Ready to start?
Get an offer for your iPhone, review the details, and ship only when you understand the inspection and return terms.
