Everything you need to know about selling your old phone or tablet with RefurbStore.
RefurbStore is a comprehensive comparison platform for trading in and recycling your mobile gadgets. We aggregate quotes from the UK’s leading tech recyclers, ensuring you get the highest possible price for your unused phone or tablet.
Just enter the make and model of your device, along with details like storage capacity, network lock status, and condition. Our system then scours top recyclers for the best offers, showing you how (and how fast) each buyer will pay. Pick the deal that suits you, click “Sell now,” and follow the on-screen instructions. Package up your device, post it off, and wait for payment—no fuss, no hassle.
You could earn up to £500, depending on your phone’s make, model, release date, storage capacity, and overall condition. Devices that are unlocked, newer, and in pristine condition typically fetch more. Even if your handset is broken, certain buyers will offer good prices if they can refurbish it or harvest valuable parts.
Absolutely. Many recyclers in our network will purchase phones that no longer switch on or have other faults. Simply choose “broken/faulty” as your device condition. Although you won't get top-tier pricing, you’ll still be able to cash in on a device you can’t use, and you’ll keep it out of landfill. Just be honest when describing the fault; recyclers thoroughly test any items they receive.
Water damage is one of the toughest faults to repair. If you’ve had an aquatic mishap, there’s still a chance some buyers may consider your phone, although you might receive a reduced or even zero-value quote. It’s best to check each recycler’s terms and conditions to see if they accept water-damaged devices. Even if you don’t make any money, sending it in for proper disposal ensures your phone is recycled responsibly.
When listing your phone or tablet, you’ll typically choose from three main categories:
Each recycler sets its own criteria. Once they receive your phone, they’ll test it and confirm its condition. If they disagree with your initial assessment, they may adjust the offer or return the device upon request.
Please remove all locks (password, PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition) before posting your device. Also, ensure any activation locks—for example, Find My iPhone on Apple devices—are disabled. If your phone arrives locked, the recycler may have to contact you for assistance or reduce the final offer if it causes delays.
Remove your SIM card before sending off your phone. Recyclers typically destroy any SIMs left in devices, and you likely won’t get them back. A SIM card can hold personal info (contacts, messages), so removing it yourself helps protect your privacy.
Smartphones are treasure troves of personal data—bank details, login credentials, private messages, and more. Always back up any information you need, then perform a complete factory reset (sometimes called a ‘hard reset’). Afterwards, it’s wise to double-check for lingering data in your photos, messages, or call logs. Removing the SIM card further safeguards your information.
Remember that recyclers aren’t liable for any data left behind on sold devices—so make sure you’ve cleared your information thoroughly before shipping it.
RefurbStore itself doesn’t buy phones—we compare offers from reputable buyers who adhere to legal obligations. These companies use services like the CheckMEND database to verify a phone’s status via its unique IMEI number. If the database flags a device as lost, stolen, or associated with an insurance claim, the recycler must hold it for 28 days to allow the rightful owner to resolve the issue.
If you’re worried about unknowingly selling a previously stolen device, you can also check your phone’s IMEI on the CheckMEND database before trading it in.
Each phone or tablet has a unique 15-digit code called an IMEI number. You can find yours by dialling *#06# on most devices, checking your phone’s packaging, or looking in your device’s settings. You’ll need it for insurance purposes, unlocking your device, or verifying your handset’s status on CheckMEND.
Payment options vary by recycler, but common methods include bank transfer, PayPal, or cheque. Our comparison pages clearly show you how each recycler processes payments. Just pick the option that suits you best—whether that’s an instant bank transfer or a good old-fashioned cheque in the post.
Many recyclers aim to pay you as soon as they inspect and approve your device, often within the same day of receiving it. Others may take several working days, particularly if they must re-check your phone’s condition or if there’s an activation lock in place. The comparison results on our site include each recycler’s estimated timeframe, so you can choose the speed that works for you.
Most recyclers provide freepost envelopes for posting your device. However, if the handset is especially valuable, you might prefer to send it via a tracked or insured method at your own expense. This ensures you’re fully covered if anything happens en route.
We compare offers for a huge range of makes and models, including Apple, Samsung, Google, Sony, Nokia, Huawei, Motorola, HTC, and more. No matter your device’s age, there’s a good chance we can help find a buyer for it.
If you can’t find your gadget on RefurbStore, it generally means that none of our partner recyclers are accepting it at the moment—often because it’s too outdated or in limited demand. Keep checking, because new offers and models appear regularly, or consider looking at other recycling options.