So you want to sell your locked iPhone?

Get to know the primary types of locks first.

Sell locked iPhones, Androids, tablets and more to SellLocked. We'll get you paid.

With new iPhone and Android devices coming to market seemingly every few months, it's likely that you're ready for an upgrade. In most cases, leveling up to the latest and greatest device means you'll need a buyer for your old cell phone or tablet — both to take it off your hands, and to put a little extra cash back in your pocket.

Leveling up to the latest and greatest device means you'll need a buyer for your old phone or tablet. Is yours locked?

But what if your current device is locked? Even as the original owner, there are several reasons that this could be the case. Here, we'll explore the primary lock types to help you identify which you may have. And if you're still not sure? Well, great news! At SellLocked, we specialize in locked devices (we'll even buy your unlocked phones, too). And we're ready to buy yours, today.

Carrier Locked Phones

A particularly common locked phone type is known as “carrier locked.” In other words, it's a phone that is intended to be specific to just one cellular service provider, such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and others.

Whether you or your buyer decides to switch carriers from the original network or “carrier lock” on the phone, you may need assistance unlocking your device. In some cases, this is an easy fix. And some carriers will even offer to buy your used phone as part of the new contract and device purchase. That's a home run.

But often, it's more difficult to make the switch. And not all carriers are willing to accept all models of carrier-locked phones. At SellLocked, we will evaluate whatever device you have to sell — and fast — offering top dollar for your device, regardless of your network.

Activation Locked Phones

Another common instance is an “Activation Locked” iPhone, also known as iCloud Locked. These server-based locks generally require new users to sign in with the original owner's iOS Apple ID and password, even upon reset. And without this account information, the device becomes more or less a brick: inoperable, and valued only for its parts.

Let's say you do recall the iCloud account, and can provide this along with the device. In some cases, such as the transfer of a phone or tablet between direct family members or friends, such an information-sharing arrangement may not be an issue. Though, be warned: privacy concerns should always be considered.

But for all other buyers and sellers, an activation lock is less than ideal. SellLocked can buy these iCloud-Locked phones and get you on your way.

Blacklisted or “Bad IMEI” Locked Phones

You may be wondering what a blacklisted phone is, but on instinct, it certainly doesn't sound good. This refers to locked phones wherein the IMEI (or International Mobile Equipment Identity number, a distinct set of digits that identifies each specific phone) has been blacklisted, or otherwise blocked by the device's original carrier.

It could also be blocked by an associated insurer or other vested entity. And such “blacklisted” or “Bad IMEI” phones are prevented from connecting to cell towers, as well as the Internet. They might as well be an iPod or a brick.

Such blacklisting can come about innocently, as in the case of loss or theft, which may lead the original owner to report the device to their carrier or insurer as “lost.” At this point, the carrier may choose to blacklist the device — but suppose that it turns back up. Even the original owner would now be unable to log in or operate this blacklisted, “Bad IMEI” device. It can be a frustrating scenario. But with SellLocked, it doesn't have to be the end.

Passcode Locked Phones

Among the simplest, but most vexing, kinds of locks is the passcode lock. In such cases, the user becomes temporarily (or, in extreme cases of lock-out or resetting the device, permanently) unable to access their phone without the specific code.

Both iPhone and Android devices generally allow users to completely erase the device and start over. But since this deletes everything on the phone (unless properly backed up to the cloud), this may not always be ideal. In any case, SellLocked will evaluate your passcode-locked phone and make you an offer. This lock type falls under our Activation Locked status, and we make it easy for you to sell your phone fast.

Financed Locked Phones

In the case of Financed phones, these devices are still under contract with a certain carrier, and the account holder is still making payments toward their purchase. Generally speaking, such devices with a remaining balance against them cannot be unlocked or reactivated under a new user account. And if the payments stop coming in, this phone could be blacklisted or considered to be a “Bad IMEI” phone.

In such cases, some carriers will offer to buy locked phones from other carriers as they woo users over to them. But not all buyback stores are able to make such an offer, and they can rarely give you as much as we can pay. At SellLocked, we'll buy your financed locked phone and help you upgrade or switch carriers with a little extra cash in your pocket.

Read our FAQs to Learn More about SellLocked

Whether you're struggling to unlock your iPhone yourself, or you're just ready for the next upgrade and looking to sell your existing locked devices, SellLocked will evaluate and buy your locked phones and tablets. Our offers can compete with the very best buyback programs in the business. And we're committed to getting you paid and on your way — fast — no matter what type of locked phone you want to sell.