Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers about the SellMobile trade‑in process, accepted products, device condition, getting paid, and ID requirements.
Last updated: 14 February 2026
Trade‑in Selection
Find answers to common questions about trade‑in selection
How can I go about selling my phone?
Do you accept other tech products?
Do you accept devices with broken or damaged screens?
Can I sell a device that is still on a contract or finance plan?
No. We cannot accept devices that are still on a contract or finance plan. Until a contract is fully paid off, the device technically belongs to the network provider. If any monthly payments are missed, the provider can blacklist the device — making it unusable and essentially worthless.
Please make sure your device is fully paid off and unlocked before sending it in. If you're close to the end of your contract (less than 6 months remaining), you may still get a quote, but we'll need proof that the contract has been settled before we can process your payment.
If we discover an outstanding finance agreement during our checks, we will not be able to proceed and the device will need to be returned at your own expense.
Can I trust you with my device?
Absolutely. We've been in the recycling business for over a decade and we operate in good faith. The price we offer is the price you'll get, provided the assessment responses you gave accurately reflect the condition of your device.
If we find that the device doesn't quite match the condition described, we may need to revise the offer. We understand that minor oversights happen — if you decline the revised offer in these cases, we'll return your device free of charge.
However, if a device has been significantly misrepresented — for example, sending a faulty device described as being in good working condition — and you decline the revised offer, you will need to arrange for the collection of your device at your own expense. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Devices must not be blacklisted or flagged by services such as checkmend.com.
Device Condition Definitions
Find answers to common questions about device condition definitions
Device condition faults affect price.
We buy working and faulty devices. Factors that affect price include:
- Powers on (screen must switch on and not be black)
- Screen/LCD/Touchscreen cracked, faulty or bleeding
- One or more major functions faulty
- Wi‑Fi faulty
- Camera faulty
- Microphone or speaker faulty
- Connector faulty
- Housing has a major crack
- Not able to make & receive calls
- Faulty or missing buttons
- Mild water damage
- Battery health below 80%
- Housing not bent
Excellent Condition & Purchase Receipt
Find answers about excellent condition requirements and purchase receipts
What qualifies as "Excellent" condition?
Why do I need to provide a purchase receipt for excellent condition devices?
How do I upload my purchase receipt?
What happens if I don't have a receipt or my device doesn't match excellent condition?
ID Verification & Payments
Find answers to common questions about ID verification and payments
What is the process of getting paid?
Once your device passes our checks, we pay you—typically within 1 business day. For anti‑fraud procedures on high‑value devices, we require identity verification. We accept the following documents:
- Photo ID: Driving licence (must show your name and UK address)
- Proof of address: Bank statement or utility bill (must show your name and UK address, dated within the last 6 months)
Privacy & Your Data
Your rights regarding personal data we hold
Can I request deletion of my personal data?
Yes. Under GDPR, you have the right to request deletion of your personal data. You can do this directly from your profile page by clicking "Request Data Deletion". We will review and process your request within 30 days. For full details about your rights and how we handle your data, please read our GDPR Data Deletion guide.
What data do you keep after I request deletion?
As a secondhand goods dealer, we are legally required to retain certain transaction records. For orders where we purchased your device, your name and address are kept for up to 2 years (anti-handling compliance under the Proceeds of Crime Act), and anonymised financial records (amounts, dates, device information) are kept for up to 6 years (HMRC tax requirements). After these periods, all remaining data is automatically anonymised. Your account, login details, reviews, and all other personal data are deleted immediately.
How long does it take to process a data deletion request?
Under GDPR, we are required to process your request within 30 days. In most cases, we process requests much sooner. You will receive an email confirmation once your data has been deleted or if we need to retain any records for legal compliance. Learn more in our GDPR Data Deletion guide.
Can I delete my account myself?
Yes. You can delete your account directly from your profile page under "Delete Account". This immediately removes your account and personal data, with the same legal retention rules applied to any transaction records. Alternatively, you can submit a data deletion request for our team to review and process on your behalf.
Still have questions?
Contact us and we’ll get back to you quickly.