You just asked yourself, “How do I sell my iPhone 12 Pro Max without getting ripped off?” Good question. Below is a step-by-step checklist you can keep on your phone. No marketplace names, no coupons, no sales pitch—just facts you can verify anywhere.
Know Your Exact Model
Open Settings → General → About.
Write down:
Storage (128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB)
Carrier lock status (look for “No SIM restrictions”)
Battery health (Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging)
IMEI number (scroll down)
These four lines decide 90 % of the price. A 512 GB unlocked phone with 95 % battery can be worth $150 more than a 128 GB carrier-locked one with 80 % battery. Keep the note—you’ll quote these details to every buyer.
Price It Like the Pros Do
a) Search “iPhone 12 Pro Max sold” on any big auction site and filter by completed listings.
b) Pick the five most recent that match your storage, color, and lock status.
c) Add the sold prices, divide by five, then subtract 10 % for fees if you sell online or 5 % if you sell locally.
That number is your fair market value. If you want a faster sale, list 8 % below that average; if you’re in no rush, list 5 % above. You now have a data-driven price instead of a hopeful guess.
Make It Look Brand-New in 10 Minutes
Power it off and wipe fingerprints with a dry microfiber cloth.
Use a toothpick to remove lint in the speaker grille and charging port—buyers shine phone flashlights in there.
Take photos in daylight against a plain background. One front, one back, one of the screen while it’s on, and a close-up of the camera lenses. Clear photos prove “no cracks” faster than any sentence you write.
Erase Your Life from It
Back up first (iCloud or computer), then:
Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out → iCloud & Store
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
Leave it on the Hello screen. A phone that’s already wiped feels “ready to use” and saves the buyer time, which equals extra dollars for you.
Prove It’s Clean
Buyers fear two things: unpaid bills and activation locks. Take screenshots of:
The Hello screen (shows no Apple ID lock)
Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock (shows “No SIM restrictions”)
Any email that says your installment plan is paid off.
Email those screenshots to yourself so you can forward them the moment a buyer asks. You’ll close the deal twice as fast.
Pick the Selling Style That Fits Your Life
A. Quick cash, less work: Use an instant buy-back website. You punch in your details, ship the phone, and get paid in a few days. You’ll earn a bit less, but you avoid meet-ups and haggling.
B. More cash, more footwork: List locally and meet the buyer face-to-face. You keep the full market value but you must handle questions, negotiate, and choose a safe meeting spot.
C. Maximum cash, maximum effort: Auction sites. You reach the world, yet you pay seller fees, pack the box, and risk returns. Choose this only if you enjoy online selling.
There is no “best” way—only the way that matches the time you want to spend.
Write the Ad That Answers Every Question Before It’s Asked
Headline formula: Storage + Model + Condition + Network Status
Example: “256 GB iPhone 12 Pro Max – Mint, Unlocked, Battery 96 %”
Body (keep it under 60 words):
Exact storage, color, and condition.
Battery health number.
Included items: box, cable, case.
Proof phrases: “Paid off, IMEI clean, no iCloud lock.”
Meeting terms: “Cash, public place, bring your SIM to test.”
Buyers who see all the facts up front pay more and bargain less.
Stay Safe During the Handoff
Meet inside a phone carrier store if possible; employees can pop in a SIM and confirm the phone works.
Bring a friend.
Accept cash or a digital payment that clears instantly (Venmo, Zelle, Cash App).
Hand over the phone only after the money shows up in your account or cash is counted.
Reset the phone again in front of the buyer if you already set it up—this proves you didn’t reinstall an activation lock.
Keep a Paper Trail
Save screenshots of:
Your original ad
The buyer’s name and phone number
Payment confirmation
Shipping receipt (if you ship)
If the buyer later claims the phone was “not as described,” you have dated proof of condition and agreement.
Know When to Walk Away
Red flags:
Offers above your asking price “to cover shipping.”
Requests for your Apple ID password.
Pressure to meet at night in a private place.
Payments that show as “pending.”
Trust your gut. A legit buyer will test the phone, hand over cash, and leave—total time: five minutes.
Common Questions Answered
Q: How much can I sell my iPhone 12 Pro Max for right now?
A: Check today’s average of five sold listings that match your exact model, then adjust up or down 5–10 % for condition and accessories. Prices move weekly; last month’s number is already old.
Q: Do scratches matter?
A: Light scuffs on the metal frame are normal and cost you about $20. A cracked back glass can knock off $80–$100, because the buyer must replace it.
Q: Should I replace the battery first?
A: If battery health is under 85 % and you can get an Apple battery swap for $69, do it. You’ll add $80–$100 to the selling price and the phone sells faster.
Q: Is it safe to ship?
A: Yes, if you photograph the serial number, pack it like an egg, and insure the package for the full sale price. Keep the receipt until the buyer leaves feedback.
Q: Can I sell a phone that isn’t paid off?
A: Only if you immediately pay the remaining balance and get a “paid in full” letter from the carrier. Otherwise the IMEI can be blacklisted, and the buyer will demand a refund.
Final Word
You now have a repeatable game plan: identify, price, clean, prove, advertise, meet, and document. Use it once and you’ll never again wonder, “How do I sell my iPhone 12 Pro Max for what it’s really worth?” The money is sitting in your drawer—go turn it into cash.
