Preparing Your Google Pixel for Trade-in: What to do Before Selling Your Phone

Preparing Google Pixel's for Trade-in

Preparing Your Google Pixel for Trade-in: What to do Before Selling Your Phone

You are here:
  • Find out how to get the best price for your phone, as you could lose up to 50% of its actual market value by selecting a lowball price.
  • Are you wondering how to sell your old Google Pixel? Make sure to factory data reset Google Pixel first so you can protect your data, and the device can be better prepared for the next buyer.
  • Learn how to avoid the potential damage that could cause the price of your phone to drop when shipping.

Selling your phone is the best way to make extra money to upgrade to a new device. But first, you should get your old phone in as good a condition as possible to get a higher value.

This article will certainly help you on how to sell used Google Pixel and get the best trade-in deal. Plus, things you need to do like erase your Google Pixel before selling to secure your data.

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

Step 1 – Backup Your Data: Launch Settings > Google > Backup > Backup Now.

Step 2 – Reset Your Device: Launch Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data > Restart.

Step 3 – Ensure the phone is clean for activation.

Step 4 – Clean Your Phone. Click here for the detailed instructions.

Step 5 – Take photos of your device.

Step 6 – Remove all accessories, memory cards, and SIM cards.

Step 7 – Turn off your old Pixel phone and prepare it for safe shipping. Click here for the detailed instructions.

Make Sure You Got The Best Google Pixel Trade-in Deal

You may want to sell your old device to upgrade to a new Google Pixel or another phone. There are many options, so ensure you get the best trade-in deals and services.

As a guide for the latest Google Pixel Phones, you’ll get the following deals:

Top Tier Buy-Back Companies: With BankMyCell, you can compare the offered trade-in values of online buyback companies for your phone. Online buyback stores usually offer some of the highest prices, so make sure not to miss them with BankMyCell. Your Pixel can get an offer of up to $500!
Carriers: They can offer up to $235 for your android phone, losing you hundreds of dollars.
Amazon Trade-In: Pays as high as $180.
EcoATM/ Gazelle: Offers up to $135.

Alternatively, you could try selling your old phone on a website like Swappa. It eliminates the middleman and allows you to sell your used phone directly to someone. Although the site cuts the earnings, it’s still a great way to get as close to market value as possible.

The disadvantage of using an auction site is that no money is guaranteed. You list the item and hope someone bids on it. You stand to earn more if there is a lot of interest. If no one bids, you’ll have to wait for another auction to sell.

BankMyCell’s buyback stores, on the other hand, will guarantee you a specific amount. You send the phone in, and we will pay you in a few days.

Find The Best Price in Seconds Here

Compare Google Pixel Buyback/Trade-in Deals

What to Do Before Selling Your Google Pixel

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Backing up your data is essential before trading in your Google Pixel. Backing up helps you restore your files and acts as your factory reset protection.

When you upgrade to a new phone, the backup data stored in your Google account will be helpful because you can quickly transfer or access it whenever you need it.

Follow these simple steps to back up your data in your Google Pixel phone.

  1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
  2. Choose Google and check if you are logged in to the account you want to backup.
  3. Tap Backup.
  4. Select Back up now.
steps to backup android
steps to backup android
steps to backup android

Copy your old Pixel to your device

When you back up all your data to your Google account, you can quickly transfer it to your new device. Remember that you cannot restore a backup from a higher Android version to a device running a lower version.

Follow these steps to copy your old phone’s data to a new one.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your new phone.
  2. Scroll down until you see Google and select it.
  3. Tap your Google account’s email address at the top, then select add another account.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Step 2: How to Factory Reset Your Google Pixel & Remove Google Drive Accounts

Factory reset, also known as formatting and hard reset, is a crucial step to protect your privacy, as the new owner may misuse your data. Below are the various methods on how to factory reset your Google Pixel.

From your Settings app (all Pixel phones)

  1. Go to the Settings app on your phone.
  2. Select System, then Reset Options.
  3. Tap Erase all data to clear all data from your phone’s internal storage.Enter your pin when the prompt appears.
  4. After the reset process, select Restart.
steps to reset android device
steps to reset android device 2
steps to reset android device 3
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Remotely with Find My Device

  1. Go to the Find My Device app. Ensure that your phone is connected to the internet.
  2. Log in to the Google account that is associated with your phone.
  3. Click Erase Device from the bottom of the left side.
  4. Tap Erase Device.

What to do if you’ve already given the Google Phone away

You do not have to worry if you have already sold your Google Pixel phone, as Find My Device can still erase all data you have in there. To do that, your phone must be:

  • Activated, and your Google account is signed in
  • Connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi.
  • Found on Google Play.
  • Have Location and Find My Device enabled.

Find My Device also helps you to find and lock your android phone. Below is the guide to erasing your data and finding and locking your phone even if it is not with you.

  1. Visit the Find My Device website and log in to your Google account associated with your phone.
  2. You will see the map in the center, which will show you your phone’s location.
  3. The Play Sound will help you find your phone as it will ring loud even if it’s on silent mode.A secure device is helpful when you lose your phone. You can leave a message or contact number for them to reach you, which will be seen on the lock screen.
  4. Tap Erase device.This feature is like a factory data reset as it erases all data in your device.

Step 3: Take Note of the IMEI Number / Make Sure It's Clean for Activation

Before trading in your phone, make sure it is clean for activation so the buyer won’t have any trouble activating it. Check with your carriers if your phone is already clear for trading.

T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint need to be fully paid off and free of all contractual obligations, while AT&T doesn’t require anything as long as your device is not reported stolen.

It is important to note that Verizon sells unlocked models, and Sprint must be removed from your Sprint account before a new user can activate it.

Step 4: Clean Your Device

It is essential to clean your Pixel device before trading it in to present it nicely and have a possible higher price. Fingerprints and screen protector marks may be seen as scratches which can lower the device value.

To clean your device, gently wipe your phone’s casing, back, and front with a soft microfiber cloth and a little solution. Make sure no liquid gets into the headphone jack or charging port.

Also, avoid using cleaning products containing ammonia, such as window cleaner or Dettol, as it will damage your LCD over time.

Step 5: Take Pictures of Your Device

Capture your phone from all angles while it is open to ensure that if any damage occurs during shipping, you will have proof that you sent it off in good condition.

Step 6: Remove Accessories, Memory, and SIM cards

When you are about to sell your android phone, you have to remove the memory card, SIM cards, and accessories such as phone cases and screen protectors, if there are any. Try to maintain the device’s condition the same as when you first bought it.

Three easy steps to remove your memory and SIM cards

  1. Get your SIM ejector pin key or alternative tools you have.
  2. Insert the tool in the small hole of your SIM card tray, which can be seen on the sides of your phone.
  3. Gently push it to pull out the SIM card tray.

Step 7: Turn Off Your Old Pixel Phone and Prepare Your Phone for Safe Shipping

You will receive a free shipping pack and label if you sell your old phone to online buyback stores partnered with BankMyCell.

Below are the steps in preparing your Google Pixel for safe shipping.

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Wrap the phone in several layers of bubble wrap.
  3. Keep the bubble wrap neatly secured so it does not move around during shipping.
  4. To keep the wrap in place, place it in an envelope.
  5. Label your package with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” signs.

Now that you have finished preparing your Google Pixel for sale, compare buyback stores at BankMyCell and choose the store that will give you the most cash and best services.