How to Prepare iPads for Sale

Are you looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest iPad model? Or maybe you just don’t use tablets very often, and you’d rather swap yours for instant cash. No matter the reason for selling it, it’s important that you properly prepare your iPad for sale.

If you’re wondering how to reset iPads, perform iCloud backups, or log out of your Apple account, you’re in the right place. Let’s run down all the details and help you prepare your iPad for sale today!

Back Up Your Data

The first step is to ensure that you have a backup file for any important personal data. Resetting the iPad to its factory settings is a crucial step in this process, and doing so will wipe your data from the device. When you back up your iPad, you can transfer your app data, photos, messages, and more to another device.

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to create an iCloud backup. First, navigate to iCloud settings and click on your name. Then, tap “iCloud” and “iCloud backup.” Finally, you can tap “Back Up Now,” and iCloud will take care of the rest! You can rest assured knowing that you won’t lose access to crucial data on your new device.

Sign Out of Your Apple ID, Apple Pay, and “Find My” Accounts

If you leave your iPad logged into your Apple ID, it might still have an activation lock that could prevent it from being easily resold. To begin, tap “Settings,” followed by your name. Scroll down and click on “Sign Out.” Then, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm that you want to log out.

You should also disable the “Find My iPad” feature. While logging out of your Apple ID should also turn off this feature, you should still make sure. Simply tap your name in the Settings app, then tap “Find My.” You can then toggle off the feature. Also, this is a good time to remove your SIM card and transfer it to your new device.

Perform a Factory Reset and Clear History

Once you’re confident that your important data is fully backed up, you’ll need to wipe the storage to restore the iPad to its original factory settings. Within the Settings app, navigate to “General” and tap “Transfer or Reset iPad.” Then, tap “Erase All Content and Settings.” You’ll need to enter your passcode to confirm this choice. This final step deletes any remaining personal details, restores original network settings, and prepares the iPad for sale to its new owner.

Choose How to Sell Your iPad

After following the above steps, your iPad is now ready to sell, but where will you sell it? Which option provides the greatest convenience and the best prices? In general, you have three basic choices.

Trade-In Programs

Apple offers store credit if you trade in an iPad in good working condition. You can then use these credits toward a new iPad or other Apple device.

There are also trade-in programs available from certain retailers, like Best Buy. Similar to Apple’s in-house program, you can trade a fully functional iPad to Best Buy in exchange for store credit. However, unlike with Apple’s first-party trade-in program, you can use those credits to buy any merchandise from Best Buy — you’re not just limited to Apple products.

Your wireless carrier may also have a trade-in program, although this is only relevant if your iPad has a cellular connection. For example, once you’ve had a device for a certain time period (usually 24 or 36 months), your cellular provider might incentivize you to trade it in for a new one.

Online Marketplaces

eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist are all options for selling used iPads, but they all have major downsides. First, let’s look at the positives. Because your iPad’s listing is accessible online, you’ll have a broad potential customer base to draw from, which could mean a higher sale price. However, that’s where the positives end.

Using online marketplaces often requires you to manage product listings, negotiate sale prices, and haggle with potential buyers. You’ll also need to navigate shipping requirements and waiting periods. Or, if your chosen platform allows for in-person sales (like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist), now you have personal safety issues to worry about.

Pawn Shops

While pawn shops can usually facilitate a quick sale, they typically offer rock-bottom pricing for desperate individuals in a pinch. They also require at least some level of back-and-forth haggling.

ecoATM

Selling a used iPad with ecoATM is even quicker than selling it at a pawn shop, and you’ll usually get way more money from the ecoATM kiosk. We proudly offer the best prices for a wide variety of used electronics, even if they’re not in perfect working order.

With ecoATM, you never need to negotiate or haggle. You don’t need to worry about network security or shady buyers or long shipping lead times. When you sell your iPad to ecoATM, all you need to do is show up, verify your ID, connect your iPad to the kiosk, and walk away with cash in your pocket.

Start by getting a pricing estimate on our website. You can lock in the price and then visit your nearest ecoATM kiosk — with 6,000+ of them from coast to coast, there’s a good chance you live or work near one of our locations. Allow the kiosk to assess your iPad’s condition. If it matches the description you gave online, we’ll pay you in instant cash. Or, you can choose digital payment through PayPal or Venmo.

When you sell your used iPad to ecoATM, you participate in the circular economy and do your part to protect the environment. When you factor in our great prices and convenient process, why would you sell your iPad anywhere else?