Close-up Phography of a Grey Iphone Xi
Torsten Dettlaff

The resale market is a great way to get that extra cash you need to upgrade your phone. However, if you want to preserve as much of your device's value as possible, you need to look after it carefully. Here are some pro tips to keep your smartphone in mint condition for resale.

1 - Get Yourself a High-Quality Case

A good case is a must if you want to keep your phone looking fresh as long as possible. Go for one that has reinforced corners and a snug fit to help protect your phone from drops and scratches without adding too much bulk to the package. Transparent cases are a great choice if you want protection without hiding how gorgeous your phone is.

A case is particularly important for phones that have a glass backplate. A cracked panel will significantly reduce the resale value of the device.

2 - Use a screen protector

Never underestimate a screen's ability to soak up scratches in a matter of months. You'll often not even notice tiny dents and scratches caused by your keys or pocket sand, but any sort of mark on the screen can reduce the device's resale value.

The solution, of course, is to invest in a good Android or Apple screen protector. As this website shows, there are plenty of options available, so you can go for a bulky screen protector that offers more protection, or for a thin one that will only prevent minor scratches. Any protection is better than none at all.

Oh, and don't fall for the manufacturer's hype on this one. Every device maker loves to tout how scratch-resistant their phone is. Different treatments can indeed do a lot to strengthen glass, but unless you buy a phone with a sapphire screen, you still need a screen protector.

3 - Regularly Clean Ports and Exterior

Dust and grime are sneaky. They find their way into all the tiny nooks and crannies of your phone, especially the charging port and speaker grills. Over time, this could cause connectivity issues and muffled audio, and it can make the device look gross.

Make it a habit to gently clean these areas using a soft, lint-free cloth or compressed air. Just be cautious not to damage any internal components while you're at it. This routine maintenance can go a long way in keeping your phone's hardware in top shape for resale.

4 - Manage Your Battery Life

Batteries degrade over time - that's just how it is. But you can slow down this process by adopting some smart charging habits.

Avoid letting your phone's battery dip below 20% regularly, and steer clear of keeping it plugged in once it reaches 100%. Usually, the sweet spot is to keep your battery level between 30% and 80% for most of the time. If your phone has a specific battery care feature, make sure to use it.

5 - Keep Original Packaging and Accessories

When it comes to resale value, the devil is in the details. Holding onto the original box, manual, and all accessories can really boost your phone's attractiveness to potential buyers. It shows you've taken good care of the entire package, not just the device itself.

Since these items will likely stay in storage for months, make sure to place them in a cool, dry place to make sure they don't deteriorate.