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Apple has recently introduced the new iPhone 13 lineup, iPad and iPad Mini models, and Apple Watch Series 7. We are still waiting on the MacBook Pro lineup refresh later this year. And as per usual, every new product release means it might be a time to upgrade. But here is a question: what to do with that older, still perfectly working Apple laptop? If you are not going to trade it in, reselling the gadget for some extra cash is always a great idea. However, before you part ways with your preowned Apple laptop, you need to back up your data, sign out all linked accounts, reset it to factory defaults, etc.
This post will walk you through the steps of reselling a preowned Apple laptop for the best possible value.
Things To Do Before Selling an Apple Laptop
Create a Backup
To save all the data stored on the Apple laptop you are getting rid of, you must create a backup. To do that, use an external hard drive or cloud service (iCloud), or both. It is nice to have a hard copy, but hard drives do fail, so storing your files on the cloud is never a bad idea.
Another option is to use Time Machine, a built-in backup feature on your Apple laptop. It automatically backs up your data, including documents, photos, emails, apps, etc. Plus, you can schedule your backup to run hourly, daily, or even less frequently.
To backup your stuff using Time Machine, you will need an external drive like USB or USB-C, depending on your Apple laptop model. Or you can back it up on another Mac. Open your Apple Menu > System Preferences > Time Machine > Select Backup Disk. This enables Time Machine to start backing up your information immediately, based on your chosen schedule.
Sign Out of iTunes
Before you sell your used Apple laptop, deauthorize it from all accounts, especially those where you can make a purchase. And this includes iTunes. To sign out, select Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer.
Sign Out of iCloud
This step is the most important. Be sure to sign out of your iCloud account to avoid sharing your private information with the next owner. Besides, an active iCloud account locks the Mac, preventing anyone else from logging in. Usually, iCloud-locked Apple devices have no resale value, so that is something to keep in mind if you want to get paid.
Please follow these steps to sign out: click on Apple Menu > System Preferences > Apple ID. Then, select iCloud and Turn Off Find my Mac. Lastly, click on Overview in the sidebar and then click Sign Out.
The software will ask you whether you want to keep a copy of your iCloud data on an Apple laptop, but you can go ahead and click “Keep a Copy” because you will erase your Mac later on.
Sign Out of iMessage App on Your Apple Laptop
To sign out of iMessage, go to the iMessage app > select Messages > Preferences. Then, click on iMessage and sign out.
Unpair Bluetooth Devices
If you have your Apple laptop paired with a Bluetooth device like a mouse, trackpad, Apple watch, or headphones that you will be keeping, it makes sense to unpair those gadgets first. To do that:
- Go to Apple Menu and click on System Preferences.
- Hover over Bluetooth.
- Select the device you want to unpair and click on the (x) button next to it.
Erase Your Information and Reinstall macOS
Now that you have signed out of all accounts and unpaired your other devices, it is time to reset the machine. This last step is essential, whether you want to sell an Apple laptop, trade it in, or donate. Resetting your computer to factory defaults will erase any residual information. It will also remove installed programs and applications.
To factory reset your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air:
- Reboot the computer.
- As soon as it starts, press and hold down Command + R keys together. Once you see the Apple logo, release both keys. And if you have an Apple M1-based model, the process is even easier: simply press and hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options” on display.
- Select Disk Utility in the Recovery Mode menu, choose your startup disk (Macintosh HD) and click the Erase button.
- A window will appear, and select macOS Extended (Journaled) and click on Erase again.
- Select Quit Disk Utility in the Disk Utility menu. Then, a window will pop up with the option to reinstall macOS. Select Install macOS to start the process.
- The system will reboot once the installation is complete.
Where To Sell a Preowned Apple Laptop?
The internet offers several options for reselling your unwanted technology. For one, you can list the laptop on eBay or Craigslist. Or you can make your life easier and pick an online buyback service. That way, you don’t have to deal with lowball offers, provide post-sale support or even deal with returns.
One of our favorite services for reselling used electronics online is Gadget Salvation.
Trusted Buyback Service: Gadget Salvation
Gadget Salvation is a buyback platform designed to help users sell their preowned devices online and get paid in cash. The company accepts used PC laptops, Apple MacBooks, smartphones, iPhones, tablets, gaming consoles, and more. According to other sellers, they deliver a seamless selling experience and pay quickly. Besides, Gadget Salvation provides instant upfront valuation, does free inspections, and covers the postage cost.
How it Works
To sell an Apple laptop for cash through Gadget Salvation, please follow these three easy steps:
- Find your model in their online database and calculate an instant offer based on Mac’s functional and cosmetic condition. Accept the offer if you like what you see, and continue to checkout to receive a prepaid shipping label.
- Get a sturdy box and package your computer. Attach this prepaid shipping label to the box’s surface, seal it well and drop it off at the nearest UPS store.
- Wait for the money. Within two workdays of receiving your shipment, the company issues the payment via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or will mail a check–the choice is yours.
Used Apple Laptop Trade-in Value
The price of a preowned Apple laptop depends on the release year, configuration, cosmetic and functional condition. Current market demand also plays a significant role in determining its value. For example:
- An Apple MacBook Air 13-inch from 2019 with Intel Core i5 1.6GHz processor and 256GB of storage yields up to a $412 offer.*
- A bit older 2014 Apple Macbook Pro 13-inch Intel Core i7-based with 512GB drive can be resold for up to $353.*
Bottom Line
Before selling your used Apple laptop, it is important to back up your files first, sign out of all accounts (iCloud, iTunes, iMessage, Gmail, etc.), and reset it to factory settings. A properly prepared computer assures a good offer and a quick sale. And if you are reselling your used stuff online, why not give Gadget Salvation a try!
*Priced on 10/04/2021. Subject to change.
