Charles Esther
Macs hold their value better than most computers.
If you’re looking to upgrade and your existing Mac still has some life left, you should be able to sell it to help fund your new purchase.
Here are the key steps to follow to get the best price for your Mac.
Keep the Boxes and Accessories
Buyers spending hundreds of dollars on used Macs like to get as close to the original package as possible.
Keeping the original box makes your Mac look newer and better cared for.
It also makes shipping or packaging much easier.
Make sure to keep other original box contents too.
The original charger and plug are obviously preferred.
Apple stickers are a nice bonus, especially since new Macs no longer include them.
Warranty cards and setup booklets add extra appeal.
Give Your Mac a Thorough Clean
Before advertising, give your Mac a good clean.
A microfiber cloth is usually enough to clean the screen of a MacBook or iMac.
Wipe down the casing as well.
Apple recommends using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or 75% ethyl alcohol wipe if needed, but a lightly damp lint-free cloth works too.
Don’t forget to blow dust out of the ports.
Cleaning the keyboard with the same damp cloth helps, but note that shiny spots on keys are from wear and can’t be removed.
Some MacBook speaker grille holes are actually just design details, not dust blockages, so don’t try to clean them all out.
Finally, clean your charging cable—it tends to get quite dirty over time.
Check Your Mac for Damage
Honesty about your Mac’s condition is important when selling.
Check carefully for scratches, scuffs, or other damage.
A pristine condition Mac will fetch a higher price.
You can also test hardware using Apple Diagnostics.
This tool runs tests and highlights any problems.
On Apple Silicon Macs, restart while holding the power button to access Startup Options, then press Command+D to start diagnostics.
Prepare the Software for Sale
Before selling, update your Mac to the latest software version.
Go to System Settings > General > Software Update to install system and security updates.
If your Mac runs macOS Monterey or later on Apple Silicon, erasing and resetting it is easy.
Navigate to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings and follow the instructions.
On older Macs, you’ll need to sign out of your Apple ID and follow extra steps to fully reset.
Check Apple’s official website for detailed instructions.
If your Mac came from work or school with Mobile Device Management (MDM) software, you’ll need to have that removed before selling.
You may need help from your system administrator.
Confirm You’ve Removed All Locks
Once reset, confirm that all Apple ID and activation locks are removed.
This doesn’t increase the price but reassures buyers that the Mac is ready for them without issues.
Check if Your AppleCare+ Plan Can Transfer
If you still have AppleCare+ coverage, see if it’s transferable to a new owner.
Typically, non-monthly plans are device-based and can be transferred.
This can add value when setting your asking price.
Check Apple Support to confirm transferability.
Set the Price Based on Trade-In Values
To get the best price, research current market rates.
Look at listings on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and other sites to see what similar Macs sell for.
Apple’s trade-in program also offers insight.
They provide trade-in credit for your old Mac and sell refurbished Macs at set prices.
Setting your price between Apple’s trade-in offer and refurb price helps balance attractiveness and value.
Selling your old Mac is a smart way to fund a new one.
However, if your Mac is very old and no longer supports updates, its resale value may be low.
In that case, consider repurposing it.
For example, old MacBook Airs can be converted into Chromebooks, and Mac Minis have many great alternative uses.
Following these steps will help you sell your Mac quickly and for the best possible price.
