Can You Sell an Old Tablet in the UK? What iPads and Android Tablets Are Worth in 2026
Yes, you can sell many old tablets in the UK, including iPads and Android tablets that are several years old. The amount you can get depends on the exact model, storage, Wi-Fi or cellular specification, screen condition, battery, account status and whether everything works. Even a damaged tablet may still have value if it can be repaired or refurbished.
The biggest mistake is assuming that an old tablet is worthless simply because you have replaced it.
Sell My iPhone currently buys tablets as well as phones, and its live catalogue includes older iPads alongside newer models. The site's FAQs also confirm that it accepts both working and damaged tablets.
If your tablet has been sitting unused since you bought a laptop, newer iPad or replacement Android device, check its current value before putting it back in the drawer.
Check what your old tablet could be worth
Quick answer: An old tablet can still have resale value if somebody else can use, repair or refurbish it. Model and specification usually determine the starting value; screen condition, battery, faults and account locks then determine how attractive that particular device is.
Why are old tablets still worth money?
Tablets age differently from many other pieces of technology.
Someone may replace a tablet because they want a newer screen, faster processor or more storage even though the old device still performs perfectly well.
That creates a second-hand market.
Not every buyer needs the latest tablet
A five-year-old premium tablet may still be perfectly capable of:
- Netflix and other streaming services;
- YouTube;
- web browsing;
- email;
- video calls;
- reading;
- children's apps;
- recipes;
- school work;
- light office use.
The previous owner might consider it old.
For the next person, it may be an affordable device that does everything they need.
That is why age alone does not determine trade-in value.
Sell My iPhone buys tablets, not just phones
The company name can make this easy to miss.
Sell My iPhone's current FAQs explicitly say the business buys iPads and other tablets, including working and damaged devices.
Its homepage currently has a dedicated Tablets section and features devices including:
- iPad Pro;
- iPad Air;
- iPad mini;
- standard iPad models.
The current catalogue includes examples from several different years rather than only Apple's newest hardware.
So if you have a tablet sitting unused, the useful question is not:
"Is this too old?"
It is:
"What exact tablet is this, and does it still have a resale value?"
What affects an old tablet's value?
Several factors work together.
Two tablets that look almost identical can have very different values.
1. Exact model
Model is the starting point.
An iPad Pro is not valued in the same way as a standard iPad from the same year.
Likewise, different generations of Galaxy Tab or another Android tablet can have substantially different specifications.
Before requesting a quote, identify the tablet accurately.
2. Storage capacity
Storage can have a significant impact.
For example, the same tablet might have been sold with:
- 64GB;
- 128GB;
- 256GB;
- 512GB;
- 1TB or more.
A higher-capacity device may have different second-hand demand from the entry-level version.
Do not guess.
3. Wi-Fi or Cellular
Tablets often come in more than one connectivity version.
A Wi-Fi-only tablet connects through wireless networks.
A Wi-Fi + Cellular version can also use supported mobile connectivity.
Those are different products.
Consequently, identifying the correct version matters when requesting a valuation.
How do I find out which iPad I have?
Apple has released dozens of iPad variants.
Saying:
"I have an iPad Pro"
is not enough to identify the device accurately.
Use the model number
Apple's official identification guide lets you match the model number to the exact iPad generation, size and connectivity option.
Recent examples alone include multiple:
- 11-inch iPad Pro generations;
- 13-inch iPad Pro models;
- iPad Air sizes;
- standard iPads;
- iPad mini generations.
You can find the model number on the device or through Settings.
Use Apple's official iPad identification guide
Check storage in Settings too
Open:
Settings → General → About
Check the model information and capacity rather than relying on memory or the original box.
An incorrect specification can result in a valuation that needs changing later.
What about Samsung Galaxy Tabs and other Android tablets?
The same principle applies.
You need the exact model rather than simply:
"Samsung tablet"
Android tablet ranges can contain several sizes, storage configurations and generations.
Check Settings
On many Android tablets, model information appears under:
Settings → About tablet
The wording varies by manufacturer.
You may see:
- model name;
- model number;
- storage;
- software version.
Write down the exact model number if the product name is unclear.
That gives you something precise to search.
Does the age of a tablet affect trade-in value?
Usually, yes.
Consumer electronics generally become less valuable as newer hardware arrives.
However, depreciation is not perfectly uniform.
Premium tablets can remain useful for years
A previous-generation iPad Pro may still offer:
- a high-quality display;
- strong processor performance;
- large storage;
- accessory support;
- good cameras.
That can keep it commercially relevant long after launch.
Sell My iPhone's current homepage, for example, still actively features iPads dating back to 2020 alongside substantially newer models.
That does not mean every 2020 tablet is valuable.
It shows why simply looking at the year is not enough.
Does software support affect tablet value?
It can.
A tablet that still runs current apps and supported software is generally easier for another owner to use.
However, software support is only one factor.
An unsupported tablet is not automatically worthless
Older tablets can continue to perform basic functions even after they stop receiving the latest major operating-system version.
Whether that remains useful depends on:
- app compatibility;
- security requirements;
- what the buyer wants to do;
- hardware condition.
A business user may care strongly about current software support.
Someone wanting a cheap tablet for simple media playback may have different priorities.
Does screen condition affect tablet value?
Absolutely.
The display occupies most of the front of a tablet, which makes damage particularly noticeable.
Light scratches are different from cracks
A tablet with minor cosmetic marks can still work perfectly.
A tablet with:
- cracked glass;
- dead pixels;
- touch problems;
- bright spots;
- severe discolouration;
has a more meaningful fault.
The impact on value depends on whether repair remains economically sensible.
Test the whole touchscreen
If you are preparing a tablet for sale, do not check only whether the screen turns on.
Drag an icon or draw across different areas.
Look for dead zones where touch no longer registers.
A hidden touchscreen fault can affect grading even if the display itself looks fine.
Can you sell a tablet with a cracked screen?
Potentially, yes.
Sell My iPhone says it accepts damaged devices as well as fully working ones.
A cracked screen therefore does not automatically mean:
£0 value.
However, several things affect whether repair makes financial sense:
- age;
- model;
- replacement-screen cost;
- other faults;
- remaining resale value.
Do not repair automatically before selling
It can be tempting to spend £100 repairing a tablet because you assume you will receive £100 more when you sell it.
That calculation does not always work.
Check the tablet's damaged value first.
The repair may cost more than the increase in resale value.
Does battery condition affect tablet value?
Yes.
Tablet batteries degrade gradually as they age.
A device can look excellent while lasting only a fraction of the time it did when new.
Battery condition matters more on older tablets
Someone buying a tablet expects to use it away from the charger.
A heavily degraded battery makes that harder.
Signs of a tired battery can include:
- unusually fast discharge;
- sudden percentage drops;
- unexpected shutdowns;
- poor standby time;
- excessive heat.
Do not assume every battery problem means the device is finished.
However, it can affect the economics of refurbishment.
What if the tablet battery is swollen?
Stop treating that as an ordinary resale problem.
A visibly swollen or damaged lithium-ion battery deserves caution.
Do not continue charging a device purely to make it work long enough for a valuation.
UK government guidance warns that lithium-ion batteries can create a fire risk when damaged or mishandled in the waste stream.
Safety comes before maximising resale value.
Does the charging port affect value?
Yes.
A tablet that only charges when the cable sits at a particular angle may have a port or connector problem.
This matters even more on modern USB-C tablets because the port may handle more than charging.
Depending on the device, users may connect:
- external storage;
- keyboards;
- hubs;
- monitors;
- other accessories.
Test charging reliably before describing a tablet as fully working.
Can you sell an iPad with Activation Lock?
An iPad linked to the previous owner's Apple Account creates a major problem for normal resale.
Apple's Activation Lock exists specifically to prevent somebody else from erasing a lost or stolen iPad and simply taking ownership of it.
Apple says the Apple Account password may be required to turn off Find My, erase the device or reactivate it.
Remove your account before selling
Do not send an iPad while it remains locked to your account.
Sell My iPhone also states that it cannot properly test and process devices while cloud accounts remain attached.
Its own Apple-account removal guide explains the process.
Follow the Sell My iPhone iCloud removal guide
What if you have already erased the iPad?
Activation Lock can remain relevant even after an erase.
If necessary, Apple allows the legitimate owner to remove a device through Find My/iCloud remotely.
This is why account removal deserves checking before the tablet leaves your possession.
What about Google account locks on Android tablets?
Android has its own anti-theft protection.
Google calls this device protection or Factory Reset Protection.
After an unauthorised factory reset, a protected device can require the previous Google Account or screen-lock credentials before somebody else can use it.
Remove the Google Account before resetting
Google's own guidance says removing the Google Account turns off this device protection.
Samsung gives the same advice in its current factory-reset instructions: if you intend to give the device to somebody else, remove the Google Account first.
Sell My iPhone has a dedicated Android guide too.
Remove cloud accounts from an Android tablet before trade-in
That page covers Google and Samsung account removal.
Can you sell a completely dead tablet?
Possibly.
Sell My iPhone's current FAQs say that it may buy completely dead devices where repair and resale remain viable, although customers should provide details first.
A tablet that does not switch on can have many causes:
- failed battery;
- damaged charging port;
- display fault;
- board-level failure;
- liquid damage.
Those faults have very different repair economics.
Dead does not always mean worthless
A high-value tablet with one repairable failure may still have commercial value.
An extremely old low-specification tablet requiring an expensive repair may not.
Therefore, allow the exact model and fault to guide the decision.
Can you sell a tablet without the original box?
For an opened used tablet, the device itself generally matters more than the retail packaging.
Sell My iPhone's preparation guidance says normal devices do not require the original packaging or charger; it makes a specific exception for smartwatches, which should include a charger and strap.
So do not assume a missing tablet box makes the device unsellable.
Brand-new sealed devices are different
The site's FAQs distinguish genuinely unopened devices from used ones.
A sealed product with its original supplied accessories can qualify differently from a device that has already been opened.
That distinction matters if you are selling something genuinely new rather than used.
Do Apple Pencil and keyboards increase tablet value?
They are separate pieces of technology.
An Apple Pencil or keyboard may have its own second-hand value, but do not assume the tablet's trade-in quote automatically includes accessories.
If you intend to keep an accessory for another device, remove it before shipping.
If you want to sell additional items, check whether the buyer lists them or contact the company.
Sell My iPhone's FAQs say additional items may receive a separate value where supported.
How much is an old iPad worth?
There is no reliable one-price answer.
An "old iPad" could mean:
- a basic 2020 iPad;
- a 2021 iPad mini;
- a high-storage iPad Pro;
- an iPad Air with Cellular.
Their values can differ substantially.
Current prices change
Sell My iPhone currently lists multiple iPad generations on its live homepage, including models from 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024.
Those values are market prices rather than permanent fixed amounts.
So the strongest way to answer:
"How much is my iPad worth?"
is to identify the exact model and check a current quote.
Search your iPad for a current valuation
Does storage make a big difference?
It can.
Imagine two identical-generation iPads.
One has relatively little storage.
The second contains several times as much.
For someone who stores video, games or creative files locally, those products are not interchangeable.
That can affect second-hand demand.
Always enter the correct storage capacity rather than selecting the highest option because it gives a better headline quote.
The physical tablet will be checked after receipt.
Does Cellular increase tablet resale value?
Potentially.
A cellular tablet gives buyers functionality that a Wi-Fi-only version does not have.
However, the precise difference depends on demand for that model.
Check whether yours has Cellular
Do not rely purely on appearance.
Use the model number or device Settings.
For iPads, Apple's model guide identifies Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular variants separately.
This is particularly important on generations where the physical differences are subtle.
Is a tablet worth more if it is unlocked?
For cellular tablets, network and connectivity status can matter.
However, not every tablet uses cellular service in the first place.
A Wi-Fi-only iPad has no mobile-network lock to assess.
This is another reason to identify the exact configuration before comparing trade-in prices.
Should you sell your old tablet now or wait?
If you still use it, there is no need to sell simply because it is getting older.
The situation changes once you know you no longer need it.
Tablets are depreciating technology
New generations arrive.
Batteries age.
Software requirements move forward.
More used units reach the second-hand market.
Consequently, leaving an unused tablet in a drawer for another two years rarely improves its commercial value.
Sell My iPhone's own preparation guidance notes that trade-in devices lose value over time, and current quotes are held for 14 days before a re-quote may become necessary.
Once you genuinely decide to sell, delaying indefinitely rarely helps.
A practical example: the old iPad used as a 'spare'
Imagine you replaced a 2020 iPad Air two years ago.
You kept the old one because:
"It might be useful as a spare."
Since then, you have switched it on twice.
Option one: keep it
If you genuinely need a backup tablet, that is perfectly sensible.
Option two: give it to someone
A family member may get far more value from actually using it.
Option three: sell it
Sell My iPhone's current popular-device section still lists the 2020 iPad Air among its tablet products.
You could identify the specification, remove your Apple Account, reset it and check its current trade-in value.
Option four: leave it another three years
This requires no effort.
However, it also allows:
- more battery ageing;
- more depreciation;
- more software change;
- more competing used tablets to reach the market.
For a device you already know you do not need, checking the value now is usually the more rational option.
A practical example: cracked iPad Pro versus perfect budget tablet
Now imagine two devices.
The first is an older iPad Pro with a cracked display.
The second is a cheaper entry-level tablet in excellent condition.
Which one is worth more?
You cannot answer from condition alone.
Original product tier still matters
A premium tablet can contain:
- more expensive components;
- stronger processor;
- better screen technology;
- higher storage;
- greater second-hand demand.
That may leave meaningful residual value even when it needs repair.
By contrast, a pristine low-cost tablet can have limited value simply because a new equivalent is inexpensive.
This is why trade-in valuation combines what the device is with what condition it is in.
How should you prepare a tablet for sale?
Once you decide to sell, deal with the data before worrying about packaging.
1. Back up anything important
Check for:
- photos;
- videos;
- documents;
- downloads;
- notes;
- authenticator data;
- app files.
Do not erase the tablet until you know anything important exists somewhere else.
Apple's current trade-in guidance similarly starts with backing up and transferring information before deleting the old device.
2. Remove your accounts
For Apple:
- sign out of your Apple Account;
- disable the relevant Find My association;
- ensure Activation Lock no longer blocks reuse.
For Android:
- remove the Google Account;
- remove manufacturer-specific accounts such as Samsung where relevant.
Sell My iPhone: remove Apple accounts before trade-in
Sell My iPhone: remove Android cloud accounts
3. Factory-reset the tablet
Only after backing up and removing the relevant accounts should you erase your personal data.
The exact menu varies by manufacturer.
Sell My iPhone's preparation guide covers the general process and says it also erases received devices using MobiCode services.
Read the full Sell My iPhone device-preparation guide
What should you remove before posting a tablet?
Take off items that do not form part of the tablet itself unless the buyer explicitly asks for them.
That can include:
- personal case;
- screen-cover case;
- memory card;
- SIM card;
- accessories you intend to keep.
Sell My iPhone's own preparation guide specifically asks customers to remove SIM cards, SD cards and cases.
Photograph it first
The site also recommends taking photographs before posting the device.
That gives you a record of its condition before transit.
For a tablet with a large glass display, this is particularly sensible.
How should you pack a tablet?
Protect the screen and corners.
Tablets have a much larger glass surface than most phones, so loose packaging is a bad idea.
Sell My iPhone advises customers to use protective materials such as bubble wrap and secure the device properly before posting.
For higher-value devices, its current guidance also recommends considering Royal Mail Special Delivery rather than relying only on the standard included postage level.
What happens after Sell My iPhone receives the tablet?
The business says it inspects received devices to confirm that the grade and condition match the description supplied when the quote was created.
If the details differ, it may send an updated quote.
Accurate descriptions help avoid re-quotes
Do not describe:
- a cracked tablet as "very good";
- a faulty touchscreen as fully working;
- a Wi-Fi tablet as Cellular;
- 64GB as 256GB.
A higher initial number is not useful if the tablet cannot meet the description when inspected.
Can Sell My iPhone buy more than one tablet?
Yes.
Its FAQs say there is no minimum or maximum number of items customers can send, and trade sellers can discuss bulk collections.
That is useful if you are clearing:
- several family tablets;
- old work devices;
- previous phones and tablets together;
- a drawer of redundant electronics.
Just keep each device clearly identified.
What if your tablet is worth £0?
A £0 resale value does not mean it belongs in the household bin.
Eventually, some tablets become uneconomical to repair or resell.
At that point, proper electrical recycling becomes the sensible route.
Sell My iPhone's FAQs say it can recycle devices on a customer's behalf even where no resale value remains.
UK government guidance also says electrical products displaying the crossed-out wheelie-bin symbol should not go into ordinary household rubbish. Instead, consumers should use an appropriate electrical collection or recycling point.
Why reuse usually comes before recycling
If a tablet still works, or can reasonably be refurbished, giving it another useful life can make more sense than immediately treating it as waste.
Sell My iPhone's recent old-tech guide takes the same broad approach: check whether a device can still be sold or reused before choosing recycling.
Read: What to Do With Old Tech in 2026 — Sell, Reuse, Donate or Recycle?
The key point is not that everything should be sold.
It is that a useful device should not automatically be treated like rubbish.
Which old tablets are most likely to retain value?
There is no permanent ranking, because market prices change.
However, several factors generally help.
Recognisable models
A tablet with substantial second-hand demand can be easier to resell.
Higher specifications
Storage, connectivity and premium hardware can improve appeal.
Good condition
A clean display and fully working hardware reduce refurbishment cost.
Usable battery
Battery performance affects the experience for the next owner.
No account locks
A tablet that another person can activate normally is far more useful than one still linked to the seller.
Remaining useful software life
Current app and OS support can make the device easier to reuse.
None of these factors operates alone.
The biggest mistake tablet sellers make
It is not necessarily sending an old model.
It is guessing what they own.
A tablet valuation depends on the actual product.
"Large iPad Pro" or "Samsung tablet" is not precise enough.
Before requesting a quote, confirm:
- manufacturer;
- model;
- generation;
- screen size where relevant;
- storage;
- Wi-Fi or Cellular;
- condition;
- major faults.
Taking five minutes to establish those details can prevent confusion later.
The key takeaway
Old tablets can retain far more value than owners expect.
Sell My iPhone's current catalogue still actively lists iPads from several previous generations, and the business explicitly states that it accepts both working and damaged tablets.
The real question is not simply how old the tablet is.
It is:
What exact device is it, what condition is it in and can somebody else still use or refurbish it?
Before selling:
- identify the exact model;
- check the storage;
- confirm Wi-Fi or Cellular;
- test the screen;
- test charging;
- consider the battery;
- remove your Apple, Google or Samsung accounts;
- factory-reset it;
- photograph the condition;
- pack it properly.
If you know the tablet will not be used again, checking its current value now makes more sense than allowing another few years of depreciation to pass.
Search your tablet and check its current Sell My iPhone value
Frequently asked questions
Selling an old tablet
Can I sell an old tablet in the UK?
Yes. Many older tablets still have resale value. The exact amount depends on the model, storage, connectivity, condition and faults. Sell My iPhone currently buys tablets and states that it accepts working and damaged devices.
Does Sell My iPhone buy iPads?
Yes. Its current website has a dedicated Tablets section and actively lists multiple iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad Pro generations.
Can I sell an Android tablet?
Potentially, yes. Sell My iPhone says it buys tablets rather than limiting the service to Apple hardware. If your exact model is not listed, its FAQs say you can contact the company and it may still be able to make an offer.
Damaged tablets
Can I sell a tablet with a cracked screen?
Potentially. A cracked screen reduces condition and may reduce value, but it does not automatically make every tablet worthless. Sell My iPhone says it buys damaged devices where appropriate.
Can I sell a tablet that will not turn on?
Possibly. Sell My iPhone says it may buy completely dead devices when repair and resale remain viable, although it recommends contacting the company with details first.
Can I sell a tablet with a bad battery?
Potentially. Battery condition is one part of the overall device condition. However, stop using or charging a tablet if the battery appears swollen, damaged or unsafe.
Preparing a tablet for sale
Do I need to remove iCloud before selling an iPad?
Yes. Remove the device from your Apple Account and Find My so Activation Lock does not prevent the next owner or trade-in company from activating it. Apple and Sell My iPhone both provide guidance for this process.
Should I remove my Google Account before selling an Android tablet?
Yes. Google says removing the Google Account turns off its device protection, while Samsung specifically advises removing the account before resetting a device you intend to pass to somebody else.
Do I need the tablet's original box or charger?
Sell My iPhone's current preparation guidance says ordinary devices do not require their charger or original packaging. Smartwatches are the stated exception, for which it asks for the charger and strap.
What if my old tablet has no resale value?
Use an appropriate electrical-recycling route rather than putting it into ordinary household rubbish. Sell My iPhone says it can recycle devices even where no resale value remains, while GOV.UK directs unwanted electrical products to appropriate recycling collection points.
Sources and further reading
Sell My iPhone — Check Your Device Value
Sell My iPhone — Frequently Asked Questions
Sell My iPhone — Prepare Your Device for Sale
Sell My iPhone — Remove iCloud / Apple Account Before Trade-In
Sell My iPhone — Remove Cloud Accounts From Android Devices
Sell My iPhone — What to Do With Old Tech in 2026
Apple — Identify Your iPad Model
Apple — Activation Lock for iPhone and iPad
Apple — What to Do Before Selling or Trading an iPad
Google — Android Device Protection and Factory Reset Protection