How to Sell Your MacBook Pro Online (In 3 Easy Steps)

Looking for a way to sell your MacBook Pro online doesn’t have to be a difficult process. There are so many ways to get cash for an old MacBook Pro. You could use MacBook Pro trade in programs, sell it on a marketplace, or even sell it to a friend. If you just upgraded or you’re just looking to clear out your home office, this guide will walk you through the best way to sell or trade in an old MacBook Pro and get paid for it without much effort on your part.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

1. Where to Sell or Trade In Your MacBook Pro

You have options, but not all of them offer an easy and trustworthy experience. Some ways to get rid of a Mac machines are better than others. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best places to sell an old MacBook Pro online and in person:

Good options:

eBay: Really good exposure with lots of buyers, but expect fees, time-wasters, possibility of returns, and potential scams.
Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Local, no fees unless you boost your listing, high possibility of no shows, and scams can be a concern.
Apple Trade-In: Fairly simple, but you’ll get store credit, not cash. So you can only use it to make a purchase through Apple’s website. They may only accept certain models, so make sure you read the fine print.

Best Choice: SmartphonesPLUS

Instant quotes, no email required
Free, trackable shipping with a free prepaid shipping label and optional packaging materials
Fast payment after your laptop has been received, plus they reuse or recycle MacBook Pros sustainably
No shady buyers, meetups, or listing fees
They don’t require you to give away much personal info
Multiple payment options like Venmo, ACH bank transfer, check and more

SmartphonesPLUS is a great option if you’re looking to sell your MacBook Pro for cash fast without having to worry about spending time learning a new platform.

2. How to Prepare a MacBook Pro to Be Sold

It is necessary to prep your MacBook Pro, if possible, to protect your data and help boost the resale value. These are the main things you need to do before letting go of your MacBook Pro:

Confirm Device Details

Find your MacBook’s model, year, storage size, and specs
You can check this by going to: Apple Menu (top left corner of your Mac’s toolbar) > About This Mac
You may also be able to find this info on the original box

Check Its Condition

Check for screen issues, battery performance, cosmetic wear, and be sure to look at your MacBook Pro in a well-lit room
Be honest when selecting a condition if using a trade-in website to trade in your MacBook Pro. Selecting the wrong condition can lengthen the trade in process since they might need to send you an updated offer. If you’re selling it online, this could cause you to have returns.

Sign Out and Factory Reset Your MacBook Pro

If you have macOS Monterey or later: Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings

If you have an earlier version:

Deauthorize iTunes (Pre-Catalina): iTunes > Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize
Sign out of your iCloud account: System Preferences > iCloud > Sign Out
Sign out your iMessage: Messages > Preferences > iMessage > Sign Out
Erase the drive via macOS Recovery and reinstall macOS, then shut it down once you get to the setup screen

You can always check Apple’s website on how to prepare a Mac for sale for the most updated info on your MacBook Pro’s software version.

3. How to Clean Your MacBook Pro Before Selling

A clean MacBook Pro gives a great first impression and can make the trade in or sale process go quicker and can make it more enjoyable for the next user.

To get your MacBook Pro cleaned up here’s what you’ll need:

A soft microfiber cloth
A light cleaning solution or screen-safe spray (avoid bleach or corrosive solutions)
Compressed air (for the keyboard)

Quick cleaning tips:

Power off and unplug the MacBook, try not to press the power button while cleaning
Wipe the exterior gently
Clean screen with a soft cloth and cleaner
Use compressed air or cotton swabs to clear any dirt or gunk from the keyboard

Ready to Sell Your MacBook Pro?

Selling your MacBook Pro is easier than ever with the right steps and the right platform. By prepping your device well, you’ll save time and will be able to cash in the highest amount.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Used MacBook Pros

How much can I sell my MacBook Pro for?

It depends on your model, specs, and condition. You can use SmartphonesPLUS’s MacBook Pro trade in calculator to get an instant quote.

Can I sell a broken MacBook Pro?

Most places like SmartphonesPLUS and eBay allow you to sell broken and no power devices. Just select the correct condition when selling your MacBook. Even if it has no resale value, sites like SmartphonesPLUS offer free recycling for old MacBook Pros.

Are there websites that buy MacBooks Pros for cash?

Actually, yes. Selling your MacBook to a MacBook buying company like SmartphonesPLUS is one of the easiest ways to sell a MacBook Pro for money. On their site you get a free trade in estimate, ship it to them, then they’ll send your payout.