How to Take Phone Photos That Sell: A Simple Guide
23 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Buyers decide in a second whether to open your ad, and the first thing they see is your photo. A dark, blurry picture makes people scroll past, even if your phone is in perfect condition. The good news is that great photos need no special equipment.
Use daylight
Stand near a window during the day. Natural light shows the true colour and condition of the phone. Avoid yellow room lights and avoid direct harsh sunlight, which creates strong reflections.
Use a plain background
Put the phone on a plain table, a white sheet of paper, or a dark cloth. A messy bed or a busy patterned surface distracts the buyer and looks careless.
Clean the phone first
Wipe fingerprints and dust off the screen and the back with a soft cloth. Dust shows up clearly in photos, and a clean phone looks better cared for. See how to prepare your phone before selling.
Take these photos
1. Front, screen on. Show the home screen or a plain bright image. This proves the screen works.
2. Back. Show the full back and camera lenses.
3. Both sides. Buttons and frame.
4. Top and bottom. Charging port and speaker.
5. Any marks or scratches. Close-up and honest.
6. Box and accessories, if you have them.
7. Battery health screen for iPhones, if it is good.
Take them with another phone
You cannot photograph the phone you are selling with itself, so use another phone or ask a friend. Hold the camera steady, tap to focus, and take each photo two or three times so you can choose the sharpest one.
Avoid these mistakes
- Stock photos from the internet. Buyers want to see your actual phone. Copied photos make people think the ad is fake.
- Heavy filters. They hide the real condition and make buyers suspicious.
- Hiding damage. The buyer will see it when they meet you, and you will waste a trip. Honest photos of small scratches build trust.
- Personal information on screen. Hide notifications, messages and photos before taking the screen-on picture.
Bonus: the health test badge
After a free phone health test, your ad shows a "Health checked" report. With good photos, it is the quickest way to earn a buyer's trust.
Ready? Post your ad with your new photos.
