How Prepare Used XBoxs For Sale On Craigslist

Jill Vonier

Jill Vonier

4 min read

Ready to upgrade your Xbox? Make sure to take these steps before you sell your old one.

Xbox console with controller

Xbox is widely recognized as a popular gaming console on the market, offering the best-in-class experience for its users. Anytime a new Xbox is released, it's expected to gain higher sales than the last.

Used Xboxes are a hot ticket item on online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and OfferUp. Whether you're wanting to upgrade to the next Xbox, move onto another gaming console, or give gaming a rest, selling your current one is a great way to make extra cash.

Before you sell your Xbox, there are some important steps to take to prepare it for sale. Read on to find out how to get your Xbox ready for sale.

Step 1: Test the Xbox

Before you sell your Xbox, you will want to make sure it's in good working order.

Turn it on to test all the buttons, ports, and controllers to ensure everything is working properly. Play a few games and go through the main screens to make sure there are no software issues.

Testing your Xbox will not only give you confidence in its condition, but it will also give the new owner peace of mind. It can also allow you to get more money when you list it on Craigslist.

Step 2: Back Up Your Data

Before you do anything with your Xbox, you want to make sure you back up your data. This ensures you won't lose any important files, settings, or saved data. You can back up your data to a storage device, such as an external hard drive from Seagate or Western Digital.

According to Xbox's instructions: "Connect your storage device, turn on your console, Profile & system > Settings > System > Back up & transfer > Back up my settings, and then follow the on-screen instructions to save your backup to your storage device."

Backing up your data to a storage device makes it easy to transfer if you're buying a new Xbox.

Step 3: Sign Out of Your Account.

The last thing you want is for a stranger to have access to your personal information or your online account. To avoid anyone from accessing your account, be sure to sign out of your account.

Signing out of your account removes your personal information and settings from the Xbox. It will also make it easier for the new owner to set up and use their own account.

According to Xbox: "Press the Xbox button to open the guide, and then select Profile & system. Select your account, and then select Sign out."

Step 4: Factory Reset Your Xbox

After you've signed out of your account, perform a factory reset on the Xbox. This will remove all of your user data, including your accounts, saved games, settings, and all games and apps.

According to Xbox: "Press the Xbox button to open the guide. Select Profile & system > Settings > System > Console info > Reset console > Reset and remove everything. This option resets the console to factory settings. Resetting to factory settings will restore your Xbox to its original state for the next user.

Step 5: Clean the Xbox

Make your Xbox look like new again by cleaning it up. Xbox recommends you first power-off and disconnect your console from the wall before cleaning it.

With a soft lint-free cloth that has been damped by a little bit of mild soap and water or a premoistened disinfectant wipe if you prefer, wipe down your Xbox to remove all dirt and dust.

You can also use a can of compressed air to gently clean the vents and ports.

Step 6: Gather all the Accessories.

Xbox controller

When you sell your Xbox, make sure to include all the accessories that came with it. This includes the power cord, HDMI cable, and any controllers or games you may have.

When you sell your Xbox, make sure to include all the accessories that came with it. This includes the power cord, HDMI cable, and any controllers or games you want to include in your listing.

Step 7: Set a Fair Price.

To help sell your Xbox in a timely manner, you will want to set a fair and reasonable price. Start by researching similar used Xbox models on Craigslist or other online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

Consider the age, storage size, how it's been stored, condition, and other important details that define your particular Xbox. You may want to leave a little wiggle room so you can be open to negotiations.


Selling your Xbox is a great way to make some extra cash. They are a hot item on online marketplaces so it's likely it will go fast and at a good (albeit fair) price.

By following these steps, you can get a good price for it while also protecting your personal information. It will also give your buyer a fantastic experience.

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