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What to Do With an Old iMac

Are they worth selling?

By Sandra Stafford Sandra Stafford Writer Fayetteville State University Sandra Stafford is a writer who specializes in tech and writes about all sorts of gadgets—tactical flashlights, blue light-blocking glasses, therapy lamps and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 20, 2022 Reviewed by Chris Selph Reviewed by Chris Selph Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Eco Tech Eco Tech Electric Vehicles Working From Home Headphones & Ear Buds Smart Home Smart Watches & Wearables Travel Tech Connected Car Tech iPods & MP3 Players If you have an old iMac, it may be an upgrade for someone else, or it may be the start of a fun DIY project. Here’s how to give your old iMac a second life instead of letting your house become a tech graveyard. What to Do With an Old MacBook

What to Do Before Trading In

It's best to prepare your old iMac before disposing of it. Whether you intend to sell or donate it, you have no control over where it ends up afterward. Aside from backing up files you want to keep, you need to remove personal information from the device for your security. Here's how to get your Mac ready for resale (or donation).

Can I Get Money For My Old iMac

Whether or not someone will buy your iMac depends on its age and condition. If your computer is a few years old and in working condition, you should have no problem selling it. Very old iMacs look cool, but they aren’t valuable other than maybe as collector’s items. Even if your iMac is nothing but broken parts, we’ll have a recommendation for you.
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For Good-Condition iMacs Sell It

Your old iMac may be a wanted upgrade for someone else. If you're selling your iMac, you'll need to identify your iMac. Find the serial number on the underside of your iMac and use Apple's site to get your iMac's model number. Once you know which model your iMac is, check its hardware and provide that information to potential buyers. To see how much it's worth, search for your iMac model on eBay, including sold listings in the search. Once you know what to ask for your computer, you can sell your iMac on eBay or another website. You can get it off your hands quicker by finding a local buyer with Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. However, you decide to sell it, include as much information as possible to speed up the sale.
When selling valuable items, be sure to meet your buyer in a well-lit, public place. 02 of 04

For Decent-Condition iMacs Donate It

Donating old devices is faster and easier than arranging a sale. Call local charities and youth centers to see if they accept computers. National organizations like Goodwill and Habitat For Humanity run thrift stores to fund their charitable operations. You can find more electronics recycling options on Love To Know. 03 of 04

For Broken iMacs Recycle It

If your old iMac doesn’t work anymore, you can still recycle it. Electronics can’t go in your city recycling bin, but many companies accept old electronics for recycling. You can drop off your old iMac at a local Staples or Best Buy. You can also return old Apple products to Apple for recycling. If you want to see more options, check out the EPA list of companies that accept electronics for recycling. 04 of 04

For The Tech Savvy Make an iMac Server

Maybe it was time to upgrade, but your old iMac could still be functional as a server. Depending on its RAM and CPU, it may be able to host your website or run a Minecraft server. FAQ How do I use an old iMac as a monitor? If your iMac supports target display mode, you can use your iMac as a monitor. Connect your iMac with another Mac using a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable. Then press Command+F2 on your iMac to display the other Mac's desktop. To exit target display mode, disconnect the Macs or press the Command+F2 keyboard combination again. How do I speed up an old iMac? You have several options for upgrading your older iMac. If your model allows it, you can upgrade the RAM by replacing or adding more memory in the provided slots. Other methods include replacing the hard drive or using an external solid-state drive (SSD) for file storage or as your startup drive. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Recycle Your TV and Other Electronics How to Dispose of Old Computers 6 Best Sites to Sell or Trade Used Electronics of 2022 10 Things to Do With an Old Computer Staples Free Computer and Technology Recycling Where to Sell Used Cellphones How to Recycle Old Home Theater Electronics How to Dispose of Old Keyboards How to Recycle a Laptop How to Use Your Old iMac as a Monitor 5 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer Monitor 8 Things to Do With an Old Android Tablet What to Do with a Broken Laptop Where to Sell Your Used iPhone, iPad, or iPod What to Do With an Old MacBook 5 Things to Do With That Old Computer Mouse Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies