Here's what you'll find on this page:
Shipping phones step by step
Whether you’re shipping a phone as a gift or a trade-in, or you’re returning it to the manufacturer, there are several steps you should take to ensure the safety of the phone, the people handling the package, and your own data.
1. Back up your data.
Back up your data.
Don’t risk losing photos, videos, passwords, contacts, or other important info when you ship your cell phone. Back all your data up to the cloud or use an external hard drive or computer.
2. Delete your personal info before you ship a cell phone.
Delete your personal info before you ship a cell phone.
After you’ve backed up your mobile phone, perform a factory reset to prevent your personal data from being accessed by whoever receives or uses the phone next. Steps for performing a factory reset vary from phone to phone, so search for directions specific to your phone’s manufacturer and model.
3. Choose the right box size for phone shipping.
Choose the right box size for phone shipping.
The right packaging can help you avoid damage when shipping a phone. And that’s crucial if you’re trading it in or selling it. Choose a box that fits your phone, accessories, cables, and chargers, but don’t use one that’s oversized. The size and weight of your package directly impacts the price you’ll pay to ship your phone, so pack smart.
4. Protect your phone.
Protect your phone.
Our small electronics box comes with some protective packaging built in, but in case your phone is smaller than the provided compartment, wrap it in bubble wrap. Package chargers, accessories, and cables separately.
5. Take special precautions with batteries.
Take special precautions with batteries.
Mobile phones contain lithium batteries*, which means they may need special precautions and labeling for shipping. As long as the battery is in the phone, it will stay grounded, so don’t attempt to remove the battery from the phone. Make sure the phone is turned off when you pack and ship it.
6. Determine if you need shipment insurance.
Determine if you need shipment insurance.
You may consider purchasing insurance from an insurance agent or broker to get door-to-door protections, coverage for losses outside the control of FedEx, expedited replacement goods, and reimbursed shipping costs.
NOTICE: This packaging information is provided to FedEx customers to help reduce loss or damage due to improper packaging. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for packaging items we accept for transit. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding this information. Proper packaging is the sole responsibility of the shipper. For more information and comprehensive guidelines, contact the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339; press “81” or say “dangerous goods,” then press “4” for the next available dangerous goods agent. (Outside the U.S., request to speak to a dangerous goods representative.) Refer to the current FedEx Service Guide for terms, conditions, and limitations applicable to FedEx® delivery services.
*Refer to the current FedEx Express lithium battery flow chart. For rechargeable lithium ion batteries of 100 Watts or less see UN 3481 Section II. If only lithium ion batteries are contained in equipment (i.e., in the phone) with no spare batteries in the package see Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment. If there are one or more spare batteries outside the phone but in the same package see Lithium Ion Batteries Packed with Equipment. The current calendar year’s flow chart is available here, select the get started button, change the tab to lithium batteries, select the resources question and then select 'overview of shipping requirements'.
.png)
What labeling is required when shipping a cell phone?
Read our guide on how to ship batteries or go to any FedEx location for help packing, labeling, and shipping your phone.
.png)
A note about declaring your shipment’s value
The first $100 of value in your shipment is included in your shipping rate at no extra charge as part of our standard $100 declared value limit of liability. This only applies to any damage or loss where FedEx is at fault. FedEx’s limit of liability is completely independent of your insurance arrangement.
.png)
How do I ship a cell phone internationally?
If you need to ship a phone overseas, start by completing steps 1 through 6 above. Then, take a few minutes to learn about the additional documentation you’ll need for an international phone shipment.
Which cell phone shipping box should I use?
Looking for an Android or iPhone shipping box? Try our small electronics box. It fits phones up to 6-1/4" x 3-1/8" x 1/2".
Which cell phone shipping box should I use?
Looking for an Android or iPhone shipping
box? Try our small electronics box. It fits
phones up to 6-1/4" x 3-1/8" x 1/2".
Shipping service options for your phone
When it’s time to ship your phone, you can pick your shipping service based on speed and price. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship a phone and you have a flexible delivery schedule, here are a few options to consider.
These two cost-effective options offer delivery within the contiguous U.S. in 1–5 business days (usually within 3), and to or from Alaska or Hawaii in 3–7.
Need a different option for shipping your phone?
Explore these alternatives.
Explore these alternatives.
| If you need… | For delivery… | Consider… |
| Your phone to arrive the next day | Throughout the U.S.* | FedEx® overnight services |
| Your phone to arrive in the next few days | Throughout the U.S. | FedEx 2Day® or |
| Your phone to arrive in the next few days | To one of 215 countries and territories | FedEx International Economy® |
*Delivery times to and from select ZIP codes in Alaska and Hawaii may differ from the contiguous U.S.
Still not sure of the best way to ship a cell phone? Review all FedEx® shipping services or get a shipping rate.
Get expert help packing your phone for shipment
Don’t want to pack your phone yourself? Head to a FedEx location for packing help and ship it onsite while you’re there.
Ways to save on shipping
Open a free shipping account
Open an account and receive shipping discounts and other benefits.
Watch for shipping coupons
Bookmark our coupons, offers, and deals page for discounts on FedEx services like shipping and printing.
Optimize your packaging
Using the right packing materials can minimize the risk of damage to your phone and reduce your shipping costs.
Optimize your packaging
Using the right packing materials can minimize the risk of damage to your phone and reduce your shipping costs.
FAQs about shipping phones
What’s the cheapest way to ship a phone?
Shipping cost varies based on several factors, including the shipment’s origin, destination, weight, size, and the shipping speed you select. Get rates and delivery options.
How long does it take a phone to be delivered?
It depends on the shipping service you select, the shipment’s origin, and its destination, among other factors. Compare our shipping options to find the one that’s right for you.
How do you ship a phone internationally?
If you need to ship a phone overseas, start by completing steps 1 through 6 above. Then, take a few minutes to learn about the additional documentation you’ll need for an international phone shipment.
How do you pack a phone for shipping?
It’s important to use enough packing material so the phone is protected during shipment, but also to avoid overpacking it, since the size and weight of your package directly impact how much you’ll pay in shipping charges. Consider using our small electronics box, get tips on packing your shipment, or go to a FedEx location for in-person packing help.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a phone?
Shipping cost varies based on several factors, including the shipment’s origin, destination, weight, size, and the shipping speed you select. Get rates and delivery options.
How long does it take a phone to be delivered?
It depends on the shipping service you select, the shipment’s origin, and its destination, among other factors. Compare our shipping options to find the one that’s right for you.
How do you ship a phone internationally?
If you need to ship a phone overseas, start by completing steps 1 through 6 above. Then, take a few minutes to learn about the additional documentation you’ll need for an international phone shipment.
How do you pack a phone for shipping?
It’s important to use enough packing material so the phone is protected during shipment, but also to avoid overpacking it, since the size and weight of your package directly impact how much you’ll pay in shipping charges. Consider using our small electronics box, get tips on packing your shipment, or go to a FedEx location for in-person packing help.