Where to Trade In Your Old Phone (and How to Prep It So You Get Paid)
Trade-in offers look similar until you read how they pay out. Here's where to send your old phone, how to prep it and how to avoid buyer scams.
For the most money, sell your phone privately. For the least hassle, use a manufacturer trade-in (Apple or Samsung) when buying a new phone, or a retailer trade-in like Best Buy’s. Carrier trade-ins often advertise the biggest numbers, but they’re usually paid as monthly bill credits that you can lose if you switch plans or leave. Whichever you choose, back up the phone, sign out of your accounts and erase it before handing it over.
Your trade-in options compared
| Option | How you’re paid | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Trade In | Credit toward a new Apple purchase or an Apple Gift Card | Simple; in store or by mail; accepts many brands | Value is store credit, not cash |
| Samsung trade-in | Credit toward a new Samsung device | Often boosted during launch promotions | Final value depends on condition checks after you send it |
| Carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) | Usually monthly bill credits over 24 to 36 months | Big headline values, sometimes even for older or damaged phones | Often requires a specific plan; credits can stop if you cancel, downgrade or pay off early |
| Best Buy | Best Buy gift card | Quick in-store quotes; accepts many devices | Gift card only works at Best Buy |
| Selling privately | Cash or platform payment | Usually the highest price | Takes time; scams and no-shows |
| Recycling | Usually nothing | Safe disposal for broken or very old phones | Still erase it first |
Trade-in values change constantly, especially around launches. Get two or three quotes for your exact model, storage size and condition before deciding.
Manufacturer trade-ins: Apple and Samsung
Apple Trade In accepts iPhones and many Android phones. You get an estimate online or in an Apple Store; after Apple inspects the phone, the value is applied to your new purchase or sent as an Apple Gift Card. If the phone’s condition doesn’t match what you described, Apple may offer a lower amount.
Samsung offers trade-in credit when you buy a new Galaxy device on its site, and the credit is often increased during launch promotions. You’ll usually ship the old phone after your new one arrives, and Samsung adjusts the value if the condition doesn’t match.
Carrier trade-ins: read the fine print
Carrier offers can be generous on paper, but the trade-in value is typically spread over 24 to 36 monthly bill credits. That means you’re tied to the carrier, and often to an eligible plan, for that time. Cancel the line, switch to a cheaper plan or pay off the phone early, and you may lose the remaining credits and owe the rest of the device cost.
Carrier deals make most sense if you’re already happy with the carrier and plan to keep your phone for two or three years. If you might switch, compare with an unlocked purchase plus a manufacturer trade-in. Our guide to switching carriers and keeping your number explains what’s involved.
Selling privately
Marketplaces like Swappa, eBay and Facebook Marketplace usually get you more than a trade-in, especially for recent, unlocked phones in good condition. To sell safely:
- Meet in public for local sales, ideally at a police station exchange zone or a busy bank lobby.
- Take payment through the platform or in cash. Be wary of payment apps with strangers, and never accept overpayment with a request to send back the difference.
- Ignore fake payment emails. Check your actual account balance before shipping or handing over the phone.
- Don’t give out verification codes. A buyer asking you to read them a code is trying to take over your account.
- Ship with tracking and keep photos of the phone and its IMEI before sending.
How to prepare your phone before it goes
These steps protect your data and stop the phone being rejected because it’s still locked to your account.
iPhone
- Back up to iCloud or a computer. See how to back up an iPhone to a computer.
- Unpair your Apple Watch if you have one, from the Watch app.
- If you’re moving to Android, turn off iMessage in Settings > Apps > Messages (on older iOS versions, Settings > Messages) so texts aren’t stuck going to iMessage.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your Apple Account password when asked. This signs you out and turns off Find My and Activation Lock.
- Remove your SIM card, or let the carrier transfer your eSIM to the new phone.
Apple’s official checklist is on Apple Support.
Android
- Back up photos, contacts and app data through your Google account (and Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch on Galaxy phones).
- Remove your Google account in Settings > Passwords, passkeys & accounts (wording varies) before resetting. This prevents Factory Reset Protection from locking the phone for the next owner. On Samsung phones, also remove your Samsung account.
- Factory reset. On a Pixel, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). On a Galaxy, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Our guide to factory resetting an Android phone covers other brands.
- Remove the SIM and any microSD card.
For every phone
- Pay off any remaining balance or confirm the trade-in program accepts financed phones.
- Charge it and clean it. Take photos of the screen and body in case of a condition dispute.
- Note the IMEI and keep your shipping receipt.
Bottom line
If you want maximum value and don’t mind the effort, sell privately. If you’re buying a new phone from Apple or Samsung, their trade-in is the easiest option. Take carrier deals only if you’re sure you’ll stay. In every case, back up, sign out and erase first.
FAQ
Can I trade in a phone with a cracked screen?
Often yes, but for much less. Some carrier promotions accept phones in any condition, so compare those offers if your phone is damaged.
What if the trade-in company says my phone is worth less than quoted?
Most programs offer the revised amount or, in some cases, return the phone. Your photos of its condition before shipping can help if you dispute it.
Is it safe to sell my phone without erasing it?
No. Always erase it yourself. A phone still signed in to your account can expose your data and will often be rejected because of Activation Lock or Factory Reset Protection.
Should I buy a refurbished phone instead of new?
It can save money. Certified refurbished phones from Apple or Samsung come with a new battery and a one-year warranty, while marketplace and used phones need more checking before you buy.
