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What Does CeX Trade In? Games, Tech and More

Guide 01-7219 · Updated · Step by step

CeX (pronounced “sex”) trades in selected used technology and entertainment products, including games, consoles, phones, computers, tablets, films, and some other electronics. You can usually exchange eligible items for cash or a CeX voucher, but the exact products, condition rules, prices, and payment options depend on the item and the country.

What CeX accepts

CeX is a second-hand retailer focused on consumer technology and entertainment. Its trade-in range commonly includes:

  • Video games, consoles, controllers, and related accessories.
  • Mobile phones, tablets, computers, and selected components or peripherals.
  • DVDs, Blu-rays, and other eligible films or media.
  • Cameras, audio equipment, and other electronics listed in the local store’s categories.

That list is a guide, not a guarantee that every branch will take every model. CeX’s available categories and accepted products can vary by market, and a particular item may be excluded, temporarily unavailable, or accepted only in a particular condition. Check the relevant CeX website or contact a local store before making a special trip.

CeX generally trades in identifiable products that it can test, grade, and resell. It does not follow that every item of a broad type is accepted: an old phone, obscure accessory, damaged console, or unlisted computer part may not qualify.

How a CeX trade-in works

The basic process is to identify the exact item, check the current offer, bring it in for assessment, and choose an available payment method if CeX accepts it. Online trade-in arrangements may differ from an in-store transaction, so follow the instructions for the country and service you intend to use.

  1. Identify the product. Find the precise model, storage capacity, edition, or product code. Two devices that look alike can have different trade-in values.
  2. Check the quote and terms. Look up the item through CeX’s official local website or ask a store. The displayed price is not necessarily a final offer: staff may need to inspect and test the item.
  3. Prepare the item. Back up and remove personal data, sign out of accounts, disable device locks where required, and bring any accessories or packaging the applicable terms request.
  4. Present it for checking. CeX assesses whether it can identify, test, and resell the item. The final grade or offer may differ from the initial online estimate.
  5. Choose cash or voucher if offered. The amounts can differ. Review the final amount and payment conditions before agreeing to the transaction.

Identification and age requirements may apply, and they can vary by location and transaction. Check the current local rules rather than assuming another country’s policy applies.

Condition, grading, and testing

Condition affects whether an item is accepted and how it is graded. A listing’s grade describes the retailer’s assessment; it is not a promise that every product will have identical wear or include identical accessories. CeX may test electronics and check functions such as power, buttons, ports, screens, cameras, or connectivity. The relevant checks depend on the product.

For a phone or tablet, faults, cracks, missing parts, account locks, or an inability to reset the device can prevent acceptance or change the offer. For a game, the disc or cartridge, case, and edition may matter. For a console, the unit may need to power on and work with the required controller or cables. Do not assume that a device described as “working” at home will pass every store test.

Ask how the item has been graded and what is included before accepting a trade. If a quoted price depends on a particular grade, the assessment may result in a different offer. You can decide whether to proceed once the final terms are clear.

Cash, voucher, and trade-in value

CeX commonly presents separate values for cash and store credit, often called a voucher. A voucher is intended for spending under CeX’s terms, while cash is paid through the method available for that transaction and location. The voucher amount may be higher than the cash amount, but neither is a universal fixed percentage or guaranteed rate.

Prices can change with demand, stock, product condition, and market conditions. An online quote is therefore a snapshot, not a permanent valuation or a guarantee that a store will accept the item at that amount. Compare the exact model and grade, and check whether the quote is for cash or voucher; comparing one of each can give a misleading impression.

For example, a 128 GB phone and a 256 GB version may be treated as different products. A console with a missing controller may not receive the same offer as a complete set. Confirm what accessories are required and whether the quote assumes a particular condition before relying on it.

Before you take a device in

Protect your information and avoid preventable delays with a few checks:

  • Back up photos, contacts, files, and any other data you want to keep.
  • Sign out of accounts and remove activation locks or device-finding locks as required. A locked device may be unusable to a buyer and may be refused.
  • Perform a factory reset only after confirming your backup and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove SIM and memory cards unless the store’s instructions say otherwise.
  • Check the exact model, storage, and included accessories against the CeX listing or store guidance.
  • Bring required identification and check local trade-in requirements in advance.
  • Ask how payment will be made and whether the transaction needs additional testing time.

Do not hand over a device containing personal information without first preparing it. If you cannot remove an account lock or securely reset the device, contact the manufacturer or account provider before attempting to trade it.

Common reasons an item may be refused

An item may be declined if CeX cannot identify it, test it, or resell it under its current rules. Examples can include serious damage, a failed function test, missing essential parts, an account or activation lock, or a product that is not on the accepted list. Counterfeit, altered, or otherwise unsuitable goods may also be rejected under the retailer’s terms.

Refusal does not necessarily mean the item has no resale value elsewhere; it means it does not meet the conditions for that CeX transaction. If the offer changes after inspection, ask which condition or test affected it. You are not required to accept a revised offer simply because you brought the item in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CeX give cash for trade-ins?
CeX commonly offers a cash amount as well as a voucher amount for eligible items, but options and payment methods vary by country and transaction. Check the current listing and local terms.

Does CeX take broken phones?
It depends on the fault, model, and current acceptance rules. A damaged phone may be refused or valued differently, and account locks can prevent acceptance. Ask the local store or check its current product listing.

Do I need the box or receipt?
Not every item requires its original box or receipt, but accessories and packaging requirements vary by product and condition. Check the item’s listing or ask the store before visiting.

Can I trade in a phone that is locked?
A phone with an activation or account lock may be refused because it cannot be properly reset or resold. Back up your data, sign out, and remove locks in line with the manufacturer’s instructions before offering it.

Can I get the quoted price in a store?
A displayed quote is not always a guaranteed final price. The store may inspect and test the item, and the offer can change based on its condition, completeness, and current terms.

Does every CeX store accept the same items?
Product categories and local policies can differ, and a store may not accept every item listed in a broad category. Confirm with the relevant local CeX service before travelling.

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