Yes, you can trade in an old iPhone through Apple, a mobile carrier, or some electronics retailers, usually for store credit, a gift card, or a discount on a new device. The amount depends on the model and condition, and a trade-in is only one option: selling it privately, recycling it, or giving it away may suit you better.
How an iPhone trade-in works
A trade-in provider assesses your iPhone and offers a value under its own program. You generally provide the model and condition online or in a store, then hand over or ship the phone for inspection. If the device matches the description, the provider issues the stated payment or credit; if inspection finds a discrepancy, it may revise the offer or return the phone, depending on the program’s terms.
Apple’s trade-in program can provide credit toward a purchase or an Apple gift card, and eligible devices may be accepted for recycling even when they have no trade-in value. Carriers and retailers may offer their own promotions, which can have requirements such as purchasing a particular device, activating a service, or receiving credit over time. These details change, so read the current offer rather than relying on an advertised headline amount.
- Start with the model: Find the model name in Settings under General > About, or use the device’s identifying details when checking an offer.
- Describe its condition accurately: Mention cracked glass, damaged buttons, charging issues, or other faults.
- Check the final terms: Confirm whether the value is cash, a gift card, account credit, or installments, and what happens if inspection changes the estimate.
What determines its trade-in value
Model and age are major factors: newer models generally have more resale or reuse value, while an older phone may qualify only for recycling. Storage capacity, physical condition, and whether key components work can also affect an offer. A pristine phone with a working display is not equivalent to one with a cracked screen or battery, even if both are the same model.
Offers vary among providers and can change over time. A carrier promotion may advertise a large potential credit but restrict eligibility to certain devices, purchases, plans, or payment schedules. A direct trade-in quote may instead be a straightforward amount of credit. Compare the complete terms and the total cost of the purchase you would make; do not treat a promotional maximum as guaranteed cash for every old iPhone.
There is no universal trade-in price list that applies everywhere. Check the current quote for your exact model and condition, and keep in mind that a preliminary online estimate can be adjusted after physical inspection.
Trade-in, private sale, or recycling?
Trading in is convenient: it can reduce the work of finding a buyer, and some programs let you apply credit to a new purchase. In exchange, the offer may be lower than the amount a private buyer would pay. A private sale gives you control over the asking price, but you must create the listing, communicate with buyers, arrange a safe handoff or shipping, and handle payment carefully.
For example, if you have a working older iPhone and are already buying a new device, a trade-in credit can make the purchase process simple. If you are not buying anything from that provider, compare whether its gift card or account credit is useful to you; a private sale may offer more flexibility. If the phone is broken or has little resale value, a reputable electronics recycling program may be the more practical route.
Before deciding, compare the actual amount and conditions rather than just the convenience or headline offer. Do not assume every broken iPhone is worthless: some programs accept damaged devices for recycling, while others may offer value for particular models in specified condition.
Prepare your iPhone and protect your data
Back up anything you want to keep, then transfer your information to your replacement device if applicable. After confirming that your backup or transfer is complete, sign out of your Apple Account and turn off Find My as directed for your handoff. Activation Lock can prevent another person from setting up the phone, so removing the device from your account is an important part of preparing it.
- Back up the iPhone and check that important photos, messages, and files are available elsewhere.
- Unpair an Apple Watch if one is paired, and remove any physical SIM card. For an eSIM, follow the provider’s instructions for transfer or removal.
- Sign out of your Apple Account, disable Find My, and follow Apple’s current steps to erase all content and settings. Erasing deletes local data; verify your backup first.
- Remove accessories unless the program specifically asks for them, and keep any shipping receipt or handoff confirmation.
Do not send a phone while it remains tied to your account or contains personal data. If the screen is broken and you cannot complete the steps, contact the provider or consult its instructions before shipping; do not assume a factory reset has been completed just because the device is being traded in.
Common trade-in problems
The final offer is lower than the estimate. The online quote may rely on your description, while the final amount follows an inspection. Review the condition questions carefully and photograph the phone before shipping. Check the provider’s rules for accepting, rejecting, or returning a revised offer.
The promotion is not paid as expected. Some offers provide credit in installments or require a qualifying purchase or service. Confirm the payment method, timing, eligibility, and any conditions before committing. Store credit is not the same as cash and may be useful only at that provider.
The phone cannot be activated by its next owner. This can happen if Find My or Activation Lock remains enabled. Remove the device from your Apple Account and erase it using the recommended process. If you have already handed it over, contact the program promptly rather than sharing your account password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade in an iPhone that is broken?
Sometimes. Eligibility and value depend on the program, model, and type of damage. Check the provider’s condition options, and ask whether it accepts the phone for recycling if no credit is offered.
Can I trade in an iPhone without buying a new one?
Some programs accept a device for a gift card or another form of credit without requiring a simultaneous purchase. Others tie the offer to a new device or service. Check the specific program’s terms.
Should I erase my iPhone before trading it in?
Yes. Back up and transfer the information you want to keep, sign out of your account, disable Find My, and erase the phone before handing it over. Follow the current instructions for your iOS version and trade-in provider.
Will a trade-in provider accept an iPhone with a cracked screen?
Possibly, but the crack can lower its value or make it ineligible for a particular offer. Report the damage accurately and check whether the provider has a damaged-device or recycling option.
Is trading in better than selling an old iPhone?
It depends on your priorities. A trade-in is often simpler, while a private sale may provide a different price and requires more effort and care. Compare confirmed offers and terms before choosing.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
More in this section
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- Trade In an Old Phone: Value, Steps, and Alternatives
- Trade In an Old Laptop? Options, Value, and Safety
- AT&T Trade-In Offers: How They Work
- Trade In an Old iPad: Options, Value, and Preparation
- Trade In My iPhone? How It Works and What to Check