AT&T Trade-In Return Label: How to Get and Use It

Yes—if you are mailing an eligible device to AT&T through a trade-in offer, AT&T generally provides shipping instructions and a prepaid return label as part of the trade-in process. Use the label and packaging instructions tied to your specific trade-in; do not assume a label for a phone return, warranty exchange, or another order is interchangeable.

What an AT&T trade-in return label is

A trade-in label identifies the destination and shipping service for sending your old device to the company or its trade-in processing partner. It is normally prepaid under the offer’s instructions, so you should not need to buy postage when using that label. The exact label format and delivery method can vary: it may be provided in the online trade-in flow, sent by email, or included with a trade-in kit, depending on how and when the trade-in was arranged.

“Return label” can be confusing because AT&T also handles other kinds of shipments. A device-return label for sending back a recently purchased phone, a warranty or replacement return label, and a trade-in shipping label serve different purposes. Check that the instructions identify the shipment as a trade-in and match the order or trade-in confirmation you received.

Where to find the label

Start with the confirmation or instructions associated with the trade-in, rather than searching for a generic label. Check the email address used for the transaction, including spam and promotions folders, and sign in to the AT&T account or trade-in portal used to start the offer. Look for the trade-in status, shipping instructions, or an option to print or resend the label.

Review the trade-in confirmation for a link, attachment, QR code, or shipping-kit details.
Check the trade-in status through the account or portal where you submitted the device information.
If the label is missing, contact AT&T through its official support channels and provide the trade-in confirmation or reference number.
If the transaction was handled by a named trade-in partner, use the contact details in the official trade-in instructions to ask that partner about its label.

Online pages and offers can change, so an old instruction may not describe the current process. Confirm the steps shown for your own submission. Avoid using a label found in an unrelated email, on a forum, or for a different device or order.

How to prepare and ship the device

Before packing, follow the trade-in instructions about what to include. In many trade-ins, the device itself is what must be sent; accessories such as a charger or case may not be requested. Do not send extras unless the instructions explicitly ask for them, because they may not be returned or credited.

Save your information. Back up anything you need, then remove personal data and accounts from the device according to the device maker’s instructions. Turn off device-tracking or activation-lock features when required for a transfer.
Check the submission details. Confirm the model and trade-in reference match the device you are sending. If the device’s condition differs from what you reported, review the offer terms or ask support how to correct the submission.
Pack it securely. Use the provided kit if one was supplied, or follow the stated packaging requirements. Protect the device from movement and impact. Do not put a loose lithium-ion battery or a damaged, swollen device into a parcel; ask the carrier or trade-in provider for safe handling instructions.
Attach the correct label. Use the label exactly as issued. If printing it, make sure the barcode and address are clear and not covered by tape or folds. Remove or cover old shipping labels and barcodes.
Hand it to the specified carrier and keep proof. Get a drop-off receipt or other acceptance record, and retain the tracking number until the trade-in is completed and any promised credit has been addressed.

For a phone with an eSIM or a physical SIM, follow the instructions for your service and device before sending it. Removing a SIM does not erase the phone’s stored data. Factory-resetting also does not necessarily remove a carrier account, activation lock, or other ownership restriction, so complete the relevant steps before shipment.

Tracking, credits, and timing

A tracking scan can show that a parcel was accepted or delivered, but delivery is not necessarily the same as a completed trade-in evaluation. The device may need to be received, identified, and assessed under the offer’s eligibility and condition requirements. Keep the carrier receipt and check the trade-in status for updates.

Credit timing and form depend on the particular promotion and transaction. Some offers describe bill credits, while other trade-in arrangements may handle value differently. Read the terms attached to your offer for the amount, eligibility conditions, and when any credit is expected. Do not assume that printing a label or seeing a delivery scan means a credit has already been applied.

If tracking stops updating, first verify the carrier’s tracking page and the acceptance receipt. If the parcel is shown as delivered but the trade-in status has not changed, contact the trade-in support channel with the tracking number, shipment date, and trade-in reference. Keep copies of relevant emails and screenshots until the issue is resolved.

Common label problems

No label arrived: Check the correct email address, spam folders, and online trade-in status. Ask the official support channel to confirm whether a label was generated and how to obtain another one.
The label will not print: Try downloading the file and printing at normal size with the barcode unobstructed. If the instructions offer a carrier QR code or a physical kit, follow that option instead of making your own label.
The label is expired or unreadable: Do not alter its destination or reuse it for another shipment. Request a replacement and confirm any shipping deadline in the offer terms.
The package went to the wrong place: Contact the trade-in provider promptly with the tracking information. A label for a regular return may route to a different facility and could delay identification.
The device was assessed differently than expected: Review the condition criteria and the submitted device details. Ask for the evaluation explanation and follow the appeal or inquiry process, if the offer provides one.

Trade-in label versus a regular AT&T return label

A trade-in sends an existing device for evaluation under a trade-in offer. A regular return sends a recently purchased product back under the return process that applies to that purchase. A warranty or replacement shipment is another distinct process. Each may have its own eligibility rules, destination, time limit, and tracking instructions.

That distinction matters even if two labels look similar. A label’s barcode routes the package; sending the wrong device under the wrong reference can make it harder to match the shipment to your account. Use the label generated for the exact transaction, and contact support before shipping if you are unsure which process applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get another AT&T trade-in label?
Usually, you should be able to ask the official trade-in support channel for help if your original label is missing or unusable. Have your trade-in reference ready, and confirm that a replacement label will still meet the offer’s shipping deadline.

Is the AT&T trade-in shipping label prepaid?
Trade-in instructions generally provide the shipping method and label for sending the device. Check your specific label and offer instructions; do not pay for postage or use a different service unless the instructions or support team direct you to do so.

Can I use a regular phone-return label for my trade-in?
No—not unless the instructions explicitly say that label is for the trade-in. Purchase returns and trade-ins are separate transactions and may go to different processing locations.

Should I include the charger or phone case?
Only include accessories if the trade-in instructions ask for them. Keep unrequested items, and check whether the trade-in kit specifies exactly what belongs in the parcel.

What should I do if my trade-in package is delivered but no credit appears?
Check the trade-in status and the promotion’s stated processing and credit terms. If the status does not resolve the question, contact the trade-in support channel with your tracking number and confirmation details.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.