That old phone in your drawer or laptop on the shelf is quietly losing value every month — and it's worth more today than it will be tomorrow. Whether you're upgrading or just clearing space, here's how to prep your device the right way, protect your data, and get the most for it when you trade it in.

Step 1: Back up everything first

Before you erase a thing, save it. On iPhone or iPad, back up to iCloud (Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup) or to a computer. On a Mac, use Time Machine. On Android, back up to Google. On Windows, copy files to a drive or cloud. Double-check that photos, documents, and passwords are safely saved before moving on.

Step 2: Sign out and unlock (the step most people forget)

This is the big one — a device still locked to your account can't be resold and will be rejected or valued at scrap. Do this before wiping:

• iPhone/iPad: turn off Find My and sign out of iCloud (Settings → your name → Sign Out).
• Mac: sign out of iCloud and deauthorize the device, then turn off Find My Mac.
• Android: remove your Google account and disable any lock/reactivation protection.
• All devices: remove any SIM card and, if applicable, deregister an eSIM.

Step 3: Factory reset to wipe your data

Once you've backed up and signed out, do a full factory reset (iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings; Mac: Erase All Content and Settings; Android: Settings → System → Reset). A proper reset removes your personal data so the device is clean for its next owner. For a deeper walkthrough, see our guide on safely wiping your data before selling.

Step 4: Boost the value before you quote it

Little things add up. A quick clean, the original charger or box if you have them, and an honest note about condition all help. Most importantly: condition is king. A cracked screen or a swollen battery drops value fast, while a tidy, fully-working device in its original finish earns top marks. Don't wait, either — newer models hold value best, so trading in sooner beats letting it age in a drawer.

Step 5: Trade up (and keep tech out of the landfill)

Rolling your trade-in credit into a certified refurbished device is the ultimate win: you upgrade for less, your old device gets a second life instead of gathering dust, and anything that can't be reused is responsibly recycled. Everything below is tested, unlocked, and warrantied for a year.

Certified iPhones

Upgrade with your credit

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Certified MacBooks

Trade up for less

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Certified iPads

Great trade-in target

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get the most money for my old phone?

Back it up, sign out of your account, factory reset, clean it up, and trade it in promptly — value drops the longer you wait. Start on our trade-in page.

Is my personal data safe when I trade in?

As long as you sign out of your accounts and do a full factory reset, your data is removed. Our data-wiping guide walks you through it step by step.

What if my device is cracked or won't turn on?

You may still get value, and even non-working devices can be responsibly recycled rather than trashed. Get a quote on the sell & trade-in page.

Can I use my trade-in value right away?

Yes — apply the credit toward any certified device and upgrade for less on the spot.

Get Your Trade-In Value →