How do I trade in a device bought in the last 24 months for an Apple iPhone?
Answer
Apple and carrier trade-in offers usually depend on the device model, condition, and current promotions—not only whether it was bought in the last 24 months. Check eligibility in the official Apple Trade In, carrier, or retailer flow before powering off or wiping the old device.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Factory resetting too early, or leaving Find My / activation lock on, can reduce or void the trade-in value.
Follow these steps
Identify the trade-in channel
Decide whether you will trade in through Apple Trade In, your wireless carrier, or the store selling the new iPhone. Open only that official site or app.
You should see: You are in the correct trade-in flow for the seller you chose.
Check model eligibility and value
Enter the old device’s model, storage, and condition in the trade-in estimator. Note the quoted value and any inspection rules before you commit.
You should see: You see whether the device qualifies and what value is offered if it passes inspection.
Prepare the old device
Back up important data, then follow the seller’s preparation steps: sign out of iCloud or Google, turn off Find My or similar locks, and remove the SIM or eSIM if instructed.
You should see: The phone is unlocked from your account and ready for trade-in inspection or shipping.
Complete handoff or shipment
Bring the device to the store or ship it with the provided kit, keeping your confirmation number until the final credit posts.
You should see: The trade-in is accepted or you receive a clear update if the value changes after inspection.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Trade-in eligibility and estimated value for your exact model, plus any note that the device must power on, pass inspection, and have activation locks removed.
Before you change anything: Confirm whether you are trading through Apple, a carrier, or a store, because quotes differ. Back up the old phone before erasing anything. Do not factory reset until the trade-in instructions say to remove accounts and wipe the device. Never share Apple ID or carrier passwords with unexpected callers.