Many believe that the best time to sell or trade-in your old iOS device is when Apple introduces new models, or at least every two years. As you surely know by now, Apple is releasing radically improved models every two years, which means that iOS users who don’t really care about the latest technology don’t have to upgrade every single year. The company is well-aware of that, which is the reason why it offers its Upgrade Program, using which you can indeed upgrade every single year without paying too much. We previously wrote about pros and cons of the Apple’s upgrade program, and you can find more information on this topic by following this link.
In this article, we will be talking about what to do when you decide to sell or trade-in your old iOS device. This will include simple steps that you need to follow in order to secure your private data, as well the current offer of different companies who are offering trade-in programs. In other words, this is the complete guide to getting to most of your old device prior to buying a brand new iPhone or iPad.
Protect Your Private Data
Before you sell your device, you want to erase its contents and to secure your sensitive data. As you know, your iOS device can hold large amounts of data that can be exploited after you sell your device. This includes your email, payment data stored in your Apple Pay account, your contacts, and much more. There are the prep steps you need to perform to ensure your device is clear.
The first thing you need to do is to disable Find my iPhone option. This can be done by opening Settings and navigating to iCloud > Find my iPhone. As you will see, this option allows you to locate, lock, or erase your device’s contents and prevents it from being erased or reactivated without your password. Simply turn it off and you’re done.
Next, you need to erase your device. However, it’s advisable that you make sure that your device is backed up using iTunes or iCloud, so you can easily restore your content to a new device. Follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Navigate to General > Reset
- Tap on “Erase All Content and Settings”
- You will need to confirm that you want to proceed by entering your passcode.
- Once this is done, you can be sure that your private data is safe.
In case you want to be extra careful, there are some additional steps that you can make. We previously published a guide on to securely wipe your iOS device. Our guide includes information on how to back-up your phone, erase all content and settings, disable activation lock, make sure that your payment information is deleted, and much more. Go to this link for more information.
JustGoodBites’ Trade-In Guide
Perhaps the most important thing that you need to know when trading-in your old iOS device is when to pick the exact price lock. Trade-in values typically drop 20 percent in the 60 days around the introduction of a new model. The biggest dip actually happens from 20 days before the unveiling to about 20 days afterward. It is also important to highlight that there’s no downside to locking in an offer since in most cases you are not bound to send your device immediately.
In addition, many people choose to use services like eBay or Craigslist to sell their electronics, which maybe sounds like a good idea at first. It is true that you can earn a bit more this way than from some of the buyback services. However, it can be tiresome and frustrating to manage an eBay listing or to meet with people who are looking for a used Apple device.
Here are some of the best offers at the moment that can save you a considerable amount of time and frustration.
Apple
Apple has been offering different programs that allow you to sell or recycle your old iOS device. Perhaps the most important one is the company’s “Renew” recycling program, which works online or at any retail location in the U.S.
This program is operated by Brightstar and requires you to mail in your device for inspection. However, you can also use the in-store option where Apple employees appraise the device on the spot.
In return, you will receive a gift card that can be used towards future purchases from an Apple Store. This means that the company does not pay cash for trade-ins. It’s also important to be said that gift card payouts are somewhat lower in comparison to other companies. Still, many are choosing this option because it’s convenient, especially if you plan on upgrading to a newer iOS device.
When it comes to iPhone, these are estimated trade-in values: $50 for iPhone 4s, $75 for iPhone 5/5c, $125 for iPhone 5s, $225 for iPhone 6, and $250 for iPhone 6s Plus.
These are estimated trade-in values for different iPad models: $75 for iPad Mini 2, $100 for iPad mini 3, $80 for iPad 4, $120 for iPad Air, $150 for iPad Air 2.
The good news is that you can use your gift card towards buying a device from the Apple’s Upgrade Program. This means that trade-in can be the application to different installments plans, which spreads out the cost of a new handset over 24 months.
Gazelle
Gazelle is the nation’s leading consumer electronics trade-in service, as well as the most recognizable brand when it comes to trade-ins. It has serviced more than 1 million trade-ins to date with payouts of more than $100,000,000.
What is unique about this company is that Gazelle handles all trade-in inspections itself and can even wipe your device of data before passing it along. The company also doesn’t nitpick over the trade-in value. This is how the process works:
- After visiting Gazelle’s website, you will need to identify your current iPhone – or any other iOS device. You will be required to select a model, carrier, and capacity. Next, quickly assess its condition – broken, good, or flawless. Right after this you will how much money you can get. Simply click on “Get Paid” to proceed to the next step.
- The second step requires to log-in to your account, or to create a new one. This is needed in order to pick a preferred payment method: PayPal, check, or in the form of an Amazon Gift Card. In addition, you can donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice.
- Gazelle will then ask for your address so it can send you a prepaid shipping box that you can use to send in your iOS device. You will have 30 days to send your device. Upon receiving it, the Company will wipe the personal data from your phone, and then return it to its original factory settings.
- The final step is to wait for the payment.
This is how much you can expect to receive for different iOS devices. Note that the following prices are for devices that are fully functional. If you are looking to trade-in a broken device, expect up to one-third of the following prices:
- iPhone 6 Plus: up to $290;
- iPhone 6: up to $250;
- iPhone 5s: up to $105
- iPhone 5c: up to $50;
- iPad Air 2: up to $225;
- iPad Air: up to $170;
- iPad 4: up to $135;
- iPad mini 3: up to $140;
- iPad mini 2: up to $125.
BuyBack World
BuyBack World is another interesting option which operates in very much the same way as Gazelle. In some cases, it even offers slightly higher payout rates.
The first step includes locking-in your trade-in price by visiting the company’s website, where you will be asked to assess the physical and operational condition of your device. After a few days, you can expect to receive a pre-paid shipping box. Interestingly enough, you can also use your own shipping box, as well as print a pre-paid shipping label from the company’s website. Once BuyBack World receives your device, the company will issue a check within 10 business days. Alternatively, you can choose the paid via PayPal if you want to quickly receive the money.
This is how much you can expect if you decide to use this service:
- iPhone 6 Plus: up to $330;
- iPhone 6: up to $300;
- iPhone 5s: up to $100;
- iPhone 5c: up to $55;
- iPad Air 2: up to $230;
- iPad Air: up to $180;
- iPad 4: up to $150;
- iPad mini 3: up to $155;
Next Worth
Similar to previously listed services, Next Worth is a notable trade-in option known for its simplicity and speed. As the company says, this is one of the industry’s largest buyers of used electronic devices with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
If you decide to use Next Worth for selling your old iOS device, you will be able to choose from numerous payment options. There’s PayPal, which is yet again the faster option to receive your money, check (3-10 business days), or in the form Target Gift Card (3-14 days).
Interestingly enough, Next Worth is the exclusive white-label trade-in partner of Target, where you can bring your device to receive a trade-in offer and get paid by the company on the spot.
This is how much money you can expect from the following iOS devices:
- iPhone 6 Plus: up to $345;
- iPhone 6: up to $320;
- iPhone 5s: up to $120;
- iPhone 5c: up to $65;
- iPhone 5: up to $80;
- iPhone 4s: up to $30;
- iPad Air 2: up to $230;
- iPad Air: up to $180;
- iPad 4: up to $150;
- iPad 3: up to $95;
- iPad 2: up to $70;
- iPad mini 4: up to $220;
- iPad mini 3: up to $130.
Amazon
Amazon has a very comprehensive trade-in program, even though the online retailer doesn’t really advertise this service. In case you plan on purchase your next iPhone or iPad from Amazon, this could be a viable option for your trade-in.
It is interesting to note that Amazon will pay premium prices for devices that are pristine and if you have all “original packaging and accessories present with no markings”.
Depending on your location, trade-in submission can take up to 10 business days, which is when your submission in processed. Once this happens, you will be notified within 2 business days if your items were accepted or rejected. The good news is that you can follow the status of your trade-in from your Amazon account page. Needless to say, you will receive a gift card that can be used to buying items from the website.
These are some of the payouts you can expect.
- iPhone 6 Plus: up to $320;
- iPhone 6: up to $265;
- iPhone 5s: up to $125;
- iPad Air 2: up to $284;
- iPad Air: up to $220;
Wireless Carriers
You can also use one of the wireless carriers to sell your old iOS device. Many U.S. carriers offer this kind of system, but afterward, you will have to pick a phone with a new contract. Typically, the carrier resells your phone for you and pockets any profits. This means that your trade-in goes toward the purchase of a new plan or handset.
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve found at least one interesting option for trading in your old iPhone or iPad. The good thing is that you can use many of the mentioned services to sell more than your iOS devices. Even though there is sometimes a good reason to keep your old iPhone, it’s usually wiser to sell it. With today’s numerous trade-in options, this can be easier than ever.
