Got your eye on a new iPhone®? Trading in your old one is one of the easiest ways to save money. But if your device isn’t in great shape—or you forget to prepare it properly—you could lose out on serious value.
At Asurion, we help people get the most out of their tech — whether you’re backing up your iPhone or fixing a cracked screen. Here’s how to get the highest trade-in value for your iPhone and make sure it’s ready to go.
Make sure your iPhone is in good working condition
Most trade-in programs require that your iPhone can turn on, power off, and charge without issues. If your battery is dead or your charging port is damaged, get it repaired before you trade it in. Small fixes can add big trade-in value.
Reduce or repair physical damage
Wondering if you can trade in a cracked iPhone? The answer depends on the extent of the damage. Scratches and scuffs may not matter much, but cracked glass often reduces trade-in value significantly. Fortunately, getting your iPhone screen or back glass repaired is usually affordable—and it can boost the value of your trade-in by hundreds of dollars.
How to prepare your iPhone for a trade-in
Before handing over your phone, follow these steps to protect your data and maximize your offer.
Back up your iPhone
Save your photos, contacts, and settings with iCloud® or iTunes®. That way you can easily restore everything on your new device. Learn more in our guide to backing up an iPhone.
Unpair your accessories
If you use an Apple Watch® or AirPods®, unpair them before trading in your phone so you can connect them to your new one.
- Apple Watch: Open the Watch app > My Watch > All Watches > “i” icon > Unpair Apple Watch.
- AirPods or Bluetooth devices: Go to Settings > Bluetooth > “i” > Forget This Device > Forget Device.
Turn off Find My iPhone
Leaving Find My iPhone on makes it nearly impossible for anyone else to activate your phone.
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone, then toggle it off.
Sign out of your Apple account
To sign out of all Apple services:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.
- Enter your Apple ID password, tap Turn Off, then confirm.
Complete a factory reset
Erase your iPhone to remove personal data and prepare it for resale.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Remove the SIM card
Your SIM card is tied to your phone number and carrier. Remove it and save it for your new device.
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Insert a SIM eject tool or pin into the tray.
- Store your SIM card in a safe place.
Best time to trade in your iPhone
Timing matters if you want the most money for your trade-in. The best time to trade in your iPhone is usually right before Apple announces its next model—typically in September. Once new iPhones are released, trade-in values for older models often drop.
If you’re planning to upgrade, consider starting the trade-in process in late summer to lock in a higher value.
FAQ
How can I get the highest trade-in value for my iPhone?
Keep it in good working condition, repair any cracks, back up your data, turn off Find My iPhone, and factory reset the device before trading it in.
Can I trade in a cracked iPhone?
Yes, but you’ll get less money. Fixing the screen or back glass before trade-in can increase the value significantly.
Do I need to remove my SIM card before trade-in?
Yes. The SIM card is tied to your phone number and won’t be needed once you trade in your device.
What happens if I don’t turn off Find My iPhone?
The next owner won’t be able to activate your device, which could make it ineligible for trade-in.
When is the best time to trade in an iPhone?
Right before Apple launches new models (usually in September). Waiting too long may mean your old iPhone loses value quickly.
