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Phone trade-in FAQs

You’ve reached an FAQ page. To trade in your phone, smartwatch or
tablet and Verizon for a virtual gift card return to the trade in page.

Trade in your device

Cell phone
trade-in process

How does phone trade-in work?

Bring in your old device, including a cell phone, smartwatch or tablet, and Verizon will appraise the value of your device and give you a credit on your account (or virtual gift card) good toward a new device or other products and services available through Verizon. Here are some answers to the most common questions about the device trade-in process.

When I trade in a device and get a virtual gift card, what can I use it for besides a new phone?

Almost anything Verizon sells. You don't have to put your credit toward a new phone. You can put it toward a tablet—even a smartwatch. If you'd like, you can apply it toward your bill, or save it for a future purchase, including accessories and gaming products. Verizon will pay for shipping to return the trade-in.

Can I trade in a phone that isn't paid off?

Yes. Phones and other devices that were subsidized by a two-year agreement are eligible for a trade-in.

For those of you enrolled in a monthly device payment, you are eligible to trade-in for a credit or gift card. If the trade value is less than the remaining installment balance, then you will continue to pay the installment until you reach 100 percent of the cost of your device before purchasing a new device. If the trade value is more than the remaining installment balance, then you can apply it to the installment and become eligible for a new device immediately.

How long does it take to receive my gift card or credit for a trade-in?

If you turn in your phone, tablet or smartwatch at a Verizon store, you can get an instant appraisal and a credit while you wait. If you choose to trade-in online, expect your gift card (for guest users) at least two weeks from the time Verizon receives your device, or your credit (for My Verizon users) within 1-3 bill cycles after appraisal. Overall, the entire process generally takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Also see our support hub.

Phone trade-in value

How do I get the best value for my trade-in phone?

The better condition your phone is in, the better return you will get on your trade-in. A phone in "Great" condition may have a few light scratches and scuffs. A "Very Good" device will be slightly more scratched up. A device in "Good" condition will have more substantial scratches, scuffs or dents on the phone case and may also have minor scratches on the screen.

Can I trade in a device that is damaged (such as a cracked screen) or not working?

Verizon won't accept devices that are damaged or not working, although you should always first check with a Verizon store sales associate for an evaluation. If you qualify, you can jump straight to the good stuff and continue shopping with a credit on your order.

Otherwise, you can visit Verizon's Device Trade-In page and enter info about your device and its condition to get a preliminary offer—you'll be notified of the final value of a credit after Verizon receives your device. Then, if signed into My Verizon, you'll receive a credit on your account. Guest users will receive a virtual gift card by email.

To learn more about the process, check out this step-by-step how-to guide.

Preparing your phone
for trade-in

Do I have to pay to ship my phone in for a trade in?

There are three options for sending your phone back to Verizon. One, after initiating your trade-in through My Verizon, you can request a shipping kit from us which we will send to your home to send back your phone in. You can also use your own packaging, and there will be instructions on how to properly pack your phone.

Alternatively, you can choose to bring your phone into your local Verizon store.

How do I prepare my phone for trade-in so my information is safe?

Before you ship the device to us:

  • Transfer your content either to the cloud or your computer.
  • Turn off Find My Device (Android) or Find My App (iOS).
  • Restore your device to factory default settings.
  • Keep or destroy removable or portable memory cards or modules (i.e., memory card, SIM card).

How do I wipe my phone for trade-in?

Android: The steps will vary depending on the brand of device you have (i.e., Samsung, Google, etc.), but generally it's done in the Settings app. Please consult the directions for your specific device.

Apple: After you have backed up your data and disconnected your device from the cloud, go back to Settings and tap General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings. You may have to put in your AppleID and password when disconnecting specific apps.

Also see our support hub.

Trade-in to
trade up

Recycle your phone and save money
on your next device.

Learn more