Thinking about upgrading your iPhone? Trading in your old device with Verizon can be a fantastic way to significantly reduce the cost of a new one, sometimes even making it free with certain promotions! But navigating the trade-in process can seem a bit daunting. Don't worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience.
Ready to Upgrade? Let's Unlock the Value of Your iPhone with Verizon!
Are you holding onto an old iPhone, wondering what its worth might be? Perhaps you're eyeing the latest iPhone model, but the price tag is making you hesitate. Good news! Verizon's trade-in program can turn that old device into a substantial discount or even a free upgrade. It's not just about saving money; it's also about being environmentally responsible by giving your device a second life.
Let's dive into the detailed steps to make your iPhone trade-in with Verizon a breeze!
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| How To Trade In Iphone Verizon |
Step 1: Discover Your iPhone's Worth – The Initial Appraisal
This is where the excitement begins! Before you do anything else, you need to find out how much Verizon is willing to give you for your current iPhone.
A. Accessing the Trade-In Portal
Online: The easiest way to start is by visiting the official Verizon Trade-in page on their website (
verizon.com/tradein). You can usually find this link under "Shop" or "Deals & Promotions."My Verizon App: If you're an existing Verizon customer, log in to your My Verizon app. Navigate to the "Shop" or "Devices" section and look for "Trade In" or "Upgrade." This often provides personalized offers based on your account and device history.
B. Providing Device Information
Once on the trade-in page, you'll be prompted to provide details about the iPhone you wish to trade in.
Select Make and Model: Choose "Apple" as the manufacturer and then select your specific iPhone model (e.g., iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, etc.).
Answer Condition Questions: Be honest here! Verizon will ask a series of questions about your phone's condition. This typically includes:
Does the device power on and hold a charge?
Is the screen free of cracks or damage?
Are there any deep scratches or dents on the casing?
Are all buttons and features fully functional?
Has the device ever had water damage?
Even if your phone has some damage, don't assume it's worthless. Verizon often has promotions that accept damaged devices, though the trade-in value might be lower.
Enter IMEI (Optional but Recommended): For existing Verizon customers, sometimes the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is automatically populated. If not, you might be asked to enter it. This helps Verizon accurately identify your device and its eligibility. You can find your IMEI by dialing
*#06#on your phone, or by going toSettings > General > Abouton your iPhone.
C. Receiving Your Estimated Value
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
After answering the questions, Verizon's system will provide an estimated trade-in value. This value can be:
A one-time credit applied to your account.
A series of bill credits applied over a set number of months (often 24 or 36 months), especially for promotional offers.
A Verizon Gift Card or even a PayPal credit if you're not a Verizon customer yet.
Pay close attention to any promotional values that might be advertised, as these often provide the highest benefits. These typically require you to purchase a new device on a specific payment plan and maintain a qualifying service plan.
Step 2: Preparing Your iPhone for Trade-In – Data Security and Device Readiness
This is a critical step to protect your personal information and ensure your trade-in is processed smoothly. Do NOT skip any of these steps!
A. Back Up Your Data
Your iPhone holds a wealth of personal data. Before wiping it clean, ensure all your important information is safely backed up.
iCloud Backup:
Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
Go to
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.Tap "Back Up Now" and wait for the process to complete.
Computer Backup (Mac/PC):
Connect your iPhone to your computer.
On a Mac (macOS Catalina or later): Open Finder. Select your iPhone in the sidebar. Click "Back Up Now."
On a Mac (macOS Mojave or earlier) or PC: Open iTunes. Select your iPhone icon. Click "Back Up Now."
B. Unpair Apple Watch (If Applicable)
If you have an Apple Watch paired with your iPhone, you must unpair it before erasing your iPhone.
Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Tap "My Watch" at the bottom.
Tap "All Watches" at the top left.
Tap the "i" icon next to the watch you want to unpair.
Tap "Unpair Apple Watch." You may need to enter your Apple ID password.
C. Sign Out of iCloud, iTunes & App Store, and Find My
This is essential to disable Activation Lock, which prevents a device from being reactivated without your Apple ID and password. Verizon will not accept a device with Activation Lock enabled.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
For iOS 10.3 or later:
Go to
Settings > [Your Name].Scroll down and tap "Sign Out."
Enter your Apple ID password when prompted and tap "Turn Off." This will automatically disable Find My iPhone.
For iOS 10.2 or earlier:
Go to
Settings > iCloud > Sign Out.Tap "Sign Out" again, then "Delete from My [device]" and enter your Apple ID password.
Then go to
Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.
D. Remove All Cards from Apple Pay (If Applicable)
Go to
Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay.Tap on each card and then tap "Remove Card."
E. Erase All Content and Settings (Factory Reset)
This completely wipes your device, ensuring no personal data remains.
Go to
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.Tap "Erase All Content and Settings."
If prompted, enter your device passcode or Restrictions passcode.
If your device uses an eSIM, you will be given an option to "Keep eSIMs and Erase Data" or "Delete eSIMs and Erase Data." For a trade-in, it's generally recommended to choose "Delete eSIMs and Erase Data" to fully clear the device.
Tap "Erase iPhone" (or "Erase Data and Keep Plan," "Erase Data and Delete Plan," etc., depending on your iOS version and eSIM status). This will turn off iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Game Center, and other services.
F. Remove SIM Card
Locate the SIM card tray on the side of your iPhone (you'll need a SIM ejector tool, usually included with your phone, or a paperclip). Remove the SIM card. This is your personal property and contains your cellular plan information.
Step 3: Completing Your Trade-In Order
Now that your iPhone is prepped, it's time to finalize the trade-in process.
A. Confirming Your New Device Purchase (If Applicable)
Often, trade-in promotions are tied to the purchase of a new iPhone on a device payment plan. Ensure you've selected your desired new iPhone and plan.
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
Important Note on Promotions: Many Verizon trade-in promotions require the traded-in device to have been active on your Verizon account for a certain period (e.g., 60 consecutive days) to qualify for the full promotional value. Always read the terms and conditions carefully.
B. Choosing Your Trade-In Method
Verizon offers a few convenient ways to send in your old device:
In-Store Drop-off: This is often the fastest way to get your initial appraisal confirmed and potentially receive instant credit.
Use the Verizon Store Locator (filter for "Verizon Company Store," as authorized retailers may not accept trade-ins).
Bring your prepped iPhone to the store. A representative will assess its condition and confirm the trade-in value.
They will handle the packaging and shipping for you.
UPS Shipping with QR Code:
During your online trade-in request, Verizon may provide a UPS QR code.
You can typically find this code in your confirmation email or by logging into My Verizon > Orders > My Orders.
Bring your prepped device and the QR code to a UPS drop-off location. UPS will pack and ship your device for you.
Self-Shipping with Prepaid Label:
Verizon will send you a prepaid shipping label, sometimes with a shipping kit.
Carefully package your iPhone to prevent damage during transit. Use bubble wrap or other protective materials.
Attach the prepaid shipping label securely to the package.
Drop it off at the designated carrier (usually UPS or FedEx). Keep the tracking number for your records!
C. Reviewing and Accepting Terms & Conditions
Before finalizing, you'll need to review and accept Verizon's Device Trade-in Program Terms & Conditions. This is where you'll find crucial details about eligibility, payout methods, and what happens if the device condition doesn't match your description.
D. Completing the Submission
Once everything is confirmed and accepted, submit your trade-in request. You'll receive a confirmation email with instructions and details on how to track your trade-in.
Step 4: Tracking and Receiving Your Credit
The waiting game begins, but you can stay informed!
A. Tracking Your Trade-In
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Email Confirmation: Your confirmation email will usually contain a link or instructions to track your trade-in status.
My Verizon: Log in to My Verizon and navigate to the "Trade-In Tracker" or "Orders" section. You can typically use your submission ID or the email address associated with the trade-in request.
Carrier Tracking: If you self-shipped or used the UPS QR code, use the tracking number provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx) to monitor its delivery to Verizon.
B. Device Appraisal and Final Value
Once Verizon receives your iPhone, they will inspect it to verify its make, model, and condition against what you described.
You'll receive an email with the final appraised value.
If the actual appraisal value differs from your initial estimate (due to condition discrepancies, for example), your credit will be adjusted accordingly. Verizon will usually inform you of any significant changes.
C. Receiving Your Credit
The timeline for receiving your credit depends on your chosen payout method and how you submitted the device:
In-Store Trade-in: You might receive an instant credit applied to your new device purchase or bill.
Online Trade-in (Shipping):
Account Credit: If you chose an account credit, it's typically applied within 1-2 billing cycles after Verizon receives and verifies your device.
Verizon Gift Card/PayPal Credit: If you opted for a gift card or PayPal credit, expect it within 4-6 weeks from the time Verizon receives your device.
Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on your Verizon bills or account statements to confirm the credit has been applied. If you don't see it within the expected timeframe, contact Verizon customer service.
Step 5: Enjoy Your New iPhone and Your Savings!
Congratulations! You've successfully traded in your old iPhone with Verizon and are now enjoying your new device. Remember that the trade-in program is a fantastic way to keep up with the latest technology while managing your expenses.
Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common questions related to trading in your iPhone with Verizon, along with quick answers:
How to find my iPhone's IMEI for a Verizon trade-in? Go to
Settings > General > Aboutand scroll down to find your IMEI. Alternatively, you can dial*#06#on your phone, and the IMEI will appear on the screen.How to backup my iPhone before trading it in to Verizon? You can back up to iCloud (
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or to your computer using Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Mac/PC).How to factory reset my iPhone for a Verizon trade-in? Go to
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Make sure you've signed out of your Apple ID first!How to turn off Find My iPhone for a Verizon trade-in? Signing out of your Apple ID (
Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out) will automatically disable Find My iPhone. This is a critical step for trade-ins.How to remove my SIM card from my iPhone for a Verizon trade-in? Use a SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to open the SIM card tray, usually located on the side of your iPhone, and remove the card.
How to check my Verizon trade-in status after shipping? Log in to My Verizon and go to the "Trade-In Tracker" or check your confirmation email for a tracking link. You can also use the shipping carrier's tracking number.
How to know if my damaged iPhone is eligible for Verizon trade-in? Verizon often accepts damaged devices, especially with specific promotions. Use their online trade-in tool and honestly answer the condition questions to get an estimated value.
How to get the most value for my iPhone trade-in with Verizon? Ensure your iPhone is in the best possible condition, take advantage of promotional offers (which often provide higher values for new device purchases), and complete all preparation steps carefully.
How to handle an active device payment agreement when trading in with Verizon? Generally, your device must be paid off before trade-in, unless you qualify for a promotional offer that explicitly accepts a remaining balance. Read the promotion terms carefully.
How to get my trade-in credit from Verizon – as a bill credit or gift card? During the online trade-in process, Verizon will present the available payout options based on your device and whether you are an existing customer or participating in a promotion. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
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