Have you ever looked at that cracked iPhone screen, or that device that just won't turn on, and thought, "There's no way Verizon will take this for trade-in?" Think again! While a perfectly pristine phone will always fetch the highest value, Verizon's trade-in program does often accept devices in less-than-perfect condition, including those with broken screens or other damage.
Trading in your broken iPhone with Verizon can be a fantastic way to offset the cost of a new device, get account credit, or even a Verizon Gift Card. It's not just about saving money; it's also an environmentally responsible way to dispose of your old electronics. So, let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to navigating the Verizon trade-in process for your damaged iPhone.
Navigating the Trade-In Journey: Your Broken iPhone and Verizon
Trading in a damaged device might seem daunting, but Verizon has a streamlined process. The key is to be honest about the condition of your phone and to understand the different types of trade-in values and promotions available.
Step 1: Discover Your iPhone's Trade-In Potential (Even When Broken!)
Ready to see what your broken iPhone is worth? This is where your journey begins!
Understanding "Broken" vs. "Damaged"
Verizon often distinguishes between minor damage (like a cracked screen) and more severe issues (like a device that doesn't turn on or has a damaged battery).
Cracked Screen: Many promotions and standard trade-ins will still accept phones with cracked screens, though the value might be reduced.
Device Doesn't Turn On: This is a trickier one. While some special promotions might accept a non-functional device, typically a device needs to power on to qualify for a trade-in value beyond zero.
Damaged Battery (Swelling, Leaking, Overheating): This is usually a deal-breaker for trade-ins, as it poses a safety risk.
Getting an Initial Estimate Online
Verizon offers a convenient online tool to get an estimated trade-in value. This is the quickest way to gauge what your iPhone might be worth.
Visit the Verizon Trade-In Page: Go to Verizon's official trade-in website (you can usually find this by searching "Verizon trade-in").
Select Your Device: Choose "iPhone" and then select your specific iPhone model (e.g., iPhone 12, iPhone 13 Pro Max).
Provide Device Details: You'll be asked a series of questions about your iPhone's condition, including:
Does it turn on and off?
Is the screen cracked or broken?
Are there any major dents or scratches?
Is the battery damaged (swelling, leaking, overheating)?
Is "Find My iPhone" disabled? (Crucial!)
Is the device paid off/free of financial obligations? (Generally, you need to own the device outright, though some promotions might allow trade-in with a remaining balance).
Receive Your Estimate: Based on your answers, Verizon will provide an estimated trade-in value. This value can be a "market value" or a "promotional value."
Market Value: This is the standard cash value of your device based on its model and condition. You might receive this as account credit, a Verizon Gift Card, or a PayPal credit.
Promotional Value: Often, Verizon runs special promotions (especially when new iPhones are released) that offer a much higher trade-in value, sometimes even making a broken phone eligible for a significant discount on a new device. These promotional values are typically applied as bill credits over a set period (e.g., 24 or 36 months) when you purchase a new phone on an installment plan. Pay close attention to these promotions, as they can turn a seemingly worthless broken phone into a valuable asset!
Step 2: Preparing Your Broken iPhone for Trade-In
Even with a broken screen, there are vital steps you must take to prepare your iPhone for trade-in. Failing to do so could result in a reduced trade-in value or even rejection of your device.
Back Up Your Data
This is paramount! Once you send your phone to Verizon, you won't get it back.
iCloud Backup: Go to
Settings>[Your Name]>iCloud>iCloud Backupand tapBack Up Now.Computer Backup (iTunes/Finder): Connect your iPhone to your computer and use iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) to create a backup.
Disable Find My iPhone (Activation Lock)
This is arguably the most critical step. If "Find My iPhone" is not disabled, Verizon cannot process your trade-in, and your device will be rejected.
Go to
Settings>[Your Name]>Find My>Find My iPhone.Toggle it Off. You'll need to enter your Apple ID password.
If your phone doesn't turn on: You can remove the device from your Apple ID account via iCloud.com. Log in, go to "Find My iPhone," select your device, and click "Erase iPhone" then "Remove from Account."
Erase All Content and Settings (Factory Reset)
This ensures all your personal data is wiped from the device.
Go to
Settings>General>Transfer or Reset iPhone.Tap
Erase All Content and Settings.You may be asked for your passcode or Apple ID password.
Remove SIM Card
Your SIM card contains your phone number and account information. Remove it before sending your device.
Locate the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone.
Use a SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to pop out the tray.
Remove the SIM card.
Remove Accessories
Do not send any accessories (charger, cables, cases, screen protectors, SD cards) with your trade-in. Verizon will not return them, and they won't add to your trade-in value.
Step 3: Submitting Your Trade-In Request
Once your iPhone is prepared, it's time to officially submit your trade-in request.
Online Submission
This is the most common and convenient method.
Log in to My Verizon (if applicable): If you're an existing Verizon customer, logging in can streamline the process and show you personalized offers. Non-customers can still trade in for a Verizon Gift Card or PayPal credit.
Initiate Trade-In: Follow the prompts on the Verizon Trade-In page to start a new trade-in request.
Confirm Details: Double-check that all the information about your iPhone's model, storage, and condition is accurate. Any discrepancies between your description and the actual condition of the device upon inspection can lead to a reduced value or rejection.
Choose Payout Method: Select how you want to receive your trade-in value (account credit, Verizon Gift Card, PayPal credit, or applied to a new device).
Review and Accept Terms: Read the Device Trade-in Program Terms & Conditions carefully. This outlines what is acceptable for trade-in and what might cause a reduction in value.
Complete Request: Submit your trade-in request. You'll receive a confirmation email with instructions.
In-Store Trade-In
For immediate appraisal and credit (if applicable), you can visit a Verizon Company Store (not an authorized retailer).
Locate a Verizon Company Store: Use the Verizon Store Locator and filter for "Verizon Company Store."
Bring Your Device: Bring your prepared iPhone (data backed up, Find My iPhone off, factory reset, SIM removed) to the store.
On-Site Appraisal: A store associate will inspect your device and give you an immediate appraisal.
Instant Credit: If accepted, you may receive instant credit towards a new device purchase or your account.
Step 4: Shipping Your Broken iPhone to Verizon
This step requires careful attention to detail to ensure your device arrives safely and your trade-in is processed correctly.
Packaging Your Device
You'll typically have options for shipping:
Verizon Shipping Kit: If you chose this option, Verizon will send you a pre-paid shipping kit. Follow the instructions provided.
UPS QR Code: Verizon may provide a UPS QR code via email or on the trade-in confirmation page. You can bring your device and the QR code to a UPS drop-off location, and they will pack and ship it for you.
Your Own Packaging: If using your own materials, pack the device securely to prevent further damage in transit. Use a sturdy box and adequate padding. Only send one device per package.
Printing the Shipping Label
Ensure you use the prepaid shipping label provided by Verizon. Do not create your own. This label is crucial for tracking and ensuring the trade-in is linked to your account.
Sending Your Device Within the Timeframe
Crucially, you must send your device within the specified timeframe (usually 30 days) of submitting your trade-in request. Failing to do so can result in the cancellation of your trade-in or a reduced value.
Tracking Your Trade-In
Keep an eye on your trade-in status.
Verizon will send you a confirmation email when they receive your device.
You can often track the appraisal process via your My Verizon account or a dedicated trade-in tracker link provided in your confirmation email.
Step 5: Appraisal and Credit Issuance
This is the final stage where your trade-in value is confirmed and applied.
Device Inspection and Final Appraisal
Once Verizon receives your iPhone, it will undergo a thorough inspection to verify its condition against what you reported.
If the condition matches, you'll receive the estimated value.
If the device is in worse condition than described, the final appraised value may be lower. Verizon will typically notify you of this adjusted value. You may have the option to accept the new value or, in some cases, have the device returned (though this isn't always an option, especially if a promotional value was given upfront).
Important Note on Promotional Offers: If you received a high promotional value for a damaged phone, and upon inspection, Verizon determines it doesn't meet the minimal criteria (e.g., dead battery when it was supposed to turn on), your promotional credit could be revoked, and you'd only receive the market value (which could be $0).
Receiving Your Credit
The timing and method of receiving your credit depend on your chosen payout and whether it's a market value or promotional trade-in.
Instant Credit (In-Store): If you traded in at a company store, you might get instant credit applied to your purchase or account.
Account Credit (Online): Typically applied within 1-2 billing cycles after Verizon receives and appraises your device.
Verizon Gift Card/PayPal Credit: Usually issued within 2 weeks of device receipt and appraisal.
Promotional Credit: Applied as bill credits over the term of your new device payment plan (e.g., 24 or 36 months).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about trading in a broken iPhone with Verizon, along with quick answers:
How to check my broken iPhone's estimated trade-in value with Verizon?
Go to Verizon's Device Trade-in page online, select your iPhone model, and answer questions about its condition (including any damage) to get an immediate estimate.
How to disable "Find My iPhone" if my screen is cracked and unresponsive?
If your screen is too broken to interact with, you can disable "Find My iPhone" remotely by logging into iCloud.com, going to "Find My," selecting your device, and choosing "Erase iPhone" followed by "Remove from Account."
How to factory reset a broken iPhone before trade-in if the screen doesn't work?
If your iPhone screen is entirely non-functional, you may not be able to perform a factory reset directly on the device. In such cases, disabling "Find My iPhone" via iCloud.com is crucial, as this action often triggers a remote wipe.
How to know if my broken iPhone qualifies for a promotional trade-in value?
Check Verizon's current promotions on their website or by speaking with a sales associate. Promotions often specify conditions like "any condition as long as it turns on" or may have specific damage exclusions.
How to properly pack a broken iPhone for shipping to Verizon?
Use the shipping kit provided by Verizon or, if using your own materials, ensure the device is securely cushioned in a sturdy box to prevent further damage during transit. Do not include accessories.
How to track the status of my Verizon iPhone trade-in?
After submitting your trade-in, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link or instructions to track its status. You can also typically track it through your My Verizon account under "Orders" or "Trade-in Tracker."
How to ensure I get the maximum trade-in value for my damaged iPhone?
Be completely honest about the damage when getting your initial estimate. If your phone meets the criteria for a special promotion that accepts damaged devices, that's usually how you'll maximize your value. Otherwise, understand that damage will likely reduce the market value.
How to deal with a reduced trade-in value if Verizon finds more damage?
Verizon will typically notify you if the appraised value is lower than estimated due to unstated damage. You usually have the option to accept the revised offer or, in some cases, have the device returned, though the latter might incur a fee or forfeit any promotional credit already received.
How to use my trade-in credit from a broken iPhone?
Depending on your choice, the credit can be applied as a one-time account credit, a Verizon Gift Card, a PayPal credit, or, most commonly with promotional offers, as monthly bill credits towards a new device payment plan.
How to dispose of my broken iPhone if Verizon doesn't accept it for trade-in?
If your device is deemed to have no trade-in value (e.g., severely damaged battery, unrecognizable model), Verizon can still help you recycle it responsibly to prevent e-waste. You can also look for local electronics recycling programs in your area.
