Are you ready to give your old iPhone a new purpose and potentially save some money on your next Verizon upgrade? Excellent! Trading in your device is a smart move, both for your wallet and the environment. But before you rush off to the Verizon store or ship your phone, there are some crucial steps to ensure a smooth and successful trade-in. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to do to prepare your iPhone for a Verizon trade-in, ensuring you get the best possible value and protect your personal data.
Step 1: Back Up Your Precious Data – Don't Lose a Single Memory!
This is, without a doubt, the most important first step. Imagine losing all your photos, contacts, messages, and app data! It's a nightmare nobody wants. Before you do anything else, you need to create a complete backup of your iPhone.
Sub-heading: Why is backing up so critical?
When you prepare your iPhone for trade-in, you'll be erasing all its content and settings. Without a backup, everything on your phone will be permanently deleted. Backing up ensures you can easily transfer all your information to your new device.
Sub-heading: How to back up your iPhone (two primary methods):
Using iCloud (Recommended for Ease):
Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your iPhone is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.
Plug in for Power: It's best to have your iPhone plugged into a power source to avoid interruption during the backup process.
Go to Settings: Tap on the "Settings" app.
Tap Your Apple ID: At the very top, tap on your name (your Apple ID banner).
Select iCloud: Tap "iCloud."
iCloud Backup: Scroll down and tap "iCloud Backup."
Toggle On "Backup This iPhone": If it's not already on, toggle this switch to the "on" position.
Tap "Back Up Now": To initiate a manual backup, tap "Back Up Now." Wait patiently for the process to complete. The time it takes will depend on the amount of data you have and your internet speed.
Using Your Computer (Finder for Mac, iTunes for Windows):
Connect your iPhone: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Open Finder (Mac with macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows PC or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier):
Finder: Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar. Click on it.
iTunes: Click the iPhone icon near the top left of the iTunes window.
Select "Summary" (iTunes) or "General" (Finder):
iTunes: Under "Backups," choose "This Computer."
Finder: Under the "General" tab, select "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac."
Consider Encrypting your Backup (Highly Recommended): For added security, especially for sensitive data like passwords and Health data, check the "Encrypt local backup" option. You'll need to create a password for this backup, so make sure you remember it!
Click "Back Up Now": Start the backup process and wait for it to finish.
Pro Tip: Confirm your backup was successful! After the backup, go to your iCloud settings or check your computer's backup location to ensure it completed without errors.
Step 2: Unpair Your Apple Watch (If Applicable)
If you have an Apple Watch paired with your iPhone, you'll need to unpair it before wiping your iPhone. This ensures a clean slate and allows you to pair your Apple Watch with your new iPhone without issues.
Sub-heading: The Importance of Unpairing
Unpairing removes all data from your Apple Watch and resets it to factory settings, while also creating a backup of your watch on your iPhone. This backup is then included in your iPhone's backup.
Sub-heading: Steps to Unpair Your Apple Watch:
Keep Devices Close: Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are close to each other.
Open Apple Watch App: On your iPhone, open the "Apple Watch" app.
Tap "All Watches": Tap "All Watches" at the top of the My Watch screen.
Tap the Info Button: Tap the info button (a circled "i") next to the watch you want to unpair.
Tap "Unpair Apple Watch": Tap "Unpair Apple Watch," then tap it again to confirm.
Enter Apple ID Password: You may need to enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.
Confirm: Tap to confirm the unpairing.
Step 3: Sign Out of All Accounts – Don't Leave Anything Behind!
This is a critical security step. You need to sign out of all your accounts associated with your iPhone, especially your Apple ID (iCloud) and the iTunes & App Store. This disconnects your device from your personal accounts and prevents the next user from accessing your information or making purchases.
Sub-heading: Why is signing out crucial?
Signing out of your Apple ID disables features like Find My iPhone and Activation Lock, which are essential to turn off before a trade-in. If these are not disabled, Verizon cannot accept your device.
Sub-heading: How to sign out:
Sign Out of iCloud and iTunes & App Store (iOS 10.3 or later):
Go to Settings > [your name].
Scroll down and tap "Sign Out."
Enter your Apple ID password and tap "Turn Off" (for Find My iPhone).
Then, you may be prompted to keep certain data on your iPhone; choose to delete it.
Sign Out of iCloud (iOS 10.2 or earlier):
Go to Settings > iCloud > Sign Out.
Tap Sign Out again, then tap Delete from My [device] and enter your Apple ID password.
Then go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.
Important Note on Activation Lock: When you sign out of iCloud, Find My iPhone and Activation Lock are automatically turned off. This is absolutely necessary for a successful trade-in.
Step 4: Deregister iMessage (If Switching to a Non-Apple Phone)
If you're trading in your iPhone for an Android or other non-Apple device, you need to deregister iMessage. Failing to do so can lead to issues with receiving text messages from other iPhone users after you switch.
Sub-heading: Why deregister iMessage?
iMessage routes messages between Apple devices through Apple's servers. If you switch to a non-Apple phone without deregistering, messages from iPhones might still be sent as iMessages, preventing them from reaching your new device.
Sub-heading: How to deregister iMessage:
Go to Settings > Messages.
Toggle "iMessage" to the "off" position.
Step 5: Erase All Content and Settings – The Final Wipe!
This is the step where you truly wipe your iPhone clean. It performs a factory reset, deleting all your data, apps, and settings, and restoring the device to its original factory state.
Sub-heading: What "Erase All Content and Settings" does:
This process securely deletes all your personal information, including photos, contacts, music, apps, Apple Pay cards, and turns off iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Game Center, and other services.
Sub-heading: Steps to erase your iPhone:
Go to Settings > General.
Scroll down and tap "Transfer or Reset iPhone" (or "Reset" on older iOS versions).
Tap "Erase All Content and Settings."
If you have Find My iPhone turned on (which you should have already disabled in Step 3 by signing out of iCloud), you might be asked to enter your Apple ID password again.
If your device uses eSIM, you will be given an option to "Keep eSIMs and Erase Data" or "Delete eSIMs and Erase Data." For a trade-in, choose "Delete eSIMs and Erase Data." (Deleting the eSIM profile does not cancel your service with Verizon; it just removes the digital SIM from your phone.)
You may be asked for your device passcode or Restrictions passcode. Enter it.
Finally, tap "Erase iPhone" (or "Erase Device") to confirm.
Your iPhone will now begin the erasing process. This can take several minutes. Once complete, your iPhone will restart and be at the "Hello" screen, just like when you first took it out of the box.
Step 6: Remove Your SIM Card
While the erase process handles most of your digital footprint, your physical SIM card still holds your phone number and potentially some contacts.
Sub-heading: Why remove the SIM card?
Removing your SIM card protects your personal information and ensures you can use your current phone number on your new device, if you're keeping your number.
Sub-heading: How to remove the SIM card:
Locate the SIM Tray: The SIM tray is usually on the side of your iPhone. It has a small hole next to it.
Use a SIM Ejector Tool or Paper Clip: Insert a SIM ejector tool (usually included with your iPhone) or a straightened paper clip into the small hole.
Push Firmly: Push firmly but gently until the SIM tray pops out.
Remove SIM Card: Carefully pull out the tray and remove your SIM card.
Keep it Safe: Store your SIM card in a safe place so you can insert it into your new phone.
Step 7: Clean Your iPhone and Gather Accessories
While not strictly required for the trade-in to be accepted, a clean phone can contribute to a better perceived condition and shows you've taken care of it.
Sub-heading: Making a good impression and getting ready for shipment:
Wipe Down: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down your iPhone, removing any smudges, fingerprints, or dust. A slightly damp cloth (with water, not harsh cleaners) can be used for stubborn spots, but be careful not to get moisture into ports.
Gather Accessories: If Verizon's trade-in program allows or requests it (check their specific terms), include any original accessories like the charger, cables, or original box. While often not required for the trade-in value itself, some programs might offer a small bonus or it just makes for a more complete package if they resell it.
Step 8: Review Verizon's Trade-in Instructions and Ship/Drop Off
Now that your iPhone is meticulously prepared, the final step is to follow Verizon's specific instructions for submitting your trade-in.
Sub-heading: Understanding Verizon's process:
Verizon offers various ways to complete your trade-in, including in-store drop-off or shipping with a prepaid label. Always refer to the instructions provided with your trade-in order.
Sub-heading: What to expect and how to proceed:
Confirmation Email/Instructions: After initiating your trade-in online or in-store, Verizon will provide detailed instructions. This may include a prepaid shipping label if you're mailing your device.
Packaging: Securely package your iPhone according to their guidelines. Use appropriate padding to prevent damage during transit.
Ship or Drop Off:
Shipping: Affix the prepaid label and drop it off at the designated carrier location (e.g., UPS, FedEx).
In-Store: Bring your prepared iPhone to a Verizon store, where a representative will assist you with the final steps and verification.
Keep Records: It's always a good idea to keep a copy of your shipping tracking number, or a receipt if you drop it off in-store, as proof of shipment.
Final Check: Before you send it off, double-check that you've completed every step. Missing just one can lead to a reduced trade-in value or rejection of your device.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my iPhone's trade-in value with Verizon?
You can get an estimated trade-in value by visiting Verizon's official trade-in page (
How to know if my iPhone is eligible for trade-in?
Generally, Verizon accepts devices from any network. Eligibility for promotional trade-in values usually depends on the iPhone's model, condition, and sometimes, how long it's been active on your Verizon account. Devices reported lost or stolen are not eligible.
How to transfer data from my old iPhone to my new iPhone?
After backing up your old iPhone (as in Step 1), you can restore that backup to your new iPhone during the initial setup process. You can also use Quick Start if both devices are running iOS 11 or later.
How to cancel my Verizon service after trade-in?
Trading in your device does not automatically cancel your service. If you intend to cancel your Verizon service, you must contact Verizon Customer Service directly to initiate the cancellation process.
How to ensure my data is completely erased from my iPhone?
Following Step 5 ("Erase All Content and Settings") is the most secure way to erase all data from your iPhone. Apple's process is designed to be thorough and makes data unrecoverable for typical users.
How to track my Verizon trade-in status?
Verizon typically provides a tracking number or a way to check the status of your trade-in through your My Verizon account or the confirmation email you receive.
How to get my trade-in credit from Verizon?
Trade-in credit can be applied in various ways, such as instant credit towards a new device, a recurring bill credit on your Verizon account over several months, or a Verizon e-Gift card. The options will be presented when you initiate the trade-in.
How to factory reset an iPhone that won't turn on?
If your iPhone won't turn on, you generally cannot perform a software factory reset. You might need to try putting it into recovery mode and restoring it via a computer, but for trade-in purposes, Verizon might have specific guidelines for non-functional devices, which could affect the trade-in value.
How to remove Activation Lock if I forgot my Apple ID password?
If you forgot your Apple ID password and cannot disable Activation Lock, you will need to recover your Apple ID password through Apple's iForgot service or contact Apple Support for assistance. Verizon cannot process a trade-in with Activation Lock enabled.
How to prepare an iPhone with a cracked screen for trade-in?
The condition of your iPhone, including screen cracks, will affect its trade-in value. Be honest about the condition when getting an estimate. Verizon might still accept devices with damage, but the value offered will be lower than for devices in good condition.
