Hey there! Ever found yourself staring at an old phone, gathering dust in a drawer, and wondering if it could be worth something? Well, you're in luck! Verizon's trade-in program is designed to turn that forgotten gadget into valuable credit towards a new device or even your bill. It's a fantastic way to upgrade your tech while being kind to your wallet and the environment.
Let's dive in and understand exactly how it works, step by step, so you can unlock the value of your old devices!
Unlocking Value: A Step-by-Step Guide to Verizon's Trade-In Program
Verizon's trade-in program is quite streamlined, offering both online and in-store options. The core idea is simple: you give them your old device, and they give you credit. However, the type and amount of credit can vary, especially with ongoing promotions.
Step 1: Determine Your Device's Potential
This is where your journey begins! You'll need to provide some basic information about the device you want to trade in.
What kind of device is it? Verizon accepts a wide range of devices, including:
Smartphones (iPhone, Android, etc.)
Tablets
Smartwatches
Basic phones
Mobile hotspot devices
Netbooks
Certain 3G/4G prepaid phones (with specific activation requirements).
They generally don't accept devices like vehicle diagnostics tools or the Samsung Galaxy Camera.
Assess its condition honestly. This is crucial for an accurate appraisal. Verizon categorizes device conditions, and the better the condition, the more credit you'll receive. Be prepared to answer questions about:
Power On/Off: Does it turn on and off properly?
Screen Condition: Is the screen cracked, shattered, or free of damage? Even minor cracks can significantly reduce the value.
Physical Damage: Are there any major dents, scuffs, or water damage indicators? Minor wear and tear (light scratches) are usually acceptable.
Functionality: Does everything work as it should (buttons, camera, speakers, charging port)?
Activation Locks: Is "Find My iPhone" (for Apple devices) or Google Activation Lock (for Android devices) disabled? This is absolutely critical. If these are not disabled, your trade-in will likely be rejected or valued at zero.
Lost or Stolen: Is the device reported as lost or stolen? (Naturally, such devices are not eligible.)
Find your Device ID (IMEI/MEID/ESN). You'll often need this number to get an accurate estimate, especially for online trade-ins.
For Android: Go to Settings > About Phone (or System > About Phone).
For iOS: Go to Settings > General > About.
For Basic Phones: Look under Tools & Settings > About Phone > Status.
For Verizon Customers: You can also find it in My Verizon under "Manage Device."
Step 2: Get an Estimated Trade-In Value
Now that you have your device info, it's time to see what it's worth!
Online Appraisal:
Visit the official Verizon Trade-in page (
verizon.com/tradein You can get an estimated value even if you're not a Verizon customer.
If you're an existing customer, sign in to My Verizon for a quicker and potentially more accurate estimate, as it can pull information about devices on your account and show you exclusive promotional offers.
Enter the details you gathered in Step 1 (make, model, storage, carrier, and condition).
The system will provide an estimated market value for your device. If there are any ongoing promotions that your device qualifies for, you might see an additional promotional value.
In-Store Appraisal:
Visit a Verizon Company Store (not an authorized retailer, as they may have different policies or not accept trade-ins for certain promotions).
A Verizon representative will physically inspect your device and provide an on-the-spot appraisal. This can be beneficial if you're unsure about your device's condition.
Understanding the Value:
The value you see is an estimate. The final appraised value is determined after Verizon receives and verifies your device.
Market Value: This is the inherent worth of your device based on its model, condition, and market demand.
Promotional Value: This is often the most attractive part. Verizon frequently offers boosted trade-in values when you upgrade to a new device on a specific plan. This promotional value is usually applied as bill credits over a set period (e.g., 36 months).
Step 3: Choose Your Payout Method & New Device (If Applicable)
Once you have your estimated value, you'll decide how you want to receive your credit.
Payout Options:
Account Credit: This is the most common option for existing Verizon customers. The credit is applied to your Verizon account, reducing your monthly bill or device payments. For promotional trade-ins, this credit is typically disbursed over the 36-month device payment plan.
Verizon Gift Card: Often an option for non-Verizon customers or if you prefer a gift card. This is sent to your email address and can be used for future Verizon purchases (devices, accessories, services).
PayPal Deposit: In some cases, a PayPal credit might be offered, providing a direct cash equivalent.
Instant Credit: If you're upgrading to a new device, you might be eligible for "Instant Credit" at the point of sale, reducing the upfront cost of your new device. Any remaining credit would then be applied as an account credit.
Shopping for a New Device:
If your trade-in is part of an upgrade promotion, you'll typically select your new eligible device (smartphone, tablet, smartwatch) and plan at this stage.
Be aware of the terms: Promotional trade-ins often require you to remain on a specific unlimited plan for the duration of the bill credits (e.g., 36 months). Cancelling service, changing to an ineligible plan, or paying off your device early can result in the forfeiture of remaining promotional credits.
Step 4: Prepare Your Device for Trade-In
This is a critical step to protect your personal data and ensure your trade-in is processed smoothly.
Backup Your Data: Before you do anything, back up all your photos, contacts, apps, and other important data. Use cloud services (iCloud, Google Drive), a computer backup (iTunes, desktop software), or transfer it directly to your new device.
Disable Find My iPhone/Google Activation Lock: As mentioned, this is non-negotiable.
For iPhones: Go to Settings > your name (Apple ID, iCloud, Media & Purchases) > Find My > Find My iPhone, and turn it off. You'll need your Apple ID password. Then, sign out of your Apple ID completely (Settings > your name > Scroll down and tap "Sign Out").
For Android: Go to Settings > Accounts (or Accounts & backup) > Google > Remove your Google account. You might also need to disable a specific "Find My Device" setting depending on your Android version and manufacturer.
Perform a Factory Reset: This completely erases all personal data from the device.
For iPhones: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
For Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset options (or General management > Reset) > Erase all data (factory reset).
Remove SIM Card and SD Card: These are not part of the trade-in. Remove them and keep them safe.
Remove Accessories: Do not send chargers, cables, cases, or other accessories. They will not be returned and do not add to the trade-in value.
Charge the Battery: Ensure the device has some charge, as it needs to power on for inspection.
Step 5: Ship or Drop Off Your Device
You'll have a few options for getting your device to Verizon.
Mail-in with Prepaid Shipping:
If you initiated your trade-in online, Verizon will typically provide you with a prepaid shipping label or send you a shipping kit (a box with packaging materials and the label).
Follow the instructions carefully: Pack your device securely to prevent damage during transit. Only send one device per package.
You usually have a specific timeframe (e.g., 30 days) to send in your device after starting the trade-in.
Keep your tracking number! This is your proof of shipment.
UPS Drop-off with QR Code:
Verizon might send you a UPS QR code. You can take your device and the QR code to a UPS drop-off location. They will pack and ship it for you.
In-Store Drop-off:
If you prefer, you can often bring your prepared device directly to a Verizon Company Store. No packaging is required, and they'll handle the rest. This can be faster as the initial appraisal is instant.
Step 6: Appraisal, Confirmation, and Credit Application
Once Verizon receives your device, the final appraisal process begins.
Inspection: Your device will be inspected to confirm its make, model, and condition match what you described during the initial appraisal.
Final Value Confirmation:
If the device matches your description, the estimated value will be confirmed, and you'll receive an email notification.
If the device's condition is worse than described, the final appraised value might be lower. Verizon will typically notify you of this revised value. In most cases, device trade-ins are final once submitted, so you won't get your old device back if the value is reduced.
Credit Application:
For Account Credits (including promotional credits): The credit will be applied to your Verizon account within 1-2 billing cycles. If it's a promotional credit, it will be disbursed monthly over the agreed-upon period (e.g., 36 months).
For Verizon Gift Cards/PayPal: These are usually processed within approximately 2 weeks of Verizon receiving and verifying your device.
Important Considerations:
Promotional Terms and Conditions: Always read the fine print for any trade-in promotions. These often have specific requirements like maintaining certain unlimited plans, keeping the new device active on your account, or the traded-in device having been active on your account for a minimum number of days (e.g., 60 days).
No Cash Payouts: Verizon's trade-in program provides credit or gift cards, not direct cash.
Device Ownership: Ensure your device is fully paid off and you own it outright before trading it in. If you have a remaining device payment agreement with Verizon, you generally need to pay it off, unless a specific promotional offer explicitly allows trade-ins with an outstanding balance.
Timelines: The entire process, from initiating the trade-in to receiving your full credit, can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, especially for mail-in trade-ins and those involving promotional credits. In-store trade-ins can offer immediate appraisal and initial credit.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully navigate the Verizon trade-in program and get the most value out of your old devices!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my device's estimated trade-in value with Verizon?
Visit
How to prepare my phone for a Verizon trade-in?
First, back up all your data. Then, disable "Find My iPhone" or Google Activation Lock. Perform a factory reset to erase all personal data. Finally, remove your SIM card and any external memory cards.
How to know if my device is eligible for Verizon trade-in?
Most smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even some basic phones are eligible. The device must power on, not be reported lost/stolen, and have activation locks disabled. Certain promotions may have specific device requirements.
How to send my trade-in device to Verizon?
You typically have two options: mail it using a prepaid shipping label/kit provided by Verizon after initiating the trade-in online, or drop it off at a Verizon Company Store.
How to receive my trade-in credit from Verizon?
For existing customers, credit is usually applied to your Verizon account (often as monthly bill credits for promotional trade-ins). Other options may include a Verizon Gift Card or a PayPal credit.
How to find my IMEI or Device ID for Verizon trade-in?
For iPhones, go to Settings > General > About. For Android, go to Settings > About Phone (or System > About Phone). Verizon customers can also find it in My Verizon under "Manage Device."
How to track my Verizon trade-in status?
After submitting your trade-in request online, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link or instructions to track its status, including shipment, appraisal, and payout.
How to get the most value for my Verizon trade-in?
Ensure your device is in the best possible condition (no cracks, water damage, fully functional). Also, look for Verizon's promotional trade-in offers, which often provide significantly higher values than market value, especially when upgrading to a new device on an eligible plan.
How to trade in a damaged phone to Verizon?
Verizon may accept damaged phones, but the trade-in value will be significantly reduced, or it might only qualify for recycling. Always check the appraisal tool or with a store associate for an accurate assessment.
How to avoid losing trade-in credits if I pay off my device early?
For promotional trade-in credits that are applied monthly over a device payment plan (e.g., 36 months), paying off your device early or changing to an ineligible plan will generally result in the forfeiture of the remaining promotional credits. This is a key term of such promotions.
