How to Trade-In Your iPhone: A Complete Guide
If you're wondering how to trade-in your iPhone, the good news is that the process can be much simpler than you might think. Instead of leaving your old iPhone in a drawer, you could turn it into cash to put towards your next upgrade.
Whether you're upgrading to a newer iPhone, switching to another smartphone or simply want to make some money from technology you no longer use, trading in your iPhone is a straightforward way to give your old device a second life.
In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about trading in an iPhone, including how to find its value, how to prepare it, what happens when you send it and how you can get paid.
What Does It Mean to Trade-In Your iPhone?
Trading in your iPhone means selling your existing device to a specialist technology buyer in exchange for payment.
Rather than creating a private marketplace listing and waiting for someone to buy your phone, you can get a valuation, accept the offer and send your device directly to a specialist.
With Envirofone, you can search for your iPhone and get an instant quote based on its model, storage capacity and condition.
This makes it easier to understand what your old iPhone could be worth before deciding whether to sell it.
How to Trade-In Your iPhone in 5 Simple Steps
The trade-in process can be broken down into five straightforward stages:
- Find your exact iPhone model.
- Get an instant trade-in quote.
- Prepare your iPhone for sale.
- Send your device using the available free postage option.
- Receive payment once your iPhone has been inspected.
Envirofone's full selling guide explains the process in more detail, but let's look at each step individually.
Step 1: Find Out Which iPhone You Have
Before you can trade in your iPhone, you'll need to know exactly which model you own.
This might sound obvious, but there are many different iPhone generations, storage capacities and versions available. Selecting the wrong model when requesting a quote could result in an inaccurate valuation.
If you're unsure which iPhone you have, you can usually find the information by opening:
Settings > General > About
Here you'll find information such as the model name and storage capacity.
You can then search Envirofone's iPhone selling service to find your specific model.
Step 2: Check Your iPhone's Trade-In Value
Once you've identified your iPhone, the next step is to find out what it's worth.
The value of an iPhone depends on several factors, including the model, storage capacity, condition and other relevant details about the device.
For example, Envirofone currently lists maximum values of up to £880 for an iPhone 17 Pro Max, up to £715 for an iPhone 17 Pro and up to £605 for an iPhone 16 Pro. These are maximum advertised values, so your exact quote can be different depending on your device.
It's important to get a quote for your individual iPhone rather than relying on a general estimate.
Get an instant iPhone trade-in quote from Envirofone and see what your particular device could be worth.
What Affects Your iPhone's Trade-In Value?
Several factors can influence how much your iPhone is worth.
Model and generation
Newer iPhones generally have more resale value than older models. However, even older iPhones can still be worth trading in.
Envirofone accepts a wide range of models, from newer iPhones through to older generations.
Storage capacity
The amount of storage in your iPhone can affect its value. A 512GB model, for example, may receive a different offer from the equivalent 128GB model.
Make sure you select the correct storage capacity when getting your quote.
Condition
The physical and working condition of your iPhone is another important factor.
A device in excellent condition is likely to be worth more than one with significant cosmetic or functional damage. However, you shouldn't assume that a damaged iPhone has no value.
Envirofone accepts iPhones in a range of conditions, including faulty and damaged devices.
If your phone isn't perfect, you can still check its trade-in value.
Network status
Whether your iPhone is unlocked or connected to a particular network can also affect its value.
Make sure you provide accurate information when requesting your quote so that your valuation reflects your device.
Can I Trade-In a Broken iPhone?
Yes, in many cases you can still trade in an iPhone that has damage or faults.
Envirofone currently accepts iPhones with issues such as cracked screens, battery problems and water damage, although the condition of the device will affect its value.
The phone does need to meet Envirofone's requirements for acceptance, and lost or stolen devices cannot be traded in.
If you're unsure whether your damaged iPhone is worth anything, the easiest option is to get a quote online and see what you're offered.
Step 3: Prepare Your iPhone Before Trading It In
Once you've decided to sell, it's important to prepare your iPhone correctly before sending it away.
Back up your data
Before doing anything else, make sure your important information is backed up.
This could include photos, videos, contacts, messages and other personal data. If you're upgrading to another iPhone, you can then transfer your information to your new device.
Sign out of your Apple Account
Make sure you sign out of your Apple Account before sending your iPhone away.
This helps remove your personal information and ensures the device isn't still linked to your account when it reaches its next owner.
Turn off Find My
You should also disable Find My on the iPhone before trading it in. This is an important part of preparing the device for another user.
Remove your SIM
If your iPhone uses a physical SIM card, remember to remove it before sending the phone.
If you use an eSIM, make sure you've transferred or removed your mobile service appropriately before completing the trade-in.
Erase your iPhone
After backing up your data and signing out of your Apple Account, erase your personal information and restore the iPhone to its factory settings.
This protects your personal information and leaves the device ready for testing and its next stage.
For more information about the selling process, visit Envirofone's guide to selling your technology.
Step 4: Send Your iPhone for Free
Once you've accepted your trade-in offer, you'll need to send your iPhone to Envirofone.
Envirofone currently provides free tracked postage options. You can receive a Royal Mail QR code, which can be shown at a Post Office so the label can be printed for you, or arrange a Royal Mail collection from your home.
There's no need to pay for postage yourself.
You can find out more about how to send your device through Envirofone before completing your sale.
What Happens When Envirofone Receives Your iPhone?
Once your iPhone arrives, it is inspected and tested against the information you provided when you requested your quote.
Envirofone says devices are tested on the day they arrive. If the condition matches the details you supplied, payment can then be processed the same day.
If the device isn't in the condition described, you may receive a revised offer. You'll have the opportunity to accept or decline the revised price rather than being committed to an amount you haven't agreed to.
The Envirofone selling process explains what happens from getting your initial price through to payment.
Step 5: Get Paid for Your iPhone
Once your iPhone has passed inspection, Envirofone offers several ways to receive the value of your device.
You can choose a bank transfer, EnviroCash or donate the value to charity.
If you choose EnviroCash, Envirofone currently adds a 7% bonus to spend on refurbished technology.
If you're planning to replace your old iPhone with another refurbished device, this could be an option worth considering.
Explore the refurbished technology available from Envirofone if you're planning your next upgrade.
How Long Does an iPhone Trade-In Take?
Getting a quote is quick and can be completed online in just a few moments.
After accepting your quote, you have time to send your device, and Envirofone says the overall process typically takes around a week from getting your price to payment.
Once the phone arrives, it is inspected and, if everything matches the original description, payment is processed the same day.
For the latest information, check Envirofone's current trade-in process.
Should I Trade-In My iPhone Before Upgrading?
If you're planning to buy a newer iPhone, trading in your existing device can be a useful way to reduce the overall cost of your upgrade.
Instead of keeping your old phone as a backup indefinitely, you can find out what it's worth and decide whether selling it makes financial sense.
This can be particularly useful around major smartphone launches, when many people start thinking about upgrading and the market for previous-generation devices can change.
If you're considering an upgrade, check your iPhone's value before buying your next phone.
Is It Better to Trade-In or Sell Privately?
You have several options when selling an old iPhone.
Private marketplaces can allow you to advertise directly to potential buyers, but you'll generally need to create a listing, communicate with buyers, arrange postage and manage the payment process yourself.
A specialist trade-in service can make the process more straightforward. You receive a quote, accept the offer and send your device directly to the buyer.
With Envirofone, there are no private listings or negotiations to manage. You can get an instant quote online and arrange free tracked postage if you decide to proceed.
What Should You Do Before Sending Your iPhone?
Use this checklist before putting your iPhone in the post:
- Back up your personal data.
- Transfer anything you need to your new device.
- Sign out of your Apple Account.
- Turn off Find My.
- Remove your physical SIM card.
- Erase all personal content and settings.
- Check the phone against the condition you selected when getting your quote.
- Package the device securely.
- Keep any postage or tracking information until the sale is complete.
Following these steps can help make the trade-in process as smooth as possible.
What Happens to Your Old iPhone?
Trading in your iPhone isn't simply about getting money for an unwanted device. Giving technology a second life can also help reduce the amount of electronic waste generated by unused devices.
Depending on its condition, an iPhone may be suitable for refurbishment and resale. Devices that are no longer suitable for reuse can be processed for responsible recycling.
Envirofone says that devices it receives are either given another life or responsibly recycled, rather than sent to landfill.
You can sell other unwanted technology through Envirofone too, including phones, tablets, laptops, wearables and games consoles.
How to Get the Most From Your iPhone Trade-In
If you want to maximise the value of your device, timing and condition are both worth considering.
Protecting your iPhone from unnecessary damage can help preserve its condition while you're using it. If you already know that you're going to upgrade, it also makes sense to check its value rather than leaving it unused for an extended period.
Most importantly, provide accurate information when getting your quote. Selecting the correct model, storage capacity and condition helps ensure you're getting an appropriate valuation.
You can check your current iPhone trade-in price whenever you're ready.
Can I Trade-In an Older iPhone?
Absolutely. You don't need to own the latest iPhone to benefit from trading in your device.
Older models can still have value, particularly when they're in good working condition. Even if your iPhone has been replaced by several newer generations, it may still be worth checking.
Envirofone currently accepts a wide range of iPhone models, including older generations.
If you're unsure whether yours is eligible, search for your iPhone on Envirofone and see whether you can receive an offer.
How to Trade-In Your iPhone: Final Checklist
If you want a quick summary of how to trade-in your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Identify your model: Check the exact iPhone generation and storage capacity.
- Get a quote: Use Envirofone's online tool to find your current trade-in value.
- Check the condition: Be honest about any scratches, cracks, faults or other damage.
- Back up your data: Make sure everything you want to keep has been transferred or backed up.
- Remove your accounts: Sign out of your Apple Account and disable Find My.
- Erase your phone: Restore the iPhone to factory settings.
- Send it securely: Use the free tracked postage option provided.
- Wait for inspection: Your device will be tested when it arrives.
- Get paid: Once the device passes inspection, your payment can be processed.
Ready to Trade-In Your iPhone?
If you're no longer using your iPhone, there's little reason to let it sit unused in a drawer.
Whether you're upgrading to the latest iPhone, changing to another smartphone or simply want some extra cash, trading in your old device can be a simple way to get more value from technology you already own.
Now that you know how to trade-in your iPhone, the first step is to find out what your device is worth.
Get your instant iPhone trade-in quote from Envirofone and see how much your old device could be worth today.
And when you're ready to choose your next device, you can also browse Envirofone's refurbished technology for another way to make your next upgrade more affordable.
