Preparing Your iPhone for Trading In for the New Release

Preparing Your iPhone for Trading In for the New Release

When a new iPhone release is on the horizon, it's the perfect time to start thinking about what you'll do with your current device. If you're planning to upgrade, trading in your existing iPhone could help you put some extra money towards your next phone.

But before you send your iPhone away, there are a few important things to do. From backing up your photos and contacts to signing out of your Apple Account and checking your phone's condition, preparing your iPhone for trading in for the new release can help make the process simple and stress-free.

With Envirofone, you can check how much your iPhone could be worth, get an instant quote and send your device using free tracked postage.

Why Should I Prepare My iPhone Before Trading It In?

Your iPhone contains a huge amount of personal information. Photos, messages, contacts, emails, passwords and access to apps can all be stored on your device.

That's why preparing your iPhone properly is an important part of the trade-in process. You want to make sure your personal information is safely backed up and removed before the phone leaves your hands.

It's also important to provide accurate information about your iPhone's condition when requesting a valuation. Envirofone tests devices when they arrive, so the final offer can depend on whether the phone matches the details provided when you received your initial quote.

Find out how trading in your phone with Envirofone works before you get started.

When Should I Prepare My iPhone for a New Release?

If you're planning to upgrade when the next iPhone becomes available, it's worth getting organised before launch day.

You don't necessarily need to send your current iPhone away immediately. Instead, you can find out which model you have, check its condition and get an idea of its current trade-in value.

Then, once you've received your new phone and transferred your data, you can complete the final steps and send your old iPhone for trade-in.

This can make the switch between devices much easier and means you're not trying to complete everything at the last minute.

Search for your iPhone and get an instant valuation.

Step 1: Check Which iPhone You Have

Before you can trade in your iPhone, you'll need to know exactly which model you own.

If you're unsure, you can find the information directly on your iPhone.

Go to:

Settings > General > About

You'll see information including the model name, model number and other details about your device.

It's important to select the correct model when getting a trade-in quote because different iPhone generations and variants have different values.

Find your iPhone on Envirofone and check its current trade-in value.

Step 2: Check Your iPhone's Storage

The storage capacity of your iPhone can affect its trade-in value, so make sure you select the correct version when requesting your quote.

For example, the same iPhone model may have 128GB, 256GB or 512GB storage options.

You can check your storage information by going to:

Settings > General > iPhone Storage

If you still have the original box, the storage capacity may also be printed on the packaging.

Once you've confirmed your storage capacity, search for your exact iPhone to get an accurate quote.

Step 3: Check the Condition of Your iPhone

Before you request your trade-in valuation, take a good look at your iPhone.

Check the:

• Screen
• Back and sides of the device
• Cameras
• Buttons
• Charging port
• Speakers and microphone
• Battery performance

Look for scratches, cracks, dents or other signs of damage. You should also check whether everything is working as expected.

Don't assume your iPhone has no value simply because it isn't in perfect condition. Envirofone accepts iPhones in a range of conditions, including faulty and damaged devices, although the condition can affect the amount offered.

Check your iPhone's trade-in value, even if your device has some damage.

Step 4: Back Up Your iPhone

One of the most important steps when preparing your iPhone for trading in for the new release is backing up your personal data.

Your iPhone could contain years of photos, videos, contacts, messages and important documents, so make sure everything you want to keep is backed up before you reset the device.

You can use iCloud or your computer to create a backup.

Before erasing your old iPhone, check that your important information has successfully transferred or backed up and that you can access it elsewhere.

Don't rush this stage. Once the phone has been reset, recovering information that wasn't backed up can be difficult or impossible.

Step 5: Transfer Your Data to Your New iPhone

If you're upgrading to a new iPhone, make sure you've transferred everything you need before sending your old handset away.

Check your new phone for:

• Photos and videos
• Contacts
• Messages
• Notes
• Calendars
• Important documents
• Authenticator apps
• Other essential apps and accounts

It's also worth checking that you can access your important accounts on your new device before resetting your old iPhone.

Step 6: Sign Out of Your Apple Account

Once you've safely transferred your information, you'll need to remove your Apple Account from the old iPhone.

Go to your Apple Account settings and follow the option to sign out.

This is particularly important when trading in an iPhone because the device needs to be free from activation locks before it can be processed for its next owner.

Envirofone specifically advises customers to sign out of their Apple ID and turn off Find My iPhone before sending their device.

Read Envirofone's preparation advice if you need more guidance.

Step 7: Turn Off Find My iPhone

Find My iPhone is an important security feature, but it needs to be disabled before you trade in your device.

On your iPhone, go to your Apple Account settings, select Find My, then select Find My iPhone and turn the feature off.

Make sure you've completed this step before sending your device. Envirofone states that Activation Lock needs to be removed before a trade-in can be processed.

Step 8: Remove Your SIM Card

Remember to remove your physical SIM card before sending your iPhone.

Your SIM card belongs to you and shouldn't be included with your trade-in.

If you've used a physical microSD card with another device, make sure that has been removed too. You should also remove any case or accessories that you want to keep.

Envirofone doesn't require your charger, case or other accessories for the standard phone trade-in, so these can normally be kept for your next device.

Step 9: Factory Reset Your iPhone

Once you've backed everything up, transferred your data and signed out of your accounts, you can erase your iPhone.

On your iPhone, go to:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings

Follow the instructions on screen to complete the reset.

This removes your personal information from the device and returns it to a setup state.

Envirofone also wipes devices as part of its processing, but resetting your iPhone yourself before sending it is an important additional step when protecting your personal information. 

Step 10: Give Your iPhone a Clean

Before packaging your iPhone, give it a gentle clean using a suitable soft cloth.

Remove fingerprints, dust and everyday marks from the screen and casing. Avoid using excessive moisture or products that could damage your device.

A clean phone also makes it easier to inspect the condition of your device before completing your trade-in quote.

How Much Could My iPhone Be Worth?

Your iPhone's trade-in value depends on factors such as its model, storage capacity, age, condition and whether it is locked to a network.

Because trade-in prices can change over time, the best way to find out what your particular iPhone is worth is to request a current valuation.

Get an instant iPhone trade-in quote from Envirofone.

For example, Envirofone currently lists a range of iPhone models for trade-in, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and newer models. 

Should I Trade In My iPhone Before or After a New Release?

If you're planning to upgrade, you may be wondering whether you should trade in your current iPhone before or after the new model launches.

There isn't a guaranteed answer because trade-in values are influenced by market demand and the condition and specification of your particular phone.

However, getting a valuation before the release gives you a useful benchmark. You can then decide whether you're happy with the current offer or would rather continue using your iPhone and check again later.

Envirofone recommends selling phones sooner rather than later because device values can depreciate over time. 

If you've already decided to upgrade, checking your iPhone's current value is a good place to start.

Can I Trade In a Damaged iPhone?

Yes. Your iPhone doesn't necessarily need to be in perfect condition to have trade-in value.

Envirofone accepts working, faulty and damaged phones, although the condition will affect the valuation.

So, if your iPhone has a cracked screen, worn battery or another fault, it's still worth checking what it could be worth rather than automatically assuming it needs to go in the recycling bin.

Get an iPhone valuation and select the condition that best describes your device.

What Happens After I Trade In My iPhone?

Envirofone's trade-in process is designed to be straightforward:

1. Search: Find your iPhone and receive an instant quote.
2. Sell: Accept the offer and provide your details.
3. Send: Use the available free tracked postage options to send your device.
4. Spend: Once your iPhone has been tested, payment is processed to your chosen payment method.

Envirofone says devices are tested when they arrive and that payment is processed on the same day when the device matches the details provided during the quotation process. 

See the full Envirofone trade-in process.

What If My iPhone Is Worth Less After Testing?

When you request your initial quote, it's important to accurately describe your iPhone's condition.

When Envirofone receives your device, it is tested to make sure it matches the information provided.

If the condition is different, the final offer may change. Envirofone says it will confirm the revised price with you, giving you the opportunity to decide whether to accept it. If you're unhappy with the price, its price promise means the phone can be returned for free.

How to Package Your iPhone for Trade In

Once you've accepted your quote, you'll need to send your iPhone to Envirofone.

Envirofone provides free postage options and can provide an Enviropack for phones. Its current process also includes a prepaid tracked returns option. 

Before sending your phone:

• Make sure the iPhone is switched off.
• Remove your SIM card.
• Don't include accessories you want to keep.
• Use the packaging provided or suitable protective packaging.
• Follow the postage instructions provided by Envirofone.

Find out how to send your phone to Envirofone.

What Happens to My iPhone After I Sell It?

Trading in your iPhone can give the device another opportunity to be used rather than leaving it unused in a drawer.

Envirofone says devices it receives can be refurbished and given a second life where possible. Devices that aren't suitable for reuse can be responsibly recycled, helping recover valuable materials.

So, when you're preparing your iPhone for trading in for the new release, you're not just preparing for your next upgrade. You could also be helping keep an existing device in circulation for longer.

Find out more about selling and recycling your old technology with Envirofone.

Could Trading In Help Fund Your Next Phone?

One of the biggest advantages of trading in your old iPhone is that you can turn a device you're no longer using into money.

If you're upgrading to a new iPhone, the money from your trade-in could help reduce the overall cost of your upgrade.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more affordable way to upgrade, you could consider buying a refurbished smartphone.

Browse refurbished phones from Envirofone to see what's available.

Your iPhone Trade-In Checklist

Before sending your iPhone away, use this quick checklist:

• ☐ Identify your exact iPhone model.
• ☐ Check the storage capacity.
• ☐ Check the screen and body for damage.
• ☐ Check that the cameras and buttons work.
• ☐ Back up your photos and important information.
• ☐ Transfer your data to your new iPhone.
• ☐ Sign out of your Apple Account.
• ☐ Turn off Find My iPhone.
• ☐ Remove your SIM card.
• ☐ Remove any accessories you want to keep.
• ☐ Erase all content and settings.
• ☐ Check your latest trade-in valuation.
• ☐ Package your iPhone securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do before trading in my iPhone?

Back up your data, transfer your information to your new device, sign out of your Apple Account, disable Find My iPhone, remove your SIM card and erase your personal information. You should also accurately check and describe the condition of your iPhone.

Do I need to factory reset my iPhone before trading it in?

Yes. Once you've backed up everything you need, erase all content and settings so your personal information is removed from the device. Envirofone also wipes devices during processing. 

Can I trade in an iPhone with a cracked screen?

Yes. Envirofone accepts iPhones in a range of conditions, including damaged and faulty devices. The condition will affect the valuation you receive.

Should I trade in my iPhone before a new iPhone is released?

If you're already planning to upgrade, it's worth getting a valuation before the new release so you know what your current device could be worth. Whether you sell immediately or wait is ultimately up to you, as trade-in values can change over time.

How do I find out how much my iPhone is worth?

Visit Envirofone's Sell My iPhone page, search for your model, select the storage capacity and describe its condition to receive an instant quote.

How long does it take to get paid?

Envirofone says payment is processed on the same day your device has been received and tested, provided it matches the details supplied during the quotation process. 

Ready to Prepare Your iPhone for the New Release?

If you're thinking about upgrading when the next iPhone arrives, preparing your current device early can make the whole process easier.

Back up your data, check your iPhone's condition, remove your accounts and find out what your device could be worth. Then, when you're ready to make the switch, you'll already have everything prepared.

Find your iPhone and get an instant trade-in quote with Envirofone.

Looking for your next device? Explore Envirofone's refurbished phones and discover another way to upgrade for less.