Before you trade in: prepare your phone for its next owner
Preparing a phone for trade-in is easier when you separate two jobs: protecting your information and describing the device accurately. Complete both before packing it. A little preparation also means you can answer questions about the model and condition without having the phone in front of you.
Confirm your data is safe first
Back up the phone and check that the information you need is available on your replacement device or in a verified backup. Do not erase it while you are still working out how to transfer an essential account. Keep any recovery details somewhere secure and separate from the package.
Follow the manufacturer’s handover instructions
For iPhone, follow Apple’s current steps for signing out and erasing the device. Do not manually delete synced photos or contacts as a substitute: Apple warns that this can remove them from iCloud and other connected devices. Resolve account locks through your own account before handover.
Apple: before selling or trading in an iPhone
For a Galaxy phone, Samsung advises backing up, removing linked accounts and using the appropriate factory reset process. A reset may otherwise leave account verification in place. Remove your physical SIM and any memory card; follow your network’s instructions for moving an eSIM before removing the old plan.
Samsung: removing personal information before handover
Record the condition honestly
Confirm the exact model and storage capacity.
Describe visible scratches, cracks and other damage accurately.
Mention faults you know about, including intermittent ones.
Keep clear condition photos and the trade-in reference for your own records.
A useful description is specific: explain which part is affected and what happens when you use it. Do not hide a fault because it only appears sometimes. The device and the information you submit need to match; preparation does not guarantee a particular valuation.
Pack only after checking the instructions
Use the postage and packing instructions supplied for your submission. Confirm the destination and what accessories, if any, should be included. Protect the device from movement in the parcel and retain the proof of posting required by your chosen service. The illustration above is not a promise of supplied packaging or a prepaid label.
If the phone will not turn on, you cannot remove an account, or you are unsure whether it is eligible, contact the team before sending it. Do not share an account password or unlock code in the enquiry.