How to get the highest trade-in value for your iPhone

💡 Need to know

• Compare before you commit. Apple, carriers, uBreakiFix® by Asurion, and other trade-in programs can value the same iPhone® differently.
• Condition can affect what your phone is worth. A working phone in good shape will generally have more trade-in options and may qualify for a higher value.
• Check the repair math first. Fixing damage may increase the offer, but only if the added value makes the repair worthwhile.
• Back up before you wipe. Transfer your data and remove your accounts before handing over the phone.

An old iPhone can be worth a decent chunk of money toward whatever comes next—but there’s no universal price tag hiding on the back of it. The same phone can get very different offers depending on its condition, where you trade it, and whether there’s a promotion running.

At Asurion, we know phones from the screen to the charging port, including the wear and damage that can affect what they're worth. Here’s how we’d get an iPhone in its best shape for trade-in, compare the offers, and make sure the value you’re getting actually works for you.

Find out how much your iPhone is worth

Trade-in values can depend on the model, storage capacity, carrier, condition, and current promotions, so the first number you see isn't necessarily the one to beat. Get several estimates before deciding where the phone is going. 

Good places to compare include:

• Apple Trade In
• Your wireless carrier
• uBreakiFix by Asurion trade-in
• Other reputable trade-in or resale services

Make sure you're describing the phone the same way for every estimate. A 256GB iPhone with a cracked screen needs to be compared with that same model, storage, and condition everywhere—not with the shiny “up to” number at the top of a promotion.

Get your iPhone in good working order

Condition matters for many trade-in programs, so before accepting an offer, figure out whether there's anything reasonably fixable that's lowering the phone's value.

Start with the basics. Make sure the iPhone:

• Powers on and stays on.
• Charges reliably.
• Has a working touchscreen and display.
• Has functioning cameras and buttons.
• Can connect to Wi-Fi and cellular service.
• Doesn't have significant battery swelling or other physical damage.

Then take off the case and give the phone a proper cleaning. Dirt packed into a charging port or a grimy screen isn't the same thing as damage, and you want to know what you're actually working with before getting condition-based estimates.

Should you repair an iPhone before trading it in?

Potentially—the answer often depends on the extent of the damage. Scratches and scuffs may not matter much, but cracked glass can significantly reduce trade-in value.

Get an estimate for the phone as-is first. Then find out what the same model could be worth in better condition and compare that increase with the repair cost.

For example, if a cracked iPhone is worth $250 now and $400 repaired, a $100 screen repair could leave you ahead. Spend $200 on that same repair purely for trade-in purposes, and the math no longer works.

Screens aren't the only thing worth considering. Depending on the trade-in program and phone, repairing a charging port, back glass, camera, or another problem could improve its condition assessment too.

If you need help figuring out whether the damage is worth repairing, a professional iPhone diagnostic can tell you what's actually wrong before you spend money fixing the wrong thing.

Compare promotional value with regular trade-in value

The highest number isn't necessarily the best deal for everyone.

Carrier promotions may offer more than an iPhone's ordinary trade-in value, but that money may come as monthly bill credits and depend on buying a particular phone, choosing an eligible plan, or keeping service for a set period.

Apple and other trade-in services may work differently. The uBreakiFix by Asurion trade-in program, for example, provides an estimate based on the phone and its condition; after the device is received and inspected and the offer is approved, payment is sent electronically rather than applied to a new phone or wireless bill.

Compare the things that actually matter to you:

• Total value
• Cash versus credits
• How and when you'll be paid
• Plan or purchase requirements
• Condition requirements
• How long you're required to remain with a carrier

Someone already planning to keep the same carrier for several years may love a promotional credit. Someone who wants the freedom to switch next year may value a cash offer more.

When is the best time to trade in an iPhone?

The best time to trade in your iPhone is usually right before Apple announces its next model—typically in September. Once new iPhones are released, trade-in values for older models may drop.

At this point, you know what the iPhone is worth, whether fixing it makes financial sense, and what each trade-in option actually gives you.

That's the real goal—not chasing the biggest advertised number, but getting the best value for your phone and your situation.

📱 See what your iPhone trade-in is worth with uBreakiFix by Asurion

How to prepare your iPhone for trade-in

Once you've chosen where to trade the phone, get your data and accounts off it before it leaves your hands. Don't start with Erase All Content and Settings—there are a few things to do first.

1. Back up your iPhone

Use iCloud or a computer to create a current backup.

For iCloud, connect to Wi-Fi and go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Keep the phone connected until the backup finishes.

2. Transfer your data to the new iPhone

If you already have the replacement iPhone, use Quick Start or restore from your backup during setup.

Don't assume everything transferred because the Home Screen looks familiar. Check your photos, contacts, messages, notes, and other important data on the new phone before wiping the old one.

3. Turn off Find My and Activation Lock

Depending on how you erase the iPhone, Apple may ask for your Apple Account password to disable Find My and Activation Lock as part of the process.

Make sure the phone is no longer Activation Locked before sending it away. A phone that's still tied to your account may be rejected by a trade-in program.

4. Unpair your Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch® paired with the iPhone, keep the devices close together and open the Watch app.

Tap My Watch > All Watches, tap the Info button beside your watch, then choose Unpair Apple Watch and follow the prompts.

5. Erase the iPhone

Only do this after you're certain your data is safely backed up or transferred. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the prompts and enter your passcode or Apple Account password if requested.

6. Remove the SIM card if necessary

If the iPhone uses a physical SIM, remove it before handing over or mailing the device. For an eSIM, follow your carrier's instructions for transferring or removing the cellular plan.

7. Take off your accessories

Remove the case, screen protector if required, and any other personal accessories. Check the specific trade-in program before including a charger, cable, or anything else; many programs want only the device.

If you're mailing the iPhone, follow the provider's packing instructions and keep your shipping receipt or tracking information until the trade-in is complete.

FAQ

Where should I trade in my iPhone for the most money?

There's no single option that's always highest. Compare Apple, carrier promotions, uBreakiFix by Asurion, and other reputable trade-in or resale programs. Look at how you'll be paid and any requirements along with the dollar amount.

Is it worth fixing an iPhone before trading it in?

It can be. Get the damaged and repaired values first, then subtract the repair cost from the potential increase. 

Does a cracked screen lower iPhone trade-in value?

It often can with condition-based trade-ins. The effect depends on the program, though, and some promotional offers accept damaged eligible phones. Check the specific offer before repairing.

Should I trade in my iPhone before a new model comes out?

Trading before a new model launches can help you get ahead of depreciation, but launch periods can also bring valuable carrier promotions. If an upgrade is coming soon, compare your options rather than relying on timing alone.