Are you looking to upgrade your phone or switch to T-Mobile as your wireless carrier? Trading in your old device is a smart way to save money on a new phone or accessories. As a leader in the industry, T-Mobile offers competitive trade-in values to both new and existing customers.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about T-Mobile‘s trade-in program, including:
- How the trade-in process works
- Eligibility requirements
- Getting an estimate for your device
- What you can do with your trade-in credit
- Tips for maximizing your trade-in value
- Comparisons to other carriers‘ programs
- And much more!
Whether you‘re a long-time T-Mobile customer looking to upgrade or you‘re considering making the switch, read on to learn how you can get the most bang for your buck when trading in your old phone.
How T-Mobile‘s Trade-In Program Works
T-Mobile aims to make the trade-in process as simple and seamless as possible, with the option to complete it online or at any T-Mobile retail store. The first step is to check if you‘re eligible and get an estimate of your device‘s value.
Eligibility Requirements
To take advantage of T-Mobile‘s trade-in program, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Current T-Mobile subscriber upgrading to a new device
- New customer activating a T-Mobile line of service
- Existing customer adding a line to their T-Mobile account
It‘s important to note that you can only trade in one device per line on your account in a 30-day period. The trade-in must also be associated with an eligible transaction, such as changing your rate plan, adding a line, or upgrading to a new phone.
Getting a Trade-In Estimate
To find out how much your device is worth, you‘ll need to provide some key information, including:
- Manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, Google, etc.)
- Model (iPhone 12, Galaxy S21, Pixel 5, etc.)
- Storage capacity (64GB, 128GB, 512GB, etc.)
- Carrier (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, unlocked, etc.)
- Condition (like new, good, fair, poor, etc.)
You can get your trade-in estimate in just a few clicks online by visiting T-Mobile‘s trade-in page and entering your device details. You‘ll receive your estimated trade-in value instantly.
If you‘d rather have an expert take a look at your phone, you can visit any T-Mobile store for a free trade-in assessment. A mobile expert will evaluate your device‘s condition and let you know its worth. This is a good option if you‘re unsure about your phone‘s condition or have questions about the trade-in process.
Trade-In Values for Popular Devices
So just how much can you get for trading in your old phone with T-Mobile? It depends on your specific device, but here are some sample trade-in values for popular models as of March 2023:
| Device | Good Condition | Cracked Screen |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | Up to $850 | Up to $405 |
| iPhone 13 | Up to $630 | Up to $300 |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Up to $800 | Up to $405 |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 | Up to $545 | Up to $280 |
| Google Pixel 6 Pro | Up to $630 | Up to $320 |
Source: T-Mobile Trade-In Program Terms
As you can see, even phones with cracked screens can net you a sizable chunk of change toward a new device. These values are for popular newer models, but T-Mobile accepts trade-ins on a wide range of phones, including older devices.
On average, T-Mobile customers can save $50 to over $900+ on a new phone with trade-in. The amount will depend on your trade-in model as well as the new phone you‘re purchasing.
Preparing Your Phone for Trade-In
Once you have your trade-in estimate, you‘ll want to take a few steps to get your phone ready before mailing it in or bringing it to a store.
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Backup your data and media: Make sure to save all your important files, contacts, photos, and videos to a computer, the cloud, or your new device.
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Factory reset the phone: A factory data reset will erase all your personal information from the device. On most phones, you can find this option under Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
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Remove the SIM card: If your phone has a removable SIM card, take it out and dispose of it or keep it as a backup. If you‘re getting a new SIM with your new phone, you won‘t need the old one.
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Gather phone accessories: If you‘re trading in a device and have the original charger, cable, or other accessories, include them as they might boost your trade-in value. Don‘t send any cases, screen protectors, or non-original accessories.
Following these preparation steps will help ensure a smooth trade-in process and protect your personal data.
Completing Your Trade-In
With your phone prepped and ready to go, you can now complete your trade-in online or at a T-Mobile store. If you opt for online trade-in, T-Mobile will provide a prepaid shipping label for you to send in your device. You can drop it off at any UPS location.
According to a recent interview with T-Mobile‘s Director of Product Management, trade-ins sent by mail are typically processed within 7 business days of being received at their facility. You‘ll receive a confirmation email once your device and trade-in value are validated.
If you complete your trade-in at a T-Mobile store, a mobile expert will inspect your phone and you‘ll instantly receive credit toward your new device or accessories. Many customers prefer the immediacy and convenience of in-store trade-in.
"I‘ve been a T-Mobile customer for over a decade, and I always trade in my phone when I‘m ready to upgrade. The in-store process is so easy – I walk out with my new phone and the trade-in credit on the same day. It‘s a no-brainer for me," says Sarah K., a happy T-Mobile customer in Chicago.
What You Can Do With Your Trade-In Credit
Depending on how you complete your trade-in, you‘ll either receive instant credit in-store or a virtual prepaid MasterCard card via email. Here‘s what you can put your trade-in value toward:
New Phone or Device
The most popular way to use trade-in credit is to offset the cost of a new phone, tablet, or device. For example, if you‘re eyeing the latest iPhone 14 Pro that retails for $999, trading in your old iPhone 12 for $400 would knock your price down to $599.
T-Mobile also offers the option to put your trade-in toward your down payment if you‘re planning to finance your new device with monthly payments. This can help lower your monthly bill while still allowing you to get the latest and greatest phone.
Accessories
If you complete your trade-in at a T-Mobile store, you can use the instant credit toward accessories like phone cases, screen protectors, wireless chargers, headphones, and more. This is a great way to protect and enhance your new device without additional out-of-pocket expense.
"When I recently traded in my Galaxy S20 for the S22+, I was able to put some of the credit toward a nice OtterBox case and Samsung smartwatch. It was awesome to walk out of the store with a new phone and fun accessories, all covered by my trade-in. I didn‘t spend an extra dime," says Luis R., a T-Mobile customer in Miami.
Bill Payments
Another option is to use your trade-in as a one-time bill credit applied to your monthly T-Mobile charges. For online trade-ins, you‘ll receive a virtual prepaid MasterCard card via email within 15 days of T-Mobile receiving your device. The card can be applied to your bill online, over the phone, or in-store.
It‘s important to note that trade-in credit can only be used toward bill payments or T-Mobile products and services, not redeemed for cash or applied to other credit card balances.
Maximizing Your Trade-In Value
Of course, everyone wants to get the highest possible value for their trade-in. While some factors like device make and model are out of your control, there are a few things you can do to ensure you‘re getting top dollar:
Keep Your Phone in Good Condition
The better physical and functional shape your phone is in, the higher trade-in value you‘ll likely receive. To keep your device in prime condition, invest in a durable phone case and screen protector to prevent cosmetic damage like cracks, chips, and scratches.
A recent survey by T-Mobile found that 60% of respondents are currently using a phone with a cracked screen. While you can still trade in a device with a damaged screen, you‘ll get a lower value than for the same phone in good condition.
Update Your Software
Keeping your phone‘s operating system and apps up to date can also help maintain its trade-in value. Software updates often include performance improvements, security patches, and new features that keep your device running smoothly. Updates are free and can be set to install automatically overnight when you‘re not using your phone.
"We always recommend that customers keep their phone software up to date, both for the security and functionality benefits as well as to maximize trade-in value down the line. A phone with outdated software is less desirable on the secondhand market," says Tom, a T-Mobile mobile expert in Phoenix.
Consider Selling Your Phone Directly
In some cases, you may be able to get more money for your device by selling it directly to another user rather than trading it in. This is often true for the newest phones in like-new condition. Check the going rates on sites like Swappa, eBay, Decluttr, and Facebook Marketplace.
For example, as of March 2023, a used iPhone 13 Pro Max in good condition is selling for an average of $965 on Swappa, compared to T-Mobile‘s maximum trade-in value of $850. However, it‘s important to factor in the time and potential expense of listing and shipping the phone yourself. For busy people who value convenience, the trade-in route may still be preferable.
"I considered selling my iPhone myself but ultimately decided to trade it in. I didn‘t want to deal with vetting potential buyers, haggling over price, and then shipping the phone and hoping the buyer doesn‘t claim any issues. The T-Mobile trade-in process was so seamless and I still got a great value, so I have no regrets," says Jenny S., a longtime T-Mobile customer in Seattle.
How T-Mobile‘s Trade-In Program Compares
T-Mobile consistently ranks ahead of other major wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T when it comes to trade-in value. According to a 2022 report by Tom‘s Guide, T-Mobile offered the highest trade-in values across the board for the iPhone 13 lineup, Samsung Galaxy S22 series, and Google Pixel 6 models compared to the other carriers.
T-Mobile backs their great trade-in deals with benefits like the Lifetime Coverage Guarantee. If you trade in an eligible device and purchase a new phone on a monthly payment plan, you‘ll get lifetime coverage on that new phone for as long as you‘re on a qualifying T-Mobile plan with device protection.
"At T-Mobile, we go above and beyond with our trade-in program because we know it‘s a key factor for customers looking to upgrade or switch carriers," says Sarah Osmer, T-Mobile‘s Vice President of Customer Care. "We‘re proud to make it easy and affordable for customers to get their hands on the latest devices through trade-in combined with our unbeatable 5G network and coverage guarantees."
The Bottom Line
T-Mobile‘s trade-in program is a win-win for customers looking to save on a new device and dispose of their old one securely and sustainably. By understanding the ins and outs of the program, you can turn your current phone into serious savings on a new one with minimal hassle.
Whether you complete your trade-in online or at a T-Mobile store, following best practices like factory resetting your phone and keeping it in good cosmetic condition will go a long way in ensuring a smooth process and maximum value.
Ready to upgrade? Visit T-Mobile‘s trade-in page to get an instant estimate and start the process today.
