What actually affects your phone's trade-in value
Two people can own the same phone and get very different offers. The difference is rarely luck. A handful of factors decide what a device is worth, and most of them are in your control. Here is what moves the number.
Model and storage
The bigger the storage, the higher the value, and newer models hold value longer. A 256GB phone is worth more than the same model at 128GB, so it pays to know exactly which version you have before you quote.
Condition
Condition is usually the single biggest factor. We grade honestly, and a clean, working device earns the top offer. The things that pull a quote down most often are:
- A cracked screen or back glass
- Dents or deep scratches on the frame
- A battery that no longer holds a healthy charge
- A screen with burn-in or dead pixels
A phone that powers on, holds a charge, and has a clean screen will almost always land in the highest grade.
Carrier lock and account status
A fully paid off, carrier unlocked phone is worth more than one still tied to a contract or a financing plan. Before you sell, make sure the device is paid off and that any account locks, like Find My or a Google account, are removed.
Timing
Phones lose value over time, and the steepest drop tends to come right after a new model launches. If you have been meaning to sell, sooner is usually better than later. Our prices are locked when you accept an offer, so you are protected from a drop while your device is in transit.
A few easy wins
- Find your exact storage size in Settings before you quote.
- Give the device a quick clean so its real condition shows.
- Pay off any remaining balance with your carrier.
- Sign out of your accounts so the phone is unlocked.
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