Buying Guide
iPhone Trade-In Guide 2026: How to Get the Most for Your Old iPhone
Trading in your old iPhone is the easiest way to lower the cost of an upgrade — but trade-in values vary dramatically by destination. Here's how to get the most for your iPhone in 2026.
Updated · By SmartphoneAwards Editorial
Trade-in destinations: what each pays
Approximate values for an iPhone 13 Pro 256GB in good condition (mid-2026): - **Apple Trade In**: $250–$320 (instant, easy) - **Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile**: $400–$600 (with new line activation, 24-month contract) - **Best Buy**: $200–$280 (gift card, less hassle than carrier) - **Swappa**: $400–$500 (peer-to-peer, requires shipping/listing) - **eBay**: $450–$550 (highest payout, most friction) - **Gazelle / Decluttr**: $200–$280 (cash, lower than Apple) **Carrier deals are often the best** if you're staying with the same carrier and can commit to a 24-month financing plan.
Maximize your trade value
1. **Restore your phone to factory settings** before trade-in. Trade-in services check this and may reject phones that still have iCloud activation. 2. **Get the original box and cable** if you have them. Some buyers (Swappa, eBay) pay 10–20% more for complete boxes. 3. **Trade in before the next iPhone launches**. iPhone trade-in values drop by 10–20% the week the new iPhone launches (typically September). Trade in by August for best values. 4. **Clean the screen and use a new screen protector** for photos. Cosmetic condition affects pricing meaningfully. 5. **Get a competing offer** from one source and use it to negotiate at another. Best Buy and carriers will often match third-party offers.
Apple Trade In vs Carrier deals
**Apple Trade In** is the easiest option but not the highest-paying. Apple's quote includes the trade-in credit applied directly to a new iPhone purchase. Convenient, no shipping required if traded in-store. **Carrier trade-in deals** typically pay $200–$400 more than Apple — but require a new line activation and 24-month financing commitment. If you're already a customer renewing, these are usually the best deal. **Watch for promo periods**: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile run quarterly promotions where trade-in values for older iPhones spike to $800–$1,000+. Always wait for these if you can.
Third-party (Swappa/eBay) — when it's worth the friction
Selling peer-to-peer typically pays 25–50% more than Apple Trade In. The trade-off: you handle shipping, manage buyer messages, and accept the small risk of disputed transactions. **Swappa** is the easiest peer-to-peer option — flat fee, escrow protection, and a community of trusted buyers. Best for iPhones in 'good' or better condition. **eBay** typically pays 5–10% more than Swappa but has higher fees and more buyer disputes. If you're trading in a recent iPhone (15+) in excellent condition, peer-to-peer is usually worth the extra friction. For older or damaged iPhones, just use Apple or carrier trade-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get the most for my old iPhone?
Carrier trade-in deals (with new line activation) typically pay the most. For phones in excellent condition, peer-to-peer (Swappa, eBay) often beats them. Apple Trade In is the easiest but lowest-paying option.
When should I trade in my iPhone?
Trade in by August before the new iPhone launches in September — values drop 10–20% the week of launch. Other than that, anytime is fine.
Should I trade in or repair my old iPhone?
If your iPhone is < 3 years old with a screen crack, repair is usually cheaper. If it's 4+ years old, trade in toward an upgrade.