AT&T Trade-in program
Tips and tricks for a successful trade in
In this easy-to-understand article, you’ll learn what your old device is worth, some tips & tricks to keep in mind to get the maximum value for your trade-in, and how to remove your sensitive personal information from your old device before trading it in to AT&T.
Info at a glance
- How does the AT&T Trade-in program work?
- How much is my trade-in worth?
- Can I trade in a T-Mobile or Verizon phone to AT&T?
- How will AT&T pay me for my trade-in device?
- What is my iPhone worth as a trade-in?
- Is it better to trade in your phone or keep it?
- Can you trade in a cracked cellphone?
- Why aren't my AT&T trade-in credits showing up?
- How can I check if my trade-in device was received?
- How can I reach AT&T customer service about my trade-in?
- 4 steps to take before trading in your old cell phone
- Are there AT&T phone trade-in deals?
How does the AT&T Trade-in program work?
Trading in your old device with AT&T is a great way to get the most bang for your buck. The AT&T Trade-in program helps new and existing customers save money when upgrading to a new device. The AT&T Trade-in program allows you to trade in qualifying cell phones to receive credit for the cell phone's value, or you may be eligible for promotional bill credits as part of an AT&T device offer.
Here’s an overview of how the AT&T Trade-in program works and what you can expect:
- Learn what your device is worth
Select your device model and answer a few questions to receive your trade-in quote.
- Mail in your old device
AT&T will send you a prepaid shipping envelope so you can send in the device you’re trading in.
- Get an AT&T device offer or promotional card
If your old device has trade-in value, you’ll receive either monthly bill credits applied directly to your AT&T Wireless bill, or, an AT&T Promotion Card by mail. You can use the Promotion Card towards accessories or to make a bill payment both online and at your local AT&T store.
Learn more about how the AT&T trade-in program works with these frequently asked questions
How much is my trade-in worth?
You can quickly and easily learn how much your old device is worth before trading it in.
Step 1: Start by visiting AT&T’s trade-in page.
Step 2: Search for your phone model, answer a few questions about its condition
Step 3: Enter your phone’s IMEI or serial number, and AT&T will show you what your device is worth if you trade it in.
If you like the trade-in offer, simply finish the process of purchasing your new phone and follow the instructions to trade in your old device. Once AT&T receives your old phone and verifies its condition, you will get an AT&T Promotion Card credited with your phone’s value or the value of your device offer as a bill credit.
AT&T Trade-in
Save big when you trade in your old device
Whether you're trading in for a new phone or getting rid of an old one, turn the technology you own into credit you can use. Watch this quick video for more info.
Can I trade in a T-Mobile or Verizon phone to AT&T?
Absolutely, you can trade in a phone from another carrier to AT&T, including T-Mobile and Verizon. However, here are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re on an installment plan with your old carrier, you’ll first need to pay off the device before trading it into AT&T. Otherwise, your old carrier may bill you for what you owe for the device. You’ll also want to double-check that the device you’re trading in is still worth something. Check your device trade-in value
How will AT&T pay me for my trade-in device?
To get paid for your AT&T trade-in, you’ll need to mail in your old device within 30 days of the day you accept the trade-in value offered. Once AT&T receives your phone and verifies its condition, you’ll receive either monthly bill credits applied directly to your AT&T Wireless bill, or an AT&T Promotion Card by mail.
- If you’ve met all your trade-in requirements and are eligible for bill credits, you should see them on your AT&T Wireless bill within 1 - 3 billing cycles after AT&T receives your old device.
- If your trade-in isn’t eligible for a promotional device offer, you’ll receive an AT&T Promotion Card by mail. You can use the AT&T Promotion Card towards AT&T products or services or to make a wireless bill payment both online and at your local AT&T store.
Important:
You have to ship your old device within 30 days of the day you accept the trade-in value offered. If you fail to send your device within this time, it may result in a reduced value for your device.
If you have questions, you can contact AT&T for live or online assistance help. You can also get answers to frequently asked questions.
What is my iPhone worth as a trade-in?
Find out what your old iPhone is worth if you decide to trade it in to AT&T. Start by visiting AT&T’s trade-in page. Then, search for your specific iPhone model and storage size. Answer a few questions about its condition, along with your phone’s IMEI or serial number, and AT&T will show you what your iPhone is valued at trade-in.
Check what your old iPhone cell phone is worth before trading-in
How many devices can I submit for a trade-in?
You may submit up to five devices during a twelve-month period.
Is it better to trade in my phone or keep it?
Well, it depends. If you trade in your old device directly to AT&T, you’ll quickly know what it’s worth by doing an estimate online and then simply mailing in the device you’re trading in.
It’s also worth thinking about what other uses you may have for your old device if you don’t trade it in. Will you throw it away? Will you give it to a family member so they can bring their own device in the future? Another option you may consider is to sell the device on your own to a private buyer, but this requires the hassle of finding a buyer, shipping it to them, and figuring out how to get paid.
Can you trade in a cracked cell phone?
If your device is damaged, you may still be able to trade it in to AT&T. However, a cracked screen or broken phone will decrease its value and impact how much you receive for your trade-in.
Keep in mind that once AT&T receives your device and inspects it, it’s possible AT&T will determine your phone is in worse condition than you mentioned in the trade-in questionnaire. In that case, you’ll receive a lower revised offer. In some cases, a broken phone could disqualify you from promotional offers altogether, so it’s always best to evaluate your phone carefully from the beginning to avoid surprises.
Are there AT&T trade-in scams?
If you’re trading in your old device on the official AT&T website, you shouldn’t have to worry about potential scams. It’s important to read all the terms and follow the instructions during your trade-in to get the full value of your device trade-in. For example, make sure you’re clear on how your trade-in will be paid out—whether it’s in the form of AT&T bill credits or via the AT&T Promotion Card.
How long does it take for AT&T to process a trade-in?
You can complete the trade-in process in just a few minutes. If you’re trading in your device at an AT&T store, your credit may be available instantly.
If you’re using the AT&T online process, you’ll get an email with details on how to send in your old device. Your prepaid shipping box should arrive within 10 business days. You have to ship your old device within 30 days of the day you accept the trade-in value offered. If you fail to send it within this time frame, it may result in a reduced value for your device.
Why aren't my AT&T trade-in credits showing up?
If you’ve met all your trade-in requirements and are eligible for bill credits, you should see them on your AT&T Wireless bill within 1 - 3 billing cycles after AT&T receives your old device.
If your trade-in isn’t eligible for a promotional device offer, you’ll receive an AT&T Promotion Card by mail. You can use the AT&T Promotion Card towards AT&T products or services or to make a wireless bill payment both online and at your local AT&T store.
How can I check if my trade-in device was received?
After you have mailed in your old trade-in device, you can keep an eye on the status by entering your email address and confirmation number on AT&T’s dedicated webpage.
Where can I request a replacement shipping kit?
If you lost the trade-in shipping kit that was mailed to you from AT&T, you can request a new one by contacting us.
What happens if I don't send my old cell phone back to AT&T?
Make sure you send your original cell phone back within 30 days of activating your new device. If you don’t mail it back within 30 days, you may lose the trade-in discount and be charged the full balance on your device's installment plan. Please use the prepaid return label to ship your old device back. If you have any questions, please contact AT&T.
How can I reach AT&T customer service about my trade-in?
Please contact us if you have any questions about trading in your old device to AT&T. You can also swing by your local AT&T store or use these resources:
- Check frequently asked questions
- Check the status of a submitted trade-in
- Chat with an online agent 7 days a week from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST
- Call AT&T 1.888.445.6005 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST, or Saturday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CST
- Lost your trade-in shipping kit?
If you need a replacement kit, you can request one by filling out the form at the bottom of AT&T’s dedicated page.
Four steps to take before trading in your old cell phone
Before trading in your old phone, make sure you remove your personal information. This won’t only protect your sensitive info but also serve as a key step of your trade-in process to get the full value of your trade-in.
Your phone has a lot of personal information stored in its memory, including photos, contacts, email, text messages, and more. When you’re ready to get a new phone, follow these steps to help you protect your personal information when turning in your old device.
- Back up the information: Move the items you want to keep or will want to transfer to your new phone to a computer or the cloud. That way, you won’t have to worry about losing files in the phone transfer.
- Wipe the phone memory: All phones, regardless of the make and settings, have instructions to “factory reset” to the maker’s original settings. Following those instructions should allow you to clear nearly all the data in your phone’s memory.
- Remove the SIM or SD card: Take out the card and don’t turn it in when you turn in the phone.
- Double-check: Go back and check again you removed all contacts, downloads, texts, emails, photos, and other folders and files. Make sure one last time that all your data is gone and that you’re not leaving any personal information on the phone.
Learn more about why it’s important to follow these steps in the AT&T Cyber Aware blog
Can I cancel an AT&T trade-in?
If you’ve already shipped your old phone to AT&T, you might not be able to cancel the trade-in. Contact AT&T’s customer service to see if they can help.
Please note that if you accepted a trade-in offer for a new phone and fail to ship your old phone, AT&T won’t apply your credits. This also means you’ll need to make the full monthly payments on your new device.
Are there AT&T cell phone trade-in deals?
Now that you know how to check the trade-in value of your phone to get promotional bill credits or an AT&T Promotion Card, check out the latest AT&T phone deals that may help you save with an eligible trade-in.
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