How to find your tablet's current value

Your tablet's worth depends on its brand, model, age, storage capacity, condition, and whether the screen or battery still work. A working iPad from this year might be worth $300 to $600. An older Android tablet in fair condition might be worth $50 to $150. The fastest way to get a real number is to check what the same model is actually selling for right now on eBay (completed listings), Facebook Marketplace, or Swappa — not what sellers are asking, but what buyers paid.

Condition matters more than you might think. A tablet with a cracked screen loses 40 to 60 percent of its value. One with a working screen but worn casing loses 20 to 30 percent. A tablet that powers on, holds a charge, and has no visible damage is worth the most. If you do not know your exact model, look in Settings (usually under "About" or "Device Info") — you will find the brand, model name, and storage size there.

Storage capacity also shifts the price. A 64GB iPad is worth noticeably less than a 256GB iPad of the same year and condition. Cellular models (ones with a SIM card slot) are worth slightly more than Wi-Fi only, but not by much. Color rarely matters for resale value unless you have an unusual or discontinued color.

Key Takeaways

  • Check completed sales on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Swappa to see what your exact model actually sold for, not what sellers are asking.
  • A cracked screen cuts your tablet's value in half; a working screen with cosmetic wear cuts it by 20 to 30 percent.
  • Storage capacity, year of release, and whether it powers on and holds a charge are the main factors that determine price.
  • Older tablets (five years or more) typically sell for $50 to $200 unless they are high-end models like iPad Pro.

Where to check prices for your specific model

eBay's completed listings show you actual sale prices from the past 90 days. Go to eBay, search your exact tablet model and storage size, then click "Sold" on the left side. Scroll through and note the prices of tablets in similar condition to yours. Ignore listings that say "Best Offer" without a final price — those do not tell you what someone actually paid.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist show local prices in your area. Search your model and look at listings that have sold (they disappear after a few days). Swappa is a dedicated resale site for electronics and shows prices by condition level — Mint, Good, Fair, and Poor. These three sources together give you a realistic range for your tablet's current market value.

Avoid trade-in value estimates from retailers like Best Buy or Amazon. Those are what the retailer will pay you, which is always lower than what you could get selling it yourself. Retailer trade-in values are useful only if you want the transaction done in one day without the work of listing and shipping.

How condition affects what buyers will pay

Tablets in Mint condition (no visible wear, original packaging, all accessories included) sell for 70 to 90 percent of the original retail price if the model is recent. Tablets in Good condition (works perfectly, minor cosmetic wear, no cracks) sell for 50 to 70 percent. Tablets in Fair condition (works, visible wear, small dents or scratches, battery may not last as long as new) sell for 30 to 50 percent. Tablets in Poor condition (cracked screen, dents, battery issues, or other damage) sell for 10 to 30 percent.

Test your tablet before you list it. Power it on and let it sit for 10 minutes to see if it shuts down unexpectedly. Charge it fully and time how long it runs — if it dies in under two hours, mention that in your listing. Swipe across the screen to check for dead spots or unresponsive areas. Look at the back and edges under bright light for cracks, deep scratches, or dents. Be honest about what you find; buyers can tell when photos hide damage, and they will leave bad feedback or return the item.

Age and model matter more than brand loyalty

iPad models hold value better than most Android tablets. An iPad Air from two years ago might sell for $250 to $350. A Samsung Galaxy Tab from the same year might sell for $150 to $250. iPad Pro models (the larger, more powerful line) hold value even better — a three-year-old iPad Pro can still sell for $400 to $700 depending on storage and condition.

Tablets older than five years are harder to sell unless they are iPad Pro or another premium model. A five-year-old basic iPad might be worth $100 to $200. A five-year-old basic Android tablet might be worth $30 to $80. Older tablets also have older software, which some buyers avoid because apps stop being updated for them. If your tablet is very old, check whether it can still run the current version of its operating system — if not, mention that clearly in any listing.

What to do if your tablet has damage

A cracked screen is the most common damage. If the crack is small and does not affect touch response, you might still sell it as "Fair" condition for 30 to 40 percent of the original price. If the crack is large or the screen does not respond to touch, the value drops to 10 to 20 percent — many buyers will not touch it because screen repair costs $150 to $300. Be specific: "hairline crack in upper left corner, does not affect touch" is more honest and more likely to sell than just "cracked screen."

Battery problems are also common in older tablets. If your tablet dies quickly or will not hold a charge, test it one more time while plugged in to see if it works when powered. If it does, note in your listing that the battery needs replacement. A tablet that works plugged in but has a dead battery is worth 20 to 40 percent of a working one. If the tablet does not work at all, even plugged in, it is worth $10 to $50 as a parts device — some buyers repair electronics for resale.

Water damage is harder to sell. If your tablet got wet but still powers on and works, you can list it as "water damaged but functional" and expect 10 to 25 percent of normal value. If it does not work, it is worth $5 to $15 as parts. Be upfront about water damage — buyers will notice corrosion inside if they open it, and you do not want a return or negative feedback.

Selling options and their trade-offs

Selling it yourself on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Swappa takes one to two weeks but gets you the highest price — typically 60 to 80 percent of what you found in your research. You handle shipping, answer buyer questions, and deal with returns if something goes wrong. eBay and Swappa take a 10 to 15 percent commission; Facebook Marketplace takes nothing but offers no buyer protection.

Local pickup on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is faster and avoids shipping costs, but you meet a stranger and have no protection if they claim the tablet does not work after they leave. Always meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and have the buyer test the tablet before handing it over.

Trade-in at a retailer like Best Buy, Amazon, or Apple takes one day and requires no shipping or photos. You get 30 to 50 percent of what you found in your research, but the transaction is straightforward and may provide. This is worth it if you value speed and certainty over maximum money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my tablet is worth selling or if I should just recycle it?

If your tablet powers on and holds a charge for at least 30 minutes, it is worth selling — even a $50 to $100 sale is better than nothing. If it does not power on at all or the screen is completely black, recycling is the better choice. Check Earth911.com or your local waste management site to find free e-waste recycling near you.

Should I factory reset my tablet before selling it?

Yes. Go to Settings, find "Reset" or "Erase All Data," and follow the prompts. This removes your personal information, photos, and accounts. It also shows the buyer that the tablet works and is ready to use. Do this the day before you ship or meet the buyer so they see a clean device.

What if I do not know the exact storage size of my tablet?

Go to Settings, tap "About" or "Device Info," and look for "Storage" or "Memory." You will see something like "64GB" or "256GB." If you cannot find it there, search your tablet model and the serial number (also in Settings) on the manufacturer's website — they can tell you the specs.

Can I sell a tablet that is locked to a carrier or has an Apple ID on it?

A tablet locked to a carrier (one with a SIM card slot that is tied to a phone plan) must be unlocked by the carrier before you sell it. Contact your carrier and ask them to unlock it. A tablet with an Apple ID or Google account still on it must be signed out before the buyer can use it. Factory reset removes these, so do that before you sell.

Is it worth paying to repair my tablet before selling it?

Only if the repair costs less than 25 percent of what the tablet is worth. If your tablet is worth $200 and a screen repair costs $150, skip it — you will only get back $50 to $100 more. If your tablet is worth $400 and a screen repair costs $100, it is worth doing because you will get back $200 to $300 more.