Where your old device can go instead of a drawer
An old phone or tablet has four practical routes: sell it for cash, trade it in at a retailer, donate it to a charity or school, or recycle it through an e-waste program. Which one makes sense depends on the device's condition, how quickly you need the money, and whether you want a tax deduction. A working device in decent shape will bring money through resale or trade-in. A broken one still has value as recycled material — and recycling keeps toxic components out of landfills.
The fastest option is usually trade-in at the retailer where you buy your replacement. Apple, Best Buy, and carrier stores like Verizon and AT&T all run trade-in programs that credit your account or reduce your purchase price on the spot. If you want cash in hand instead, resale through a marketplace like eBay or Facebook Marketplace takes longer but often pays more. Donation works best if the device still powers on and you want the tax write-off. Recycling is free and handles devices too damaged to use.
Key Takeaways
- Trade-in at Apple, Best Buy, or your carrier gives you an when ready credit or discount on a new purchase, with no shipping required.
- Resale through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Swappa brings higher cash payouts but requires you to handle shipping and buyer questions.
- Donation to schools, libraries, or nonprofits like World Computer Exchange or Goodwill works for devices that power on and may may have access to for a tax deduction.
- E-waste recyclers like Best Buy, Staples, and local municipal programs accept broken devices for free and recover valuable metals and materials.
- Before selling, donating, or recycling, erase all data by factory resetting the device and removing your account credentials.
Trade-in programs at retailers and carriers
Trade-in is the easiest path if you are buying a new device anyway. Apple's trade-in program accepts iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches in any condition — even broken ones — and credits your Apple Account or reduces your purchase price. You can start the process online, get an when ready estimate, and complete the trade at an Apple Store or by mail. Best Buy's trade-in program covers phones and tablets from all brands and pays out as a Best Buy gift card or store credit, usable when ready.
Carrier trade-in programs through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others typically require you to trade in your old device when you buy a new one on a payment plan. The credit is applied to your monthly bill over time rather than paid upfront. These programs often offer higher credits than independent resellers because the carrier can refurbish and resell the device or harvest parts. Bring your device to a store location or mail it in; most carriers provide a prepaid shipping label.
Trade-in payouts vary by device model, age, and condition. A two-year-old iPhone in good working order might bring $200 to $400 in credit, while an older or damaged model brings $50 to $150. Tablets follow the same logic — newer iPad models in good condition command higher credits. The trade-in value is usually lower than what you would get selling privately, but you avoid shipping, buyer disputes, and the time investment.
Selling your device for cash through online marketplaces
Resale through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Swappa, or Gazelle typically pays more than trade-in because you are selling directly to a buyer rather than to a retailer. Swappa specializes in phones and tablets and handles payment protection and shipping logistics, taking a small commission. eBay and Facebook Marketplace put you in direct contact with buyers, which means higher payouts but also more responsibility for accurate descriptions, shipping, and handling returns or disputes.
To list your device, take clear photos of the front, back, and sides, note the storage capacity and color, and describe any scratches, dents, or screen damage honestly. Price it competitively by checking what similar models sold for recently. On Swappa, you set the price and Swappa handles the sale process. On eBay and Facebook, you can set a fixed price or allow bidding. Expect to ship within a few days of sale and handle buyer questions about battery health, software version, or cosmetic condition.
Shipping costs and time are the trade-off. A phone or tablet typically costs $5 to $15 to ship depending on weight and distance. Factor that into your asking price. The entire process — listing, waiting for a buyer, shipping, and receiving payment — usually takes one to three weeks. If you need money quickly, trade-in is faster. If you can wait and want maximum payout, resale is worth the effort.
Donating to schools, nonprofits, and community programs
Donation is the right choice if your device works but you do not need the money. Schools, libraries, and nonprofits often accept phones and tablets for classroom use, student lending programs, or distribution to low-income families. World Computer Exchange, Goodwill, and local community centers accept working devices and refurbish them for reuse. Some nonprofits focus specifically on bridging the digital divide — organizations like PCs for People and Computers for Communities distribute refurbished devices to people who cannot afford new ones.
Before donating, contact the organization to confirm they accept your device type and condition. Some programs require devices to power on and hold a charge; others accept broken units for parts. Ask whether they provide a tax receipt — donations to registered nonprofits are tax-deductible, and the receipt documents the fair market value of your device for your tax return. The IRS allows you to deduct the fair market value, which is roughly what the device would sell for on the secondhand market.
Many schools and libraries have specific needs. A school might need tablets for a classroom set, while a library might run a device lending program for patrons without home internet. Calling ahead ensures your donation actually fills a need rather than sitting in storage. Some organizations offer pickup for larger donations, while others ask you to drop off at a location.
Recycling broken or unusable devices
If your device does not power on, has a cracked screen that makes it unusable, or is too old to resell, recycling is the responsible option. E-waste recycling programs recover valuable materials — gold, copper, rare earth elements, and aluminum — from circuit boards and casings. They also safely dispose of toxic components like lithium batteries and mercury that would leach into soil in a landfill.
Best Buy accepts phones and tablets for recycling at any store location, free of charge. Staples, Office Depot, and many local waste management facilities also run e-waste programs. Some programs charge a small fee ($5 to $10) for large quantities, but single devices are usually free. Check your city or county's website for municipal e-waste collection events, which are often free and held quarterly or annually.
Before recycling, factory reset your device to erase all personal data. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. If the device does not power on, most recyclers understand that data cannot be wiped and handle it accordingly, but wiping is always the safer choice if possible. Drop off your device at a retailer or collection site — no shipping required.
How to erase your data before selling, donating, or recycling
Data erasure is the critical step before your device leaves your hands. A factory reset removes your photos, messages, contacts, and app data, but it also removes your Apple ID or Google Account from the device. This is essential because a buyer or recipient cannot use the device until they sign in with their own account.
On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You will be asked to enter your Apple ID password. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes and erases everything on the device. On Android phones and tablets, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset). You may be asked to enter your Google Account password or PIN. After the reset, the device boots up as if it were brand new, with no trace of your previous data.
If you cannot power on the device, you cannot erase it remotely. In that case, note in your listing or donation form that the device is non-functional and data cannot be verified as erased. Most recyclers and refurbishers have find data destruction protocols for devices that cannot be wiped normally. For resale, be transparent about the device's condition so the buyer knows what they are getting.
Comparing your options: speed, money, and effort
| Option | Payout | Speed | Effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade-in at retailer | $50–$400 credit | Same day | Low | Buying a new device now |
| Resale (eBay, Swappa) | $100–$600 cash | 1–3 weeks | Medium | Maximizing cash return |
| Donation | Tax deduction | 1–2 weeks | Low | Tax benefit and helping others |
| Recycling | None | Same day | Low | Broken or unusable devices |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a phone or tablet with a cracked screen?
Yes, but it will bring significantly less money — typically 30 to 50 percent less than the same device in good condition. Describe the damage clearly in your listing so buyers know what to expect. Some resellers and recyclers specifically buy damaged devices for parts, so you may still find a buyer even if the screen is severely cracked.
What if my device is locked to a carrier?
A carrier-locked device can only be used on that carrier's network unless it is unlocked. Before selling or trading in, contact your carrier and request an unlock. Most carriers unlock devices for free once your contract is complete or the device is paid off. An unlocked device is worth more on the resale market because any buyer can use it on any network.
Do I need to remove my SIM card before trading in or recycling?
Yes. Remove your SIM card before handing over the device. Your SIM card contains your phone number and carrier account information. Keep it or give it to your new phone. Most retailers and recyclers will remind you, but it is your responsibility to remove it first.
How much is my old device actually worth?
Check recent sold listings on eBay or Swappa for your exact model, storage capacity, and condition to see what similar devices sold for. Apple's trade-in tool and Best Buy's trade-in estimator also give you when ready quotes. Expect resale value to be 20 to 40 percent of the original retail price for a device one to two years old, and 5 to 15 percent for devices older than three years.
Can I donate a device with a broken battery?
Most nonprofits and schools will not accept a device with a non-functional battery because it cannot be used. However, some e-waste recyclers and refurbishers accept devices with battery issues for parts recovery. Contact the organization first to ask. If no one will take it, recycling is your best option.