iPhone Trade-In Values 2026 — What's Your Phone Worth?
Thinking about upgrading? Before you hand over your old iPhone, make sure you're getting the best deal. Trade-in values vary wildly depending on where you sell. We break down every major option so you can pocket the most cash.
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Tools and accessories matched to this guide.
MagSafe-compatible drop protection
📊 Trade-In Value Comparison by Model (Good Condition)
Values change frequently, but here's the general picture for Spring 2026. All values are for good-condition, fully functional phones. Cracked screens or poor battery health will lower these significantly.
| Model | Apple Trade-In | Gazelle | Swappa | Carrier Deals* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $630-$720 | $550-$650 | $700-$850 | Up to $1000 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $500-$580 | $430-$530 | $550-$680 | Up to $830 |
| iPhone 16 | $370-$430 | $320-$390 | $400-$500 | Up to $630 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $430-$510 | $380-$470 | $480-$600 | Up to $700 |
| iPhone 15 | $270-$330 | $230-$300 | $300-$400 | Up to $500 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | $270-$340 | $240-$310 | $320-$420 | Up to $430 |
| iPhone 14 | $180-$230 | $160-$210 | $220-$300 | Up to $350 |
| iPhone 13 | $120-$170 | $100-$150 | $160-$230 | Up to $250 |
*Carrier trade-in values require activating a new line or upgrading on an eligible plan. These are bill credit values, not cash. Actual amounts depend on carrier promotions at time of trade.
📋 Difficulty & Time
🔧 Diagnose & Fix Charging Issues: Step by Step
Step 1: Try a Different Cable AND Adapter
Cables fail more often than ports. Borrow a known-good cable from a friend, or grab a spare. Use a different wall adapter too — counterfeit chargers are a common silent killer.
Step 2: Inspect the Charging Port with a Flashlight
Hold the device under a bright light and look directly into the port. You're looking for:
- Gray pocket lint compressed against the back wall (most common)
- Bent or recessed pins (drop damage)
- Green corrosion on the contacts (liquid damage)
- Stuck-on residue from sticky drinks
Step 3: Clean the Port with a Plastic Pick
Power the device OFF first — this prevents short-circuits while you work. Then:
- Insert a plastic precision pick at a slight downward angle
- Work toward the back wall, then drag forward to pull lint OUT (never push deeper)
- Repeat from different angles — port lint is layered
- NEVER use metal — paperclips, needles, or pins will short the contacts
Step 4: Brush + Compressed Air
After picking visible debris, sweep the port with a soft anti-static brush, then short bursts (1 sec) of compressed air from 6 inches away. Keep the can upright to avoid propellant spray.
Step 5: Try Wireless Charging
If the device supports MagSafe/Qi: try wireless charging. If wireless works but wired doesn't, the port is dead — you need replacement (see escalation below). If wireless ALSO doesn't work, the issue is likely the battery or charging IC.
Step 6: Force Restart
Sometimes iOS/iPadOS gets stuck in a charging-block state. Force restart resets the power management chip:
- iPhone 8 and later: press Vol Up, then Vol Down, then hold Side until Apple logo
- iPad with no Home button: same as iPhone 8+
- iPad with Home button: hold Top + Home until Apple logo
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pushing lint deeper instead of pulling it out
- Using metal tools (instant short risk)
- Skipping the cable test — cables fail more than ports
- Cleaning while the device is powered on
🏥 When to Call a Pro
If the port has bent pins, visible corrosion, or the contacts feel loose, you need a replacement (Apple: $129, third-party: $79–$99, AppleCare+: $99). Skip DIY for this — bent contacts can damage the logic board.
🏪 Where to Trade or Sell
Apple Trade-In
Pros: Effortless, instant Apple Store credit, can do it online or in-store. Cons: Lowest cash value of any option. Apple gives you a gift card, not cash. Best when you're already buying a new iPhone from Apple.
Gazelle
Pros: Ships you a prepaid box, inspects the phone, and pays via check, PayPal, or Amazon gift card. Simple and trustworthy. Cons: Offers tend to be lower than private sale. Lock in your quote fast — they expire in 30 days.
Swappa
Pros: Peer-to-peer marketplace, so you set your own price. Typically fetches 20-40% more than trade-in services. Cons: You handle photos, listing, shipping, and buyer communication. Small listing fee.
Carrier Trade-In (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)
Pros: Highest advertised values by far. Cons: The value is spread as bill credits over 24-36 months, and you must stay on an eligible plan the entire time. Leave early and you forfeit the remaining credits. Read the fine print carefully.
🔧 Should You Repair Before Trading In?
A cracked screen can cut your trade-in value by 50% or more. But a screen repair might only cost $80-$150. Do the math:
- Example: iPhone 15 with cracked screen trades in for ~$150 at Apple. Repair the screen for $120, and the trade-in jumps to ~$300. That's a $30 net gain.
- Battery health matters too: Below 80% battery health drops your value. A battery replacement costs $69-$99 at Apple.
- Cosmetic damage: Minor scratches usually don't affect trade-in value much. Deep gouges or dents do.
Not sure if repair is worth it? Call us for a free assessment.
⏰ When to Trade vs. When to Sell Privately
- Trade in if you want zero hassle, you're already buying a new Apple product, or the carrier promo is genuinely good.
- Sell privately (Swappa, Facebook Marketplace) if you want maximum cash and don't mind the work. You'll typically get 20-40% more than any trade-in.
- Timing matters: Trade-in values drop sharply right after new iPhone launches (September/October). Sell 1-2 months before the new model drops for the best private sale price.
🆘 Repair First, Then Sell for More
A quick screen or battery repair can dramatically increase your phone's resale value. We'll tell you honestly if it's worth it.
📞 PC Medics of NJ
Quick repairs to maximize your trade-in value. Free diagnosis.
Call: 856-914-1074
Mail-in from anywhere in the US — fast 3-5 day turnaround.