iPhone Trade-In vs Repair: Which Saves More in 2026?
Cracked iPhone — should you fix it or trade it in? The answer depends on the phone's age, damage type, and your AppleCare+ status. Here's the math for every iPhone from 13 to 16, with current 2026 trade-in values and repair costs side-by-side.
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âš¡ Tools to Maximize Trade-In Value
These prep your phone properly before trade-in (worth $50–$100 in better quote).
Clean ports — buyers inspect ports first
Polish away fingerprints and grime
Clean speakers, ports, and screen
Removes light scratches that lower trade-in value
Cost Breakdown — All Options
| Where | Cost | Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 — Cracked screen, otherwise fine | Apple repair: $329 | Trade-in cracked: $150–$220 | Repair if you have AC+; otherwise trade in |
| iPhone 14 — Cracked screen | Apple repair: $329 | Trade-in cracked: $200–$280 | Closer call; depends on overall condition |
| iPhone 15 — Cracked screen | Apple repair: $329 | Trade-in cracked: $300–$380 | Repair (modern phone, more years left) |
| iPhone 16 — Cracked screen | Apple repair: $329 | Trade-in cracked: $400–$500 | Repair (under 1 yr old) |
| iPhone 13 — Battery + screen | Apple repair: $429 | Trade-in: $80–$150 | Trade in |
| iPhone 16 Pro — Cracked screen | Apple repair: $379 | Trade-in cracked: $500–$650 | Repair if AC+; otherwise close |
| Any iPhone with liquid damage | Apple: $549–$899 | Trade-in: $50–$200 | Trade in unless under AC+ |
The Rule of Thumb
If repair cost > 60% of the phone's good-condition resale value, trade in. If repair cost < 30% of the phone's resale value, repair. Anything in between depends on:
- How old is the phone? 1-year-old phone with 3 more years of usefulness = repair. 4-year-old phone = trade in.
- Is it 'just' the cracked screen, or are there 5 things wrong? Multiple issues = trade in.
- Do you have AppleCare+? $29 screen fix changes the math entirely.
- Is the phone you'd upgrade to actually better? If your iPhone 13 still does everything you need, repair.
Where to Trade In (2026 Values)
Different programs offer different prices for cracked phones:
- Apple Trade-In: Most generous for cracked screens; works fine even if Face ID is broken
- Best Buy: Slightly less than Apple but accepts more conditions
- Carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile): Often best deal IF bundled with new line activation
- Gazelle / Decluttr / Swappa: Best for non-cracked phones; less generous for cracked
- Amazon Trade-In: Mid-tier; pays in Amazon credit only
Always get 2–3 quotes before committing.
How to Maximize Trade-In Value
- Sign out of iCloud (Settings → [Your Name] → scroll to Sign Out). Skipping this kills your trade-in quote — buyers can't activate the device.
- Erase All Content and Settings (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings)
- Clean every port and the speakers with the cleaning kit (link above) — buyers inspect these first
- Photograph the phone in good lighting — bad photos lower estimates by $30–$80
- Mention what works correctly — Face ID, Touch ID, all sensors, all buttons, battery health %
- Disable Find My iPhone (Settings → [Your Name] → Find My) — required for trade-in
Mail-In Repair Service
Don't have time to wait for Apple? We offer mail-in repair with overnight return shipping.