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DEVICE TRADE-IN
PHONES, TABLETS & SMARTWATCHES

On This Page

  • General Trade-In
  • What Devices are Expected?
  • Understanding Your Trade-In Value
  • Preparing Your Phone for Trade-In

General Trade-In

  • Your old phone, tablet or smartwatch may still hold value. Trade it in and apply any value to a new device. There are two ways to get rewarded when you trade in:
    • You can get a credit on your UScellular® account for an old device.
    • You can fulfill a new device promotional requirement.
    A few simple steps online will get you started towards account credit. Or visit us in-store to get an appraisal of your device's value, which you can use that day. You can use the value toward a new phone, tablet, watch and even accessories. Or you can use the value to lower your bill.
  • You have options. Choose the trade-in process that works best for you. Trade-in at a UScellular store or use our online trade-in process.
    • In-store, we’ll calculate an estimated value of your device and complete the trade-in process on-site.
    • When you choose our online option, we’ll calculate the value of your device and send you a prepaid shipping kit with detailed instructions at $0 cost to you.
  • New and current UScellular customers are eligible. New customers can get a quote for their trade-in value; then, must purchase and activate a qualifying device.

ACCEPTABLE DEVICES

  • Smartphones, tablets and LTE enabled smartwatches are eligible to be traded in.
  • Yes, we accept devices from all major wireless carriers.
  • We understand life happens and most devices are not in perfect condition. Devices with normal wear and tear - even scratched, dented or damaged devices - may still have some value.

    We also accept devices estimated to have no trade-in value. You can still sustainably recycle your old device at a UScellular store. The environment will thank you.

Understanding Your Trade-In Value

  • When you visit a UScellular store, we’ll calculate an estimated value of your device, and we’ll help you complete the trade-in process on-site.

    When using our online trade-in process, you'll enter some info about your phone, tablet or smartwatch and we’ll calculate the estimated value. We'll then send you a prepaid shipping kit with detailed instructions for device shipment at $0 cost to you. Hyla, a UScellular Trade-In Program partner, will verify the model, assess the condition of the device and determine your final trade-in value. In the unlikely event of a discrepancy, you’ll be notified by email of the updated trade-in value that will be applied to your bill.
  • When you visit a UScellular store, we’ll calculate an estimated value of your device and you can use that value instantly.

    When using our online trade-in process, we’ll calculate the estimated value of your device and you'll need to mail in your device before receiving it. We'll send you a prepaid shipping kit with detailed instructions at $0 cost to you. Once we get your mailed device, it usually takes 2-3 billing cycles for the trade-in value to appear as a credit on your bill. If you are still waiting for your credit or have any questions, we're here for you. Contact us anytime.
  • To receive full trade-in value, the phone, tablet or watch must be in good working condition. The value of any device is subject to change based on current market demand and the overall condition of the device.
  • Not all devices will have trade-in value. Phones, tablets or smartwatches appraised at $0 can still be sustainably recycled at a UScellular store.

Preparing your Device for Trade-in

  • Before mailing your device in for a trade, make sure to:
    • Save your content (texts, pictures, contacts, etc.) to a computer, the cloud or an external hard drive.
    • Delete all personal information on your device.
    • Remove any memory or SIM cards.
    • Remove all passcodes, screen locks and activation locks (ex: Find My iPhone).

    Note: Locked/passcode protected devices will result in a trade in value of $0.

  • No, just send the device only. No need to send the charging plug, cable or any other accessories that originally came with the device.
  • Yes, the package must be postmarked (mailed) within 30 days of the date you received your appraisal value. Going past 30 days may affect your phone, smartwatch or tablet appraised value.
  • Yes, up to 5 devices may be processed during the same transaction.
  • No. Once you've sent your phone, tablet or smartwatch to the Trade-In program either at a store or by mail, the device will not be returned for any reason. It’s important to transfer any personal data to a new device or external storage, and then delete all personal information from the trade-in device before mailing it in.

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