Old phone checklist before trading in a phone
Complete these steps before handing an old phone to a carrier, retailer, or manufacturer. Do not erase it until your replacement is working.
On this list
Confirm the new phone can make calls and receive texts
Back up photos and videos
Back up contacts
Back up messages and call history
Transfer authenticator app codes
Move banking and payment apps to the new phone
Transfer eSIM or confirm carrier instructions
Unpair smartwatches and Bluetooth trackers
Remove cards from mobile wallet
Sign out of cloud accounts
Turn off Find My iPhone or Find My Device
Remove the physical SIM card
Factory reset the phone
Clean the screen and charging port
Photograph the phone's condition
Find the IMEI or serial number
Include only accessories requested by the trade-in program
Keep the trade-in receipt or shipping tracking number
Who this list is for
This checklist is for anyone trading an old phone to a carrier, retailer, or manufacturer. The main rule is simple: do not erase the old phone until the replacement can make calls and receive texts.
How to use this list
First confirm the new phone works, then back up photos, videos, contacts, messages, and call history. Transfer authenticator app codes, move banking and payment apps, and transfer the eSIM or follow carrier instructions. Next unpair smartwatches and Bluetooth trackers, remove cards from the mobile wallet, sign out of cloud accounts, and turn off Find My iPhone or Find My Device.
Common mistakes
A factory reset done too early can leave you without messages, authentication codes, or carrier access. Do not send a physical SIM card with the phone. Do not include chargers, boxes, or accessories unless the trade-in program specifically asks for them.
What is on this list
You will remove the physical SIM card, factory reset the phone, clean the screen and charging port, photograph its condition, and find the IMEI or serial number. Cross off steps that are already complete, but keep the condition photos and identifying number for your records.
After the visit
Keep the trade-in receipt or shipping tracking number until the trade-in is fully accepted. If the phone was shipped, retain the condition photos, IMEI or serial number, and any confirmation from the carrier, retailer, or manufacturer.
FAQ
Who is "Old phone checklist before trading in a phone" for?
This checklist is for anyone trading an old phone to a carrier, retailer, or manufacturer. The main rule is simple: do not erase the old phone until the replacement can make calls and receive texts.
How should I use "Old phone checklist before trading in a phone"?
First confirm the new phone works, then back up photos, videos, contacts, messages, and call history. Transfer authenticator app codes, move banking and payment apps, and transfer the eSIM or follow carrier instructions. Next unpair smartwatches and Bluetooth trackers, remove cards from the mobile wallet, sign out of cloud accounts, and turn off Find My iPh…
What should I skip or avoid with "Old phone checklist before trading in a phone"?
A factory reset done too early can leave you without messages, authentication codes, or carrier access. Do not send a physical SIM card with the phone. Do not include chargers, boxes, or accessories unless the trade-in program specifically asks for them.
What is on the "Old phone checklist before trading in a phone" list?
You will remove the physical SIM card, factory reset the phone, clean the screen and charging port, photograph its condition, and find the IMEI or serial number. Cross off steps that are already complete, but keep the condition photos and identifying number for your records.
What should I do when I am done?
Keep the trade-in receipt or shipping tracking number until the trade-in is fully accepted. If the phone was shipped, retain the condition photos, IMEI or serial number, and any confirmation from the carrier, retailer, or manufacturer.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.