A Samsung trade-in has 6 steps:

1. Choose your new device and trade-in device

2. Confirm your trade-in device is eligible

3. Prepare your trade-in device

4. Pack your trade-in device in a shipping box

5. Attach the trade-in shipping label

6. Send your trade-in device within the trade-in window

Samsung inspects the device after receiving it and confirms the result via email.

Trading in through a carrier instead? Carrier trade-ins (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) work differently. See the carrier trade-in section of Samsung's Trade-In FAQ for details.

Know Your Deadline Before You Start

You have 15 days from the date your new device is delivered to ship your trade-in device to Samsung. Trade-in shipping labels are typically generated 2 days after your new device ships.

You can get your trade-in shipping label 3 ways:

• Included in the box your new order arrived in

• Sent via email to the address used to place your order

• Downloaded from the My Orders page

See How long do I have to send in my trade-in device? for more detail on trade-in device timing.

Step 1: Choose Your New Device and Trade-In Device

Find the new device you want to purchase on Samsung.com or in the Shop Samsung App. While selecting any options (like storage size or color), find the trade-in section.

Select if your trade-in device is in good condition or cracked. To qualify as “good condition”, your trade-in device must meet the following criteria:

• Turns on and screen works normally

• Activation locks are disabled, accounts are removed, and device is factory reset

• Charging port works and battery holds a charge

• Screen, body (front and back), and camera lens are free of cracks

• Device isn’t on a banned list

Then, select your trade-in device’s manufacturer and model. You’ll see your trade-in device’s instant credit, which will be deducted from your order total at checkout.

If the trade-in device you send is different in any way from the selections made during this step, your instant trade-in credit will be reduced or removed entirely, and you’ll receive a chargeback for the difference.

Step 2: Confirm Your Trade-In Device Is Eligible

Check your trade-in device against the full requirement list in What is Samsung's trade-in program and what are the requirements? before you ship it to Samsung.

Common reasons a trade-in device fails inspection include a damaged or swollen battery, or an anti-theft lock that wasn’t disabled.

Step 3: Prepare Your Trade-In Device

Get your trade-in device ready by following these steps, in this order:

1. Transfer your data. Activate your new device first, then move your photos, contacts and files using tools like Samsung Smart Switch, Samsung Cloud, or a data cable.

2. Sign out of every account. Including Samsung, Google, iCloud, and Find My iPhone. Signing out before performing a factory reset (the next step) is what disables things like Factory Reset Protection and Reactivation Lock.

3. Perform a factory reset. See Perform a factory reset on your Galaxy phone or tablet for steps.

4. Remove your SIM card and memory card. Samsung can’t return SIM cards, memory cards, or any other items shipped with your device.

Samsung accepts no responsibility for personal information left on a trade-in device that’s sent in.

Step 4: Pack Your Trade-In Device in a Shipping Box

Use the box your new device arrived in, or a box that’s sized appropriately for your trade-in device. Wrap the device securely using plenty of padding (that can be recycled or reused paper, bubble wrap, or foam).

Place the trade-in device in the middle of the box and cushion it on all sides with more padding so it doesn’t shift and get damaged in transit.

Put the lower half of the trade-in shipping label inside the box. Samsung’s trade-in team uses it to match your device to your order.

Seal every open edge with clear packing tape.

Step 5: Attach the Trade-In Shipping Label

Tape every side of the trade-in shipping label to the outside of the box with clear packing tape. Remove or cover any old shipping labels on the box you’re using.

No printer? UPS can print the trade-in shipping label for you.

Step 6: Send Your Trade-In Device Within the Trade-In Window

Take the box with your trade-in device to a UPS-authorized Ship Center and hand it to a representative. Don’t leave it in a UPS Drop Box; Samsung can’t confirm shipments that aren’t scanned.

If you can’t use UPS for whatever reason, you can use another carrier, but keep these things in mind:

• The shipping cost won’t be covered by Samsung; you’ll have to pay it yourself.

• You must still include the bottom half of the shipping label inside the package, to help us track your order.

Keep your shipment receipt and tracking number, just in case Samsung’s Order Support team needs it. As long as you’ve shipped the trade-in device within 15 days of receiving your new device, you’re all set.

After You’ve Sent Your Trade-In Device

Samsung will email you when your trade-in device is received, and will send a summary of the device's assessed condition within approximately 14 business days (or faster, if possible). If the device meets the criteria, nothing further is required from you.

Track progress of your trade-in on the My Orders page. See How do I track the status of my trade-in? for more information.

If your trade-in device is declined, you can request it back within 7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop my trade-in device at a Samsung Experience Store or Best Buy?

No. A trade-in device that is part of a purchase made on Samsung.com or through the Shop Samsung App must be shipped to Samsung directly, even if you’re picking up your new device at Best Buy or a Samsung Experience Store. Stores do not accept trade-in devices.

What do I need to send with my trade-in device?

In general, only the trade-in device. Don’t include any chargers, cases, covers, keyboard covers, watch straps, SIM cards, or memory cards. Anything sent with your trade-in device won’t be returned.

Some device types do require specific items to be included, like an S Pen. See Do I need to send back accessories with my trade-in? for more details.