Whether you’re making a purchase or not, we’ve made it easy to trade in an eligible device either in a store or online. Just answer a few questions regarding the brand, model, and condition of your device. We’ll provide an estimated trade-in value or a simple way to recycle it.
If you accept the trade-in estimate in the store, we’ll give you instant credit toward a purchase or a gift card you can use anytime.
If you accept the trade-in estimate online when you purchase a new Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, we’ll arrange for you to send us your current device. Once we receive it, we’ll inspect it and verify its condition. If everything checks out, we’ll credit your original purchase method and send you any remaining balance on an Apple Gift Card via email.
If you choose to trade in your current device online for a gift card, we’ll also arrange for you to send it to us. When everything checks out, we’ll send you an Apple Gift Card via email.
Regardless of how you choose to trade in, if the condition of your device doesn’t match what you described, a new estimated trade-in value will be provided. You’ll have the option to either accept this revised quote or reject it. If you reject it, your device will be returned to you at no charge.
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Update Sept. 20: The iPhone 11 series has hit stores. As a result, the trade-in values below for your iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus may have changed.
When it comes to stellar smartphones, the year-old iPhone XS and XS Max are as good as it gets. But with the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max available, you might be enticed to upgrade to Apple's latest tech.
Luckily your iPhone XS or XS Max is the most valuable iPhone model in the buy back market. There are several trade-in sites and retailers ready to make an offer on your device, no matter the color nor capacity. The cash or credit you get in exchange could go a long way toward absorbing some of the cost of an upgrade.
MORE: Best iPhone 11 deals
Though Apple's trade-in program is a simple way to put the cost of your iPhone XS and XS Max towards an iPhone 11, these are other solid options we found for cashing in on your phone. Here's what iPhone XS or XS Max is worth to retailers right now.
iPhone XS Trade-in Value (64GB/256GB/512GB)
| AT&T | Sprint | T-Mobile | Verizon | Unlocked | |
| Amazon (opens in new tab) | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | NA/NA/$507 |
| Best Buy (opens in new tab) | $420/$420/$420 | $420/$420/$420 | Not Available | $420/$420/$420 | Not Available |
| Gamestop (opens in new tab) | Not Available | $330/$400/$400 | $400/$440/$475 | Not Available | $340/$450/$475 |
| Gazelle | $400/$425/$547 | $408/$463/$514 | $452/$522/$585 | $397/$504/$554 | $482/$543/$614 |
| Walmart | $340/$380/$370 | $330/$370/$370 | $330/$350/$350 | $350/$370/$370 | $330/$350/$350 |
iPhone XS Max Trade-in Value (64GB/256GB/512GB)
| AT&T | Sprint | T-Mobile | Verizon | Unlocked | |
| Amazon (opens in new tab) | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | NA/NA/$507 |
| Best Buy (opens in new tab) | $550/$550/$550 | $550/$550/$550 | Not Available | $550/$550/$550 | Not Available |
| Gamestop (opens in new tab) | Not Available | $400/$450/$475 | $450/$500/$525 | Not Available | $440/$500/$530 |
| Gazelle | $369/$465/$468 | $432/$479/$515 | $479/$541/$499 | $452/$517/$562 | $533/$597/$646 |
| Walmart | $475/$495/$495 | $475/$495/$495 | $425/$495/$495 | $475/$495/$475 | $475/$495/$495 |
You'll notice limited offers on the iPhone XS and XS Max at the moment. Amazon (opens in new tab), for example, has no trade-in options for the devices, despite its reputable smartphone buy back program.
If you'd like to cash out on your device right now though, you'll get the most attractive offer across the board from Best Buy (opens in new tab). The electronics retailer will give you $420 in store credit for any iPhone XS and $550 for any iPhone XR Max model tied to AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon. (That's about half the original cost of the 64GB models of both phones).
You'll fetch less than you would from Best Buy if you turn to Walmart, but you can still get between $330 and $380 in store credit for an iPhone XS and between $425 and $495 for an iPhone XS Max.
Gamestop (opens in new tab)also has select iPhone XS and XS Max trade-in options. You'll get anywhere between $330 and $475 for your XS and between $400 and $530 for your XS Max, as long as it's connected to Sprint, T-Mobile, or is unlocked. The prices listed above are the regular trade-in values, but Gamestop also quotes higher prices for PowerUp Members (opens in new tab). A PowerUp membership costs $14.99 a year.
And if you'd rather not to do business with a traditional retailer, check out trade-in site Gazelle (opens in new tab). Its values on the iPhone XS and XS Max are quite high and similar to those offered by Best Buy. Plus, it has a bid for every model. You can pocket up to $614 for your XS and $646 for your XS Max.
Before you cash out, make sure your iPhone XS or XS Max is in good condition, meaning no obvious damage like cracked screens nor major scratches. Most trade-in sites and retailers require you to remove all of your data and disable Find My iPhone. The device also needs to turn on, of course. Check the terms at your retailer of choice prior to selling.
Also, keep in mind that carriers such as AT&T (opens in new tab) and Verizon (opens in new tab) will buy back your iPhone; remember to shop your phone around for the best rate possible.
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Kate Kozuch is an editor at Tom’s Guide covering smartwatches, TVs and everything smart-home related. Kate also appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account (opens in new tab), which you should be following. When she’s not filming tech videos, you can find her on an exercise bike, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef.