Apple's iPhone event lands September 9, and launch season reshuffles every trade-in tier. Nine steps to cash out first, and one skipped step gets phones mailed back unpaid.
Apple has confirmed an iPhone event for September 9. New launches reshuffle the whole trade-in price ladder, so lock in a quote before the shelves change over.
Apple's own checklist starts here: back up, then move your data with Quick Start or iCloud. Android users restore from Google One. After the erase, nothing comes back.
Google is blunt about it: do not send devices with damaged or swollen batteries, because they cannot be returned for credit. A swollen pack ends the trade-in outright.
Google cuts value for a cracked or unresponsive screen, missing pixels, a dark or burnt-out LCD, and charging ports that no longer work. Declare damage honestly.
Apple says switch off Find My before you send. Google rejects any phone still carrying activation lock. Locked handsets cannot be graded, so they ship straight back.
Samsung requires Reactivation Lock and Google Factory Reset Protection switched off. Remove your Google account first, then factory reset. The order matters here.
On iPhone: Settings, General, Transfer or Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings. Sign out of your Apple Account first, and deregister iMessage if you move to Android.
Apple's checklist ends with the SIM: erase the eSIM profile or pull the physical card. Unpair an Apple Watch too, or the next owner inherits your pairing.
Carrier offers arrive as monthly bill credits, not cash. Verizon spreads promos over 36 months and stops them if you pay the device off early or leave the qualifying plan.
Google's partner must receive your device within 30 days of the new one arriving, and its condition has to match what you declared. Miss the window and the offer dies.