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Does Samsung Buy Your Old Phone? Trade-In and No-Purchase Options Explained

Samsung US accepts eligible phones for credit toward qualifying purchases. A separate Likewize-operated route may suit Samsung phone owners who are not buying a new device.
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Yes—Samsung US accepts eligible old phones for credit toward qualifying new Samsung products bought through Samsung.com or the Shop Samsung app. That standard trade-in is not a general cash buyback. Samsung also lists a separate, standalone option for used Samsung phones operated by Likewize; check that operator’s current eligibility, value, and terms if you do not plan to buy a new Samsung product.

How Samsung’s US phone trade-in works

For the standard program, choose an eligible new Samsung product and enter your old phone’s details in the Samsung.com or Shop Samsung app checkout flow. Samsung shows the trade-in value there and applies it to the purchase. The eligible models, valuation, and promotions can change, so the checkout offer and terms for your specific order are the relevant figures—not a fixed price list. Samsung’s trade-in page lists current offers and directs shoppers to the live flow.

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As an example of how quickly values can vary, Samsung US’s offer page on October 7, 2026 showed promotional ceilings of up to $440 for Galaxy S26+, up to $340 for Galaxy S26, and up to $520+ for Galaxy S25 Ultra. These were time-sensitive “up to” offers, not guaranteed values for every phone or condition, and should not be treated as current beyond that date. Samsung’s offers page is the place to check live terms.

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Samsung’s standard terms generally allow one trade-in device per new Samsung product, except where a product or promotion expressly allows multiple devices. The terms also say Samsung may remotely disable the new product if it does not receive an eligible trade-in or the submitted device fails eligibility or differs from its description. Review the terms attached to the order before accepting an offer. Samsung Trade-In Program Terms.

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Can you trade in a phone without buying a new Samsung?

Not through the standard Samsung.com or Shop Samsung app trade-in: that credit is attached to a qualifying purchase. Samsung separately identifies a standalone trade-in route for used Samsung smartphones, operated by Likewize. Its current value and conditions are determined by that operator, so check its current offer before sending a device. Samsung’s trade-in page identifies the distinction.

What makes an old phone eligible?

Under Samsung’s US standard terms, the phone must meet functional, condition, ownership, and identity requirements. Check the model and the specific offer before mailing it; a promotional cracked-device offer may relax the crack restriction for selected models, but does not waive the other requirements. Samsung’s terms set out the eligibility rules.

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  • Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
  • Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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  • It works: The phone must power on, hold a charge, and not shut down unexpectedly. Its display must function without black spots or pixelation, and its charging port must work.
  • It meets condition rules: Cracks, excessive scratches or dents, liquid damage, corroded contacts, and a damaged or swollen battery can make it ineligible, unless the specific offer permits the relevant damage.
  • You own it outright: Leased phones are ineligible. The phone must not be on a banned list, must have a verified US FCC ID, and must retain original manufacturer components and unaltered IMEI or serial numbers.
  • It is unlocked and reset: Disable anti-theft protections, including Reactivation Lock, Google Factory Reset Protection, and iCloud/Find My iPhone. Back up your data, remove personal information, and factory-reset the device.
  • Included accessories are accounted for: If the traded device came with an S Pen, include it. Samsung’s terms specify a $30 chargeback for a missing or nonfunctional original S Pen.

How to prepare and send the phone

  1. Confirm the offer: Identify the exact old-phone model and review the valuation and terms shown for the new Samsung product in checkout.
  2. Back up and reset: Save anything you need, remove personal information, disable anti-theft locks, and factory-reset the phone before packing it.
  3. Pack the required device: Include the original S Pen if applicable. Follow the packing instructions provided with the order.
  4. Ship by the deadline: Samsung’s standard terms require the trade-in to be handed to its authorized shipping provider within 15 days after you receive the new product, unless the promotion specifies a different period. Samsung considers the phone received when you hand it to the provider using Samsung’s prepaid label.
  5. Keep proof: Retain the handoff receipt and tracking number. Samsung’s FAQ advises using a FedEx Ship Center for its documented return method and avoiding a FedEx drop box when you cannot confirm the handoff. Samsung’s trade-in FAQ.

What happens if Samsung rejects the trade-in?

The outcome depends on the terms for your order. Samsung’s terms say an ineligible device receives no trade-in value and the applied amount may be charged back. Its current offer summary describes an adjustment for some ineligible devices sent on time, but the general terms and offer summaries do not phrase the adjustment identically. Do not assume a particular deduction applies universally: check the terms tied to your offer. Missing the shipping deadline can trigger a chargeback of the full applied amount. Samsung Trade-In Program Terms; Samsung’s offer summary.

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A rejected phone may be offered back at Samsung’s discretion. If Samsung makes that offer, the terms require you to accept within seven days, use the original address, and sign for delivery. A phone with a damaged or swollen battery cannot be returned for safety reasons. Requesting a return reverses the full trade-in credit, plus applicable taxes; if you do not request return through the offered process, the phone will not be returned. Samsung’s terms; Samsung’s FAQ.

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  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
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How Samsung trade-in compares with carrier credits

Samsung instant trade-in credit and a carrier’s bill-credit offer are separate programs. Samsung says they cannot be combined; carrier credits are applied to a carrier account, often under that carrier’s own installment, plan, and return requirements. Check the instructions for the specific offer before choosing a route. Samsung’s trade-in FAQ.

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Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black | Powerful Processor, Galaxy AI, Immersive Viewing, Durable Battery, 2026, US 1 Year Warranty
  • TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
  • MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
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  • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
  • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
  • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
  • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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