Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › device recycling

Samsung Phone Trade-In: How to Check Eligibility, Value and Deadlines

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You can trade in an old Samsung phone through Samsung’s US program if it meets the requirements for the offer shown for your model and condition. Check the live quote before relying on a value, clear your data and anti-theft locks before shipping, and follow the deadline in your order instructions.

This guide covers Samsung’s US trade-in program. Eligibility, quoted values, cracked-device offers and promotions can change; terms for other countries may differ.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to check whether your Samsung phone qualifies

Start with Samsung’s model and condition selector and choose the phone’s actual condition. Samsung determines eligibility under its program terms; a phone turning on is not enough. In general, the device must:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Power on, hold a charge and avoid shutting down unexpectedly.
  • Have a functioning display without black spots or pixelation.
  • Have no disqualifying cracks, water damage, excessive defects, corroded contacts, or swollen or damaged battery.
  • Be owned by you, not leased, and not blacklisted.
  • Have anti-theft locks disabled and be factory reset with personal data removed.
  • Have a US FCC ID, a functioning charging port that supports charging and data transfer, and original manufacturer components and identifiers.

Read the Samsung US trade-in terms and confirm the exact selection and quote shown at checkout. Samsung can determine that a device is ineligible during inspection.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black | Privacy Display, Galaxy AI, AI Camera, Super Fast Charging 3.0, Durable Battery, 2026, US 1 Year Warranty
  • PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
  • TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
  • NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
  • MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
  • HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone

Can you trade in a Samsung phone with a cracked screen?

Sometimes. Samsung may offer trade-in for certain cracked devices, but the offer must explicitly cover your model and its condition. A cracked phone is not automatically eligible, and it must still meet the other applicable requirements. Select the accurate cracked condition in the model selector and check the resulting offer; do not assume a quote for an undamaged phone applies.

How much is your old Samsung phone worth?

There is no universal trade-in amount. Samsung says eligible models and values may vary over time, and its official materials do not establish a fixed quote for every older Samsung phone. Use Samsung’s live selector for your exact model and condition, then compare the displayed credit with the new phone’s actual price and any other offers you can independently obtain. The available Samsung materials do not establish that its offer is always higher or lower than carrier trade-ins or private-sale proceeds.

Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
  • 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.
  • Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.

Also check whether the displayed credit depends on buying a qualifying device or meeting promotion-specific conditions. Treat the final amount as subject to Samsung’s inspection and the terms tied to your order.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How to prepare your phone before trade-in

  1. Save what you need. Back up or transfer photos, contacts, messages and other data you want to keep. Check the backup before proceeding.
  2. Remove anti-theft locks. Disable Reactivation Lock, Google Factory Reset Protection and other anti-theft protections as applicable to your model. Follow Samsung’s support instructions for your specific phone.
  3. Remove personal data and factory reset. Complete the reset before shipment. Samsung says it assumes no responsibility for personal information left on a trade-in device.
  4. Follow the order’s shipping instructions. Use the directions in the trade-in FAQ, My Orders page or Trade-In Welcome Email, and keep the packaging and shipment details required by those instructions.

Samsung’s trade-in process page describes selecting the manufacturer, model and condition, resetting the phone, shipping it according to the instructions, and watching for email updates during review.

Rank #3
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
  • 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.

How long do you have to send a Samsung trade-in?

Use the deadline in your order’s current instructions. The Samsung US offers page currently describes a 15-day deadline after receipt of the qualifying purchase. Under the terms stated there, Samsung may charge back the applied credit if the trade-in is not sent within that period or if inspection finds it ineligible. Promotion-specific terms can change, so check the terms for your order rather than relying on a general deadline.

Samsung says a rejected device is returned at no cost upon request. Follow the return procedure in your order instructions if Samsung reports that the phone was rejected.

Rank #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
  • 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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to compare trade-in with another option

Compare the net result, not just the headline credit. If you are considering another offer or selling the phone privately, weigh these factors:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Net proceeds: account for any required purchase and promotion conditions, not only the quoted credit.
  • Condition rules: check whether the alternative accepts your phone’s actual damage, including a cracked screen.
  • Time and shipping: consider the deadline, packaging and effort required.
  • Data and locks: confirm the steps needed to clear the phone and remove anti-theft protections.
  • Final-value certainty: determine whether payment is confirmed upfront or can change after inspection.

Samsung’s program terms explain Samsung’s own requirements and process; they do not provide current quotes from carriers or private buyers. Get those offers directly before deciding.

Best Value
Sale
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
  • FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
  • IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
  • FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment

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.

device recyclingGalaxyphone trade-inSamsungSmartphones

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.