How to Trade In Your iPad & Prepare it for Selling

If you trade or sell your used iPad, you can save money on a tablet upgrade or other electronic purchases. In 2023, you have more than one option.

There is the official Apple trade-in iPad platform and multiple third-party marketplaces that will buy your old iPad online for cash. And this is very good news.

In this complete guide, we will examine the pros and cons of the above solutions. After determining the best option for you, we will also help you prepare your device for sale and explain the process you need to follow. 

Apple iPad Trade-In: Everything You Should Know

If you have decided to trade or sell your used iPad, you are already one step closer to achieving this goal. The first thing you need to understand is that the iPad trade-in value of your device depends on several factors.

The most important one is the functional and cosmetic condition of the device. The model and version of the iPad also play an important role. A 9th-generation iPad Pro will obviously have a higher trade-in value than an 8th-generation iPad Air. At the same time, not all trade-in portals will give you the same equivalent value for your iPad.

That is why it is very important that you know exactly what alternatives you have. 

iPad Trade In: Your 3 Selling Options 

If you are about to sell or trade your iPad online, you have three different options. You can trade in your old device for store credit through the official Apple Trade In platform, sell it online for cash, or trade it in for another device through a third-party marketplace. Let us explore the pros and cons of each option:

Apple Trade-In Service

Apple offers you the opportunity to trade your old iPad for store credit. The value depends on the model, version, and condition of your tablet. Usually, this is a hassle-free solution for those who want to upgrade to a newer iPad.

Of course, the official Apple service also has some weaknesses. First of all, you cannot use this platform to sell your iPad for cash. Besides, your iPad must be fully working and in tip-top cosmetic shape to qualify for credit. So, if it is cracked, dented, chipped, or has defective hardware, Apple will recycle it, but you won’t be able to monetize on your tablet. Nevertheless, this is a reliable solution if you want to save some money on an iPad upgrade.

Third-Party Platforms: Sell Your Used iPad Online

 If you want to get the most money from your used iPad, you will probably need to sell it via a third-party marketplace. Due to strong competition, such marketplaces usually offer a very competitive return dollar value, unlike the official Apple Trade-in platform. 

This means you can use a top-notch trade-in iPad online service and sell your device for cash in just a few minutes. Regarding the disadvantages of this option, we have to mention that not all platforms will buy all iPad models and versions. But because of the large number of such companies (Gazelle, Gadget Salvation, Sell Your Mac, etc.), you can probably find at least a few that can make you an offer. So, shop around, compare a few offers, pick a trade-in platform, and collect your cash!

all iPad models and versions. But because of the large number of such companies (Gazelle, Gadget Salvation, Sell Your Mac, etc.), you can probably find at least a few that can make you an offer. So, shop around, compare a few offers, pick a trade-in platform, and collect your cash!

The main advantage of using a buyback to sell a used iPad is a swift turnaround. Generally, it is a much quicker option than trying to sell it yourself, say, on Facebook or elsewhere. At the same time, you will need to find a reliable marketplace that is known for its top-notch customer support. In any case, if you research, this is the best choice for selling your iPad.

Third-Party Trade-in Platforms

Last but not least, you can always use a third-party platform to swap out your iPad for another device. This is not much different from the option analyzed above. You will usually get a better iPad value on a platform if you decide to swap your device.

This option’s obvious disadvantage is that you must find the device you want to buy in the marketplace’s inventory. 

How to Prepare Your iPad For Selling? 

No matter which of the above options you opt for, you should always be methodical when preparing your iPad for sale. Many people wonder, “how do I clear my iPad for trade-in?” Well, it is not a particularly challenging task. 

You will need to follow a few steps before you ship your device to Apple or a third-party marketplace. 

These simple but necessary actions are: 

1. Create a backup or transfer any files/documents you need to a different/new device.

2. Remove your personal information from your iPad (cancel your Apple Care, Sign out from your Apple ID and iCloud).

3. Turn off the Find My service.

4. Reset the device (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Setting).

5. Remove your SIM, memory card, and case.

Lastly, cleaning your iPad with a lint-free cloth before shipping is always a good idea. Now that we have identified how to prepare iPad for trade-in. Let’s look at the process you will need to follow. 

What’s The Process of Selling an iPad Online? 

Although the process depends on the marketplace you opt for, it is usually quite similar. The first thing you need to do is find the best deal for the model and condition of your iPad. The best marketplaces will give you an instant estimate after you answer a few questions about your iPad.

After you have prepared your iPad, you must visit a nearby post office or store from UPS and ship the device to Apple or your chosen marketplace. The next step depends on the option you choose.

Apple usually takes a few weeks to receive and evaluate your product and will notify you once they have an offer. On the other hand, third-party marketplaces are usually faster when it comes to receiving, valuing, and finally paying for your used iPad. 

Bottom Line

In summary, trading in or selling your used iPad in 2023 has never been easier. It is very important that you determine the value of your device in advance. This way, you can tell whether the estimate you will receive is a good deal. Choosing the best method to trade or sell your iPad online depends on your needs and preferences. In any case, you should make sure that you prepare and ship your device properly. 

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I have always been a shopaholic. A lot of times my questions went unanswered when it came to retail questions, so I started Talk Radio News. - Caitlyn Johnson

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