How Trade In works: 3 simple steps
1. Get your instant quote
Visit the Trade In hub and enter your device make and model, and your IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it) if it's a cellular device. Then answer some quick questions about the condition of your device, telling us if it has any damage like scratches, cracks or features that don't work. We’ll then let you know the trade-in value there and then. No waiting around. Being honest about your device condition is what helps 89% of customers get exactly what they're quoted.
EE uses 4 clear device condition categories:
Good Condition: Minor scratches and general wear and tear accepted.
Damage: Functional issues, e.g. cracked or missing front/back covers, missing or faulty buttons, faulty main menu or home key.
Heavy damage: Screen smashed, LCD damage, or other significant physical damage.
No power: Device does not power on.
Being upfront about the condition of the device ensures you get a realistic quote from the start. In fact, 89% of customers receive their initial quoted value, so accurate assessment means you'll likely get exactly what you expect.
2. Prepare and send your device
Back up everything you want to keep, then perform a full factory reset. Make sure you remove account locks: turn off Find My iPhone and sign out of iCloud for Apple devices, remove your Google account for Android phones, and sign out of Samsung accounts for Galaxy devices. Remove SIM cards and fully charge your device, this helps inspection go faster.
Choose which free shipping option works best for you: request a trade-in pack or download and print the prepaid label yourself. Both include automatic £150 Royal Mail insurance. For devices worth more than £150, you can buy additional insurance at the Post Office. Always get proof of postage.
Important: Laptops must include the charger. MacBooks don't need chargers. All other devices should be sent without cases, chargers or accessories.
3. Inspection and payment
Once inspected, if your device matches what you described, your payment will be processed automatically and arrives within 2 working days through BACS or PayPal.
If the condition doesn’t match the description you gave us, you'll receive a revised quote with an explanation. You can choose to accept or decline the offer, and have your device returned free if you decline.
Getting the best value
Time your trade-in wisely: Device values decrease as newer models are released. Did you know that devices lose 20% to 40% of their trade-in value each year, so if you're not using something, trading it in sooner gets you more money. UK consumers now keep smartphones for an average of 4.1 years, but if you've already upgraded and your old device is sitting unused, there's no benefit to waiting.
Answer condition questions honestly: If your device has any damage that you don’t tell us about, you’ll get a revised quote once it’s been checked. So, it's better to be accurate from the start. Make sure you've removed all account locks before sending. Devices with active iCloud, Google or Samsung locks can't be processed and will be returned.
Protect valuable devices during shipping: Your device is automatically insured up to £150 with EE's prepaid label. For devices worth more, like recent iPhones, premium Samsung phones or MacBooks, you can purchase additional insurance at the Post Office for devices valued up to £750.
What happens after you send your device
Once your device arrives at Likewize, trained operators:
• check the physical condition
• test functionality
• assess any damage
• verify battery health
• confirm account locks are removed
If the condition matches your description, your payment will be processed automatically within 2 working days. If the condition doesn’t match your description, perhaps due to undisclosed cracks, features that don’t work or water damage, you'll receive a revised quote explaining exactly why the value changed. You will need to accept or decline the offer. You can have your device returned free if you choose to decline.
After payment, devices are securely data wiped, then 95% are refurbished and resold. The remaining 5% are responsibly recycled and none will end up in landfill.
Start your trade-in today
Trading in your old device turns forgotten tech into cash while doing something positive for the environment. With 89% quote accuracy, free insured shipping, and simple processes, you can trade in with EE with complete confidence.
Want to learn more about why trading in makes sense? Read our guide: Reasons to trade in your old device with EE.
Ready to get started? Head to the Trade In hub and get your instant quote in less than 2 minutes.
