OnePlus Phone Trade-In Tips and Tricks: How to Maximize Value

In January 2025, OnePlus launched its new flagship device globally, the OnePlus 13. You’re probably wondering if there are ways to upgrade your phone without spending so much money. Phone upgrades are always exciting; we get excited about it, too. And it’s even better if you can offset the cost.

Trade-in is a great way to save money on your next device. New phone launches often lead to price drops for older models. Most major retailers and OnePlus itself offer trade-in programs. Before you start the OnePlus phone trade-in process, we’ll guide you on how it works and how to maximize the value of your old OnePlus phone with a OnePlus 13 aramid fiber case.

The OnePlus phone trade-in program allows you to exchange your old device for credit toward a new OnePlus purchase or receive cash back, depending on the program details in your region. Processing usually takes a few weeks after they receive the old device. Generally, the better the condition of your device, the higher its value. Devices with significant damage or that cannot power on may have lower or no trade-in value. But that’s not the only consideration. Later on, we’ll provide detailed steps of the trade-in process.

Occasionally, OnePlus offers bonus trade-in credits during promotional periods. Check the specific terms and availability in your region, as policies can vary.

OnePlus phone trade-in is a good option if you want to upgrade to the latest OnePlus model. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Trading in your current phone offsets the price of the OnePlus 13, making the upgrade more affordable.

• OnePlus often provides bonus credits or discounts during promotions, further increasing trade-in value.

• With the OnePlus 13, you’ll have access to the latest features of OnePlus.

• Trading in your phone ensures it’s either refurbished or recycled responsibly, contributing to sustainability.

• You’ll help OnePlus and third parties reuse valuable components.

• The OnePlus trade-in programme offers a user-friendly online process, from valuation to shipping.

• Avoid the complications of selling your old phone independently.

These are the first key steps you should do when trading in your old OnePlus phone for a new one.

The first step in phone trade-in is visiting the OnePlus Trade-In page. Provide details about your current device’s model and condition to get an estimated value. 

Once you’ve gone through the process of providing your device details, choose and purchase your desired OnePlus phone. During checkout, choose the trade-in option and select “Get Paid Later.” You’ll pay the full amount upfront.

After receiving your new OnePlus phone, you’ll have 21 days to send in your old device using a prepaid shipping label provided by OnePlus’s trade-in partner.

Once your old gadget has been received and evaluated, you will be given a credit equal to its assessed value, plus any relevant extras. This credit is often applied to your original payment method or delivered as a cash coupon to your OnePlus account.

Smartphone trade-in programs are beneficial for consumers, but it’s not completely without complications. For instance, a certain device issue was reported by @connect2surya on X. Apparently, a flawed automated system used in Amazon’s phone exchange program rejected a valid trade-in of a OnePlus 10T for a 13 because the device name was entered with a lowercase “t” instead of a capital “T.” Despite the device being the same model, the system treated the slight difference in capitalization as a mismatch, leading to the rejection. This highlights a problem with the system’s inability to normalize inputs and handle minor variations like case sensitivity.

Such rigidity creates unnecessary frustration for customers, as valid exchanges are denied due to trivial errors in text formatting. Unfortunately, in these cases, there’s nothing much we can do.

To ensure a successful trade-in, we listed more tips to help you maximize your OnePlus phone trade-in value.

If you invest a little in maintaining the pristine condition of your OnePlus phone with the best OnePlus 13 case, this could impact your trade-in value because the better your device's condition, the more valuable it is. But before doing a trade-in, perform a device condition check-up. First, check if your screen is free of cracks. Look for dents, scratches, or signs of wear. Then, make sure all buttons and ports are functioning properly. And lastly, check the battery health and performance, as this is a key-factor in some trade-in offers.

As the old saying goes—timing is the key! If you're looking forward to a new OnePlus release, consider trading in your old phone before the announcement because older models tend to lose value following new releases. Watch for special trade-in promotions or limited-time bonuses from OnePlus or its retailers as well.

Some companies and major merchants offer limited-time bonuses for specific devices. OnePlus and its partner retailers frequently run trade-in deals with new product launches. These can provide extra credit for your older device.

Keep an eye out for these deals on OnePlus' official website and partner stores. Signing up for newsletters can also help you stay informed.

Before sending off your phone, don’t forget to back up your data and perform a factory reset. Use cloud storage or a physical backup to save photos, apps, and other essential files. Resetting your phone back to its original factory condition ensures no personal data remains and your device is ready for its new owner.

Not all trade-in programs offer the same value, even if it’s more convenient. If you’re comfortable with private sales, this alternative can often fetch higher returns. Platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace allow you to set your price. Just be prepared to put extra effort into listing and negotiating, as this option requires more effort and patience.

If you decide to trade in any phone under any condition, simple preparation mistakes can reduce your trade-in value or even disqualify your phone entirely. Avoid these mistakes to get the most out of your trade-in.

1. Not Cleaning Your Phone: Always clean your phone, as a dirty phone leaves a negative first impression. Failing to clean the device will make it look like it’s poorly maintained.

2. Failing to Back-up and Factory Reset: Forgetting to factory reset the phone and backing up your data can expose your personal information to potential misuse.

3. Misjudging the Condition of Your Phone: It’s important to be honest about the real condition of your phone. Overestimating your phone’s condition can lead to disappointment when the trade-in offer returns lower than expected—or your phone is rejected altogether.

4. Forgetting the Accessories: Forgetting to include the accessories, like the phone’s charging brick or cable, might lower your trade-in value. While this is not always required, including them can help you get a better deal.

Trading in doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing your device, timing your trade-in, and exploring multiple options, you can maximize your OnePlus phone trade-in value. The effort you put in now, no matter how small, could translate to significant savings on your next device.