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IMEI Check for Phone Trade-In: Get Maximum Value and Avoid Rejection

5 min readUpdated 6/1/2025

How to Use an IMEI Check to Maximise Phone Trade-In Value

Phone trade-in programs from Apple, Samsung, carriers, and third-party sites like Decluttr, Gazelle, and Back Market pay significantly more for devices that pass IMEI verification. Knowing your phone's IMEI status before submitting a trade-in prevents surprises, rejected devices, and value deductions.

What Trade-In Programs Check by IMEI

Every legitimate trade-in program runs IMEI checks — whether or not they disclose this upfront. They check:

  • Blacklist status: Blacklisted phones are rejected outright or valued at near zero
  • iCloud Activation Lock (iPhones): iCloud-locked phones cannot be resold — immediate rejection
  • Carrier lock: Locked phones receive lower valuations (typically 20–40% less than unlocked)
  • Device model verification: TAC check confirms the device is what you claim — wrong model = rejection or valuation adjustment

Run Your IMEI Check Before Submitting a Trade-In

  1. Find your IMEI (dial *#06# or Settings → About)
  2. Run a free check at imeicheckpro.com — confirms exact model so your trade-in quote is for the right device
  3. Run a premium check — blacklist, carrier lock, and iCloud status so you know what the trade-in program will find
  4. If issues are found, address them before submitting (e.g., request carrier unlock, clear iCloud account) to maximize valuation

The Carrier Lock Trade-In Penalty

A carrier-locked phone is worth 20–40% less than an unlocked equivalent in most trade-in programs. Before submitting, check if your carrier will unlock the device (most will if eligibility criteria are met). The trade-in value increase usually far exceeds the cost or effort of requesting the unlock.

Example: iPhone 13 Pro trade-in value at Apple:

  • Unlocked: up to $370
  • Carrier-locked: approximately $220–280 (varies)

Requesting a carrier unlock takes 2–3 business days and is free with most US carriers once eligibility criteria are met.

iCloud Sign-Out Before Trade-In

For iPhones, always sign out of iCloud before trade-in — not just for trade-in programs, but because any subsequent owner who tries to factory reset the phone will hit iCloud Activation Lock. Trade-in programs will reject or severely discount iCloud-locked devices.

To sign out: Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out → enter Apple ID password → confirm sign out. The phone should then show "Activation Lock: Off" in Settings.

Best Trade-In Programs by Device Type

  • iPhones: Apple Trade In typically offers competitive values. Carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) offer promotional trade-in credits with new contract sign-up that can exceed market value.
  • Samsung: Samsung's own trade-in program offers the highest values for Samsung devices, especially within Samsung's upgrade ecosystem.
  • Any device: Compare Gazelle, Decluttr, Back Market, and Swappa — prices vary significantly. An IMEI check helps you accurately represent the device across all platforms.