How to Recycle an iPad: Apple Trade-In, Selling, & More (2024)

Co-authored byKathryn Kelloggand Rain Kengly

Last Updated: May 24, 2024Fact Checked

Safely Disposing Old iPads

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1. 1

   Visit Apple's Trade In website. If you want to get rid of your iPad, you may be able to get trade-in credit in return. If your device isn't eligible for credits, Apple will still recycle it for free.

   • If you don't want to send your device in via online trade-in, you can visit an official Apple Store.
   • To check if Trade In is supported in your Country or Region, visit https://www.apple.com/recycling/nationalservices/.
2. 2

   Click Find your trade-in value. This is the blue button in the top-right corner.

   • Before beginning any trade-in process, make sure your iPad is completely backed up and wiped clean.

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3. 3

   Select your device. Use the prompts on the pop-up window to select Tablet, then select Apple.

4. 4

   Enter your device's serial number and click Verify. This can be found engraved on the back of your device. Apple requests your serial number to prevent fraud.

   • If your device still has power, you can go to Settings > General > About to find your serial number.
5. 5

   Specify the condition of your iPad. Once you identify your device, you will be asked to provide information about what state it is in.

   • Note that it is unlikely that you will receive an Apple gift card if your iPad is damaged.
   • You should see an estimated trade-in value.
6. 6

   Select a credit method. You can apply your credits instantly towards a new purchase, or you can apply the credits on an Apple Gift Card.

7. 7

   Enter your contact information to receive a box and prepaid shipping label. Once you have completed the registration process, you will be prompted to write your personal information. Apple will then mail you a box and prepaid shipping label for your iPad.

8. 8

   Pack your iPad and mail it to Apple. Place your iPad in the box provided and seal the box securely. Attach the prepaid mailing label to the box as indicated. Bring the box to your local post office for delivery.

   • Be sure to get a receipt for the package, including a tracking number for reference.

   See Also

   How Long Does an iPad Battery Last Per Charge? | PowerGisticsHow to Replace an iPad BatteryIs it worth repairing your tablet? Repair vs. replacement costs | AsurionDoes iPad battery wear out? |
9. 9

   Wait for Apple to verify your trade-in. It will take at least a few weeks for Apple to receive your iPad, process it, and send out your trade-in credits. Expect to receive it in the mail at least 2-3 weeks after you ship your iPad. You can use the gift card at any Apple retail store or their online store.

   • You'll receive a confirmation email that your gift card is on the way once your iPad has been inspected and approved for the trade.
10. 10

    Bring your iPad into an Apple Store for an instant exchange. An Apple employee will inspect the device and calculate its value based on the model and condition. To avoid long wait times, make an appointment at an Apple store ahead of time.^[1]

    • Search for an Apple store near you at https://www.apple.com/retail/.

    EXPERT TIP

    

    Kathryn Kellogg

    Sustainability Specialist

    Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of goingzerowaste.com, a lifestyle website dedicated to breaking eco-friendly living down into a simple step-by-step process with lots of positivity and love. Kathryn is the author of two books focusing on sustainability, 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste and 101 Tips for a Zero Waste Kitchen. She is the spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic, has been featured by the Guardian, CNN, Refinery29, and Bustle, and has a following on instagram of over 700k.

    

    Kathryn Kellogg
    Sustainability Specialist

    If your iPad is destroyed, look for an e-waste recycling facility. Kathryn Kellogg, author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, says: "Go to the E-Steward website and look at their list of e-waste recyclers to find the facility that's nearest you. They can handle disposing of the hazardous materials found in tablets and other devices."

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1. 1

   Sell your iPad to an online electronics reseller. Many websites buy used electronics and resell them for a profit. Compare different sites by filling out details about your iPad on each site and generating offers. Once you accept an offer, pack and ship your device as directed to receive your payment.

   • Note that your offers will be higher if your device is in good condition and if you have the original box and charger.
   • Read online reviews of these sites to ensure that they are reliable.
   • For instance, you can buy and sell pre-owned electronic devices at popular sites like https://www.gazelle.com/.
2. 2

   Sell your iPad on an online classifieds website. Sites like Craigslist allow you to sell items directly and locally. Create an ad on one of these sites that includes a description of your iPad, a photo, and your asking price. Specify your area and add a contact phone number, if desired.

   • Look up asking prices for other used iPads to gauge how much you should sell your device for.
   • Avoid listing personal information, such as your phone number or address, when posting publicly on a site like Craigslist.
   • You can also list your iPad on an online auction site like eBay or on Facebook Marketplace.
3. 3

   Donate your iPad to a charity or educational program. Call charities in your area to see if they would accept your iPad as a donation. Certain charities collect technology donations to give to individuals or families in need. A local school or after-school program may also benefit from an iPad.

   • Some state-based non-profit organizations will accept iPad donations for schools.

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1. 1

   Make sure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and a power source. To check if your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi, open the Settings and tap Wi-Fi. If your iPad is connected to a network, you will see a blue checkmark next to the name.^[2]

   • If you are not connected to your preferred network, re-enter the password and try to connect again.
   • If you have difficulty connecting to a viable Wi-Fi network, try restarting your iPad and try again.
2. 2

   Backup your iPad. Once you have Wi-Fi access, you can easily back up your iPad to iCloud.^[3]

   • Go Settings.
   • Tap your Apple ID.
   • Tap iCloud.
   • Tap iCloud Backup.
   • Tap Back Up Now.
   • Alternatively, you can backup your iPad using iTunes on a computer.
3. See Also

   Why Apple Devices Are More Economical Throughout Their Entire Lifespan.

   3

   Reset your iPad. This will erase all the content and settings. Be sure you've completely backed up your iPad first. Then, do the following:

   • Go to Settings.
   • Tap General.
   • Tap Transfer or Reset iPad.
   • Tap Reset.
   • Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
   • Your iPad should return to its original factory settings once the process is complete.

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1. ↑ https://www.apple.com/ca/trade-in/
2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204051
3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108366

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