Does Walmart Buy Phones In 2022? (Models, Prices + More!)
Trading in your old phone for a shiny new model is enticing, but the process can be daunting if you aren’t familiar with it. Thankfully, major retailers like Walmart make trading in your device easy and affordable. But how exactly does Walmart’s phone trade-in program work? As an ecommerce expert, let me walk you through everything you need to know about trading in your phone with Walmart in 2022.
How Much Does Walmart Pay for Phones?
The amount that Walmart will pay for your used phone depends on several factors:
Age of the phone – Newer model phones in good condition will fetch the highest trade-in values. Older phones or models with shorter release cycles (like iPhones) will be worth less.
Brand and model – More premium brands and flagship models like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones tend to have higher trade-in values than budget brands and models.
Storage capacity – Phones with more internal storage space command higher trade-in values.
Condition – Phones in pristine or lightly used condition get more money than well-worn devices. Defective devices may be rejected for trade-in.
Accessories – Having all the original accessories like chargers and earbuds will increase the trade-in value.
To check how much your device is worth, you can use Walmart‘s phone trade-in portal. Simply select your phone‘s brand, model, storage capacity, and condition. You‘ll then see an estimated trade-in value for your device.
For example, here are some sample trade-in values at Walmart currently:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB, Good condition) – $504
- Samsung Galaxy S20 (128GB, Good condition) – $365
- Google Pixel 5 (128GB, Good condition) – $240
The maximum trade-in credit you can get from Walmart is $500. You‘ll get the full trade-in value as a Walmart eGift Card to spend online or in-stores.
How Do I Trade-In My Phone to Walmart?
You have two options for trading in your phone to Walmart: in-store or online.
In-Store Trade-In
To trade in at a Walmart store, simply bring your used phone and any accessories to the Customer Service desk. Let the associate know you want to trade in your phone. They will inspect the device and look up its trade-in value.
If you agree to the quoted trade-in amount, they will handle the rest! Your eGift Card will be emailed to you within 3 days.
Online Trade-In
Walmart also lets you trade-in your phone entirely online:
Go to the Walmart phone trade-in portal and enter your phone‘s details.
If you accept the estimated quote, you‘ll receive a prepaid shipping label to mail your phone to Walmart‘s trade-in partner.
Ship your phone using the label. Make sure to factory reset it and remove any locks, accounts, and personal data before shipping.
Once received, your phone will be inspected to confirm its condition. If it matches what you specified, you‘ll be emailed an eGift Card for the quoted value within 3 days.
Trading in online is convenient since you don‘t have to visit a store. However, the in-store option lets you get an instant trade-in credit.
What Kind of Phones Does Walmart Accept for Trade-in?
Walmart accepts trade-ins on a wide variety of new and used cell phone models, including:
Apple
- iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 mini, and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 mini, and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
- iPhone X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus
- iPhone SE (all models)
- iPhone 5 and newer
Samsung
- Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra, S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra
- Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10e, S9, S9 Plus, S8, S8 Plus
- Galaxy Note 20, Note 10, Note 9
- Galaxy Fold, Flip, Fold 2, Z Flip, Fold 3
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 5, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G
- Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL
- Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL
LG
- V50, V40, V35, V30, V20
- G7, G6
- Stylo series
Motorola
- razr 5G, razr
- edge+, edge
- moto z series
- droid turbo 2
OnePlus
- OnePlus 10 Pro
- OnePlus 9, 9 Pro
- OnePlus 8, 8 Pro
- OnePlus 7 Pro, 7T, 7T Pro
- OnePlus 6, 6T
And many more brands! Basically any functioning smartphone can be traded in, even older flip and slider phones.
The phone just needs to power on and not be blacklisted, broken, or severely damaged. Cracked screens are OK as long as the phone is usable.
What Else Can I Do with My Old Phone?
Aside from trading it in at Walmart, here are some other options for handling an old phone:
Sell it independently – You can potentially get more money for your phone selling it yourself on sites like Swappa, eBay, or Craigslist. Just know you‘ll have to handle meeting buyers, shipping, etc.
Donate it – Donate your old phone to charities like Cellphones for Soldiers or the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Some will even let you ship it to them for free.
Keep it as a backup – Hang onto that old phone as a spare device in case you lose or break your new phone.
Pass it on – Give your phone to a family member or friend who could still get use out of it.
Trade it into other retailers – Walmart isn‘t the only option. You can also trade in phones at Apple, Samsung, carriers like Verizon or AT&T, or sites like Decluttr. Compare values to get the best return.
Recycle it – Can‘t trade it in or sell it? At least recycle your phone responsibly to keep toxic e-waste out of landfills. Walmart offers phone recycling in stores.
Can You Trade-In Phones Without Upgrading?
Yes! The Walmart trade-in program allows you to simply trade in your phone for store credit without having to purchase a new device. The eGift Card you receive can be used for any products carried at Walmart online or in-stores.
Trading in without upgrading makes sense if you want to declutter and your phone still has decent value. Just don‘t expect to get top dollar compared to selling privately.
How Does the Walmart Phone Trade-In Process Work?
Trading in your phone with Walmart is designed to be quick and convenient:
Get a value quote – Use the online checker or ask an in-store associate to value your phone. Provide details like make, model, and condition.
Agree to trade it in – If you accept the quoted trade-in amount, you can trade in online or in-store.
Send it in – For online trade-ins, use the provided prepaid label to ship your phone. In-store, just hand it over.
Get paid – Once Walmart receives and inspects the device, you‘ll get an eGift Card matching the quote value by email.
Enjoy your credit! – Spend your trade-in credit at Walmart online or in-store. No need to upgrade your phone if you don‘t want to.
It‘s a simple and risk-free process. If Walmart deems your phone unsuitable upon inspection, you‘ll get it back rather than a gift card.
What Phones Does Walmart‘s Kiosk Buy?
Inside many Walmart stores, you’ll find ecoATM kiosks that also buy back used phones. However, unlike Walmart’s trade-in program, these kiosks have some restrictions:
Only phones – The ecoATMs only buy back phones and smartphones. You can’t trade in tablets, smartwatches, laptops, etc.
Strict condition requirements – Phones must be in good working order with minimal cosmetic damage to be accepted.
Limited brands – While Walmart takes any phone, the kiosks only buy popular brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, Motorola, and Google.
Instant payout – Rather than a gift card, ecoATMs pay out immediately in cash, gift card, or via electronic transfer.
Check your nearby Walmart to see if they have an ecoATM. The kiosk will quickly scan and value your phone. Accept the offer and get your cash right on the spot!
Does Walmart Buy Broken Phones or Crack Screens?
Yes, Walmart‘s trade-in program does accept phones with cracked screens or other damage, but with a couple caveats:
The phone still needs to power on and function normally despite any screen cracks or damage.
Extensive damage like a shattered screen will significantly reduce the trade-in value you‘ll be offered. Light cracks or scratches won‘t impact value as much.
Phones that don‘t turn on at all or have major damage like water damage are not eligible for trade-in.
Walmart‘s ecoATM kiosks are more selective and will not accept phones with cracked, shattered, or malfunctioning screens.
In summary, minor cosmetic or screen damage is OK for Walmart trade-in, but the phone does need to still power on and be usable to qualify. Severely broken phones won‘t be accepted. Consider repairing it first to get maximum value.
Does Walmart Sell Used Phones or Refurbished Phones?
Walmart primarily sells brand new phones, but you can sometimes find refurbished phones being sold on their marketplace from third-party sellers. However, Walmart itself does not directly refurbish and resell used phones.
You‘re better off looking at dedicated refurbished electronics dealers like Back Market, Amazon Renewed, or Gazelle if you want to buy a used, refurbished phone rather than new. Used phones sold on Walmart‘s marketplace do not come with any warranty.
Walmart also does not resell the used phones it acquires through trade-ins. Those devices are sent to recyclers and refurbishers.
Can You Haggle or Negotiate the Trade-In Value?
Unfortunately, no – you cannot negotiate or haggle the phone trade-in value offered by Walmart. The amount quoted online or by an in-store associate is final.
Trade-in values are based on an objective inspection of the phone‘s model, age, and condition by Walmart representatives. There is no wiggle room to ask for a higher value.
If you feel the trade-in offer is too low for your phone, you have the option to simply reject it and sell the device independently instead to try and get more money. But Walmart‘s trade-in quotes are take-it-or-leave-it.
How Does Walmart Prevent Fraud on Trade-Ins?
Walmart has several fraud prevention measures to ensure truthful trade-ins:
Detailed questions about your phone‘s specs when getting a quote online or in-store.
In-store inspection of the actual device prior to trade-in.
Reference checks on the IMEI/serial number to spot lost/stolen devices.
Verification of your physical phone once it is received for mail-in trade-ins.
Blacklisting phones that are found to be misrepresented during trade-in.
Prosecution in cases of overt fraud attempts on high-value phone trade-ins.
As long as you provide accurate details and are honest, you shouldn‘t have any issues trading in your phone smoothly. Walmart predominantly relies on inspecting the actual device rather than just trusting claims.
Can You Trade-In a Leased Phone or Phone Under Contract?
Trading in a leased smartphone or one that you are still making payments on is problematic. Here‘s why Walmart prohibits trade-ins in these cases:
The phone is technically still owned by the carrier or leasing company, not you.
Early termination fees will apply if you break your lease agreement.
Walmart can‘t legally buy back and resell a phone that is not fully owned.
You may not get the full trade-in value yourself after paying penalties.
It risks accusations of fraud if Walmart accepts a phone not owned by the trader.
The only way is to first complete all remaining payments and contact your carrier to have the device unlocked and ownership formally transferred to you. This release from the contract will ensure you can legally trade it in and get full value.
Conclusion
Walmart makes trading in your used smartphone easy through its straightforward mail-in or in-store program. You can conveniently trade up to a new phone or pocket some cash.
Valuation depends on the device age, brand, storage, condition, and accessories. Although you can’t negotiate the quotes, they are competitive and the process is secure. With Walmart accepting so many brands and models, their phone trade-in program provides an excellent value option vs selling privately.
So don’t let that old phone collect dust in a drawer. Turn it into Walmart for some bonus store credit towards your next awesome device upgrade!
