It's very easy and would always recommend people do it this way versus doing it online. Take your Mac into the store and let them know you'd like to trade your current Mac in and use the trade in value to buy a new one. They'll take the serial number, inspect it and then give you a trade in value. If you're happy with it they'll then apply the discount off the cost of your new machine. All in all, the process is simple and it took less than 10 minutes when I last did it in store. Hope that helps! Answer from creative_techguru on reddit.com
Apple
apple.com › apple trade in
Apple Trade In - Apple
A Specialist will evaluate your device on the spot, so the trade-in credit you get in the store may differ from the estimated trade-in value you received online if the condition doesn’t match what you described. On your Apple Watch or iPad, go to Settings > General and tap About. On Mac devices, click the Apple () menu and go to About This Mac. If you’re still unable to locate it, there are a few other ways to find your serial number(Opens in a new window). You’ll need the serial number to see an accurate trade-in value for your iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.
Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 108061
Prepare your Mac laptop for trade in - Apple Support
When you trade in your Mac laptop with your purchase of a new Apple product, you'll receive a kit with everything that you need to send your trade-in product to Apple.
Videos
Can I get an estimate online, then trade in at an Apple Store?
Yes, the Apple Trade In program is available on apple.com as well as in all our retail stores.
A Specialist will evaluate your device on the spot, so the trade-in credit you get in the store may differ from the estimated trade-in value you received online if the condition doesn’t match what you described.
apple.com
apple.com › apple trade in
Apple Trade In - Apple
Can I trade in a device that’s part of the iPhone Upgrade Program?
If you’re currently a member of the iPhone Upgrade Program and wish to remain in the program, please do not proceed with Apple Trade In. After you upgrade and receive your new iPhone, we’ll arrange for you to trade in your old one.
If you’re currently enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program and continue with Apple Trade In, you will be exiting the program and will be responsible for both your outstanding iPhone Upgrade Program loan and the price of any new iPhone you purchase through Apple Trade In.
Before proceeding with Apple Trade In, you can check your upgrade eligibility(Opens in a new win
apple.com
apple.com › apple trade in
Apple Trade In - Apple
What devices are eligible for trade-in?
You can trade in many Apple and third-party devices, including Samsung and Google smartphones, for a trade-in credit or an Apple Gift Card. If your device isn’t eligible for any trade-in value, you can still recycle it with Apple for free.
apple.com
apple.com › apple trade in
Apple Trade In - Apple
Reddit
reddit.com › r/mac › has anyone traded in their macbook at an apple store? what was the process like?
r/mac on Reddit: Has anyone traded in their MacBook at an Apple Store? What was the process like?
January 4, 2025 -
Hi everyone, I’m planning to trade in my 2020 MacBook pro directly at an Apple Store when buying a new one. Has anyone done this before? Do they inspect the device on the spot, or is there a waiting period? Were there any unexpected issues or delays during the process? Also, was the trade-in value accurate compared to what Apple estimated online? Thank you very much 🫶🏻🫶🏻
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It's very easy and would always recommend people do it this way versus doing it online. Take your Mac into the store and let them know you'd like to trade your current Mac in and use the trade in value to buy a new one. They'll take the serial number, inspect it and then give you a trade in value. If you're happy with it they'll then apply the discount off the cost of your new machine. All in all, the process is simple and it took less than 10 minutes when I last did it in store. Hope that helps!
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i tried. i had a perfectly functional m1 macbook air with minor cosmetic damage (dent/scrape in corner, scratch on underside) that i tried to sell to apple about a year ago. the guy at the apple store said “your air has a dent in it, we can only offer you $150”. i told him to shove it and ended up selling it on ebay for $700.
Gophermods
gophermods.com › how-does-apple-trade-in-work
How Does Apple Trade In Work? | Gophermods
May 6, 2024 - If you prefer to conduct your business from the comfort of your home, the online trade-in process is for you. You’ll answer a few questions about your device and its condition to receive an estimate. After that, you’ll mail your old device using Apple’s complimentary shipping label or trade-in kit.
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255297162
How can I trade in my MacBook to purchase… - Apple Community
You will pay full price for the MacBook Pro and once Apple processes your returned trade-in, your credit card will be refunded the trade-in amount. ... Otherwise whoever receives the computer will not be able to use it, and it will have to be sold for scrap. ... WE are all other users here ...
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
How To Trade In Your Mac With Apple Trade In Program - YouTube
Hey y'all! In today's video I'll be covering everything you need to know when trading in your Mac for another Mac. Be sure to share your experience in the co...
Published February 16, 2025
SimplyMac
simplymac.com › apple-stores › how-does-apple-trade-in-work
How Does The Apple Trade-In Program Work - SimplyMac
Apple’s Trade In program offers a simple way to exchange your current device for credit toward a new purchase or an Apple Gift Card. Apple Trade In works by evaluating your eligible device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or even Android devices), giving you an estimated value, and applying that amount as credit when you buy something new or sending you a gift card if you’re not making a purchase right away.
Published March 2, 2025
Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 102773
What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support
No matter the model or condition, we can turn your device into something good for you and good for the planet. Learn how to trade in or recycle your Mac with Apple Trade In.
SellYourMac
sellyourmac.com › mac-blog › how-apple-trade-in-works.html
How Apple Trade In Works: Comprehensive Guide - SellYourMac.com
Are you tired of your old Apple products cluttering your space? Maybe it's time to trade them in for something better. Apple Trade-In is a program that allows you to send your old Apple devices to Apple for them to dispose of, or to receive credit towards a new Apple product.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/macbook › how does apple trade-in work?
r/macbook on Reddit: How does Apple trade-in work?
October 6, 2021 -
So say for example I'm looking to trade in my 2018 15' MBP for a new 16 M1 max MBP. How does it work when shipping for the new MacBooks is 2 months out? Would apple send the trade-in kit for my current mac despite not having received the new one yet? Or would I get the trade-in kit when the new mac arrives? Would I have to be without a computer for 2 months?
If I decide to trade-in in-store, can I order the new mac and complete the in-store trade-in once the new mac arrives in 2 months? Or does the trade-in need to be completed within 14 days of purchasing the new mac, not receiving it in the mail?
Macworld
macworld.com › home › apple › how-to
How Apple trade in works and saves you money | Macworld
May 31, 2023 - You can get money for trading in an old Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Apple Watch. Trade in an old MacBook Pro and you could save as much as $730/£615, an old iPad Pro could save you up to $445/£490, and an Apple Watch Series 7 could get you $165/£145 credit.
YouTube
youtube.com › foxnomad
Apple's Trade In For Macs: How It Works & What They Pay! - YouTube
Putting some numbers on how much you can get for your old Mac.Subscribe! 🔴 http://bit.ly/2CtNsMbHow Apple's iPhone Trade In Works https://youtu.be/bcm1Ryjvb...
Published December 5, 2020 Views 46K
The Mac Observer
macobserver.com › home › how to use apple’s trade-in program | step-by-step guide
How to Use Apple’s Trade-In Program | Step-by-step Guide
September 29, 2025 - Apple’s Trade-In program makes it easy to exchange your old device for credit or recycling. Apple will evaluate its condition and give you an instant estimate, and if your device has no value, they’ll recycle it for free.
GizmoGrind
gizmogrind.com › blog › understanding-macbook-trade-in
10 Powerful Tips to Maximize Your MacBook Trade In Value - GizmoGrind
August 5, 2025 - You’ll need to note the model and year, its working status, screen quality, battery health, and any physical damage like dents or scratches. This information helps determine an accurate estimate of your device’s trade-in value. Next, visit Apple’s trade-in website or a third-party platform and enter your MacBook’s specifications and condition. The tool will generate an estimated trade in value. As of February 2025, Apple is offering up to $925 for recent MacBook Pro models, $435 for MacBook Air, and around $100-140 for standard older MacBooks.
The Verge
theverge.com › how to › tech › apple
How to trade in your MacBook, macOS desktop, iPhone, or iPad | The Verge
June 29, 2023 - Apple Trade In will give you Apple Store credit in exchange for your computer, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. (It will even do a trade-in for an Android phone.) On Apple’s site, you can find out how much you can get for your device — click ...
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255730801
how does the trade in /store credit works? - Apple Community
If your device is has no trade in value, Apple will recycle it for free. You can find out the trade in value of your MacBook here: Apple Trade In - Apple and apply it towards a new MacBook.
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 254890777
Can I trade in a macbook air m1 ( it's ke… - Apple Community
"Estimated trade-in value" is "Up to $450" for trading in a MacBook Air. A footnote says "Trade-in values will vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of your eligible trade-in device. Not all devices are eligible for credit." The page won't give you a more specific estimate unless you enter the serial number of your device, then answer questions about it. I did that once for an old Mac that was in good working condition and the site told me that Apple wouldn't give me any trade-in credit for it, but that I could send it to them and they would recycle it for free …
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255054438
Where do I take my trade-in for shipping … - Apple Community
I bought a new MacBook Air. I’m trading in my previous one. ... If you setup a Trade In, you should receive shipping box and address label a couple of days after getting your Mac, to send the old one in.
9to5Mac
9to5mac.com › trade-in-macbook-air-pro
How to Trade in Your MacBook — The Ultimate Guide - 9to5Mac
March 7, 2023 - It might not be the easiest or most secure of destinations to sell your MacBook Pro, but it does have the largest pool of potential buyers. And unlike Swappa, you can hold auctions to potentially juice that MacBook, Air, or Pro for every dime it’s worth. It goes without saying that eBay is a pretty good place to get a fair price for your device, but it also comes with a few downsides. It’s going to take way more work to list, watch, and monitor an eBay listing than it will to just send in your device through a trade-in site, and you’re also putting yourself at slightly higher risk of ending up with an undesirable buyer.