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Keep an old iPhone or iPad if it still serves a useful purpose. If it works but you no longer need it, compare current sale and trade-in offers; if neither is worthwhile, recycle it through a legitimate local collection route. There is no reliable universal age or price cutoff for making this decision.
Choose based on usefulness, value, and effort
| Option | Best fit | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Reuse | The device still does a job you need. | Judge it by whether it meets your needs, not by a fixed age or support-life threshold. The reviewed official sources do not establish a universal cutoff. |
| Sell or trade in | The device works and a current offer is worth the preparation and handoff. | Check offers available in your market and compare them with the time and effort involved. Apple says its trade-in value depends on model and condition, and inspection can change an offer if the device differs from the reported condition. |
| Recycle | You no longer want the device, or available offers are not worthwhile. | Look for a manufacturer, wireless provider, or local electronics collection route. Availability varies by region. |
Apple’s U.S. Trade In program says devices that are not eligible for credit can still be recycled for free. Apple also says returned devices are assessed for reuse or recycling. Check local terms and collection options before handing over a device.
Prepare an iPhone or iPad for a new owner
Back up and transfer what you want before erasing the old device. Apple says Quick Start is available for devices using iOS 11 or later; older iOS devices can use iCloud, iTunes, or Finder transfer methods. Confirm that the information you need is accessible on the replacement before proceeding.
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If you are changing phone numbers, add another trusted number to your Apple Account before the old number stops working. Update other services that use that number, and check whether authenticator apps need to be reactivated on the replacement.
#1 Best Overall
- ⚡ INSTANT EMERGENCY POWER — Pre-charged and ready to use right out of the box. No cables, no outlets, no waiting. Just plug in and power up when your phone hits 1%.
- 📱 UP TO 50% CHARGE — Enough juice to make calls, send texts, grab an Uber, or navigate your way home. Designed to save you when it matters most.
- ✈️ TSA-COMPLIANT & TRAVEL READY — At 2200mAh, it’s below FAA and TSA carry-on limits. Toss it in your carry-on and forget about it until you need it. For air travel, keep it in your carry-on and not in checked luggage, and always store the charger with the power switch in the OFF position when not in use.
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2. Finish any repair and unpair accessories
Check Parts and Service History for a “Finish Repair” message; Apple says an unfinished repair must be completed before trade-in. If an Apple Watch is paired with the iPhone, unpair it. If you have AppleCare, consider whether to cancel or transfer it.
3. Sign out, then erase the device
Sign out of iCloud and the App Store, then use Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the on-screen prompts, including the option to erase the eSIM profile if it appears and applies to your device.
Rank #2
- SINGLE USE: Simply plug Boostrcharge in, power up, and dispose responsibly when you're done.
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Use the built-in erase process rather than manually deleting synced photos, contacts, or other content. Manual deletion can also remove synced data from iCloud and other connected devices. Apple Support says that tapping “Erase All Content and Settings” completely erases the device; erasing it does not delete content stored in iCloud.
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4. Remove account links and SIM cards
After erasing, remove the old device from your trusted-device list. If you are switching to a non-Apple phone, deregister iMessage. For an iPhone with a removable SIM, take it out; the Federal Trade Commission says a SIM may contain personal information and recommends destroying it if you will not reuse it. The FTC also recommends removing any SD card.
Rank #3
- 【NEW TECHNOLOGY】 Are you still using dirty headphones? Are you still using those bulky cleaning tools? Our cleaner kit is a pen to clean the entire set of Bluetooth earplugs, from the small hole of the earplug to the charging compartment, 360-degree cleaning without dead ends, making your earplugs more durable.
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If the device is already gone, lost, or stolen
Already given away or sold
Contact the recipient and ask them to erase the device. If you did not erase it before the handoff, remove it from your trusted devices as well.
Lost or stolen
Use Find Devices on iCloud.com to erase it, then remove it from trusted devices and change your Apple Account password. Apple warns that changing the password does not itself remove data stored on the device.
Rank #4
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- Versatile & Handy: This 24-in-1 screwdriver is a breeze to use for quickly assembling and disassembling all sorts of tiny screws. Ideal for electronics like watches, phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, radios, computers, and game consoles, and it's also a great fit for various gizmos and DIY projects like eyeglasses, toys, alarm clocks, jewelry
- Aesthetics & Durability: The mini screwdriver set boasts a sleek and sleekly polished metal exterior, crafted from high-grade aluminum alloy materials. Plus, its bits are made of tough S2 alloy steel that achieves a whopping 60HRC hardness
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- Anti-Slip Ergonomic Grip: Our small screwdriver set features a polyhedral surface that feels great in your fingers, it makes one-handed operation effortless and comfortable. Plus, the screwdriver cover is equipped with whisper-quiet bearings, ensuring smooth turns and effortless tightening
What to check before an Apple trade-in or mail-in recycle
Apple’s U.S. Trade In page describes online and Apple Store options, with credit toward a purchase or an Apple Gift Card. It says the device should arrive within 14 days after you receive the new device, and that the online process generally takes two to three weeks. These are details stated on the U.S. program page, not guaranteed terms for other regions or future offers; verify current local terms before sending a device.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For mail-in recycling, follow the recipient’s current battery, packaging, and shipping instructions. Apple’s U.S. page says not to mail a device with a swollen, damaged, or defective battery, and not to send loose batteries or disassembled devices. These instructions are not a substitute for local shipping rules.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- What is it? - Use this high quality aluminum mold to recycle/overhaul a broken, cracked screen.
- COMPATIBILITY Compatible with iPhone 11 Pro only.
- HOW TO USE Put your working and cleaned LCD display into this mold, then add your new outer glass, cover the top part of the mold and screw it tight to apply even pressure to create a refurbished screen easily and correctly.
- PRECISION - Don't waste time and parts, this shape gives you the exact precise alignment for the exact size of your screen.
- QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP - Made by HDZUY, one of the leading manufacturers of molds.
Official instructions and program terms
- Apple Support: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad (published May 29, 2026)
- Apple Trade In (U.S. program information)
- Federal Trade Commission: How To Remove Your Personal Information Before You Get Rid of Your Phone (July 2022)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
