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How does Mint’s phone trade-in program work?

How does the phone trade-in program work?

In partnership with Allstate, current and new Mint Mobile subscribers can trade in their phone with a purchase of a new phone (and a plan, if you’re a new subscriber).

1. During the purchase process, you’ll input phone details such as phone model and condition. Allstate will then provide an estimated value of your phone. If this value sounds good to you, you’ll go ahead and buy your new phone.

2. Once your order is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with directions on how to prepare your phone for Allstate as well as its shipping label. When you receive your new Mint Mobile phone in the mail, it’s time to either activate your new Mint Mobile plan or transfer your Mint service from your old phone to your new phone.

3. When your new phone is ready to go, it’s time to follow the instructions in your email to prepare your old phone. When you’ve shipped your phone and Allstate has evaluated it, you’ll receive an email with a virtual prepaid Mastercard for the phone’s value.

Who is eligible for the phone trade in program? 

New and existing customers Mint are eligible for the phone trade-in program. New customers will need to purchase a new Mint Mobile plan, alongside their phone trade in and purchase of a new phone. Existing customers must be trading in a phone and purchasing a new one.

How is phone value calculated? 

Allstate calculates the phone’s value based on a combination of how well it works, and how it looks. If a phone has excessive wear or damage, Allstate may still accept it, but with a reduced value. Before you begin the process, Allstate will have you answer a few questions so they can provide an estimate based on your answers.

What constitutes a “good” phone condition? 

A phone that is free from defects, visual and functional. Minor scuffs and scratches are okay.

What constitutes a “poor” phone condition? 

A phone that has a cracked screen or camera, or any functional defect such as broken charging or audio ports, or faulty software.

What types of devices can I trade in? 

You can only trade in mobile phones.

My phone is financed through a third party or wireless carrier. Can I still trade it in?

No. You can only trade in a wireless phone if it’s fully paid off.

If I’m a current Mint Mobile subscriber, can I trade in a phone that’s locked to Mint Mobile?

If the phone is fully paid off, you can still trade it in. 

How do I prepare my phone for trade-in? 

Back up your phone and transfer your service
First, back up your data on your current phone.

Then, once you’ve set up your new phone, which means either 1) successfully transferring your Mint service or 2) activating your new Mint Mobile plan, as well as transferring your information, follow the below steps to prepare your old phone.

Phone Preparation

  1. Disable your passcode
    • For iPhones, go to Settings, select Face ID & Passcode, tap Turn Passcode Off
    • For Android phones, go to Settings, Security, Screen Lock, then enter your current code, then None
  2. Disable finding features
    • For iPhones, go to Settings, tap your Name & Icon, then Find My. Enter your Apple ID. Tap Turn Off
    • For Samsung phones, go to Settings, Samsung Account, tap Find My Mobile, turn off Allow this Phone to be Found
    • For all other phones, Location Services will need to be disabled
      • Note: If location services aren’t disabled before shipping your phone, there may be delays or issues processing the trade in.
  3. Make sure all your personal data is erased
    • Remove your SIM card from the phone.
      • Note: If you’re a current Mint subscriber transferring your service to your new phone with a physical SIM card, make sure to keep this card in a safe place

Time to ship
Securely pack your old phone in a sturdy box with bubble wrap. No need to include any accessories, including covers, chargers, or adapters. Attach the shipping label included in your order confirmation email and then ship your package.

How long does the trade-in process take? 

It varies, but the sooner you ship your phone to Allstate, the sooner they can inspect its condition. Phone inspection usually takes a couple days. Busy periods, like during Black Friday or the holiday season, can take a few more days, so keep that in mind. Once Allstate has inspected your phone and determined its value, you’ll receive your virtual prepaid Mastercard via email a few days later.

How soon should I ship my old phone? 

Once you’ve activated or transferred service to your new phone, it’s time to prepare and ship your old phone to Allstate. You need to ship your old phone within 5 days of receiving your new phone, otherwise it could cause a delayed payment for your virtual prepaid Mastercard or even a cancelled trade-in transaction.

When can I expect the payment for my phone and how will it be delivered? 

Payment will be received within a few days of Allstate evaluating your phone. A virtual prepaid Mastercard will be emailed to you.

If I changed my mind, can I get my old phone back? 

Unfortunately, phone trade-ins are final.

If Allstate receives my phone, and determines it doesn’t meet conditions or is ineligible, what happens?

Allstate will send you an email explaining why the value offered has changed, along with pictures and/or video supporting their reasoning. This could happen if a phone in ‘good condition’ actually has a cracked screen, is locked, or if you sent them the wrong phone.

How do I track the shipment  of the trade-in phone I mailed in? 

You’ll get a link to track your phone’s shipment progress in your trade-in confirmation email, along with a shipping label.

How will I receive the payout of my trade-in? 

You’ll get an email from an Allstate payment provider with your virtual prepaid Mastercard.