What to Do with Old Ipads and Iphones
If you are wondering what to do with old ipads and iphones, the best first step is to back up your data, sign out of your Apple ID, turn off Find My, and erase the device. After that, choose the best path based on condition: sell it if it still has value, trade it in if you want convenience, donate it if it works well, repurpose it at home, or recycle it if it is too old, broken, or unsafe to keep using.
Start with the best option for your device
The right choice depends on whether the iPad or iPhone still works, how old it is, and whether it is worth reselling. A newer device in good condition can often be sold or traded in. A functional but lower-value device may be better for donation or home use. If the device is damaged, dead, or has battery problems, recycling is usually the safest route.
Quick decision guide
| Device condition | Best option | Why it makes sense |
|---|---|---|
| Works well and has decent resale value | Sell or trade in | Gives you the most value back |
| Works, but is older or lower value | Donate or repurpose | Still useful, even if resale value is limited |
| Does not work, is badly damaged, or has battery issues | Recycle | Safer and more responsible than storing it indefinitely |
| You want the easiest transfer with less effort | Trade in | Simpler than selling privately |
Back up and erase the device before you hand it off
Before you sell, donate, trade in, or give away an old iPad or iPhone, protect your data first. This helps prevent photos, messages, passwords, and account access from ending up in the wrong hands.
1. Back up your data
Save your photos, contacts, notes, and app data before erasing the device. You can usually back up to iCloud or a computer, depending on what you use. If you are moving to a new Apple device, make sure the backup is current before you reset the old one.
2. Sign out of your Apple ID
Signing out is important because it helps disconnect the device from your personal account. It also reduces transfer problems for the next owner.
3. Turn off Find My
For iPhones and iPads, Find My should be turned off before you pass the device on. This helps remove Activation Lock, which can prevent someone else from setting up the device later.
4. Erase all content and settings
Use the device reset option to delete your personal information. This should remove apps, accounts, messages, photos, and stored settings. If the device is no longer responsive, you may need to erase it remotely through your Apple account if possible.
5. Remove accessories and personal items
Take out the SIM card if the device uses one, remove any memory card if applicable, and check cases, wallets, stickers, or screen protectors for personal details. If you are donating or selling, include only accessories that are clean and useful.
Trade in your old iPad or iPhone
Trade-in is a good choice when you want a simple process and do not want to deal with listing the device yourself. Apple and many carriers offer trade-in programs, and the value usually depends on the model, condition, and whether the device powers on.
When trade-in makes sense
- You want the easiest option with minimal effort.
- Your device is still in working condition.
- You would rather get store credit or bill credit than handle a private sale.
- You are replacing the device soon and want to apply value toward the upgrade.
Trade-in considerations
- Condition matters, especially screen damage, battery performance, and cosmetic wear.
- Some programs require the device to be fully functional.
- You may need to erase the device before mailing or dropping it off.
- Always keep proof of shipment or trade-in confirmation if you send it in.
Sell or donate a working device
If the device still works, selling or donating it can keep it useful longer. The best choice depends on whether you want cash, convenience, or to help someone else use it.
Sell it if you want the highest return
Private sale often brings more money than trade-in, especially for newer iPhones and iPads in good condition. It takes more effort, though, because you need to take photos, write a listing, answer questions, and meet the buyer or ship the device safely.
Donate it if it is still usable
Donation works well for devices that are functional but no longer valuable enough to sell. Schools, community groups, family members, and certain charities may be able to use an older device for basic tasks, learning, or accessibility needs.
What to check before donating
- The battery still holds a charge long enough for practical use.
- The screen is readable and responsive.
- The device can connect to Wi-Fi and update enough to remain useful.
- The recipient actually has a use for it.
Sell versus donate versus trade in
| Option | Main benefit | Main drawback | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sell | Usually the most money | More effort and more risk from buyers | Higher-value working devices |
| Donate | Helps someone else and extends the device life | No financial return | Functional devices with modest value |
| Trade in | Simple and convenient | Often less value than private sale | People who want the easiest process |
Repurpose it at home
A surprisingly useful answer to what to do with old ipads and iphones is to keep them in the house for one focused job. Even older Apple devices can still be handy if they connect to Wi-Fi and hold a charge.
Practical repurposing ideas for an old iPad or iPhone
- Kitchen display: Use it for recipes, timers, grocery lists, or music.
- Media player: Keep it loaded with streaming apps for a bedroom, office, or workout space.
- Digital photo frame: Display a rotating album of family photos.
- Smart home controller: Use it to manage lights, speakers, thermostats, or cameras.
- Alarm clock or bedside device: Set it up for weather, alarms, and reading.
- Camera monitor or spare screen: In some setups, an older device can help monitor a room or display a feed.
Tips for repurposing
- Remove unnecessary apps to reduce clutter.
- Connect it to Wi-Fi and keep it on a charger if needed.
- Use a case or stand to make it easier to keep in one place.
- If the battery is weak, keep it plugged in in a safe, ventilated spot.
Recycle devices that are too old or damaged
If the iPad or iPhone no longer works well enough to reuse, recycle it through a responsible electronics recycling program. This is the right choice for devices that are obsolete, severely damaged, missing key parts, or no longer safe to keep around.
When recycling is the best option
- The device will not power on.
- The battery is swollen or physically damaged.
- The screen is shattered and the repair cost is not worth it.
- The device is too old to be useful to anyone else.
- You do not want to store a dead device in a drawer indefinitely.
Battery safety matters
If the battery looks swollen, the device heats up unusually, or the case appears warped, stop using it. Do not charge it, puncture it, or keep pressing on the screen. Handle it carefully and take it to a qualified recycling or repair service that accepts damaged electronics.
What to remove before recycling
- SIM card
- Memory card, if one is used
- Case, stickers, wallet attachments, or other personal accessories
- Any cables or chargers you want to keep for future use
What to do if the device will not turn on
A dead iPhone or iPad does not automatically mean it should be thrown away. First, rule out a charging issue, then decide whether it can still be erased or whether it needs to go straight to recycling.
Try these basic checks
- Use a known working cable and power adapter.
- Let the device charge for a while before trying again.
- Inspect the port for lint or debris.
- Check for signs of swelling, liquid damage, or overheating.
- If possible, see whether the device appears in your Apple account so you can remove it from Find My.
If it still will not power on
If the device is still linked to your Apple account and you cannot erase it directly, remove it from your account if you can do so safely. If that is not possible, do not let the device sit with personal data exposed. Recycle it through a trusted electronics recycler or ask a repair professional whether data removal or component recovery is realistic.
What to include or exclude when you hand it off
Accessories can make a sale or donation easier, but you do not need to send everything. The right bundle depends on the condition of the device and what the next person will actually use.
Good items to include
- Working charger or cable
- Clean case if it still fits well
- Original box, if you still have it
- Any adapters that are specifically useful for the device
Items to remove first
- Your SIM card
- Saved payment cards or wallet items
- Personal notes, labels, or engraved tags
- Anything damaged, dirty, or irrelevant to the handoff
A simple safety checklist before you give it away
Use this checklist before selling, donating, trading in, or recycling an old iPad or iPhone.
- Back up important data.
- Sign out of Apple ID.
- Turn off Find My.
- Erase all content and settings.
- Remove the SIM card.
- Remove the device from your Apple account if needed.
- Clean the device if you are donating or selling it.
- Bundle only useful accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions About what to do with old ipads and iphones
What should I do with my old iPad or iPhone?
Back it up, sign out of your Apple ID, erase it, and then decide whether to sell, trade in, donate, repurpose, or recycle it based on condition.
Should I sell, donate, or recycle my old Apple device?
Sell it if it still has meaningful value, donate it if it works but is not worth much, and recycle it if it is broken, too old, or unsafe to keep using.
How do I erase an old iPhone or iPad before giving it away?
First back up your data, then sign out of your Apple ID, turn off Find My, and use the erase option in settings to remove all content and settings.
Can I trade in an old iPad or iPhone to Apple?
Yes, Apple trade-in is an option for many devices, but the value and eligibility depend on the model and condition.
What should I do if my old iPad or iPhone will not turn on?
Try charging it with known working equipment first. If it still does not power on, check for battery damage or swelling, remove it from your account if possible, and recycle it safely.
Do I need to remove the SIM card before I sell or donate it?
Yes, if the device uses a SIM card, remove it before handing the device over so your mobile line and personal data stay separate from the device.
Is it safe to store a dead iPhone or iPad in a drawer?
It is better to deal with it sooner. If the battery is healthy, storage is usually fine for a while, but swollen or damaged batteries should be handled carefully and recycled promptly.
Final takeaway
The best answer to what to do with old ipads and iphones is usually to secure your data first, then match the device to the right next step. Sell or trade in a device that still has value, donate or repurpose one that still works but is not worth much, and recycle anything damaged, dead, or unsafe. That approach protects your information and keeps the device useful for as long as it can be.