Back up your saves and data, sign out and remove your accounts, reset the device last, and bring the cables, controllers and box. At Kichwa Connect, trade-in day is every Saturday and the value is quoted before you commit.
Trading in an old console or phone is a good way to put its value toward something better. A few minutes of preparation protects your data and your accounts, and makes the whole trade-in quicker.
1. Back up what you want to keep
Consoles: game saves are often stored in the console's cloud saves, which may need an online subscription, or on a USB drive or the console's storage. Check that your saves are safely uploaded before you do anything else.
Phones: back up your photos, contacts and chats. See how to back up your phone.
2. Sign out and remove your accounts
This is the step people forget. Every console, and most phones, is linked to your account.
- Consoles: sign out, and use the option to deactivate the console or remove your account, so the next owner cannot use your purchases and cannot be locked out. Each maker has its own steps, so check the official instructions for your model.
- Phones: sign out of your Apple ID or remove your Google account, and turn off Find My iPhone or the equivalent. A phone that is still linked to your account can be locked and hard to use.
3. Reset the device last
When your data is backed up and your accounts are removed, do a factory reset so the device is empty. On an Android phone, our guide to resetting your Android phone safely covers the order.
4. Gather the extras
- The charger and cables.
- Controllers, and charge them so they can be tested.
- The original box and any accessories, if you still have them.
- Any receipts or paperwork you kept.
5. Give it a wipe
A quick clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth on the outside makes a difference. Do not put liquids into ports or vents.
Trading in at Kichwa Connect
Trade-in day is every Saturday, with no appointment needed. Consoles, phones, laptops and electronics, working or not, can go toward your next purchase or repair. Nothing is traded sight unseen: you bring the device in and get a straight value on the spot, before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring my console's controllers?
Yes, if you have them. Bringing everything that came with the console shows its full condition.
What if my console or phone no longer works?
Working or faulty devices are both considered, and you get a value before you commit.
Should I wipe my data before I bring it in?
Yes. Back up what you want to keep, sign out and remove your accounts, and then reset the device, because only you can sign out of your own accounts.