Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Ron D. Morgan
Do you know that you can return your current device to Google Fi and get credit to pay for a new device? The process is known as the trade-in program. Thankfully, Google Fi is one of the few network providers that run a robust trade-in program.
In a nutshell, how the program works is, you return your current device to Google Fi following the trade-in device return process. The network does a final evaluation of your device to determine the trade-in value. The value is then credited to your Google Fi account.
This post will guide you through the entire Google Fi trade-in program. You will learn how to get the trade-in value of your device online. Also, you will learn how to properly your device for trade-in and other related details.
How Does Google FI Trade In Work?
The Google Fi trade-in program allows you and other customers on the network to trade in your current device. In exchange, the network will credit your account with the trade-in value of the device. The process is not as complicated as it sounds, trust me.
Other carriers collaborate with third-party companies to handle their trade-in program. But Google FI handles the trade-in process in-house.
How the Google FI trade-in program works is that you first get the estimated trade-in value of the device online. Then you return the device. Finally, the network will credit your Google Fi account with the equivalent of the final trade-in value.
Google FI Device Trade-in Requirements
There are some requirements your device must meet to be eligible for trade-in on the Google Fi network. First, the device must have some sort of value. In other words, the device must be worth at least $1.
Check below for other requirements your device must meet to qualify for the trade-in program:
. The device can power on and off.
. No physical damage or deep scratch on the device.
. No cracks on the screen.
. All parts of the device must be complete. That doesn’t include the accessories.
. No liquid damage or discoloration on the device.
What Types Of Phones Can You Trade In On Google Fi?
The Google Fi trade-in program allows you to trade in the following phone brands:
. LG
. Apple (iPhone)
. Google Pixel
. Samsung phones
. Motorola phones
How To Find The Trade-in Value Of Your Device On Google Fi Network?
Google Fi network gives you the option to know the trade-in value of your device before you start the process. You do this by completing an online appraisal on their site.
Any value you see, after you complete the online appraisal, is the estimated trade-in value. The estimated trade-in value may differ from the final trade-in value. Follow the steps below to complete the online appraisal for your device:
. Visit the Google Fi trade-in appraisal page.
. Enter your Google Fi account details to sign into your Google Fi account.
. Click n Get an Estimate.
. Select your phone’s brand from the options available and click on Next.
. Click on your phone’s model and click Next.
. Click on the options that apply to your device in terms of Storage/ Carrier/ Power/ Screen. After that, Click on Next, to get to the next page.
. The new page will show the Estimated Value of your device.
. Click on Yes on both trade-in terms and conditions pages.
. Finally, click Add to Order.
Preparing Your Device For Trade-in
Before you continue with the trade-in process, you have to prepare your phone for the process. Google Fi expects you to take some steps to get your device ready for trade-in.
Below is the checklist of things you must do to get your device ready for trade-in:
a. Delete Personal Information
The next step is to delete all personal information on the device. Log out from all platforms and delete your personal information from the accounts. That includes your iCloud or similar accounts.
Also, disable all tracking apps on the device. That includes tracking my phone or other related apps.
b. Back-up Essential Information
First, you have to back up all the important information you still want on your device. The information includes your photos, contacts, videos, audio, and doc files.
You can back up the file in an external drive or on a cloud-based storage service. For cloud-based storage, you may have to pay a subscription fee.
c. Perform Factory Reset
Finally, perform a factory reset to clear all data on the device. The steps to perform a factory reset will depend on the device in question. Follow the steps here to perform a factory reset on your Apple and Samsung phones.
How To Trade-in Device At Google FI
Thankfully, you don’t need to visit any Google Fi store to return your device. Rather, the Google Fi network will send a trade-in kit to your address. Package the phone and ship it out.
After the network receives your device, it will carry out a final physical appraisal. You will receive an email on the final trade-in value of your device within days of shipping out the device.
How To Track Your Trade-in At Google FI?
Thankfully, you can track the trade-in status after you ship out the device. To do this, sign into your Google Fi account. Click on Manage Plan and further select Devices. You will find details of your trade-in status.
How To Receive Payments For Trade-in At Google FI
Google Fi will credit your account with the final trade-in value of the device. You will receive an email with the final trade-in value of the device and when to expect the credit in your Google Fi account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Trade In Phone Accessories?
No. Google Fi trade-in program doesn’t require you to ship the device with the accessories. Just ship your phone.
How Long Do You Have To Return Your Device?
After you complete the online appraisal, you have 30 days from the day you completed the online appraisal to return your device. Failure to return the device within this period can affect the final trade-in value of the device.
Hi, I’m Ron D. Morgan. TECODY IS MY BRAINCHILD. I’ve worked in a tech startup in the last 7 years. I decided to branch out and start TECODY as a side project to provide tech troubleshooting tips for readers.
Got my two friends who are Nerd Heads too and here we are. The aim here is to provide readers with accurate info to help them resolve basic troubleshooting issues with Network and devices. You can always reach out to us via our Contact Us Page.