How to Recycle iPad

Recycle your old iPad is a much better way than throwing it away or leaving it dusty in the cupboard. You can exchange your device for an Apple gift card or sell it online. The iPad can also become a useful donation item for a school, afterschool program, or charity.

Table of Contents

Backup and wipe the device

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Make sure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and to a power source. Proceed to plug the iPad charger into a wall outlet or other power source. On your iPad’s home screen, tap “Settings” and select “Wi-Fi.” If the iPad is connected to a network, there will be a green checkmark displayed next to the network name. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If you are not able to access the commonly used network, try re-entering the password and connecting again.
If you’re having trouble connecting to a viable Wi-Fi network, restart iPad and try again.

Tap the iCloud card and start backing up your device. In the Settings app, select the iCloud tab and then click “This iPad”. Tap “iCloud Backup” then select “Back Up Now”. Wait for the backup complete message to appear before closing the application. ^{[2] X Research Source}

iCloud backups store your information on a remote online server in case it is lost or deleted from your device.

Reset iPad to erase all content and settings. Launch the Settings app again and tap “General”. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and select “Reset”. Select the “Erase All Content and Settings” action and confirm when prompted. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

iPad will return to factory settings once the process is complete.

Change old device at Apple

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Visit Apple’s old device exchange website. Apple will recycle their old devices by repairing and refurbishing them. You can exchange your used iPad for an Apple gift card. To apply, visit Apple’s recycling website at https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Gift card value will depend on estimated iPad value.
If the iPad is not eligible for refurbishment, Apple will recycle it for free and will not send you a gift card.

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Select the device and enter the serial number. On the main page, select the “Tablet” icon and enter your device’s serial number when prompted. The serial number is usually located on the back of the iPad. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

The serial number will help Apple recognize the device and avoid fraudsters.

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Determine iPad status. After identifying the device, you will be asked to provide information about the iPad’s health. Confirm that you have erased the content and settings on the device, and indicate whether the device is in good condition. Confirm that the iPad has a damaged, cracked, or spotty LCD screen by selecting “yes” or “no” (no). ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Note: if your iPad is in poor or damaged condition, you may not receive an Apple gift card.

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Enter contact information to receive a prepaid shipping label and box. After completing the registration process, you will be prompted to fill in your personal information. Please enter your full name, shipping address and phone number as required. Apple will send you the box and prepaid shipping label to pack your iPad. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Pack your iPad and mail it to Apple. Place iPad in the box it was sent to and seal it carefully. You then put the prepaid mailing label in the box as indicated and take the parcel to the local post office to have it mailed. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Don’t forget to ask for a receipt of your package including a tracking number to keep up to date with shipping.

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Wait for the gift card to arrive after a few weeks of sending the iPad out. It may take at least a few weeks for Apple to receive your iPad, process it, and return the gift card to you. Expected time is about 2-3 weeks after you send the iPad. You can use the gift card at any Apple retail store or online shopping site. ^{[9] X Research Source}

You will receive an email confirming that the gift card is in transit once the iPad has been inspected and approved.

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Take your iPad to an Apple store to exchange it in person. If you want to be quick, you can exchange your iPad at an Apple store for a credit or free recycling. Apple employees will inspect and price the device based on the model and condition of the product. To avoid waiting too long, you should call to make an appointment before coming. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You can check out the recent Apple store at https://www.apple.com/retail/.

Sell or donate iPads

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Sell iPads to sites that buy used machines. There are many websites that buy used electronics to resell for a profit, try comparing different sites by describing the specific features of the iPad to see how much they make. Once you’ve selected a high-priced purchasing partner, you can pack and ship the device to them for payment. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Note: You’ll sell your iPad for a better price if it’s in good condition and has its original box and charger.
Check for reliability by previewing online reviews of these sites.
You can sell used electronics to popular sites online by entering the keyword “buy used iPad” into the search engine.

Kathryn Kellogg

Author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste

Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of goingzerowaste.com, a lifestyle website that provides step-by-step instructions for eco-friendly living with optimism and love. She is the author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste and a spokesperson for National Geographic’s plastic-free living program.

Kathryn Kellogg
Author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste

If your iPad is damaged, find an e-waste recycling place. Kathryn Kellogg, author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste , says: “Visit a website that aggregates lists of e-waste recycling centers (e.g. E-Steward) to find the one closest to you. Because hazardous materials in tablets and other devices that require expert handling.”

Advice

Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away grease, dirt, and fingerprints on iPad.
The best time to sell an iPad is right before Apple releases a new version of the device.
If you sell your iPad locally, arrange to meet the buyer in person in a safe, public place to conduct the transaction.

Steps

Backup and wipe the device

Change old device at Apple

Sell or donate iPads

Advice

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