Discover the ins and outs of selling your pre-owned MacBook.

So, you decided it’s time to upgrade your current laptop and you’re wondering how Apple MacBook trade in works. It’s a fairly simple process and there are several ways to do it, depending on the condition of your device, whether you’ll be purchasing a new laptop or not, and so on. Below, we outline the steps you should take to prepare your MacBook for a trade in, as well as the best places to sell your computer for the most money possible. If you’re interested in upgrading to the latest Apple MacBook Pro 2020 13-inch, read our recent review. 

Apple MacBook Trade In: Preparing Your Device

Before parting with your device, make sure it’s in its factory default condition to avoid possible identity threat or unauthorized access to your personal data. Here’s how to properly prepare your Apple MacBook for trade in:

1. Create a backup of everything that’s on your computer. If you have enough space on iCloud, this is the easiest and fastest way to back up your files and personal data. If your iCloud storage is full or you prefer physical storage, then you can create a Time Machine backup using an external storage device. Time Machine is a built-in feature that can be set up for manual or automatic backups. 
2. Sign out of iCloud and iMessage.
3. Reset NVRAM by shutting down your Mac, turning it on, and pressing and holding these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. Release the keys after about 20 seconds.
4. Unpair any Bluetooth devices and Apple Watch.
5. Lastly, erase the hard drive and reinstall macOS.

Once everything’s done, you can proceed with your Apple MacBook trade in.

Apple MacBook Trade In: Where To Sell Your Laptop

There are several ways to sell your old computer for cash or store credit, including trusted third-party companies, official Apple trade in program, as well as trade ins organized by major retailers like Best Buy. Here are some of the safest, quickest, and most efficient places for Apple MacBook trade in:

Gadget Salvation

This platform offers a seamless, fast, and reliable experience when it comes to MacBook trade in (and you can sell other gadgets, too!). All you have to do is find the item you’re selling in the list of categories and answer a few simple questions to receive an estimate, pack your Apple MacBook and ship it via UPS using provided prepaid label, and receive your payment within two business days via check, PayPal, bank transfer, or Venmo. Gadget Salvation will make sure you get the best price for your device and even help you reset your gadget to the factory settings. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and nearly-perfect score on Trustpilot.

Official Apple Trade In Program

Apple provides a fairly straightforward trade in service and it’s a good option if you’re planning on buying your next device directly through Apple. Downside: the offer you receive for your Apple MacBook trade in might not be the best on the market. After you answer a few questions about your device, Apple will give you a trade in estimate for an Apple Gift Card or instant credit at an Apple Store that you can use towards your next purchase. Then, just ship your MacBook to Apple using their prepaid trade in kit or bring it directly to the retail store.

Best Buy Trade in

You can trade in your pre-owned Apple MacBook at Best Buy for store credit. The process is quite standard: answer basic questions about your device’s condition, receive a trade in estimate, and receive store credit if you decide to proceed with the offer. You have 14 days to trade in your MacBook before Best Buy’s offer is terminated. Currently, the only option available is to ship your device using a pre-paid packing slip, but in post-pandemic days you’ll be able to also drop it off at your local Best Buy store.

Conclusion

As you can see, Apple MacBook trade in is an easy and efficient way to get cash or store credit towards your next purchase. Considering that Apple computers hold value better than most laptops/desktops, you should be able to receive a reasonable compensation for your pre-owned device no matter which way you choose to sell it.