Microsoft Surface Pro trade-in how-tos.

Whether you want to sell your older Microsoft Surface Pro tablet for money or upgrade to a newer model, certain steps must be taken before you can part with it. These steps include: creating a backup, deregistering all linked accounts, and restoring the device to its out-of-box state. 

This post will share a step-by-step guide on preparing the Surface Pro tablet for trade-in, as well as a few selling tips. 

To Get the Best Trade-in Offer, Do the Following:

Used Microsoft Surface Pro preparation for further trade-in including backup and reset. 

Back Up Your Information Before Reset

It is wise to create a backup before erasing the tablet’s storage. You can use a cloud service like GoogleDrive or an external drive for that. And if you have enabled BitLocker encryption at any point, be sure to pause it as well: we have covered the decryption process in our How to Erase a PC Laptop blog post. 

Deregister your Surface Pro

After creating a backup, the next step is to deregister your Surface Pro gadget with Microsoft. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Log in with your Microsoft account and click on “See All”.
2. Click on the dropdown next to the “More Action” section.
3. Then click on “Remove Tablet”.
4. Click the checkbox next to “I’m Ready to Remove This Device,” and opt to “Remove”.

This action removes the Surface Pro you are selling from your Microsoft user account.

Reset the Tablet to Factory Settings

Now it is time to erase and reset your Surface Pro by using your Windows recovery tool. But before you proceed, make sure the tablet is plugged into a power source.

How to factory reset your tablet in Windows:

1. Right-click on the Start button in the lower-left corner and click on Settings.
2. Head over to Updates & Security.
3. Click on the Recovery option and then–Get Started.
4. Opt to Remove Everything.
5. Then, select Remove Files–Reset to initiate a factory restore process.

This process can take several minutes, but once you see the initial Windows setup window, feel free to stop here, as the new owner can configure the tablet to their preference. 

Optional Surface Pen

If you have a Surface Pen that you will not be using anymore, it makes sense to include it with your Surface Pro trade-in. But do make sure it is still working. Replace the battery, if needed. Not all trade-in platforms buy styluses, but it can get you some points for sure. 

Where to Sell an Older Surface Pro Tablet?

In-Person Sales

Perhaps selling your Surface Pro on your own will yield you a little more money. But factor in the time and effort you’d have to invest into the sale. For example, if selling on eBay, be prepared to deal with suspicious and lowball offers. Not to mention the time you’d need to put in to create a listing, address questions from eBay members, etc. With that said, eBay may not be the fastest trade-in option due to all the logistics involved. Still, you can sell the Microsoft Surface Pro at a higher price if all goes well.

So, if you are considering this option, check our Is eBay Safe? post for some helpful insights and get an actual seller’s perspective. 

Trade-in Programs

If you want to upgrade to a newer Surface model, use the online trade-in service from Microsoft. But check their database first: your Surface Pro model might be too old to qualify for a buyback value. Otherwise, provide information about the condition of your tablet and get a dollar value based on that. Microsoft trade-in is an easy way to reduce the cost of your new purchase, but usually, their buyback offers are pretty low.

Online Third-Party Buyback Sites

You can do a Surface Pro trade-in for cash, as plenty of sites accept used Surface gadgets. In addition, third-party sites come very handy because they assure a quick and convenient sale. 

Regardless of the buyback you choose, the company will share an estimate upfront and pay for the shipping of the tablet. Plus, many companies, and us at Gadget Salvation included, now offer instant payouts through PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo apps. 

So, to sell your used Surface Pro, you’ll need to provide information about the model, specs, and cosmetic and functional condition. And just like with a trade-in, calculate the offer right the away. If the price sounds reasonable to you, complete the checkout and receive your free shipping label. After you send it in, wait a few business days for the business to receive your shipment and finalize the transaction. 

Bottom Line

We hope you found this information about how to prepare your Surface Pro for trade-in helpful. And lucky for you, Surface Pro models are highly regarded among Windows users, so reselling a used one shouldn’t be too difficult. And if you have any questions or need help getting an estimate, please do not hesitate to contact us!