If this year could have an impact on your smartphone or laptop upgrading, what would you do with your old device?
A recent CNET survey revealed that 10 (31%) were hanging on more than three of the US adults, as they were not sure what to do with smartphones, video game consoles, Laptop And the other Technology They don’t use anymore. About one of the five (19%) US adults drop these devices. However, many people prefer to trade for an exchange or upgrade on their old device (37%), while selling 25% of them.
With Tariff Is expected to increase the price of electronics, there are still ways to save money in new technology and Sell your old device May help offset expenses. If your device is too old to break or sell, experts advise to use an electronic recycling service to avoid environmental pollution and therefore valuable materials such as copper and aluminum can be re -used.
Here is what the latest CNET survey found on how US adults found out here The technology is settled they don’t want anymore And tips on what you can do with you.
Key TechWege:
- 31% of US adults still hold on old technology devices because they are not sure what to do with them.
- 37% of Americans trade or exchange their old devices, when 25% sell them.
- 29% of the old technology uses a recycling service to dispose of, when the old devices in 19% trash tosses old devices.
Older than one -third of older people trade or exchange their old technology
Many US adults (37%) trade in accessories for smartphones, gaming devices, laptops and any other device or upgrade. If a retailer gives a discount on a new gadget in exchange for a business, it may be effective.
Other popular disposal methods include giving it to a loved one or recycling it. Some US adults even try to sell their devices, which can bring some extra cash. Based on the CNET survey, some general disposal methods are closely viewed here.
Read more: Spring clean? FREE expert technology recycling tips for green -colored homes
How to maximize the value of your smartphone trade-in
One -third of the US adults trade for an exchange or upgrade on their smartphones to lower the price of a new. Others using a Recycling service Or give away the old device away. Look a nearby here.
If you plan to trade an old device, start with your phone carrier, Patrick Holland, managing editor of CNET on the mobile. Many manufacturers, like Apple And SamsungWhen you trade in an old one will be partner with a career to give a steep discount on a new model.
“These deals usually happen in the first month a new phone is sold and can sometimes cover the whole price – the phone you are trading depends on how old and what conditions,” he said. Holland has added that some manufacturers can offer steeper discount during the pre -period before the new phone is released.
The more you wait for the business on your device, the less likely you are. For example, if you are upgrading to iPhone 16, your iPhone 12 Pro or new model may be required to get a full promotional offer. Check your retailer’s trade-in requirements to ensure that your device qualifies.
Most importantly, make sure your device works and is in good condition with minimal scratches or cracks. You can compare trade-in offers by receiving estimates from different retailers and careers for the best contract.
If your phone does not qualify for a trade-in offer, or if you think the offer is very low, consider selling your phone. CNET experts recommend an online marketplace to sell and buy used electronics. Swappa helps you set your price fairly by comparing you with similar models and features. However, there are other options to consider.
Holland said, “I had a lot of luck in eBay and Ghazal.” “Selling a phone in ebay may involve some work and take some time but you usually get more money there” ”
Gazelle and similar re -sales sites are usually faster than selling in eBay or Facebook marketplace. But you can get less money for your device, Holland said. You can also trade in your technology Best Bye’s Trade-in ProgramThe And if the quality of your device is very low, you can recycly recycled it in the store.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to get any money back from your old phone, many retailers and carriers – such as Apple, Best Buy and AT&T – will recycle it for free. It is best to call the physical store to confirm in advance. Holland advises your old phone to donate like a charity Cell phone for soldiersIf the phone is good, then it is in work.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Trade-in Tips: Your next phone is found using your old phone
Many US adults recycled or gifts of old laptops and computers
By numbers, about a quarter of our adults recycle their computers and computer accessories, while 18% of the old computer gives family or friends. However, 21% is uncertain about what to do with the computer.
There are a few options, but it is important to remove your personal data first, regardless of the way you cancel.
Before you recycled your laptop or before giving it, CNET computing and home entertainment managing editor Josh Goldman advised to recover to its original condition to ensure that it was removed from your sensitive data machine.
“Remove the software you are not using, delete any unnecessary files and update the operating system,” said Goldman. “Back up all your important files, enter all the software you need – and if you pay for it, look for the license keys – and reset a whole system to start new” “
Manufacturers usually provide free-to-down software to securely delete data. Windows devices have an alternative to a protected wipe built on the system. Finish with a cans of compressed winds blow any dust and debris and clean the outside with a safe cloth for electronics.
For additional protection, Goldman suggests to remove the hard drive or solid-steet drive from your computer and destroy it. “This is not necessary, but it is the extra peace of mind,” Goldman said. If this is not an option, he suggests to reset the laptop, then using the software to wipe the solid-steet drive or hard disk drive.
You can then give a gift or donate your device. Many communities provide free electronics recycling drop-off positions. Goldman suggests to start your search with the Public Works Department in your city or county.
“Use if you are not sure where you start Earth 911.comThe search of it. Simply pop on your zip code and this will give you the local option, ”he said.
Many gamers prefer to sell old consoles
In the case of unused video game systems, 17% of gamers prefer to sell their old consoles, then give gifts to their family or friends (16%). Selling your old console if you don’t use any other video game system can make you some extra money. You only need to be careful a few.
CNET editor Scott Stein, who sells a gaming console to a retailer, warns to ensure that they are getting fair prices. You can sell and offer directly to the buyers of community groups like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. He also recommends other ways to sell community groups.
When determining the price, evaluate the quality of sale and the condition of your accessories and consoles. You can also see what other vendors are paying for their consoles to determine the fair price. To the end, think about the quality of your games and how rare they are – it can increase the value of your console.
Before selling or giving the video game console, reset all content and account settings. Most importantly, remove the information you can pay for any credit card payment in details of your account. Most consoles have a simple reset-to-factory setting to make your data easier to remove.
Other means of recycling old technology
Still fighting where you get rid of devices you don’t want anymore? Head Office Supply stores such as Staples and Office Depot provide recycling services and so buy the best. Some stores even provide the store credit in exchange for your old technology.
Check the list of items taken before you go to the store. For example, larger monitors can be recycled at $ 20 StaplesAnd even though most personal technology is taken, treatment devices and TVs are not a few items.
Manner
The UGOV PLC Commission has been conducted to conduct the CNET survey. All statistics, otherwise, are not said, Yugov comes from the PLC. The total sample size was 2511 adults. Field Work was taken from March 26-28, 2025. The survey was done online. Statistics have been heavy and representatives of all adults in the United States (aged 18 years of age or older).