In recent years, many major retailers have launched trade-in programs that allow customers to exchange their used electronics for store credit. Walmart, the world‘s largest company by revenue, is no exception. The retail giant‘s trade-in program, called "Gadgets to Gift Cards," accepts a variety of devices including cell phones, tablets, MP3 players, voice speakers, and laptops. But one of the most popular items to trade in is the Apple iPad.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take an in-depth look at Walmart‘s iPad trade-in program. We‘ll cover how it works, how much you can expect to get for your old iPad, and how it compares to other options like Apple‘s own trade-in program. Plus, we‘ll provide expert tips for getting the most value out of your iPad trade-in at Walmart. Let‘s get started!
How Walmart‘s iPad Trade-In Program Works
Walmart makes it easy and convenient to trade in your old iPad for a Walmart eGift Card, which can be used to purchase anything sold on Walmart.com or in Walmart stores. The process works like this:
- Visit Walmart‘s Gadgets to Gift Cards website
- Find your iPad model from the list of accepted tablets (more on this later)
- Answer a few questions about your iPad‘s condition and specs
- Receive an instant trade-in quote
- If you accept the offer, Walmart will provide you with a free shipping label
- Pack up your iPad and ship it within 10 days
- Once Walmart receives your iPad and verifies its condition, they will email you an eGift Card
The entire process is handled online, making it easy to complete from the comfort of your own home. And with free shipping, you don‘t have to worry about any additional costs cutting into the value of your trade-in.
It‘s important to note that your iPad must power on and not be activation locked in order to be eligible for trade-in. Cracked screens and other damage will lower the trade-in value, but Walmart still accepts iPads with some wear and tear.
How Much Is an iPad Trade-In at Walmart Worth?
So, how much can you expect to get when trading in an iPad at Walmart? Like with any electronics trade-in program, the amount varies depending on the model, storage capacity, connectivity, and condition of the device. Let‘s take a look at a few examples.
As of April 2023, here are some sample trade-in values for iPads in good condition with no cracks:
- iPad Air (5th generation, Wi-Fi, 64GB): Up to $175
- iPad mini (6th generation, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB): Up to $235
- iPad Pro (5th generation 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB): Up to $555
Keep in mind that these prices are for iPads in good condition. If your device has a cracked screen, is engraved, or shows heavy signs of use, expect the trade-in value to be significantly lower. Walmart‘s trade-in system will take you through a series of questions to determine the condition of your iPad and provide a more accurate estimate.
In general, Walmart‘s iPad trade-in values are competitive with other major retailers and resale platforms. Trading in directly with Apple will sometimes yield a higher payout, but it depends on the age and condition of your iPad. With Walmart, the main benefits are convenience, simplicity, and the fact that you‘re getting a gift card that can be used on virtually anything rather than being limited to Apple products.
What iPad Models Does Walmart Accept for Trade-In?
Walmart accepts most iPad models as part of its trade-in program, even older devices dating back to the original iPad from 2010. Here is the full list of iPads eligible for trade-in as of April 2023:
- iPad (1st-9th generation)
- iPad Air (1st-5th generation)
- iPad mini (1st-6th generation)
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch (1st-2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st-6th generation)
This covers the vast majority of iPads that have been released over the past decade. Whether you have an older model sitting in a drawer or want to upgrade from a more recent iPad, there‘s a good chance Walmart will offer you a trade-in value for it.
One important thing to note is that Walmart does not accept iPads that are activation locked, meaning they are still signed in to the previous owner‘s iCloud account. Be sure to sign out of your Apple ID and remove the activation lock before initiating a trade-in.
Unlocking the Benefits: Why Walmart Offers an iPad Trade-In Program
You might be wondering: what‘s in it for Walmart? Why would the retailer want your old iPad, and potentially pay you hundreds of dollars for it? There are a few key reasons.
First, accepting trade-ins allows Walmart to boost sales of new devices. Many customers use their trade-in eGift Card to offset the cost of upgrading to a newer iPad model or even to purchase other electronics sold by Walmart. It‘s a smart way for the retailer to incentivize repeat business and customer loyalty.
Second, Walmart is able to resell many of the devices it receives through trade-ins. iPads hold their value well, especially newer models in good condition. By partnering with CExchange, a leading provider of electronics trade-in and recycling services, Walmart is able to efficiently process trade-ins and route devices that still have resale value to the secondary market.
This brings us to the third reason: sustainability. Trade-in programs like Walmart‘s help to keep used electronics out of landfills by extending their useful life. Devices that are too old or damaged to be resold are responsibly recycled through CExchange‘s R2-certified facilities. By offering a convenient way for customers to dispose of unwanted iPads, Walmart is doing its part to reduce e-waste and support the circular economy.
How to Get the Most Money From Your Walmart iPad Trade-In
Now that you know how Walmart‘s iPad trade-in program works and why it‘s a smart option to consider, let‘s go over some tips for maximizing the value of your trade.
Be honest about your iPad‘s condition. While it may be tempting to fudge the truth a bit when answering questions about your device, it‘s not a good idea. If the condition doesn‘t match what you stated during the initial assessment, Walmart may adjust the trade-in value accordingly once they receive your iPad. Being upfront will result in a smoother process and ensure you get the full amount quoted.
Opt for an iPad with higher storage capacity. If you‘re choosing between two models to trade in, go with the one that has more storage (assuming they are otherwise equal in terms of age, condition, etc.). Higher capacity iPads tend to fetch better trade-in prices. For example, a 256GB iPad Pro will net you quite a bit more than a 64GB version of the same model.
Include the power adapter and cable if you can. Walmart does not require you to send in the original accessories with your iPad trade-in. However, if you happen to have them on hand, it doesn‘t hurt to include them. An iPad with the power brick and cable may command a slightly higher value than one without. Just be sure to pack everything securely.
Compare trade-in values with other buyback programs. Walmart‘s trade-in offers are competitive, but it never hurts to shop around. As mentioned, trading in directly with Apple is one alternative to consider if you‘re looking to upgrade to a new iPad or other Apple device. You may also want to check what your iPad is going for on resale marketplaces like Swappa, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Selling directly to another person almost always yields a higher payout, but it does require more time and effort on your part.
Leverage special promotions to save even more. From time to time, Walmart runs special promotions that can increase the value of your trade-in or provide an additional incentive for upgrading devices. In 2022, for instance, the retailer offered up to an extra $300 on select smartphone trade-ins when purchasing a new device. While iPad-specific promotions are less frequent, it‘s still worth keeping an eye out for ways to stack your trade-in value with Walmart‘s everyday low prices on new tablets.
The Bottom Line on Walmart iPad Trade-Ins
Walmart‘s Gadgets to Gift Cards program provides an easy and rewarding way to trade in your old iPad (or a variety of other electronics). With competitive trade-in values, free shipping, and the flexibility to spend your eGift Card on virtually anything Walmart sells, it‘s definitely an option worth considering if you have an iPad you‘re no longer using.
The trade-in process is quick and intuitive, and Walmart accepts a wide range of iPad models, even those that are several years old. By being honest about the condition of your device, including accessories if you can, and keeping an eye out for special promotions, you can ensure you‘re getting top dollar for your iPad trade-in at Walmart.
Of course, trading in your iPad is just one option. Depending on your goals and the age/condition of your tablet, you may get more value by selling it directly to another person or trading it in through Apple. But if you‘re looking for a simple and surefire way to convert that old iPad into shopping credit at the world‘s biggest retailer, Walmart‘s trade-in program is hard to beat.
