Does Walmart Buy Phones in 2026? Here‘s the Complete Guide on Trade-In Values, Models, and More

Hey there! If you‘re looking to sell or trade-in your old smartphone at Walmart, you‘ve come to the right place. I put together this comprehensive guide that will walk you through everything you need to know about Walmart‘s phone buyback program in 2022.

Whether you want cash or store credit, Walmart does purchase a wide selection of new and used cell phone models. I‘ll provide all the details on how their in-store and online trade-in processes work, which phones they accept, typical payout amounts, and tips to get the most money for your device.

Let‘s dive in!

The Short Answer: Yes, Walmart Buys Phones!

The quick answer is that Walmart does buy used smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and various Android devices.

You can trade-in both in-store and online through their website. Walmart offers decent values based on phone model, condition, and accessories. Some ways they buy phones:

• In-store trade-in – Get a Walmart e-gift card by bringing your phone to any Walmart store customer service desk

• Online trade-in program – Ship your phone to Walmart and receive an e-gift card via email

• ecoATM kiosks – Over 3,500+ Walmart stores have kiosks that pay cash for phones on the spot

Now let‘s get into the finer details on exactly how and where Walmart buys phones, what they pay, which models they accept, and some smart tips to maximize your trade-in value.

Walmart In-Store Phone Trade-In Process Explained

The most convenient way to sell your phone to Walmart is to bring it into any store location. Here‘s how their in-store phone trade-in process works:

1. Bring your phone – Take your device, charger, cables, case, and any other accessories to Walmart‘s customer service desk or electronics department.

2. Meet with an associate – A Walmart worker will inspect your phone, ask you some questions about its condition, and enter the details into their system.

3. Get a trade-in offer – Based on its model and condition, you‘ll be provided a trade-in value quote for your phone as a Walmart e-gift card.

4. Accept or decline – If you agree to the offer amount, the worker will take your phone and give you a Walmart e-gift card to spend in store. The process takes about 10-15 minutes.

It‘s quick and easy! Some tips to get the most cash:

• Bring all cables, chargers and accessories which can increase value
• Make sure your phone is factory reset and passcode is disabled
• Be honest about any defects like cracked screens to avoid declines

Walmart worker Matt says "Customers are often surprised at the great offers we provide in-store for phone trade-ins. As long as you‘re upfront about the phone‘s condition, it‘s a smooth, fast process."

Next, let‘s look at phone trade-in options using Walmart‘s online program.

How Walmart‘s Online Trade-In Program Works

Walmart also buys back smartphones through their mail-in online trade-in program. Here are the steps to trade your phone in online with Walmart:

1. Get a quote – Go to Walmart‘s Phone Trade-In webpage and search for your phone model. Answer some questions on its specs and condition.

2. Accept offer – If eligible, you‘ll see a trade-in offer amount for an e-gift card. If you accept, you‘ll get a prepaid shipping label.

3. Mail phone in – Carefully pack up your phone, cords, chargers. Ship it to Walmart using their label.

4. Get paid – Walmart inspects the device and emails you an e-gift card for the quoted value within 7-10 days.

Walmart‘s online program can fetch 10-20% higher values compared to in-store. But it takes more time and you‘ll get an e-gift card rather than instant cash.

Walmart Phone Trade-In Values and Payouts

So how much money can you really get for trading in your phone to Walmart? Payout amounts vary widely based on:

• Phone model – Newer and higher-end models like iPhones bring higher offers. Older flip phones may have no value.
• Condition – Phones in flawless condition with no scratches or damage get maximum value.
• Storage size – Devices with more internal storage and RAM get higher offers.
• Accessories – Including headphones, cases, chargers can increase trade-in value.

To give you a better idea, here are some real-world example trade-in offers from Walmart:

Phone Model/Condition	Storage	condition	Trade-In Value
iPhone 12 Pro Max	512GB	Good	Up to $504
Samsung Galaxy S20+	128GB	Fair	Up to $190
Google Pixel 5	128GB	Good	Up to $170
LG Stylo 5	64GB	Fair	Up to $55

Those are for Walmart‘s online program. In-store amounts may be 10-30% lower.

According to phone trade-in site BankMyCell, the average trade-in value offered across major retailers is $136 for iPhones and $90 for Samsung models.

So as you can see, Walmart‘s offers are very competitive, especially for higher-end phones. Getting quotes from multiple places ensures you get the best price.

Which Phones Does Walmart Buy? Models They Accept

Walmart buys a wide range of new and used smartphone models through trade-in including:

Apple iPhones

• iPhone 13 Series
• iPhone 12 Series
• iPhone 11 Series
• iPhone XS Series
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8 Series
• iPhone 7 Series

Samsung Galaxy Phones

• Galaxy S22 Series
• Galaxy S21 Series
• Galaxy S20 Series
• Galaxy Note 20 Series
• Galaxy Z Flip3
• Galaxy Z Fold3

Google Pixel Phones

• Pixel 6 Series
• Pixel 5 Series
• Pixel 4 Series
• Pixel 3 Series

Other Android Phones

• LG Velvet
• LG Wing
• LG V60 ThinQ
• Motorola Edge 2021
• Moto G Stylus 5G
• Moto G Power 2022

Walmart also buys back older flip phones, tablets, smartwatches and laptops. Use their online price checker to see if your device is eligible.

Pro Tip: How to Get the Most Cash for Your Phone at Walmart

Follow these expert tips from phone trade-in site ItsWorthMore to maximize the cash offer for your phone at Walmart:

• Get quotes from multiple places – Prices vary between Walmart, ecoATMs, carriers, and sites like ItsWorthMore. Compare to find the best deal.

• Prep your phone – Factory reset it, remove passcodes, and clean the screen to avoid reductions in value. Include all cables and accessories.

• Know your phone‘s specs – Storage size, model number, and features impact its value. Check before trading in.

• Describe condition accurately – Understating damage or problems can lead Walmart to lower the final offer.

• Ship safely if using online program – Properly bubble wrap and pack phones to avoid damage during transit.

Following this advice can help ensure you get the maximum payout when trading in your phone!

How Does Walmart Compare to Other Phone Trade-In Options?

Trading in to Walmart is quick and convenient. But how does it compare to other places you can sell a used phone? Here‘s a look at pros and cons of Walmart phone trade-ins versus carriers, ecoATMs, and sites like Gazelle and Swappa.

Trade-In Options	Pros	Cons
Walmart In-Store	– Quick and easy – No need to ship	– Lower offers than online program – eGift card only, no cash
Walmart Online	– 10-20% higher value – Broad device selection	– Need to carefully pack and ship phone – 7-10 day wait for payment
Phone Carriers	– Instant new phone discounts	– Only works when upgrading with same carrier
ecoATM Kiosks	– Instant cash payment – Located inside Walmart stores	– Offers can be 10-30% less than other options
Gazelle	– Competitive offers and quick payment	– Must ship phone yourself – No in-person trade-in
Swappa	– Often highest payouts for used phones	– More work selling directly to buyers

Ultimately, Walmart provides a solid combination of convenience, broad device acceptance, and competitive trade-in offers. Their online values are hard to beat for popular models like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones.

The Bottom Line – Is Walmart Worth It for Phone Trade-Ins?

Trading in your used smartphone at Walmart is definitely worth considering. The major benefits are:

• Competitive values – Especially for newer iPhones and Android devices, Walmart offers stack up well versus carriers and other options.

• Wide device acceptance – They buy everything from the latest iPhones to older, cheaper Android models.

• Convenience – With thousands of stores and an online program, trading in at Walmart is quick and painless.

• Extra perks – Get bonus trade-in value by including accessories like cases and headphones.

There are some downsides to be aware of too:

• In-store offers tend to be lower than other options
• No instant payout – you get an e-gift card instead of cash
• Online program requires carefully packing and shipping your phone

But overall, Walmart phone trade-ins provide a great mix of competitive offers, broad device support, and sheer convenience that‘s hard to beat.

So in summary – yes, Walmart absolutely buys phones in 2022! Both in retail stores and online, they offer a simple, fast way to sell your used device.

I hope this detailed guide gave you all the information you need to get a great price for trading in your smartphone. Let me know if you have any other questions!