Upgrading a mobile phone is an important decision you will probably make when a newer vision hits the market. While there are various reasons for consumers upgrading their phones, the most popular is to get the latest iPhone or Android device. For all new phone purchases, it is necessary to consider accessories such as a liquid screen protector and a phone case. Before you upgrade your smartphone, preparation is indispensable. Here are valuable tips that are helpful when preparing to purchase your next upgraded phone.
1. Check With Your Mobile Phone Carrier for Trade-In Eligibility
Among young adolescents, schools are allowing students to use their smartphones as learning tools. Their particular age group will most likely want frequent mobile upgrades when a new version launches. If you and your family have an account with Apple, T-mobile or another carrier, read your contract to see if you are eligible for upgrades.
Apple, for example, offers a program that allows customers to upgrade their phones yearly. You can trade in your phone online or in-store. New online enrollees will receive a kit to return an older iPhone version. Take a look on the Mac and iPhone trade-in values for 2023.
2. Get Pre-Approval to Purchase or Trade an iPhone
Customers can enroll or reenroll at the Apple e-commerce store to purchase a new iPhone online. Go to the brand’s website and find the Upgrade Program page, then click Join Now or check your upgrade eligibility. Another option is to use the Apple Store app for enrollment.
You can pay by cash, credit card or a line of credit through the Apple Upgrade Program. With pre-approval loan applications, Apple will perform a soft credit check for this application process. When you receive approval for a loan, choose your phone and any accessories, including an iPhone case and more.
3. Final Approval Stage
During the final approval stage for credit, Apple or a mobile carrier will pull a hard copy of your credit report to confirm your credit history. With some credit reporting agencies, it may affect your credit scores. With the in-store purchase of iPhone devices through the Apple Upgrade Program, bring your old phone, a valid ID and a credit card. Apple requires two forms of identification and your social security number in the US.
4. Select Your New iPhone Version
Consumers can select a new iPhone model on Apple and their mobile phone carrier when shopping online or in-store. On the Apple App, it will ask if you are replacing a device or purchasing a new phone on your carrier’s account. Click finish and select, “I’d Like to Enroll” or “I’m already part of the program.”
5. Choose a Mobile Phone Carrier
When upgrading or purchasing a new phone, adolescents and adults must consider their budget for wireless expenses, including the carrier’s fees and taxes. For consumers who are unsatisfied with their existing mobile phone carrier, now is the time to switch. You may need to switch providers at the physical Apple retail store. The online Apple Upgrade Program does not allow customers to change their mobile phone carriers.
6. Free up Storage on Your iPhone Trade-In or Android
To free up the storage, you should remove stored show episodes downloaded from Apple TV or Netflix. Any unused apps on your iPhone need deleting to speed up the backup process. You can do so on the home screens or by going to Settings. Look for a list of your apps in General and then iPhone Storage.
On an Android phone, you delete unused apps on the homepages or from Settings. In Settings, click Apps and scroll through the list. Delete all apps you no longer use and do not want on your new device.
7. Switching From an Android Smartphone to iPhone
For customers who want to switch from an Android phone to an iPhone, Apple offers an app called Move to iOS. You can easily change operating systems and move your contacts and other data stored on your Android. Using your private Wi-Fi makes the process more convenient and faster.
8. Back up Your Older iPhone Version
While waiting for your new phone to arrive, you can back up the older version of your iPhone. You can use a Mac PC or iCloud to store your phone data and information. You should make backing up your devices a practice in your household. Back up your iMessages, device settings, texts, apps, home screen, ringtones and more on your iPhone.
9. Erase Personal Data From Your Phone
You should erase all your data from your earlier iPhone model. If you have difficulties completing the task, Apple will do it after receiving the phone. Doing it yourself is the safest way if you need to be confident that your private information is gone.
10. Returning a Mobile Phone
Have your documents ready when returning your older version, and show that you are a member of Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program. If there are any damages to the returned phone besides normal wear and tear, the carrier or Apple may charge you up to $100 plus any taxes. Apple will accept your trade-in without the wall adapter, cables and EarPods.
Shop Eco-Friendly Accessories for Your New iPhone
After following these tips to upgrade your iPhone and the actual purchase, it is time to shop for environmental-friendly phone cases and a screen protector. One question you should ask before buying an iPhone protective casing is, does wireless charging work with a case? Not all phone cases will function with wireless charging, including the metal, battery, wallet and thick casings. Your best phone case options comprise those made of silicone, rubber, plastic or leather.
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