Trade-In Program is a Scam Designed to Fail

Hello @aweeks, we understand how frustrating it can be not to be properly informed on the AT&T trade-in-program.

 You are able to return your device to a participating authorized retail location. 

For Apple devices

• Transfer your personal content to your new device.

1. From your old device, go to Settings and select Passwords & Accounts, then iCloud.
2. Select the switch next to each item you want to transfer to iCloud.
3. On your new device, turn on iCloud to find the transferred content. Go to Settings, then Passwords & Accounts, then
Add Account, then iCloud. Enter your Apple ID and password. Select the switch next to each item you want to place
on your new device.

• Turn off Find my iPhone.

1. Go to Settings, then Passwords & Accounts, then iCloud, then Find My, then Find my iPhone.
2. Select the switch next to Find my iPhone to turn it off.
Remove the SIM card.
1. Insert a SIM tool into the small hole to eject the SIM tray.
2. Remove the SIM card from the SIM tray.
3. Push the empty SIM tray back in.

• Do a factory reset.

1. Go to Settings, then General, then Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings.
2. Select Erase Now, then Erase iPhone.
3. Enter your passcode, if prompted.

Please let us know if the information provided was helpful!

Danielle, AT&T Community Specialist 

I wouldn’t exactly say it’s hidden in the fine print and you could have ordered the trade in materials yourself on the trade in website. Anyway, here’s the “fine print”. See the “how to redeem” part:

https://tradein.att.com/offer-details

Promotion Details as of July 15th, 2022:

• Up to $800 max bill credit with purchase of Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra 5G, Z Flip3, Z Fold3 5G or Google Pixel 6 Pro and trade-in a smartphone valued at $35 or above prior to completing condition assessment
• Up to $700 max bill credit with purchase of Apple iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, and trade-in a smartphone valued at $95 or above after condition assessment
• Up to $350 max bill credit with purchase of Apple iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max and trade-in a smartphone valued between $35 and $94.99 after condition assessment
• Up to $300 max bill credit with purchase of Apple iPad Air (2020) and trade-in any device valued at $20 or above after condition assessment and purchased before July 15th

Limited time offer. Available in select locations.

How to redeem smartphone offer:

• Purchase eligible device on a qualifying installment agreement including taxes on full retail price (upfront) and $30 activation/upgrade fee.
• Add a new line of service or upgrade an existing line.
• Activate postpaid unlimited wireless service (min. $75/mo. for new unlimited customers before discounts). AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.
• Trade-in an eligible Smartphone within 30 days of activation
• Use code TRADEOFFER22 at checkout for smartphone offers and 300TRADE for tablet, watch, connected device offer. Trade-in value will reflect Promotion Selected after entering code as value is given via monthly bill credits

Couple of million got the deal... So, not a very good "scam". 

If I had ordered online instead of by phone and had not been specifically advised by AT&T rep to wait for the return labels/info, then maybe your reply would be relevant. This proves my point that AT&T relies on "the fine print" published elsewhere to cover its backside when having its phone reps induce transactions. This same issue is posted/discussed numerous places all over the web.  If AT&T operated its business with the same efficiency as it activates its corps of web apologists, they wouldn't need a corp of web apologists.

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Thanks Danielle.  Much appreciated.

Note that what Danielle said is true, but if it's been longer than 30 days, you aren't eligible for the promo. If it's been longer than 30 days, your only hope is to file a BBB complaint and hope that the person from AT&T who responds is sympathetic. 

@aweeks 

"If AT&T operated its business with the same efficiency as it activates its corps of web apologists, they wouldn't need a corp of web apologists."

😂😂😂😂 YES!