SasPartout / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Don’t throw away those old cell phones, smartphones and tablets just yet. Chances are, they’re made of materials you can trade in for cash quickly at an ecoATM. All you have to do is prepare your phone to be recycled and find an ecoATM kiosk in your area. You may even be able to make hundreds of dollars by doing so.
Keep reading to learn how to find ecoATM locations in your area.
What Is ecoATM?
You might have seenCoinstar machines at your local supermarket that let you exchange small change for cash billsandgift cards. An ecoATM machine is similar, exceptit takes yourold phones, MP3 players and tablets and pays you for them on the spot.
This makes it possible torecycle your used electronics responsibly while earning some cash in the process. You may even make good money if your devices are still working and are relatively new.
How Does ecoATM Work?
EcoATMs are test stations that can analyze your devices and make you an offer instantly. If you like the offer, the machine will pay youcash quickly and on the spot. You can sell numerous types of MP3 players, smartphones and tablets.
Some of the major brandsaccepted include:
- Apple
- LG
- Motorola
- Samsung
Best of all, the device doesn’t have to work. You can still get cash for a broken one, though it likely won’t be as much.
How Much Money Can You Get at an ecoATM?
If you’re curious about how much cash you can get for your electronics, head over to ecoATM’sPrice Your Device pageand input the following:
- Brand
- Model details
- Storage amount
- Carrier
- Condition
Once you share these details, the company’s website will give you an instant estimate of the maximum amount your device could be worth. Generally, newer and fully functioning devices will earn the highest payouts.
For example, aVerizoniPhone 12 with 64 GB of storage that powers on and displays properly but has a crack on the screen can earn you up to$50.But, if there are no cracks, the ecoATM will pay youup to $85 for the same iPhone.Just keep in mindthese amountscan fluctuate over time.
Finding anecoATM Near Me
You can look for ecoATM’sgreen machines using theonline kiosk finder or at participating Kroger stores, Walmart stores and malls. You can also find ecoATMs near you with Google Maps.
How Do You Use an ecoATM?
The process for using an ecoATM is similar for all MP3 players, phones and tablets, but some of the details differ between individual devices. Here’s an example of how to use an ecoATM machine if you’re getting rid of an Apple iPhone or iPad.
1. Turn Off Find My iPhone
If yourApple device works, you’ll need to disable your iPhone or iPad’s tracking software. Follow these steps:
- Find “Settings.”
- Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
- Open the “Find My” section.
- Tap on “Find My iPhone.”
- Tap the switch to turn off “Find My iPhone.”
- Enter your Apple ID password.
2. Erase the Contents of Your Device
Onceyou’ve turned off “Find My iPhone,” go into your device’s settings and select:
- “Factory Data Reset.”
- “Erase All Data” — or the equivalent version for your phone.
3. Take Your Devices to One of the ecoATM Locations
Make your way to the kiosk and plug one device at a time into the test station. The machine will run diagnostics about the item you’re interested in selling and inspect it to determine its condition.
4. Get an Offer
Once the ecoATM completes its diagnostics, it will give you an offer based on the condition of your MP3 player, phone or tablet.
If you’re unsure whether to accept the offer, the machine can provide you with a locked-in price for up to a week. There’s no obligation to sell once you see your offer. You can accept or decline the price and take time to think about it.
How Much Does It Cost To Use ecoATM?
There areno fees for using an ecoATM. The price the machine offers you is your final price. You can accept it and receive cash for the amount the kiosk quoted you, or decline and think it over.
5. Receive Your Cash
If you agree to the amount, tap “Let’s Do It.” You’ll receive the cash from the machine immediately. You can also turn in the chargers and accessories that came with the device even if they don’t work. You won’t get paid extra for the items, but ecoATM willrecycle them.
Don’t forget to check for SIM cards, cases or any other items you don’t intend to sell. Once you accept the offer and the device is taken, you won’t be able to get it back.
Banks, ATMs and Other Services Nearby
Bank Branches
- Nearby banks
- Bank of America
- Capital One
- Chase
- Citi®
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- PNC Bank
- Regions
- TD Bank
- U.S. Bank
- Wells Fargo
Other Services
- Coinstar
- Currency exchanges
- Money orders
- Pawnshops
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding ecoATMs.
- Can you sell any phone at ecoATM?
- Yes, you can sell any phone at an ecoATM, but the amount that you earn may be less if it's an older device or if it's broken in some way.
- What kind of tablets does ecoATM take?
- EcoATM says it accepts all tablets, MP3 players and cell phones, even if they're cracked or unable to turn on.
- Are ecoATMs worth it?
- EcoATMs can absolutely be worth it if you have devices you would throw away otherwise. The ecoATM will pay you cash for the device while also making sure it's recycled in a responsible way. There are over 5,000 ecoATMs in the United States, so you shouldn't have to drive too far to find one.
- How do I find an ecoATM near me?
- The easiest way to find an ecoATM near you is by visiting thecompany's website and inputting your address. It will show you the closest ecoATMs in your area, which may be independent or inside of a large retail store like Walmart or Kroger.
Kellan Jansen contributed to the reporting for this article.
Information is accurate as of March 18, 2024.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
