Recycle your old Apple Watch for an Apple Store gift card

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apple watch series 2
Trade-in that old Apple Watch for money off at the Apple Store.
Photo: Ste Smith/CultofMac

You can now trade-on your old Apple Watch for an Apple Store gift card. You’ll get up to $175, depending on the model you have and the condition it is in.

Apple added Apple Watch to its Renew and Recycling program last year, but gift cards weren’t on offer then. Now you can claim credit towards another Apple Store purchase, such as a shiny new Series 3 model with cellular connectivity.

Recycle your old Apple Watch

Series 1, Series 2, and first-generation Apple Watch units are eligible for the program. The amount you receive is dependent on the model you have, and its condition.

For instance, a 42mm Series 2 in excellent condition will net you $175. A 38mm first-generation Apple Watch that still works will net you $50. If your Apple Watch is broken, Apple will still accept it — but you won’t receive anything for it.

Before you send off your Apple Watch, you’ll be asked a series of questions about its condition. Apple will want to know if it still powers on, if it’s free from liquid damage, if its buttons still operate normally, and more.

Get up to $175!

The Renew and Recycling program is operated by Brightstar, which inspects your device after you send it in. Assuming it is still in the condition you described once they receive it, they’ll issue your Apple Store gift card and you can start shopping.

Note that you will need to wipe all data from your Apple Watch before sending it off. You will also need to ensure it is fully-charged, but you can keep hold of charging cables and bands.

Brightstar also recycles your old iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, and other smartphones. However, you may make more elsewhere. Cult of Mac also buys back many of these things, and we typically pay more than Apple, Amazon, Gazelle, NextWorth, and others.

What’s more, we accept broken devices and we pay cash, so you can spend your money anywhere — not just in the Apple Store. Check out our buyback website for more information.

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