Which phones we consider
We review every donation case by case. Tell us what you have on the form, add a photo or two, and our team will let you know.
SIM card
Take it out before you ship.
Locked phones
Find My or Google account must be off.
Cracked screen
Still worth a look. Add a photo.
Phone brands we see often
Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, LG, Sony Xperia, Nokia, TCL, Nothing, ZTE and Kyocera, and many more.
Not on the list? It is here to help you find your phone, not to limit what we consider. We review every make and model, listed or not, including small builders and brands that are no longer around. What matters is condition, never the name on the back, so enter yours on the form even if you don't see it here.
What to know about donating a phone
Where phones end up
A working phone is how many people stay reachable for job offers, school, medical appointments and family. iPhones and Android phones are both reviewed.
Unlocked phones are the most useful, but carrier-locked phones are reviewed too.
What we look at during review
Tell us the brand, model, storage, carrier and screen condition. Most important, the phone must be signed out: Find My off on an iPhone, or the Google account removed on an Android.
Phones with Activation Lock or Factory Reset Protection on can't be reused.
Your data
Back up, sign out, then erase. Remove the SIM and any memory card. We wipe every device with Acronis before reuse.
Value and your tax receipt
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your phone, which is what the same model in similar condition sells for used today. You determine the value; we can't appraise it. Giving Center sends a written acknowledgment describing what you donated.
Starting with the 2026 tax year, itemizers can deduct only giving above 0.5% of adjusted gross income, and items you deduct at more than $500 need Form 8283. Our tax guide covers the details. Ask your tax preparer what applies to you.
Condition: what we can use
Every donation is reviewed case by case. We can't promise acceptance before review.
Before you ship: sign out and erase
We wipe every device with Acronis before it's reused. A phone still tied to your account can't be activated by anyone else.
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1
Back up
Back up to iCloud, Google or a computer so your photos and contacts are safe.
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2
Turn off the lock
iPhone: Settings, then your name, then Find My, and turn off Find My iPhone. Android: remove your Google account.
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3
Erase it
iPhone: Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone, then Erase All Content and Settings. Android: Settings, then System, then Reset.
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4
Remove the SIM
Take out the SIM card. Leave the phone on the Hello or welcome screen.
Done? Check before you box it
- Photos and contacts backed up
- Find My or Google account off
- Erased
- SIM card removed
Packing and shipping your phone
Please send the form first and wait for our reply. We'll send the shipping address and instructions once we've reviewed it. We can only take items we've approved, so please don't ship anything before you hear from us.
Wait for our OK. We send the address and instructions after we review your form.
Pack it well. Wrap the phone and pad a small box or padded mailer. Don't pack loose batteries.
Label what's inside with a note listing each item, so we can match it to your form.
Ship with tracking. Donors ship at their own cost. Shipping is sometimes reimbursed; ask when we review your donation.
Where your phone goes
Donated phones help job seekers, seniors, veterans and families stay reachable and get online.
Where your computer goesA note on taxes
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your phone: what a willing buyer would pay for it as it is today. You decide the value, and your tax preparer can tell you what applies to you. We don't appraise items and can't promise a deduction.
Phone donation questions
Please wait until the phone is paid off and unlocked from the carrier, or tell us on the form.
Possibly. We consider each phone case by case.
Please don't ship it. Swollen batteries are unsafe in the mail. Recycle it locally.
Yes. List them all on one form.
Yes, case by case. Tell us the carrier.
Remove it and keep it, or cut it up if you're closing the line.
Possibly. Add a photo.
Tell us about your phone
Fill out the form and our team will review it. Every donation is considered case by case.