Argos Trade In

Argos Trade In: buying back used electronic devices

Argos Trade In is a device buyback service operating in the UK under the domain argos-tradein.co.uk. The platform allows users to sell mobile phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, video game consoles and audio equipment. The service is managed by MTR Trade-In, a company that presents itself as specialising in reducing the volume of electronic waste that ends up in landfill, giving devices a second life or recycling them responsibly when they cannot be repaired.

Accepted devices and trade-in categories

The Argos Trade In catalogue is organised into six main categories: phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, video game consoles and audio equipment. Among the most popular devices for which the website shows indicative offers are models from Apple, Google and Samsung. The page listed maximum buyback prices for some of them, such as the iPhone 16 Pro Max (up to £582), the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (up to £415), the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (up to £300), the iPhone 15 (up to £273), the Google Pixel 9 Pro (up to £250), the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (up to £200), the iPhone 14 (up to £183), the Google Pixel 8 Pro (up to £140), the iPhone 13 (up to £122) and the Google Pixel 9a (up to £110).

How the service works

The trade-in process consists of three steps: the user requests a sales pack, posts the device free of charge and receives payment once the device has been inspected. The company states that payment is made within a few days of the device being checked. Each order generates an order number and the user receives email updates at every stage of the process. The pack includes a free returns label with a tracking number, and the shipment status can be checked at any time. It is also possible to view order history from the user's account.

Data security and device handling

MTR Trade-In applies a secure data wipe service in accordance with the Data Protection Act. The company warns that SIM or memory cards received inside a device will be destroyed. Devices that cannot be physically wiped or whose repair is not economically viable are recycled. There is no need to send the original box or accessories, although the company will accept them if the user wishes to dispose of them.

Validity of offers and promotions

Each order is valid for 14 days from the date of request. If the device is sent after that period, the price current for that model at the time of receipt will apply. The website also describes promotions with additional trade-in value for purchases of certain devices within specific periods: PS5 Digital (£50 extra, 23.09.26 to 06.10.26), Pixel 11 (£100, 13.08.26 to 12.09.26), Pixel 11 Pro (£200, 13.08.26 to 12.09.26) and Pixel 11 Pro XL (£300, 13.08.26 to 12.09.26). To claim the additional amount, the user must enter the 15-digit IMEI number of the purchased device in the promo code field when placing the trade-in order.

Shipping, issues and cover

The service covers loss or damage in transit up to £150 for shipments with 48-hour tracking. In the event of loss, the user must provide proof of shipment; the company starts an investigation with the courier once 14 days have passed since the loss. Claims cannot be processed if the parcel was sent via collection or a parcel locker. For shipments with special delivery, the claim is the customer's responsibility. The company asks customers to wait 14 days from shipment before submitting a claim to the courier.

Relationship with Argos and MTR Trade-In

Argos Trade In operates as a partnered service between Argos and MTR Trade-In. MTR Trade-In describes itself as a company focused on reducing the amount of electronic waste that accumulates in homes or ends up in landfill, promoting the reuse of used devices or their responsible recycling when they cannot be repaired, with components reused for other purposes.