Smartphone users are missing out an average of £218 by not doing so, with almost a third of Brits unaware of the cash-making option, a Virgin Media O2 study found.
A third of people also believe throwing an old smartphone in a tip, skip or general bin is the correct way to get rid of the device.
However, the phone causes electrical waste, which ends up in landfills and has a negative impact on the environment.
Awareness of recycling smartphones is lacking among Brits, with just a third aware that you can trade in phones in exchange for cash.
Following the study, O2 has provided three tips to consider when trading in an old phone.
Why Life Insurance Still Matters – Even During a Cost-of-Living Crisis
Sponsored by Post Office
They are:
- Check how much your tech is worth: O2 Recycle is available to anyone – regardless of their mobile network. You can see how much cash you get from your old tech, including phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, consoles or MacBooks.
- Don’t let tech collect dust: Sell your unwanted mobile, laptop or tech as soon as you’re done with it. The sooner you sell it, the more money you’re likely to get for it.
- Remove your SIM before trade-in: You should ensure that the SIM is taken out prior to selling the handset (or memory card where applicable), but don’t worry about your personal data being accessible, as O2 Recycle will wipe data from all devices for you.
Since 2009, O2 Recycle has accepted phones of any network to be recycled.
Meanwhile, smartphone users take an average of up to three months to trade in their old phone, according to the mobile network.
When the devices are stored in a drawer or at the back of a cupboard, they are constantly losing value.
So the network operator has urged families to act quickly once they get a new phone, particularly with many being gifted during Christmas.
O2 has also suggested three ways to extend the lifespan of your phone while you use it.
It recommends using a phone case and screen protector as soon as you have made the purchase, as well as reducing your screen brightness and not overcharging.
The firm advises unplugging your device once you have charged your phone up to a maximum of 80%, which will improve its battery life.
Earlier in the year, O2 customers on a 3G network were urged to make plans for the switch-off happening this year.
The network will no longer provide internet for 3G phones, which will also impact O2’s other operators – Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Giffgaff.
