Does ecoATM take AirPods? No. ecoATM’s kiosks are built for phones and, at some locations, tablets. Its FAQ and price tool don’t list AirPods or any other earbuds. But you can still turn your old AirPods into cash or credit at several other places.
Below I’ll explain what ecoATM does accept, then share five easy places to sell or recycle AirPods, how to prepare them, and what affects the price.
[ADD PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: a quick note about selling, trading in or recycling a pair of earbuds yourself.]
Table of Contents
Does ecoATM Take AirPods at the Kiosk?
Based on ecoATM’s own pages, no. The ecoATM FAQ talks about phones from all major brands and says some kiosks take tablets. Its price tool covers phones and tablets too. AirPods aren’t mentioned on either page.
ecoATM does run a mail-in program for Apple Watches, according to its Apple Watch guides. But we couldn’t find AirPods listed for mail-in either. So if you’re asking “does ecoATM take AirPods,” the practical answer is no. Don’t drive to a kiosk with them.
Why ecoATM doesn’t take AirPods
ecoATM kiosks test devices by plugging them into a cable and checking them with cameras and software. That works for phones and tablets with screens, which is why the answer to “does ecoATM take AirPods” is no. Earbuds have no screen to inspect and no simple way for a kiosk to test sound, battery and both buds at once.
5 Easy Places to Sell or Recycle AirPods
Since the answer to “does ecoATM take AirPods” is no, here are five verified options instead.
1. ItsWorthMore
ItsWorthMore lists many AirPods models, including AirPods (3rd and 4th gen), AirPods Pro (2nd gen and Pro 3) and AirPods Max. You get a quote online and mail them in.
2. BuyBackWorld
BuyBackWorld buys AirPods Pro and other Apple headphones online. Like other buyback sites, you choose the condition, ship them and get paid after inspection.
3. eBay or Facebook Marketplace
Selling yourself usually pays the most, especially for newer AirPods Pro in good shape. You’ll need clear photos, an honest description and some patience.
4. Target trade-in
Target’s trade-in program lists hearables among its eligible devices. It’s mail-in only, uses a prepaid USPS label and pays with a Target eGiftCard.
5. Apple Trade In (free recycling)
For old or broken AirPods, recycling is the best move. Apple says the batteries in AirPods and the case should be recycled by Apple or an authorized service provider, and it offers free recycling through its Trade In website with a prepaid shipping label, where available. Don’t throw AirPods in the trash.
How to Prepare AirPods Before You Sell Them
Since the answer to “does ecoATM take AirPods” sends you elsewhere, take two minutes to get them ready for whichever buyer you choose.
- On your iPhone, open Settings, then Bluetooth.
- Tap the info button next to your AirPods.
- Tap Forget This Device and confirm. This removes them from your Apple Account and Find My.
- Clean the buds and case gently with a dry, soft cloth.
- Charge the case and make sure both buds are inside.
How Much Are Used AirPods Worth?
People who ask “does ecoATM take AirPods” usually want to know the value next. Prices change often, so get a fresh quote. In general:
- Newer models pay more. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are worth far more than older AirPods.
- Complete sets pay more. Both buds plus the original case is what most buyers want.
- Battery health matters. Buds that die quickly lower the price.
- Condition matters. Scratches on the case are fine, but cracks or damage cut the value.
Selling other gadgets too? ecoATM doesn’t take laptops either. See where to sell an old laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ecoATM buy AirPods?
Based on ecoATM’s own pages, no. Its FAQ and price tool cover phones and tablets for kiosks, and its Apple Watch guides describe a mail-in program for watches. AirPods aren’t listed anywhere. Try ItsWorthMore, BuyBackWorld, Target’s trade-in or Apple Trade In instead.
Where can I sell AirPods for cash?
Online buyback sites like ItsWorthMore list many AirPods models, including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, and BuyBackWorld buys AirPods Pro. You can also sell them yourself on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, which often pays the most but takes more work.
Can I trade in AirPods at Target?
Target’s online trade-in program lists hearables among its eligible devices and pays with a Target eGiftCard. It’s mail-in only, with a prepaid USPS label. Check the quote for your exact model before you ship.
Does Apple take old AirPods?
Apple says the batteries in AirPods and the charging case should be recycled by Apple or an authorized service provider. Where available, Apple offers free recycling through its Trade In website, which gives you a prepaid shipping label.
Can I sell just one AirPod or only the case?
It’s harder. Most buyback sites want both buds and the case in working order. A single bud or case may sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace as a replacement part. If it’s worth very little, recycle it through Apple instead.
Do I need to remove AirPods from my Apple Account before selling?
Yes. On your iPhone, go to Settings, then Bluetooth, tap the info button next to your AirPods and choose Forget This Device. This removes them from your account and Find My, so the next owner can set them up.
The Bottom Line
Does ecoATM take AirPods? No. ecoATM kiosks are for phones and some tablets, and AirPods aren’t listed in its pages.
For cash, try ItsWorthMore, BuyBackWorld or eBay. For a gift card, try Target’s trade-in. And for old or broken AirPods, use Apple’s free recycling so the batteries are handled safely.
