Old phones and tablets sit in drawers by the millions. Laptops get replaced but the previous one still works fine. Devices that are two or three generations behind the current model still have real utility — and when donated to a veteran-benefit program, they get refurbished, wiped, and put into the hands of people who need them.
Here's what's typically accepted for veteran-benefit electronics donation.
Smartphones
Smartphones are the highest-volume category of electronics donations. Accepted models include:
- iPhones — generally iPhone 8 and newer (older phones have declining refurbishment value)
- Android phones — Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, Motorola, OnePlus in working condition
- Unlocked or carrier-locked — either is fine, though unlocked is more flexible for reuse
Cracked screens are usually OK. Batteries with degraded life are OK. Phones that won't turn on may be accepted for parts recovery but check first. Water-damaged phones generally aren't useful.
Before donating any phone, wipe it and remove your accounts. See How to Wipe Your Device for step-by-step instructions.
Tablets
- iPads — generally 5th generation and newer
- Samsung Galaxy tablets
- Amazon Fire tablets — newer models
- Microsoft Surface and Windows tablets
Same rules on condition apply: working, wiped, not water-damaged.
Laptops and Computers
- MacBooks — generally 2015 and newer
- Windows laptops — running Windows 10 or newer, or refurbishable to that standard
- Chromebooks — working models
- Desktop computers — if in working condition (harder to transport, less common)
Include chargers if you have them. Docking stations, external drives, and monitors can also be donated if in working condition.
Wearables and Accessories
- Smartwatches (Apple Watch Series 4+, newer Wear OS models)
- Fitness trackers (Fitbit, Garmin, newer models)
- Wireless earbuds and headphones (AirPods, Beats, similar)
- Tablet keyboards and cases
What's Generally Not Accepted
Some electronics categories don't have strong refurbishment value:
- CRT monitors and old TVs
- Very old feature phones (flip phones from the 2000s)
- Broken or water-damaged devices with no salvageable parts
- Bulky office equipment (printers, fax machines — often not accepted)
- Damaged cables and generic accessories
- Devices with locked activation to a deceased or unavailable owner (iCloud lock)
If in doubt, check with the receiving organization before shipping. Some programs accept broader categories than others.
Why Age Matters
Refurbishment programs need devices that can be updated to a currently supported operating system. A phone that can no longer receive OS updates has limited useful life for a new owner. That's why the age cutoffs above exist — not because older phones are worthless, but because they can't provide the security and functionality a new user needs.
What Happens After You Donate
Donated devices go to a partner that specializes in secure data wiping and refurbishment. The device is:
- Wiped to factory reset with secure data destruction
- Inspected and tested
- Repaired if needed (screen, battery, minor issues)
- Redistributed to a veteran or veteran-benefit program, or sold to fund veteran programs
See How Phone Donations Help Veterans for more on the impact.
Tax Considerations
Electronics are non-cash charitable contributions. The deductible value is the fair market value at the time of donation — what the device would reasonably sell for in its current condition. IRS Publication 561 (About Publication 561) covers non-cash valuation.
For total non-cash donations over $500 in a year, file IRS Form 8283 (About Form 8283). See our Are Veteran Donations Tax-Deductible? overview for the general framework.
Ready to Donate Electronics?
Wipe your device (see How to Wipe Your Device), then send it in through Cell Phones for Soldiers, the trusted partner for veteran-benefit electronics donation. If you'd prefer a different donation type, view all donation options.