One NZ Trade-In: Upgrade Before the 3G Shutdown
If you’ve been putting off trading in your old phone, the 2025 3G network shutdown in New Zealand just gave you a solid reason to act. One NZ (formerly Vodafone NZ) is switching off its 3G network, and once that happens, any phone that relies on 3G will stop working.
Minimum trade-in value: $99 ·
Device limit per trade-in: 1 ·
Eligible devices: Any mobile phone from any NZ network ·
3G network shutdown: Completed by 23 March 2026 ·
One NZ 4G coverage: 98% of NZ population
Quick snapshot
- One NZ trade-in accepts any phone from any NZ network (One NZ Trade-In page)
- Minimum trade-in value is $99 (One Upgrade terms)
- 3G shutdown completed by 23 March 2026 (One NZ 3G Switch Off page)
- 3G phones will not work after shutdown (NZ Telecommunications Forum)
- Exact date within 2025 when One NZ originally planned to shut down 3G (One NZ media release)
- Future changes to the minimum trade-in value of $99 (One Upgrade terms)
- One NZ originally planned 3G shutdown for 31 March 2025, then postponed to 31 December 2025 (One NZ media release)
- Phased shutdown began January 2026, completed by 23 March 2026 (One NZ 3G Switch Off page)
- Trade-in program remains active; customers can get an instant quote at tradein.one.nz (One NZ Trade-In page)
- Check phone compatibility by texting 3G to 550 (One NZ media release)
Key facts at a glance
Six essential details about the One NZ trade-in program and the 3G shutdown, all in one place.
| Service provider | One NZ (formerly Vodafone NZ) |
| Trade-in URL | tradein.one.nz |
| Minimum trade-in value | $99 |
| Device limit | One phone per trade-in |
| Eligible networks | All New Zealand networks |
| 3G shutdown completed | 23 March 2026 |
How does One NZ trade-in work?
Step-by-step process to trade in your phone with One NZ
- Visit tradein.one.nz and get an instant online quote based on your phone’s model and condition.
- If you accept the quote, you receive a reference code to use in-store or online.
- Purchase a new 4G or 5G phone on an eligible Pay Monthly plan from One NZ.
- Send in your old device or drop it off at a One NZ store. The trade-in credit is applied to your new phone purchase.
The catch: the final trade-in value is assessed at the store’s discretion, so a phone that looks pristine online might get a lower valuation in person (One Upgrade terms).
What are the minimum requirements for a trade-in?
- Your phone must be valued at a minimum of $99 (One Upgrade terms).
- Only one phone per trade-in is allowed (One Upgrade terms).
- Any mobile phone from any New Zealand network is eligible (One NZ Trade-In page).
- The phone must be in working condition (no cracked screens or major damage, though the terms don’t explicitly list all conditions — that’s evaluated in-store).
How is the trade-in value calculated?
One NZ determines the trade-in value based on the phone model and its physical condition, assessed at the retail store. The online quote is an estimate; the final amount is at the discretion of One NZ staff (One Upgrade terms). For example, a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or newer Ultra model traded in before 31 March 2025 received at least $700 credit, and a standard Galaxy S23 or newer got at least $525 (One Upgrade terms). Those promotional minimums have since expired, but the general pricing approach remains.
Do I have to pay off my phone before trade-in?
What happens if my phone is still on a payment plan?
Yes. One NZ’s terms require that the phone you want to trade in must be fully paid off, or you must settle the outstanding balance before the trade-in can go through (One Upgrade terms). If you’re still paying off your device, the trade-in value can’t be applied until the balance is zero.
Can I trade in a phone that is locked to another carrier?
One NZ accepts phones from any New Zealand network, so a locked phone from Spark or 2degrees is still eligible as long as it’s fully paid off (One NZ Trade-In page). The trade-in program doesn’t require the phone to be on One NZ’s network.
If you’re still paying off your phone, you can’t trade it in until the debt is cleared. That means a customer with a 3G phone on a payment plan faces a double hurdle: settle the balance and upgrade to 4G/5G within the same window.
The implication: if you’re caught in a payment plan on a 3G phone, you’ll need to pay off the remaining amount first — then trade it in. The trade-in value can help offset the next device, but it won’t erase the existing debt.
Is One NZ shutting down their 3G network?
What is the timeline for the 3G shutdown in New Zealand?
- 2024: One NZ announces 3G network shutdown plan (One NZ media release).
- 31 March 2025 (original): Planned shutdown date, later postponed to 31 December 2025 (One NZ media release).
- January 2026: Phased shutdown begins, with Dunedin the first region to lose 2G/3G service on 20 January 2026 (One NZ 3G Switch Off page).
- 23 March 2026: Full shutdown complete — 2G and 3G networks no longer available (One NZ 3G Switch Off page).
The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum confirms that all mobile providers (2degrees, One NZ, Spark) retired 3G networks between end of 2025 and March 2026 (NZ Telecommunications Forum).
Why is the 3G network being switched off?
One NZ is repurposing the spectrum currently used for 3G to expand 4G and 5G capacity. The company states that the shutdown will not materially reduce overall coverage (One NZ 3G Shutdown for Business). RNZ reported that retiring 3G makes room for faster, more efficient networks (RNZ (New Zealand public broadcaster)).
For the roughly 2% of One NZ customers still relying on 3G-only devices, the shutdown means their phone becomes a brick. The trade-in program is the only immediate path to stay connected without paying full retail for a new phone.
The pattern: New Zealand’s telcos are moving in lockstep — 3G is being retired across the board, and the window for 3G-only users to upgrade is now closed.
Will my 3G phone still work in 2026?
Can I still use a 3G phone after the shutdown?
No. As of 23 March 2026, One NZ’s 2G and 3G networks are no longer available (One NZ 3G Switch Off page). Any phone that relies solely on 3G will not be able to make calls, send texts, or use mobile data on One NZ’s network. The same applies to MVNOs using One NZ infrastructure (NZ Telecommunications Forum).
How do I know if my 3G phone will work?
If your phone is 4G or 5G capable, it will continue to work. Most phones sold from 2015 onward support 4G. One NZ offers a simple check: text 3G to 550 and they’ll reply with whether your phone is compatible (One NZ media release).
The trade-off: even if you have a 4G phone, you might have been using it in 3G mode for calls. After the shutdown, your phone will automatically switch to 4G for voice calls (VoLTE). If your phone doesn’t support VoLTE, you may still need to upgrade.
How to check if your phone will work after a 3G shutdown?
How do I tell if my phone is 4G or 3G?
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options — if you see “Voice & Data” with LTE/4G or 5G options, you’re fine. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode — look for “LTE/4G” or “5G” in the list. If you only see “3G” or “WCDMA”, your phone is 3G-only (NZ Telecommunications Forum guide).
Which phones are affected by the 3G shutdown?
Any phone that only supports 3G bands (UMTS/WCDMA) will cease to function. The NZ Telecommunications Forum notes that the shutdown affects all mobile customers, including those on MVNOs (NZ Telecommunications Forum). Older models like the iPhone 4s, Samsung Galaxy S3, and early Nokia Lumias are prime examples — but any phone released before 2015 is at risk.
What are the best phones to upgrade to from One NZ?
One NZ sells a range of 4G and 5G phones, from budget-friendly options like the Samsung Galaxy A series to premium flagships. The trade-in credit can be applied to any new device purchased on an eligible Pay Monthly plan (One NZ Trade-In page). For most users, a mid-range 4G phone (e.g., Samsung Galaxy A15 or A25) is sufficient for everyday use. If you want future-proofing, a 5G phone like the Galaxy S24 or iPhone 15 will keep you connected for years.
Timeline: One NZ 3G shutdown and trade-in program
Four key dates that shaped the transition from 3G to 4G/5G for One NZ customers.
- 2024: One NZ announces 3G network shutdown plan (One NZ media release).
- 31 March 2025 (original) → 31 December 2025 (postponed): Planned shutdown date, later pushed back (One NZ media release).
- 20 January 2026: Phased shutdown begins in Dunedin (One NZ 3G Switch Off page).
- 23 March 2026: Full shutdown completed — 2G and 3G networks no longer available (One NZ 3G Switch Off page).
The timeline signal: the trade-in program has been available throughout this period, and remains active. Customers who missed the shutdown window can still trade in their old 3G phone — but it’s only useful for the value of the hardware itself, since the phone no longer connects to the network.
Clarity: Confirmed facts vs. what’s still uncertain
Confirmed facts
- One NZ trade-in accepts any phone from any NZ network (One NZ Trade-In page)
- Minimum trade-in value is $99 (One Upgrade terms)
- 3G shutdown completed by 23 March 2026 (One NZ 3G Switch Off page)
- 3G phones will not work after shutdown (NZ Telecommunications Forum)
- Only one phone per trade-in allowed (One Upgrade terms)
- Trade-in value determined by model and condition at store’s discretion (One Upgrade terms)
- One NZ previously offered promotional minimums for Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra (expired) (One Upgrade terms)
What’s unclear
- Exact date within 2025 when One NZ originally planned to shut down 3G before the postponement (One NZ media release)
- Whether the minimum trade-in value of $99 will change in the future (One Upgrade terms)
- How long the trade-in program will remain available after the 3G shutdown is complete
What One NZ says about the trade-in program
“Trade in your old mobile phone and get credit towards a new phone on us. It’s fast, simple, and you don’t need to be a One NZ customer.”
— One NZ Trade-In page (official site)
“The trade-in value is determined by the phone model and condition at the discretion of One NZ in retail stores only.”
— One Upgrade terms (One NZ trade-in program)
“From 23 March 2026 our 2G and 3G network and services are no longer available.”
— One NZ 3G Switch Off page
“Text 3G to 550 and we’ll check if your phone will work on our 4G and 5G networks.”
— One NZ media release on 3G shutdown
The four quotes above come from One NZ’s official channels and cover the three key messages: the trade-in offer, the value assessment, the shutdown date, and the compatibility check. No speculation — just the carrier’s own words.
Summary: What the 3G shutdown means for One NZ customers
The 3G network is gone. Anyone still holding a 3G-only phone has already lost connectivity. The One NZ trade-in program offers a way to recover some value from that old device — up to $99 at minimum, potentially more if it’s a recent model in good condition. But the program comes with strings: you must buy a new phone on a Pay Monthly plan, and you can only trade in one phone per transaction. For the average Kiwi with a 2014-era phone sitting in a drawer, the trade-in is a fair deal. For a customer with a 3G phone that’s still on a payment plan, the path is more complicated — pay off the balance first, then trade. The choice is clear: use the trade-in to get a 4G/5G phone now, or hold onto a device that has no future on One NZ’s network.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a One NZ trade-in take?
The online quote takes about 2 minutes. Once you accept, you receive a reference code. The in-store assessment at a One NZ retail store takes around 15 minutes. The entire process can be completed in one visit if you purchase a new phone at the same time.
Can I trade in a broken phone to One NZ?
One NZ’s trade-in program requires the phone to be in working condition. Cracked screens, water damage, or non-functional phones are generally not accepted. The exact condition criteria are evaluated at the store’s discretion.
What happens to my old phone after I trade it in?
One NZ refurbishes eligible devices for resale or recycles components. The program is designed to reduce electronic waste. Your personal data should be wiped before trade-in — One NZ recommends factory resetting the phone.
Does One NZ offer trade-in on tablets or wearables?
No. The One NZ trade-in program is limited to mobile phones. Tablets, smartwatches, and other devices are not eligible.
Can I trade in multiple phones at once?
No. Only one phone per trade-in is allowed. If you have multiple devices, you would need to do separate trade-in transactions, each with its own new phone purchase.
What proof of identity do I need for a trade-in?
You need to provide a valid New Zealand driver’s licence or passport when completing the trade-in in-store. This is standard for identity verification and to prevent fraud.
Is the trade-in value applied as store credit or cash?
The trade-in value is applied as a credit toward the purchase of a new phone on an eligible Pay Monthly plan. It is not redeemable as cash.
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