Should I Sell My Broken iPhone?

Can You Sell a Broken iPhone?

Yes, even severely damaged iPhones have market value. Many users assume that a broken phone isn’t worth anything, but the opposite is often true—especially with newer models. Apple devices retain high resale value, and buyers are willing to pay for damaged units they can refurbish or use for spare parts.

Common buyers include:

• Repair technicians looking for parts.
• Refurbishers who fix and resell phones.
• Eco-conscious recyclers that extract valuable metals from the device.
  

In fact, some phones that don’t power on can still be worth $100 or more depending on the model and condition. If your phone is newer than an iPhone X, chances are high that you can still get a decent offer—even if the screen is shattered or the battery is dead.

Types of Damage That Still Have Value

Damage doesn’t always mean worthless. Let’s break down the most common types of iPhone damage and how they impact resale value.

Cracked Screens

A cracked screen is one of the most frequent types of iPhone damage—and also one of the easiest to fix. If the touchscreen is still responsive and the LCD underneath works fine, many buyers will happily pay to take the device off your hands.

Buyers typically include local repair shops and refurbishing companies that specialize in replacing screens. Newer iPhones like the 13, 14, or 15 series still fetch strong resale prices, even with cracked glass.

What affects the value:

• Size and depth of cracks
  
• LCD or OLED functionality
  
• Touch sensitivity
  

Battery Issues

Battery degradation is a common issue, especially for phones older than two years. A device that won’t hold a charge or shuts down early can still be valuable, as battery replacement is relatively inexpensive for repair technicians.

If the battery warning reads “Service” or the phone dies unexpectedly, let the buyer know. Transparency helps avoid disputes and ensures the buyer knows what they’re purchasing.

Water Damage

Water damage can reduce resale value more than other types of damage, especially if internal components are affected. However, some water-damaged iPhones can still be fixed or used for parts.

If your phone has suffered water exposure, try to:

• Dry it immediately.
  
• Avoid powering it on if it’s still wet.
  
• Note if it shows signs of corrosion or discoloration near the SIM tray.
  

Many buyers use ultrasonic cleaning machines or board-level repair tools to recover water-damaged devices. You won’t get full value, but it may still be worth $50 to $200 depending on the model.

Doesn’t Power On

A phone that doesn’t turn on could have several issues—from dead batteries to board failures. These phones are often labeled “for parts” and sold to technicians who try to diagnose the issue or strip the device for components.

You should disclose this upfront in your listing. Devices that don’t power on will typically fetch less than fully functional ones, but again, the model matters. A non-working iPhone 13 could still be worth over $100.

How Much Can You Expect to Get?

The price of a broken iPhone depends on:

• Model and storage capacity
  
• Condition and severity of damage
  
• Repair costs
  
• Market demand
  

Below is a general idea of what you might expect:

Model	Cracked Screen	Battery Issue	Won’t Turn On	Water Damage
iPhone 15 Pro Max	$350–$500	$400–$550	$200–$300	$150–$250
iPhone 14	$200–$350	$220–$400	$150–$250	$120–$220
iPhone 13	$150–$250	$180–$300	$100–$200	$80–$150
iPhone 11	$90–$160	$120–$180	$70–$130	$60–$110
iPhone XR	$70–$130	$90–$160	$50–$100	$40–$80

Tip: Devices with more storage (e.g., 256GB or 512GB) often command a higher resale price.

Where Can You Sell a Broken iPhone?

Different platforms offer varying pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

Apple Trade-In (Limited for Broken Devices)

Apple’s trade-in program offers competitive credit for working devices, but typically offers very low or no credit for broken ones. Minor screen damage may still be accepted, but major issues like water damage or hardware failure often disqualify the phone.

This option is best if your device is only slightly damaged and you’re planning to stay in the Apple ecosystem.

Online Buyback Services

Websites like Decluttr, Swappa, GadgetGone, and SellCell buy used and broken phones. Many allow you to select the type of damage during the quote process.

Pros:

• Fast and easy process
  
• Free shipping labels
  
• Immediate offers
  

Cons:

• Slightly lower payouts compared to private sales
  

These platforms are a great choice if you want to avoid the hassle of meeting buyers in person or negotiating.

Local Repair Shops

Local iPhone repair shops often purchase broken iPhones, especially newer models. They may pay more than online buyback programs because they can resell the phone locally or use it for repairs.

Call ahead or visit a few stores to compare offers. Some shops may also offer store credit for repairs or refurbished models.

🔹 Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist let you sell directly to individuals. You may earn more here, but the process takes longer and requires more effort.

Tips for peer-to-peer selling:

• Include clear photos of damage.
  
• Use keywords like “for parts,” “cracked screen,” or “won’t turn on.”
  
• Meet in public places.
  

🔹 eBay (For “As-Is” Devices)

If you’re comfortable with online selling, eBay is ideal for reaching a large audience. List your phone as-is and describe the condition honestly. Devices sold for repair or parts are very popular on eBay.

Expect more time and effort—along with seller fees—but potentially higher prices.

What to Do Before Selling

It’s important to remove your personal data and unlink your iPhone from your Apple ID, even if the phone doesn’t turn on.

Steps to Follow:

1. Back up your data via iCloud or iTunes (if possible).
   
2. Sign out of iCloud and disable Find My iPhone.
   
3. Erase all content: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.
   
4. Remove SIM card and any memory cards.
   
5. Remove from your Apple account at iCloud.com if you can’t power it on.
   

If you don’t remove the iCloud account, the device will remain Activation Locked and be unusable to a buyer—making it much harder to sell.

Should You Repair It Before Selling?

Let’s say your iPhone 13 has a cracked screen and doesn’t power on. Repairing it might increase its resale value—but only if the cost of repair is less than the potential profit.

• Repair cost: $200
  
• Resale value after repair: $450
  
• Profit: $250
  

However, if your iPhone has multiple issues—like a bad battery, water damage, and screen failure—repairs may cost more than the phone is worth. In that case, selling it broken is a smarter financial move.

Pros and Cons of Selling a Broken iPhone

Pros

• Quick way to earn money
  
• Environmentally responsible option
  
• Reduces e-waste
  
• Helps others source parts
  

Cons

• Lower value than working devices
  
• Some platforms offer limited trade-in options
  
• May involve extra steps (data removal, shipping, etc.)
  

Should You Recycle Instead?

If the phone is too damaged or outdated (like older than iPhone 6), you might not get much money. In that case, recycling is the better option.

Where to Recycle:

• Apple GiveBack Program
  
• Local recycling centers
  
• Best Buy or Staples drop-off stations
  

Even if you don’t earn money, you’ll avoid adding to electronic waste.

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Final Thoughts

Selling a broken iPhone makes sense for most users. Instead of letting it sit in a drawer, turning it into cash or store credit is a smarter move. Evaluate the condition, research your options, and choose a platform that fits your needs.

A broken screen, dead battery, or unresponsive phone doesn’t mean worthless. The resale market for damaged iPhones is large—and growing. Selling it the right way helps you, the buyer, and the environment.

Frequently Asked Question FAQs

1. Can I sell a broken iPhone that doesn’t turn on?
   Yes, you can. Many buyers purchase non-working iPhones for parts or refurbishment. The value depends on the model and condition.
   
2. How much is a broken iPhone worth?
   The price varies based on the model, damage type, and buyer. Newer models like the iPhone 13 or 14 can still fetch $100–$300 with damage.
   
3. Is it better to repair or sell a broken iPhone?
   If repair costs are more than 60% of the resale value, it’s often better to sell the device as-is rather than investing in repairs.
   
4. Where can I sell a broken iPhone for the best price?
   Popular options include local repair shops, online buyback platforms (like Decluttr or Swappa), and peer-to-peer sites like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
   
5. What should I do before selling my damaged iPhone?
   Make sure to erase your data, remove the SIM card, sign out of iCloud, and disable Find My iPhone—even if the phone is not working.