Dropped your iPhone and now you're staring at a cracked screen? Or maybe it won't turn on anymore? Don't throw it away or let it collect dust in a drawer - your broken iPhone is still worth money! This guide explains all your options for selling a damaged iPhone and how to get the best price for it.
Yes, Broken iPhones Are Still Worth Money
Many people are surprised to learn that their damaged iPhone still has significant value. Here's why broken iPhones are worth money:
- Valuable components - Camera modules, processors, batteries, and other parts can be harvested for repairs
- Refurbishment - Many damaged phones can be economically repaired and resold
- Precious metals - iPhones contain small amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable materials
- High demand - The repair industry has huge demand for iPhone parts
How Damage Affects Your iPhone's Value
Different types of damage impact your iPhone's resale value differently:
Cracked Screen (Still Works) 60-75% of working value
If your screen is cracked but the phone still functions normally - touch works, display is clear enough to use - you'll still get a good price. This is the most common type of damage and the easiest to repair.
Cracked Back Glass 70-85% of working value
Back glass damage on newer iPhones (iPhone 8 and later) is common but doesn't affect functionality. You'll still get a solid price for these devices.
Screen Doesn't Work (Phone Works) 40-55% of working value
If the phone turns on, receives calls, and functions but the display is dead or touch doesn't respond, it's still valuable. The internal components are intact.
Water Damage 30-50% of working value
Water damage is unpredictable - some water-damaged phones work fine, others have mysterious issues. Value depends on whether it currently functions.
Won't Turn On 25-40% of working value
If your iPhone won't power on at all, it's still worth selling. The issue might be a simple battery replacement, or the parts are still valuable.
Severe Physical Damage 15-30% of working value
Bent frames, multiple broken components, or severe damage still holds some value for parts recovery.
iCloud Locked 10-20% of working value
iPhones with Activation Lock that can't be removed have limited value since they can't be used as phones, only for parts.
Broken iPhone Value Examples
Here's what you might expect for common broken iPhones (approximate values):
| iPhone Model |
Working Value |
Cracked Screen |
Won't Turn On |
| iPhone 15 Pro |
$450 |
$300-340 |
$130-180 |
| iPhone 14 |
$300 |
$200-225 |
$85-120 |
| iPhone 13 |
$250 |
$165-190 |
$70-100 |
| iPhone 12 |
$200 |
$130-150 |
$55-80 |
| iPhone 11 |
$150 |
$95-110 |
$40-60 |
*Values are estimates and vary based on specific condition and storage capacity.
Your Options for Selling a Broken iPhone
Option 1: Sell to a Buyback Service (Recommended)
Services like CashiPhone specialize in buying broken and damaged iPhones. This is often the best option because:
- They accept phones in any condition
- No need to find individual buyers willing to take damaged phones
- Quick, easy process with prepaid shipping
- Guaranteed payment
- No haggling over condition
Option 2: Repair Then Sell
You could repair the phone first to get a higher price. Consider this if:
- Repair cost is less than the value increase you'd get
- Damage is minor (just a screen crack)
- You're comfortable with DIY repair or have affordable local options
Do the math first: If repair costs $100 but only increases your sale price by $75, you're better off selling as-is.
Option 3: Sell for Parts on eBay/Craigslist
You can list your broken iPhone as "for parts" on marketplaces. However:
- Takes longer to sell
- Dealing with lowball offers and scammers
- Shipping hassles
- May not get as much as a buyback service
Option 4: Trade-In Programs
Apple and carriers accept some damaged phones for trade-in, but:
- Values are typically much lower than buyback services
- Severe damage may be rejected entirely
- You only get store credit, not cash
Should You Repair Before Selling?
The answer depends on the math. Here's a quick guide:
Repair first if:
- The repair cost is less than 50% of the value increase
- It's just a screen crack on a newer model
- You can do it yourself cheaply
Sell as-is if:
- Repair costs are high relative to phone value
- There are multiple issues
- The phone won't turn on
- It's an older model
Pro Tip: Get quotes both ways! Get a quote for your broken phone as-is, then get repair estimates, then get a quote for what it would be worth fixed. Compare to see which makes more sense.
How to Prepare Your Broken iPhone for Sale
Even if your iPhone is damaged, follow these steps before selling:
- Back up your data - If the phone works at all, try to back up to iCloud or computer
- Sign out of iCloud - Critical! Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. If you can't access settings, use iCloud.com to remove the device
- Disable Find My iPhone - This removes Activation Lock
- Factory reset if possible - Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content
- Remove SIM card - Take your SIM card out before shipping
- Don't try to repair it yourself - Unless you know what you're doing, you might cause more damage
Important: If your iPhone won't turn on or you can't access settings, you MUST remove it from your Apple ID at iCloud.com before selling. Go to iCloud.com > Find My > All Devices > Select your iPhone > Remove from Account. Phones with Activation Lock are worth significantly less.
What If My Phone Won't Turn On?
Don't worry - you can still sell it! Here's what to do:
- Go to iCloud.com on a computer
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Click "Find My"
- Select "All Devices" and find your iPhone
- Click "Remove from Account" to disable Activation Lock
- Now you can sell the phone without the lock
Ready to Sell Your Broken iPhone? Don't let that damaged iPhone sit in a drawer losing value! CashiPhone buys broken iPhones in any condition.
Get your instant quote now - you might be surprised how much your broken iPhone is worth!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell an iPhone with a completely shattered screen?
Yes! Even phones with severely damaged screens have value for parts and refurbishment.
Will I get anything for an iPhone that won't charge?
Absolutely. This is often a simple battery issue, and the phone has significant value.
What if I don't know what's wrong with it?
That's okay! Describe the symptoms (won't turn on, screen black, etc.) and you'll get a quote based on that.
Is it worth selling a very old broken iPhone?
Even older models like iPhone 8 or X still have value when broken. Get a quote to see!
Got a broken iPhone? Get your instant quote from CashiPhone and turn that damaged device into cash today!