There will come a time when your iPhone will acquire damage, no matter how durable. For instance, you can drop your phone in water, or it may end up bent in one way or another. Simply put, there are many ways an iPhone may end up damaged.
This can be heartbreaking, but it is not the end of the road. In this article, we’ll discuss where to sell a broken iPhone.
Are Broken iPhones Worth Anything?
Yes, broken iPhones are worth quite a bit, depending on the extent of the damage and the phone’s condition. An iPhone with a broken screen can sell for $30-$50 if its hardware is in perfect condition. If sold to the right buyback program, most broken iPhones are worth more than most users imagine.
To get a broken screen fixed by Apply can cost more than $150. But, to sell a broken iPhone might only lead to a $50 loss. That’s why, if possible, it’s best to re-sell a damaged iPhone and use the cash to upgrade your current model.
Related article: Fix iPhone camera not working and showing a black screen
Why Do People Buy Broken iPhones?
People buy broken iPhones to use their spare parts or to swap pieces. Large-scale refurbished companies buy broken iPhones, repair them in bulk, and sell them at a lower price than Apple. These phones are then branded and sold as refurbished iPhones.
Some people prefer buying a broken iPhone because it is pocket-friendly, so the market for refurbished models is significant. Therefore, there are also many damaged iPhone buyers.
A broken iPhone is available for a fraction of a new one in the same model. For international buyers, it is also a good way of getting a model unavailable in their areas.
What Are the Best Places to Sell Broken iPhones?
Generally, there is a smaller market for broken iPhones than new ones. Before selling at a local shop or online, it is best to compare different offers to get a good deal.
Let’s look at the best websites where you can sell your phone for cash near you:
1. BankMyCell
BankMyCell is an online marketplace that connects sellers to buyback programs. It acts as a comparison site that allows you to ensure that you are getting the best deal for your broken iPhone.
All you need to do is go to BankMyCell’s official site, choose the phone model, and select a suitable deal. Typically, you will receive the payout within 24 hours after the store gets your phone.
If the buyer fails to purchase the iPhone, BankMyCell will return the phone to you without additional payments.
If you’re looking for a new iPhone to replace your broken one, you should consider getting the iPhone with the biggest screen!
2. GadgetGone
Gadget Gone is a professional refurbished company that repairs broken iPhones for much less than Apple. But instead of fixing the phone and sending it back to you, they purchase it and give you a reasonable quote.
To get started, get a quote from GadgetGone, ship the device, and get paid. You can get your payout in as little as two days.
If you sold your iPhone 12 and upgraded to iPhone 14, you probably have some old phone cases that you want to reuse. Discover if your old iPhone 12 cases will fit your iPhone 14 here.
3. Gazelle
Another place to sell a broken iPhone for cash is Gazelle. The company started its operations in 2006, making it one of the oldest buyback programs in the game.
When looking to sell a broken iPhone on Gazelle, first, you have to fill out an online form. Select your carrier, and answer a few questions about the phone’s condition.
The site presents you with an offer. If you accept it, you’ll receive a shipping kit to use when shipping the phone for inspection. Then, wait for a payout. Payments happen approximately in 7 to 10 days.
4. SellCell
SellCell works by comparing prices from leading buyers across the US to help sellers get the best deal. The broken iPhone’s price depends on its model, network, internal storage capacity, and overall condition.
To sell on SellCell, find the make of your iPhone, select the best deal, and ship it to the buyback company for free.
When using this online market, it is essential to note the price may change from the initial quotation based on the condition, as the company will examine your broken phone upon receiving it. But it guarantees you’ll get the most cash for your device.
5. SaveGadget
SaveGadget offers a quick and convenient way to sell a broken iPhone. The platform has an easy process to assess the model and condition of your iPhone.
Luckily, SaveGadget offers free USPS shipping labels for trade-ins. All sellers need to do is print it out and ship the product within 14 days.
However, note the price might change after official assessment once your gadget reaches SaveGadget. Therefore, it is vital to ensure everything is carefully packed to avoid further damage during transportation.
If the offer is adjusted, you have 5 days to accept or decline the new price before receiving payment. By any chance, if you fail to respond within this timeframe, you’ll receive payment based on the new adjusted offer.
6. Decluttr
Decluttr operates similarly to Gazelle. Search for your iPhone model, select internal storage size, service provider (if any), and overall condition. You’ll receive an offer that you can accept or reject.
After accepting the offer, the platform sends you a prepaid mailing label for shipping the iPhone. Sending the charger, original box, or other accessories is optional.
You’ll get an updated quote if the phone doesn’t match the described conditions. You get paid after accepting the new quote.
Things You Should Do Before Selling Your Broken iPhone
These are things you should do before selling a broken iPhone online or at a local store:
- Back-up Your Details.
Backing up your photos on your iPhone and any valuable information lets you quickly retrieve the data when needed. Go to “Settings> [your name]> iCloud Backup> Back Up Now”. - Transfer All Your Data to Your New Device.
If you have a new iPhone, transfer all data from the previous one using iCloud, iTunes, or Finder. In cases where you don’t have access to the old device, generate a two-factor authentication to regain access. - Get Rid of All Personal Information.
Sign out from all personal and Apple accounts to prevent your details from landing in the wrong hands. - Unpair All Devices.
Ensure you unpair your Apple Watch or other Apple devices that you have connected to your old iPhone. Also, remove the old iPhone from your list of trusted devices. - Conduct a Factory Reset.
Go to “Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings” to restore your iPhone to factory reset. Ensure you have your iPhone ID if you have enabled Find My Device. - Cancel Any Active Service Plans.
Call your service provider and ensure you don’t have an active plan before selling your old iPhone. If you aren’t using a SIM card, ask your provider about transferring the service to the new owner.
Learn more about what to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone on Apple Support.
What Can You Do With an Unsellable Broken iPhone?
If, for any reason, your phone is unsellable, here are other good cause options you can consider.
- Donate Your iPhone.
Charitable organizations can put your broken iPhone to good use. One such charity organization is Cell Phones for Soldiers, which provides military members and veterans phones for free communication services. - Recycle It.
Instead of throwing your iPhone away, recycle it to save the environment. You can drop off your phone for free in many recycling centres. - Trade-in at Apple.
You can turn in your broken iPhone at Apple and get credit to purchase a new phone. If it isn’t eligible for trade-in, Apple recycles it for free.
Read more about Apple trade-in and upgrade programs on the Apple Website.
Yes, It Is Possible to Sell a Broken iPhone
Don’t just throw your iPhone away. If you’re looking for where to sell your phone for cash near you, several online platforms offer buyback programs. However, note that the value you’ll get depends on the phone’s condition.
If you can’t sell the phone, consider recycling, trading it in, or donating the iPhone to a good cause.
