Can You Sell a Broken Phone? Yes — Here Is How Much It Is Worth

Even if your phone has a cracked screen, water damage, or will not turn on, it still has valuable components inside. The processor, camera modules, memory chips, battery, and other parts can be harvested for repairs or refurbishment.

A broken iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, might be worth $150-$250 depending on the type and severity of damage. That is real money sitting in your drawer.

Companies like GadgetRenu buy broken devices specifically because they can either refurbish them for resale or responsibly recycle the components at their R2-certified facility.

The value of a broken phone depends on three factors: the model, the type of damage, and the severity.

Cracked screen (still functional): This is the most common type of damage. If the phone still works but has a cracked screen, you can typically expect 50-70% of the excellent condition value.

• iPhone 16 Pro Max with cracked screen: $350-$500
• iPhone 15 Pro with cracked screen: $250-$375
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with cracked screen: $290-$400

Water damage: Water damaged phones are harder to assess because internal damage varies. Expect 20-40% of the excellent condition value.

Will not turn on: A phone that does not power on is worth the least, but it is still not zero. Expect 15-30% of the excellent condition value for newer models.

Multiple issues: Cracked screen AND water damage? The value drops further but most buyback services will still make an offer.

These are estimates. The best way to know exactly what your broken phone is worth is to get an instant quote — it takes under 2 minutes and there is no obligation.

Not every buyback service accepts broken phones. Here is where you can and cannot sell them:

GadgetRenu — Accepts all conditions including cracked screens, water damage, and non-functional devices. Free insured shipping, payment in 3-5 business days. Select "Poor" condition when getting your quote.

eBay — You can list broken phones on eBay, but you will need to clearly disclose the damage, handle buyer questions, and deal with potential returns. Fees are 13-15%.

Facebook Marketplace — Local sales only. You need to meet buyers in person and negotiate. No shipping, no guarantees.

Apple Trade-In — Accepts broken devices but offers very low value. A broken iPhone might get you $30-$50 in Apple credit.

Swappa — Does NOT accept broken phones. Devices must be fully functional to list on Swappa.

Gazelle — Limited acceptance of damaged devices. May reject heavily damaged phones or offer very low value.

Selling a broken phone to GadgetRenu works the same as selling a working one:

1. Get your quote — Go to gadgetrenu.com/sell, select your device, and choose the condition that matches your damage ("Fair" for cracked screens, "Poor" for non-functional).

2. Ship for free — We send you a free prepaid insured USPS label. Pack your device in any box with basic padding.

3. Get paid — Once we receive and inspect your device, payment is sent within 3-5 business days via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or check.

If the damage is worse than described, we will send you a revised offer with photos. You can accept it or get your device back free — no pressure.

1. Be honest about the condition. Overstating your phone's condition will just result in a revised offer after inspection. Describe the damage accurately and you will get paid exactly what you were quoted.

2. Remove your SIM card and sign out of accounts. This does not affect the price, but it speeds up the inspection process and protects your data.

3. Include the charger if you have it. Not required, but some services give slightly better offers for complete packages.

4. Do not try to fix it yourself. DIY screen repairs or opening the device can void warranties and reduce the trade-in value. Sell it as-is.

5. Sell sooner rather than later. Phone values drop every month. A broken iPhone 15 Pro is worth more today than it will be in three months.

Can I sell a phone with a cracked screen? Yes. Cracked screen phones are the most commonly traded-in damaged devices. You can expect 50-70% of the excellent condition value.

Can I sell a phone that will not turn on? Yes. Non-functional phones still have value for parts and component recovery. Expect 15-30% of the excellent condition value.

Is it worth selling a broken phone or should I recycle it? Selling is almost always better than recycling. Even a heavily damaged phone can be worth $50-$150 for newer models. Recycling gets you nothing.

Will GadgetRenu lower my offer if the damage is worse than I described? If the actual condition does not match your description, GadgetRenu sends a revised offer with photos of what was found. You can accept the new offer or get your device returned free of charge.

Does GadgetRenu wipe my data from a broken phone? Yes. Every device that arrives at GadgetRenu receives a certified NIST 800-88 data wipe at their R2-certified facility, regardless of condition. Even if the phone does not turn on, data is destroyed.