When a phone breaks, it may seem like its value plummets instantly. However, even a damaged phone can still retain some value and can be sold for cash. Various specialized companies offer services to buy broken phones, ensuring that a cracked screen or faulty hardware doesn’t mean the end of the line for your device’s economic worth. These services provide a platform where you can trade your broken phone for money, typically after a quick valuation process that determines its current market value.
Selling a broken phone is a straightforward process. Owners can seek out buyback companies that compare prices to find the best offer for their damaged devices. These companies usually provide free shipping for sending in the phone and often offer fast payment upon receipt and evaluation of the phone’s condition. The aim is to make the sale of broken phones as hassle-free as possible for the seller, offering a beneficial alternative to keeping an unusable phone at home or disposing of it improperly.
How to & Best Places to Sell Your Broken Phone
Even if your phone is cracked, water-damaged, or won’t turn on, it still has value. Many buyers refurbish, recycle, or use parts from broken phones. Selling it properly can earn you cash and keep e-waste out of landfills.
🔹 Step 1: Prepare Your Broken Phone for Sale
- Back Up Your Data
- If the phone still powers on, back up via Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone).
- Factory Reset
- Settings → Reset → Erase all data.
- On iPhone, also turn off Find My iPhone (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud).
- Remove SIM and SD Card
- Take out your SIM card and any microSD card before selling.
- Clean the Device
- Wipe the phone and remove any case to make it presentable.
🔹 Step 2: Decide How You Want to Sell
- Trade-In Programs → Fast, convenient, but usually lower payout.
- Buyback/Refurbish Companies → Competitive offers, hassle-free.
- Marketplaces → Higher payout possible, but more effort and risk.
- Local Options → Quick cash, no shipping needed.
🔹 Best Places to Sell Your Broken Phone
🏬 1. Trade-In Programs
- Apple Trade-In (for iPhones, may give credit even if broken).
- Samsung Trade-In (for Samsung devices).
- Carrier Trade-Ins (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile often accept damaged phones).
👉 Best for convenience if you’re upgrading with the same brand/carrier.
💻 2. Online Buyback Companies
- SellCell – Compares offers from multiple buyers (like a price comparison site).
- BankMyCell – Lets you compare trade-in prices for broken phones (source: BankMyCell).
- SmartphonesPLUS – Buys cracked, water-damaged, or dead phones (source: SmartphonesPlus).
- Gazelle – Accepts broken devices for cash or credit.
👉 Best for fast, reliable payouts with no buyer hassle.
🛒 3. Marketplaces
- eBay – Sell “for parts or not working.” Higher payout, but requires shipping.
- Swappa – Known for used tech, though broken devices may sell slower.
- Facebook Marketplace / OfferUp / Craigslist – Local buyers, no shipping fees.
👉 Best for maximum profit, but requires effort and caution with buyers.
🏠 4. Local Repair Shops & Pawn Shops
- Local phone repair shops often buy broken devices for parts.
- Pawn shops may also offer quick cash.
👉 Best for instant cash, though payouts are usually lower.
🔹 Step 3: Maximize Your Payout
- Compare offers on multiple platforms before selling.
- Be honest about the damage (cracks, water issues, dead battery).
- Sell sooner—older models lose value quickly.
- If repairs are cheap (like a cracked screen), consider fixing before selling.
✅ Quick Summary
- Prep your phone: Back up, reset, remove SIM/SD.
- Choose how to sell: Trade-in, buyback site, marketplace, or local shop.
- Best places:
- Convenience → Apple/Samsung/Carrier trade-ins
- Best cash offers → SellCell, BankMyCell, Gazelle, SmartphonesPLUS
- Higher profit → eBay, Swappa, Facebook Marketplace
- Quick cash → Local repair shops or pawn shops
Key Takeaways
- Damaged phones can still be sold for cash despite their condition.
- The value of a broken phone is assessed by specialized buyback companies.
- Selling a broken phone involves a simple process with quick payment options.
Understanding the Value of Your Broken Phone
When trying to gauge the value of a broken cell phone, it’s important to consider various factors about the device like its condition, brand, and where you can sell it. Different buyers and marketplaces may offer different amounts, and certain steps might boost the phone’s resale price.
Evaluating the Condition and Brand
The value of your broken phone largely depends on its condition and brand. Phones from high-demand brands like Apple or Samsung might fetch higher prices even when damaged. For example, a broken iPhone may still garner a considerable quote while other models from less popular brands might not be as valuable. Buyers consider the type of damage, like whether it has a cracked screen or more severe issues. The model and generation of the phone also play a role. Newer models typically command higher prices, even if they’re broken.
Identifying Potential Buyers and Marketplaces
Several online platforms specialize in buying damaged electronics. Websites such as SellCell and BankMyCell serve as price comparison sites, showcasing offers from various cell phone buyers. These buyback companies often provide a quote for phones in any condition, promising a deal that reflects the phone’s current market value. When searching for the best place to sell broken phones, it is essential to check multiple buyback companies and recyclers to find the highest offer.
Maximizing Your Phone’s Resale Value
To get the best price for your broken cell phone, present it well. Make sure to clean the device and include all accessories you still have, as this might increase the offered amount. Be honest about the phone’s condition. Transparency with the buyer ensures the process goes smoothly and maintains your reputation. Recycling options are available if the phone lacks market value. Some sites pledge a best price guarantee, but selling directly online could also be a decent option, depending on demand and the extent of the phone’s issues.
