Can I Sell a Broken Phone?

Are you considering selling your phone, but it’s broken? Don't worry—many recyclers accept broken phones, which can still hold value as parts or, with necessary repair, can be refurbished. This is a great opportunity to not only get rid of your old device but also potentially earn some money. Even if it's broken, your phone could still be valuable, and that's something to be optimistic about. 

The price for your broken phone will depend on the damage, and some recyclers may not accept it if it is too extensive. We’ve put together this guide to selling a broken phone so you can weigh up your options for selling - you get the cash and the phone gets refurbished.

A guide to selling a broken phone

Before selling your phone (broken or otherwise), always transfer and back up any important data, such as photos, contacts, and documents. This ensures you don't lose valuable information when selling or recycling the device. Perform a factory reset to erase personal data and restore the phone to its original settings. This helps protect your privacy and ensures the new owner won't have access to your information.

What counts as broken?

Damage to your phone can be physical without affecting its functionality, only impacting its cosmetic condition such as cracks or dents. Other damage can be software-related, causing faults that can't be easily repaired. Once the recycler has received the device for testing, they will determine the level of the damage and confirm its valuation.

Types of damage:

• Physical damage: Such as dents, scratches, cracks or broken buttons can impact the phone's appearance and functionality. While minor physical damage may have a minimal effect on the price, extensive damage can significantly reduce the value. Cracks or shattered glass on the front screen or back of the phone are common types of physical damage. Depending on the severity, this can significantly reduce the phone's value, especially if the touchscreen functionality is affected.

• Internal damage: Such as a malfunctioning battery, speaker or camera can make the phone unusable or unreliable. Recyclers or buyers typically offer a lower price for this damage, as repairing internal components can be costly.

• Water damage: Exposure to water or moisture can cause various issues, such as corrosion or malfunctioning components. Water damage often leads to a considerable decrease in value, as it can affect the phone's performance and longevity. However, it’s important to note that most recyclers will not accept water-damaged phones.

When you sell your broken phone, select the condition ‘Broken’, which will filter the prices to give you an idea of how much your broken phone is worth. You can also check the price differences between conditions ‘Broken’ and ‘Good’ as sometimes, it can be worth paying for a repair first, and there are various cost options and ways to fix your phone.

Pricing considerations

The extent of damage directly affects the price offered for the phone. Minor damage may result in a slightly lower price, while severe damage can significantly reduce value.

Different recyclers have varying policies and criteria for purchasing broken phones. Some may offer higher prices for specific phone models or types of damage, so it's essential to compare offers from multiple sources (that’s where we come in).

Submitting your broken phone under the condition ‘Broken’ for sale will help you to manage expectations of its potential value. Once the recycler has received it and assessed its condition, its value will be confirmed within the indicated range. 

By considering the types of damage and pricing factors, you can effectively sell your broken phone and maximise its value, even in its damaged state.