Sell Your Broken iPhone: Best Ways to Get Cash for a Damaged Device

A broken iPhone doesn't necessarily mean it's worthless. Even if your device has a cracked screen, a faulty battery, or won't power on, it still holds value. Many platforms, repair shops, and recycling programs are willing to buy broken iPhones because their parts and materials remain useful.

With the release of the iPhone 17 series, many people are considering an upgrade. Selling your broken iPhone not only helps you clear out unused devices but also gives you extra cash or trade-in credit toward the latest model. In this guide, we'll cover the essential steps to prepare your iPhone for sale, where to sell it, and the pros and cons of each method so you can make the smartest choice.

Part 1. What to Do Before Selling a Broken iPhone?

Before you sell your damaged iPhone, the most important thing is to make sure your personal information is safe. Even if the device is no longer working properly, there may still be recoverable data on it. Here are three essential steps to follow:

Procedure 1. Back Up Your Damaged iPhone

Just because your iPhone is broken doesn't mean your data is lost. In many cases, as long as the phone can power on or be connected to a computer, you can still save important files like contacts, photos, text messages, music, or notes. Backing up your device is the first step before selling, so you won't lose valuable information.

Coolmuster iOS Assistant makes it simple to transfer and back up iPhone data directly to a computer. Unlike iCloud, it doesn't take up limited cloud space, and you can selectively export the files you want. This ensures your personal data remains safe and accessible even after you sell or recycle the device.

Key features of iOS Assistant

• Back up and restore everything on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with a single click.
• Preview your files first, then freely choose what you want to transfer.
• Manage both iTunes backups and iOS data directly on your computer.
• Add, delete, or edit contacts, messages, and other saved information right from your PC or Mac.
• Work perfectly with the latest iOS 26 and new models, including iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17.

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How to back up a broken iPhone to a computer with iOS Assistant?

Even if your iPhone is damaged, you can still create a backup as long as it can connect to a computer. Here's how:

Video guide

Procedure 2. Erase All Data on Your Broken iPhone

Before you sell your broken iPhone, wiping it clean is a must. Simply restoring factory settings is not always enough; data can still be recovered with special tools.

The professional data-wiping tool - Coolmuster iOS Eraser, permanently erases all information from your iPhone, making it impossible for anyone to recover. It's ideal if your iPhone contains sensitive files, personal photos, or work documents. With just a few clicks, you can make sure your privacy is fully protected.

Key features of iOS Eraser

• Permanently erase all data from iOS devices, including personal information, system settings, deleted files, and more.
• Guarantee that both existing and previously deleted data cannot be recovered.
• Offer three levels of data wiping: Low, Medium, and High, to suit different security needs.
• Support permanent deletion of contacts, SMS, call logs, music, videos, photos, apps and app data, reminders, calendars, bookmarks, browsing history, voice memos, notes, and system settings (including iCloud and iTunes account information).
• Operate in a fully read-only mode to ensure a safe and secure data erasure process.
• Fully compatible with all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, including the latest iPhone 17 and iOS 26.

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How to delete all files at once on a faulty iPhone using iOS Eraser?

Video guide

Procedure 3. Remove SIM Card

Even if your iPhone is damaged, it may still contain sensitive information on your SIM card. Before selling, remove the SIM card and any external storage (if applicable).

• Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to eject the SIM tray.
• Take out the SIM card and store it safely.
• If your iPhone uses an external storage card (rare for iPhones, but relevant for other devices), remove it as well.

This simple step prevents personal contacts, messages, or data from being accessed by the next owner.

Part 2. Where to Sell Broken iPhones?

If you're asking who buys broken iPhones, there are several options to consider, including Apple Trade-In, online buyback services, local repair shops, marketplaces, or selling for parts. You can choose where to sell your broken iPhones, depending on convenience, cash value, and your preference.

1. Apple Trade In or Recycling

Apple accepts broken iPhones for trade-in or recycling. You can receive store credit toward a new iPhone or let Apple recycle it responsibly.

How to sell:

• Visit Apple's trade-in page or an Apple Store.
• Enter your iPhone model and condition.
• Receive an estimated trade-in value.
• Ship the device or bring it to the store for processing.

2. Online Buyback Services

Websites like Gazelle, Decluttr, or BuyBackWorld buy damaged iPhones. They often offer free shipping and payment after inspection.

How to sell:

• Go to the service website and select your iPhone model.
• Enter the condition and answer questions about damage.
• Get a quote, print a prepaid shipping label, and send the device.
• Receive payment after inspection.

3. Local Repair Shops

Repair shops may buy broken iPhones to refurbish or use for parts.

How to sell:

• Visit nearby repair shops and ask if they purchase broken devices.
• Show the iPhone and explain its condition.
• Receive an offer and get immediate payment if accepted.

4. Marketplaces

Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist let you sell directly to buyers.

How to sell:

• Create a listing with photos and a description of the damage.
• Set your price and wait for interested buyers.
• Arrange shipping or local pickup.

5. Sell for Parts

If the iPhone is severely damaged, you can sell individual parts like the screen, battery, or camera to specialized buyers.

How to sell:

• Identify valuable parts of your iPhone.
• List parts on marketplaces or contact buyers who specialize in components.
• Ship or deliver the parts once sold.

Part 3. Pros and Cons of Different Selling Methods

Before deciding where to sell your damaged iPhone, it's helpful to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method at a glance:

In the End

Selling a broken iPhone doesn't have to be complicated. The key steps are always the same: back up your data, erase all personal information, and then choose the selling channel that best suits your needs.

Using tools like Coolmuster iOS Assistant and Coolmuster iOS Eraser makes this process quick, safe, and worry-free. Once your iPhone is prepared, you can confidently sell it, whether for cash, trade-in credit, or parts, while protecting your privacy and getting the most value out of your device.

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