Yes, You Absolutely Can Sell Your iPhone With a Cracked Screen!

So, you’ve cracked your iPhone screen. It’s a bummer, we get it. But before you toss it in a drawer and forget about it, take heart! The answer to the burning question, “Can I sell my iPhone with a cracked screen?” is a resounding YES! While Apple might only offer recycling options, the good news is that a whole market exists for damaged iPhones, offering you a chance to recoup some of your investment, no matter how spider-webbed that display might be.

Why Your Cracked iPhone Still Has Value

Don’t underestimate the worth of your broken iPhone. Several factors contribute to its continued desirability:

• Refurbishing Potential: Professional refurbishing companies are constantly on the lookout for iPhones with cosmetic damage. Replacing a cracked screen is a relatively straightforward and cost-effective repair for them, allowing them to resell the phone at a profit.
• Parts Harvesting: Even if the screen is beyond repair, other components within your iPhone – the camera, the logic board, the battery (if it’s still decent) – can be salvaged and used to repair other devices.
• Global Demand: The demand for iPhones, even older models, is high worldwide. This keeps the value of used devices, even broken ones, relatively stable.

Where to Sell Your Cracked iPhone

Numerous options exist for selling your damaged iPhone. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s worth exploring them to find the best fit for your needs:

• BankMyCell: This is a comparison site that aggregates offers from multiple buyers. It’s an excellent starting point to see who’s offering the most for your specific model and condition. They often accept phones with broken glass, damaged screens, cracks, or dents.
• SellCell: Similar to BankMyCell, SellCell compares prices from various buyers, promising the highest possible cash return regardless of the phone’s condition.
• ecoATM: These kiosks are found in shopping malls and retail locations. They offer instant cash for your device, assessing its value based on model, age, and condition. Remember to turn off Find My iPhone before visiting an ecoATM.
• GameStop: GameStop accepts damaged and dead phones, though the value will be significantly reduced compared to working models. A working device will have no software issues, no missing parts, no cracks or dents, no water damage, and a functional screen to receive full trade-in value.
• Walmart: Walmart has a trade-in program that accepts devices in virtually any condition. The payout will depend on whether the phone is classified as “working and intact” or “broken or damaged.”
• Online Marketplaces (eBay, Swappa, Craigslist): Selling directly to consumers can potentially fetch a higher price than selling to a reseller. However, it requires more effort, including creating listings, taking photos, and handling shipping and customer service. Be upfront about the phone’s condition and provide clear pictures.
• Local Repair Shops: Some local repair shops might be interested in buying your broken iPhone for parts. Call around to see if any shops in your area offer this service.

Preparing Your iPhone for Sale

Before you hand over your cracked iPhone, there are a few crucial steps to take to protect your personal information and ensure a smooth transaction:

1. Back Up Your Data: Use iCloud or iTunes to create a backup of your contacts, photos, videos, and other important data.
2. Erase All Content and Settings: This will wipe your iPhone clean, removing your personal information. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Sign Out of iCloud and the iTunes & App Store: This prevents the new owner from accessing your Apple ID and services.
4. Remove Your SIM Card: Don’t forget to take out your SIM card before selling your phone!
5. Unpair Your Apple Watch (if applicable): If you’ve paired an Apple Watch with your iPhone, unpair it before selling.
6. Cancel Your AppleCare Plan (if applicable): If you purchased an AppleCare plan for your device, cancel it to receive a refund for the remaining coverage.
7. If Selling to ecoATM, Turn off Find My iPhone: Make sure that Find My iPhone feature is turned off before the phone can be assessed by the kiosk.

Tips for Maximizing Your Sale Price

While a cracked screen will inevitably reduce the value of your iPhone, you can take steps to maximize your payout:

• Be Honest About the Condition: Accurately describe the extent of the damage. Don’t try to hide anything.
• Take Clear Photos: Provide high-quality photos that show the cracks and any other imperfections.
• Compare Offers: Use comparison sites like BankMyCell and SellCell to get quotes from multiple buyers.
• Consider the Model and Storage Capacity: Newer models and iPhones with larger storage capacities will generally fetch a higher price.
• Clean Your Phone: Wipe down your iPhone to remove any dirt or smudges.
• Sell it immediately: The value of iPhones depreciate over time, the sooner you sell it the better.

Understanding Trade-In and Resale Value

It’s essential to differentiate between trade-in value and resale value. Apple’s trade-in program might offer little to nothing for a cracked iPhone, focusing instead on recycling the device. However, the resale market – which includes refurbishers and parts harvesters – sees value in the individual components of your phone, even if the screen is damaged.

The Future of iPhone Resale

The market for used and broken iPhones is likely to continue to grow as consumers become more environmentally conscious and seek affordable alternatives to buying new devices. Refurbishing and repurposing old electronics helps reduce e-waste and conserve valuable resources.

If you’re interested in learning more about the social impact of technology and responsible recycling, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, which focuses on innovative approaches to education and engagement.

Conclusion

A cracked iPhone screen isn’t the end of the world (or the end of your iPhone’s usefulness). By exploring the various options available and following the tips outlined above, you can successfully sell your broken device and put some cash back in your pocket. Don’t let that cracked screen gather dust – turn it into a win-win situation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much can I sell a cracked iPhone for?

The price varies widely depending on the model, storage capacity, and severity of the damage. In some cases, an iPhone with a cracked screen can be re-sold for only $30-$50 less than one in good condition. Use comparison sites like BankMyCell or SellCell to get an estimate.

2. Does Apple Store take broken iPhones?

The Apple Store may recycle your cracked screen iPhone without payment. Repairing the screen before trading in increases the value.

3. Does GameStop buy broken iPhones?

GameStop accepts damaged and dead phones, but the value will be significantly reduced compared to working models.

4. Does Walmart buy broken phones?

Walmart’s trade-in program accepts electronics in any condition, including phones with cracked screens. The payment will depend on its condition.

5. Does ecoATM take broken phones?

Yes, ecoATM accepts phones and tablets in any condition, including those with cracked displays, broken buttons, or even water damage. Remember to turn off Find My iPhone.

6. Can you trade in an iPhone with a cracked screen to Verizon?

Verizon may not accept devices that are damaged or not working. Always check with a Verizon store sales associate for an evaluation.

7. Can I sell my broken iPhone to ecoATM?

Yes, ecoATM accepts all tablets, MP3 players and cell phones, even if they’re cracked, scratched or unable to power on.

8. Does ecoATM give cash instantly?

Yes, ecoATM gives you instant cash if you’re happy with the offer displayed on the screen and accept it.

9. Why won’t ecoATM take my iPhone?

In order to use ecoATM, all Apple phones must have Find My iPhone turned off before the phone can be assessed.

10. Should I fix my iPhone screen before I trade it in?

Repairing your iPhone’s screen significantly affects its value. Getting your iPhone screen or back glass repaired can add a lot of value to an otherwise standard trade-in.

11. Can ecoATM detect cracks?

Yes, ecoATM checks the screen glass condition. If there are any blemishes or cracks.

12. What should I do before selling a broken iPhone?

Back up your device, remove your SIM card, sign out of iCloud and the iTunes & App Store, Erase All Content and Settings, If applicable, unpair your Apple Watch, and cancel your AppleCare plan.

13. What does GameStop consider a damaged phone?

A Working device will have no software issues, no missing parts, no cracks or dents, no water damage, and a functional screen to receive full trade-in value.

14. Why do people buy broken iPhones?

People buy broken iPhones to save money, to get a newer model of phone for less money, or to harvest the parts.

15. Does anybody buy broken phones?

Yes! Companies like BankMyCell and SellCell are dedicated to buying broken phones.