You dropped it. Or maybe it got wet. The screen is cracked, the battery won’t hold charge, or it just refuses to switch on. Whatever happened, you’ve now got a broken phone sitting in a drawer and the question is: can you actually get money for it?
The short answer is yes. You can sell your broken phone for real cash, even when the damage looks bad. A cracked screen or faulty button doesn’t write off a device entirely. Buyers across the UK actively purchase damaged handsets for parts, refurbishment, or raw material recovery and some will pay surprisingly well.
Here’s everything you need to know about where to sell, how to maximise your payout, and what to do before you hand your device over.
Did You Know? Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. The Global E-waste Monitor highlights that recycling and reusing electronic devices helps recover valuable resources and reduces environmental impact.
Key Takeaways
- Broken phones can still retain 10%–50% of their original value depending on the model and damage.
- Comparing multiple buyback offers can increase your payout by £20–£50.
- Apple and Samsung devices usually hold the highest resale value in the secondary market.
- Removing iCloud or Google account locks before selling is essential to avoid rejected offers.
- Selling sooner rather than later helps prevent further depreciation of your device’s value.
Does Anyone Actually Buy Broken Phones?
Yes and it’s a bigger market than most people realise.
Mobile devices contain valuable components: logic boards, cameras, screens, and precious metals like gold, copper, and palladium. Even a phone that won’t power on has resale value to refurbishers and recyclers.
Depending on the model and type of damage, a broken phone typically retains between 10% and 50% of its working value. An iPhone with a smashed screen is worth considerably more than a budget Android with the same fault, simply because demand for Apple parts remains consistently high.
Where to Sell Broken Phones: Your Best UK Options
1. Everything Mobile Limited
If you’re looking for a simple and reliable way to sell a broken phone in the UK, Everything Mobile Limited is a great place to start. Whether your device has a cracked screen, battery issues, water damage, or won’t switch on at all, you can get a quick quote and turn your unwanted handset into cash without unnecessary hassle.
The process is straightforward: provide details about your device, receive a valuation, send the phone, and get paid once it has been assessed. This makes it a convenient option for anyone looking to sell a damaged phone quickly and securely
Pro Tip: Don’t settle for the first quote. Use a price comparison aggregator to check offers from 30+ buyback companies simultaneously. The difference between the highest and lowest offer for the same device can be £20–£50.
2. ecoATM Kiosks
If you want cash in hand the same day, ecoATM kiosks are worth considering. These automated machines accept devices in any condition including broken ones assess them on the spot, and pay out immediately in cash or vouchers.
You’ll find ecoATM units in larger supermarkets and retail parks across the UK. The trade-off is that kiosk prices tend to be lower than online buyback rates, but the speed and convenience make them appealing if you’re not fussed about squeezing out maximum value.
3. Local Trade-In CeX and High Street Retailers
CeX is the best-known option for local, in-person selling of broken phones in the UK. They operate a grading system, with the lowest “F” grade covering faulty or damaged devices that are still repairable. Walk in, have your device assessed, and walk out with cash or store credit.
Store credit at CeX is typically worth around 10–15% more than the cash equivalent, so if you buy tech regularly it can be a smart option.
Other high street phone shops may accept trade-ins on damaged handsets, but CeX tends to offer the most transparent pricing for broken devices.
4. eBay and Facebook Marketplace
Selling privately through eBay or Facebook Marketplace cuts out the middleman and can yield higher returns particularly for popular models like the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22. There’s an active buyer base of repair technicians and parts salvagers who know exactly what they’re looking for.
The downsides: it takes longer, you’re responsible for posting securely, and you’ll need to write an honest and detailed listing. For selling a broken Samsung phone or a damaged iPhone, eBay listings with clear photos of the damage consistently perform well.
5. Specialist Broken Phone Buyers
Some companies focus exclusively on faulty or damaged handsets. These specialists often pay better than general buyback platforms because broken devices are their core business, not an afterthought.
Search specifically for “broken phone buyer UK” alongside your device model to find options tailored to your handset.
How Much Can You Get for a Broken Phone?
The payout varies significantly depending on three factors: brand, model, and type of damage.
| Damage Type | Typical Payout (vs. Working Price) |
| Cracked screen (still functional) | 40–60% |
| Smashed screen (non-functional display) | 25–45% |
| Water damage | 15–35% |
| Faulty battery | 35–55% |
| Won’t power on | 10–25% |
| Multiple faults | 10–20% |
Apple and Samsung devices hold value best. A broken iPhone 13 in the UK can still fetch £80–£150 depending on storage and network status. A broken budget Android from a lesser-known brand might yield £5–£15.
Before You Sell: What You Must Do First
Back Up Your Data
If the phone still powers on at all, back up your photos, contacts, and app data before anything else. For iPhones, use iCloud or iTunes. For Android devices, use Google backup or a direct cable transfer to your computer.
Remove Your Accounts
This step is critical. Before handing over any device:
- iPhone: Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out, or disable Find My iPhone and remove your Apple ID
- Android/Samsung: Go to Settings → Accounts → remove your Google account and Samsung account
Leaving your accounts on a device creates problems for the buyer and could compromise your personal data. Many buyback platforms will reject or return a device that’s still signed in it’s one of the most common reasons for revised quotes.
Factory Reset (If Possible)
If the phone has enough functionality, perform a factory reset before posting or handing it over. This wipes your personal data from the device. If the phone is completely non-functional, a reputable buyer will handle secure data destruction but always ask for confirmation of their data policy.
Keep All Original Parts Together
Don’t strip out the SIM card tray or swap the battery before selling. Even if a component looks broken, buyers want the complete unit. Removing parts can significantly reduce the offer you receive.
Common Mistakes People Make When Selling Broken Phones
Waiting too long. Phone values depreciate steadily, even for damaged devices. The moment a new model launches, the previous generation drops in value broken or not. If you’re sitting on a cracked iPhone 13 and the iPhone 16 is already on shelves, sell now.
Accepting the first quote without comparing. Prices vary wildly between platforms. A five-minute comparison check can add £20–£40 to your payout with zero extra effort.
Forgetting to remove iCloud or Google lock. This is the single most common reason trade-in offers get revised or cancelled. Always remove your accounts before selling.
Describing the condition inaccurately. Overstating the condition to get a higher quote might seem tempting, but buyers will reassess the device when they receive it. You’ll get a revised (lower) offer and the hassle of either accepting less or requesting a return.
Sell My Broken Phone: A Quick Decision Guide
Not sure which route is right for you? Use this to choose:
- Best price, willing to wait a few days → Online buyback platform with price comparison
- Cash today, don’t mind a lower offer → ecoATM kiosk
- In person, local, want store credit → CeX
- Popular model, willing to manage the sale yourself → eBay or Facebook Marketplace
- Phone is completely dead → Specialist broken phone buyer or online buyback with a “dead” condition tier
Expert Insight
Having seen thousands of broken phones come through trade-in channels, one pattern is consistent: the people who get the best payouts are those who act quickly and compare properly. It’s not about haggling or finding secret platforms it’s simply about not waiting six months and checking more than one site. Most people leave £20–£40 on the table purely by accepting the first quote they see.
Ready to Turn That Broken Phone Into Cash?
There’s no reason to leave a damaged device gathering dust. Whether it’s a smashed screen, a dead battery, or a phone that simply won’t power on, there’s a buyer out there who wants it and a fair price waiting for you.
At Everything Mobile Limited, we make the process straightforward. Get a quote, post your device for free, and get paid without the runaround. Don’t let your broken phone lose any more value. Start your quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I sell a broken phone that won’t turn on?
Yes. Many UK buyback sites and specialist buyers accept completely dead handsets. They recover parts, logic boards, and raw materials from non-functional devices. You’ll receive less than for a phone with minor faults, but you can still get a payout.
Q2: Where can I sell broken phones near me?
CeX has branches across the UK and is the most accessible in-person option for faulty devices. ecoATM kiosks are found in larger supermarkets and retail parks. For the best prices, online buyback platforms typically beat in-store options even after postage.
Q3: How do I sell a broken Samsung phone?
The process is the same as any other brand. Go to an online comparison platform, select Samsung, choose your model, and select the “broken” or “faulty” condition. Samsung Galaxy devices especially flagship models retain decent parts value, so you should receive a reasonable quote.
Q4: Will I get more money selling privately or through a buyback site?
For popular models in reasonable condition, private selling through eBay often yields more. For badly damaged devices or less popular models, buyback sites are usually faster and more reliable.
Q5: Do I need the original box and accessories to sell a broken phone?
No. Buyback platforms and CeX will still accept devices without original packaging. Having them might marginally improve an offer, but it’s not a requirement.