A damaged iPhone does not have to sit unused in a drawer or end up as electronic waste. Even if your device has a cracked screen, battery issue, water damage, charging fault, or camera problem, it may still hold resale value.

Many phone-buying companies, trade-in services, private marketplaces, and refurbishment specialists buy damaged iPhones for repair, resale, or parts recovery. The final offer usually depends on the model, storage size, condition, and whether the device still powers on.

Selling your damaged iPhone can also help reduce the cost of your next upgrade. Instead of letting your old phone lose value, you can turn it into cash and use that money towards a refurbished or newer device. 

Damaged iPhones Can Still Hold Value

Even if your iPhone is no longer in perfect condition, it may still be worth selling. Buyers often accept phones with cracked screens, poor battery health, charging faults, cosmetic damage, or other issues. If you are planning to sell your iPhone, describing the condition accurately from the start can help avoid delays or quote changes later.

A phone with minor damage may receive a stronger offer, while a device with serious water damage or power issues may be valued lower. Even non-working iPhones can sometimes be sold for parts, so it is worth checking your options before recycling or throwing the device away.

What Types of Damaged iPhones Can You Sell?

Many damaged iPhones can still be accepted, depending on the level of damage and repair potential.

Common types of damaged iPhones that may be sold include:

  • Cracked or shattered screens: One of the most common types of iPhone damage.
  • Battery issues: Poor battery health, rapid draining, or charging problems.
  • Water damage: Devices affected by liquid exposure, even if some features no longer work.
  • Faulty buttons: Problems with the power button, volume buttons, or mute switch.
  • Camera faults: Blurry images, damaged lenses, or non-working cameras.
  • Speaker or microphone issues: Audio problems that affect calls, videos, or media playback.
  • Cosmetic damage: Scratches, dents, chipped frames, or worn edges.
  • Non-working iPhones: Devices that are stuck in a boot loop, locked, or no longer power on.

The value will depend on the model, storage, overall condition, and whether the device can be repaired or reused.

Best Places to Sell a Damaged iPhone

There are several practical ways to sell a damaged iPhone in Australia. The best option depends on whether you want a fast payout, a simple trade-in process, a private sale, or a way to put the value of your old phone towards a refurbished upgrade.

1. Mobile Guru

Mobile Guru is a strong option for Australians who want a simple way to sell a damaged iPhone and upgrade without dealing with private buyers. The process is designed to be straightforward: you receive a quote, send your device for assessment, and once the phone has been inspected and approved, payment is processed within 24 hours.

One of the key advantages is the risk-free return option. If the customer is not satisfied with the final quote after inspection, the phone can be returned without extra return charges. This gives sellers more confidence, especially when the device is damaged and the final value may depend on inspection.

Mobile Guru also supports the upgrade journey through refurbished phones. It is one of the first Australian refurbished phone providers to offer a 24-month warranty on refurbished devices, along with 24-hour express shipping options. This makes it easier for customers to sell their old iPhone and move into a tested refurbished replacement with more confidence.

The company has also been recognised as an award-winning mobile trade-in company, including recognition from Canstar Blue in 2024 and ProductReview in 2025. For price-conscious sellers, the “beat any price by $20” offer can also be useful when comparing quotes from other providers.

2. eBay Australia

eBay Australia can be useful for sellers who want more control over their asking price. You can list a damaged iPhone, describe the fault clearly, upload photos, and allow buyers to make offers.

This option may suit people who are willing to wait for the right buyer. However, it can involve more effort, including writing the listing, responding to messages, managing postage, handling disputes, and dealing with buyers who may negotiate heavily.

3. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is another option for selling a damaged iPhone locally. It can work well if you want to find buyers nearby and avoid postage.

The main downside is that private selling can be unpredictable. You may need to deal with low offers, no-shows, safety concerns, and buyers who want to inspect the phone in person before deciding.

4. Gumtree Australia

Gumtree is a long-running classifieds platform where people can sell used and damaged phones directly to buyers. It gives sellers control over pricing and communication.

It may be suitable for people who are comfortable managing enquiries themselves. However, like other private marketplaces, it can take longer and may require negotiation.

5. Green Gadgets

Green Gadgets sells refurbished phones and other devices in Australia. It is more relevant for people looking to buy a refurbished phone after selling an old device, rather than for those wanting to sell a heavily damaged iPhone directly.

If your goal is to upgrade affordably, comparing refurbished retailers can help you understand pricing, warranty coverage, return options, and product condition before making a purchase.

6. Mazuma Mobile

Mazuma Mobile is a recognised phone trade-in and recycling option and may be considered by people comparing buy-back offers for used or damaged phones.

Mazuma states that it accepts broken phones, including devices with cracked screens, water damage, button faults, and power issues. However, sellers should still check whether their exact iPhone model and fault type are accepted, as values can vary depending on condition, model, storage, and repair potential.

7. Mobile Monster

Mobile Monster is another phone trade-in and buy-back option in Australia. It allows users to get a quote, send their device, and sell new, used, or damaged tech without managing private marketplace listings.

This type of platform may suit sellers who want a quote-based process instead of dealing with buyer messages and negotiations. It is still worth checking the final quote, payment timing, return policy, and whether your exact damaged iPhone condition is accepted before sending the device.

8. JB Hi-Fi Trade-In

JB Hi-Fi offers a trade-in credit option where customers can get an online quote and receive the value as a JB Hi-Fi Trade-in credit, rather than direct cash.

This can suit people who want to use their old iPhone’s value towards another purchase. Sellers should check whether their damaged iPhone is eligible, as the offer depends on the model, condition, and assessment.

Quick Comparison of Selling Options

Option Best For Main Limitation
Mobile Guru Fast damaged iPhone selling and refurbished upgrade Final quote depends on inspection
eBay Australia More pricing control Takes more time and effort
Facebook Marketplace Local selling Buyer risk and no-shows
Gumtree Australia Direct classified selling Requires negotiation
Mobile Monster / Mazuma Comparing buy-back offers Terms vary by device condition
Reebelo / Green Gadgets / JB Hi-Fi Buying refurbished after selling Better for upgrade comparison than damaged-phone selling


For most people who want a simple selling process, Mobile Guru is a strong first option because it combines damaged-phone trade-in support with an upgrade pathway into refurbished phones. Private marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree may offer more pricing control, but they usually require more time, more communication, and more risk. 

How Much Can You Get for a Damaged iPhone?

The amount you can get depends on the iPhone model, storage size, damage level, functionality, and repair potential. Newer iPhones usually attract stronger offers, while older or heavily damaged devices may receive lower valuations.

Because damaged iPhones need to be checked individually, the prices below should be treated as a rough guide only. The final offer may change after inspection. 

Damaged iPhone Type Tentative Price Range What Affects the Offer
Newer iPhones with minor damage A$400–A$900+ Cracked back glass, light marks, weak battery, working screen and cameras
Newer iPhones with major damage A$150–A$500 Cracked screen, camera faults, charging issues, heavy wear, repair cost
Mid-range or older iPhones with minor damage A$100–A$350 Model age, storage size, battery health, cosmetic condition
Older iPhones with major damage A$30–A$150 Power issues, screen faults, poor battery, low resale demand
Non-working or parts-only iPhones A$10–A$100 Whether parts can be reused, model demand, water damage, account lock status

These prices are not guaranteed, but they give a general idea of how damaged iPhones may be valued. A cracked screen, weak battery, or damaged camera can reduce the offer, but it does not always make the phone worthless.

For the most accurate price, request a quote based on your exact iPhone model, storage size, condition, and whether the device still powers on.

How to Prepare Your Damaged iPhone Before Selling

Before selling your damaged iPhone, take a few simple steps to protect your personal data and avoid delays.

If the phone still turns on, back up your data, sign out of your Apple ID, turn off Find My iPhone, remove your SIM card, and perform a factory reset. If you are unsure about the correct steps, it is worth reading a detailed guide on how to erase an iPhone before selling so your personal information is removed properly.

If the phone does not power on, be upfront about the issue when requesting a quote. Clean the device gently, remove any case, and provide accurate details about the damage.

Tips to Get the Best Price for Your Damaged iPhone

Even with damage, small steps can help improve your offer or prevent unnecessary reductions after inspection.

To get the best possible price:

  • Compare quotes from more than one buyer.
  • Give accurate details about the damage.
  • Sell sooner before the device loses more value.
  • Clean the iPhone before assessment.
  • Include accessories if you still have them.
  • Remove account locks where possible.
  • Be honest if the phone has water damage or power issues.

Accuracy matters. If the condition you select does not match the phone during inspection, the offer may be revised.

Trade In, Sell for Cash, or Upgrade to Refurbished?

When selling a damaged iPhone, you may come across both cash-buying services and trade-in options. A cash sale is usually better if you want money paid directly after assessment, while a trade-in may suit you if you are planning to use your old phone’s value towards another device.

Selling your damaged iPhone can also help reduce the cost of your next upgrade. Instead of paying full price for a brand-new phone, many Australians use the value from their old iPhone towards a refurbished model.

A refurbished iPhone can be a smart option if you want reliable performance, quality testing, and a lower upfront cost. A provider such as Mobile Guru can support both parts of the journey by helping users sell older devices and explore refurbished iPhone options.

Final Thoughts

You can often sell a damaged iPhone even if it has a cracked screen, battery issue, camera fault, charging problem, or other damage. The final value depends on the model, condition, storage, functionality, and repair potential.

Private marketplaces may offer more control over pricing, but they also involve more time and buyer risk. Phone-buying services, trade-in programmes, and refurbishers can offer a simpler and more predictable process.

If your old iPhone is no longer useful to you, selling it can help you recover value, reduce waste, and make your next upgrade more affordable.

Author

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