Turn Your Broken iPhone into Cash: The Ultimate Guide to Recycling for Profit

If you’ve ever stared in frustration at a broken iPhone—screen shattered, buttons failing, or completely unresponsive—you’re not alone. But did you know that your damaged device can still earn you money?

Whether your iPhone has a cracked screen, water damage, or simply doesn’t turn on anymore, there are safe, responsible, and profitable ways to recycle it. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to transform that damaged phone into quick cash while also helping the planet.

🌍 Why Recycle a Broken iPhone?

Electronic waste is a serious global concern, and old smartphones make up a large portion of it. Recycling your broken iPhone is more than just decluttering—it’s an eco-conscious decision that benefits both your wallet and the environment.

✅ Recover Precious Resources

A broken iPhone still contains valuable materials like gold, copper, and rare earth metals. Recycling companies extract and reuse these, reducing the need for mining.

✅ Reduce E-Waste

Disposing of a broken iPhone improperly can lead to toxic chemicals seeping into soil and water. Recycling prevents this and keeps your device out of landfills.

✅ Get Paid for What’s Otherwise Useless

Rather than letting your broken iPhone gather dust, why not sell it for a fair price? Many recycling services specialize in purchasing damaged phones.

📉 Common Types of iPhone Damage

Not all damage has the same effect on resale value. Here are common issues that make an iPhone “broken” in a buyer’s eyes:

1. Cracked Screen

This is the most common form of iPhone damage. Even if the phone works, a damaged screen can reduce its resale value by 30–70%.

2. Water Damage

Dropped your broken iPhone in water? While tricky, some components might still be reusable. Recyclers often buy water-damaged phones for parts.

3. Unresponsive or Dead Display

If the screen doesn’t light up or touch functions don’t work, it’s still a iPhone worth recycling. These can often be repaired or repurposed.

4. No Power

Phones that won’t power on might seem worthless—but they aren’t. Recyclers frequently buy broken iPhones in this state to harvest parts.

5. Battery or Camera Issues

Even if it’s just one function that’s broken, your iPhone might still qualify as “broken” and earn you a payout.

💰 How to Sell Your Broken iPhone for Cash

Turning a broken iPhone into money is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough:

Step 1: Find a Reputable Recycling Company

Choose a company that specializes in purchasing iPhones, such as LCD Buyer, which has a solid reputation for offering fair prices and fast payments.

Look for:

• Verified reviews (e.g., Trustpilot)

• Free shipping options

• Data protection guarantees

• Transparent pricing policies

Step 2: Get an Instant Online Quote

Visit the buyer’s website and select your model. Choose the “broken” condition that matches your device. Most platforms offer instant quotes, so you’ll know exactly how much your iPhone is worth before you ship it.

Step 3: Prepare Your Device

Before sending in your broken iPhone:

• Back up your data (if possible)

• Erase all content and settings

• Remove your iCloud/Apple ID account

• Turn off “Find My iPhone”

Step 4: Package and Ship Securely

Use bubble wrap or a padded envelope to protect your iPhone during shipping. Most recyclers provide a prepaid shipping label to make things easier.

Step 5: Get Paid

Once received and inspected, your payment is processed. You can usually choose between PayPal, bank transfer, or cheque.

🔐 Is It Safe to Sell a Broken iPhone?

Absolutely—if you follow a few basic precautions:

• Always perform a factory reset if the phone turns on.

• Remove your iCloud account to avoid activation lock issues.

• Only sell to certified, WEEE-compliant buyers (especially in the UK).

• Consider requesting a data wipe certificate for added peace of mind.

💡 Should You Try Fixing It First?

It might seem smart to repair your broken iPhone and then sell it—but that’s not always the case.

DIY repairs:

• Risk causing more damage

• Can be costly (parts + tools)

• Often void resale value due to unofficial parts

In many cases, you’ll make more by selling your broken iPhone as-is, especially to buyers who specialize in refurbishing.

📦 What Happens After You Sell?

Ever wonder what happens to your broken iPhone once you’ve been paid?

1. Assessment and Sorting

Buyers inspect the device to determine whether it can be repaired, resold, or broken down for parts.

2. Repairs or Parts Harvesting

• Minor issues (e.g., cracked screens) are fixed and resold.

• Unfixable broken iPhones are taken apart and their usable parts (like cameras, batteries, chips) are reused.

3. Recycling

Non-reusable components are sent to certified e-waste processors, where valuable materials are extracted and hazardous waste is safely disposed of.

📊 Real Case: Selling a Broken iPhone 11

Let’s say you have a broken iPhone 11 with a shattered screen and a faulty camera.

• Working model resale: £280+

• Broken iPhone with damage: £110–£150 from recyclers

• Parts value: Even dead phones can fetch £50–£100 depending on the components

Moral of the story? Never underestimate your iPhone.

✅ Checklist: Ready to Sell?

Use this pre-sale checklist to make sure you’re ready:

🔄 Can You Sell Other Broken Devices Too?

Yes! Many recyclers will also pay for:

• Broken Android phones

• Tablets and iPads

• Apple Watches

• MacBooks and laptops

If your broken iPhone is just one of many unused electronics, you could bundle them up and make even more money.

🧾 How to Choose the Best Offer

Don’t settle for the first quote. Instead:

• Compare at least 3 different buyers

• Look beyond price—consider shipping speed, payout time, and reviews

• Confirm the definition of “broken” in their condition guide

This ensures you get the most for your iPhone.

🗣️ FAQs About Selling a Broken iPhone

Q: Can I sell a broken iPhone even if it won’t turn on?

A: Yes. Many buyers accept non-functional devices as long as they haven’t been tampered with or stripped for parts.

Q: Do I need the original box or accessories?

A: No. A broken iPhone can be sold on its own. However, including accessories may boost the offer slightly.

Q: What if my broken iPhone is very old?

A: Even older models like iPhone 6s or SE (1st gen) can be recycled for parts. While prices are lower, it’s better than throwing it away.

🚀 Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Broken iPhone Go to Waste

A broken iPhone may seem useless, but it’s actually packed with value. Whether it’s resold, repaired, or recycled, there’s almost always a way to get paid for it.

By working with trusted recyclers like LCD Buyer and following the steps in this guide, you can ensure your device is:

• Responsibly handled

• Securely wiped

• Quickly turned into cash

Stop letting that broken iPhone gather dust. Take action today, and turn your old device into opportunity.