Find out how to sell broken phones, what counts as “broken,” and how Gizmogo still pays for damaged devices in most cases.
Have an old phone with a cracked screen, faulty buttons, or water damage? Don’t toss it in a drawer — you might still be able to sell it.
At Gizmogo, we believe that even broken phones have value. Whether your device has cosmetic damage, hardware issues, or won’t turn on at all, there’s a good chance it can still earn you cash.
This guide will explain what “broken” really means, how Gizmogo evaluates damaged devices, and how to get the best possible value — even if your phone has seen better days.
1. What Qualifies as a “Broken” Phone?
A phone is considered broken or damaged when it no longer functions properly or shows significant signs of physical wear. Here are some common examples:
Functional issues:
- Phone won’t turn on or charge
- Touchscreen is unresponsive
- Camera, speakers, or mic not working
- Overheating or constant crashing
- Fails to boot past startup screen
Cosmetic damage:
- Cracked or shattered screen
- Dents, deep scratches, or chipped frame
- Missing buttons or back cover
- Water or liquid damage
Other conditions:
- Stuck in boot loop
- Broken charging port
- Third-party or non-OEM parts
- Software issues that prevent regular use
At Gizmogo, all of these scenarios fall under our “Damaged” or “Fair” condition categories — and yes, we still buy them.
2. Does Gizmogo Pay for Broken Phones?
Yes — Gizmogo pays for most broken phones, as long as they’re not completely unusable or locked beyond recovery.
That includes:
- Cracked screens
- Non-working buttons or audio
- Battery problems
- Software glitches
- Cosmetic wear
However, some severely damaged phones may be listed as AER (As-Is, Evaluation Required). In these cases, we still provide a custom quote after our team inspects the device.
And in some situations — such as if the phone is activation-locked (iCloud or Google FRP), blacklisted, or has been reported lost/stolen — we may not be able to purchase it at all.
3. What’s the Process for Selling a Broken Phone?
The process is nearly identical to selling a fully functional phone:
Step 1: Get a Quote
- Visit Gizmogo.com
- Select your device brand, model, and storage
- Choose the condition as “Damaged”
If you’re unsure, select the most accurate condition based on visible damage. For severely broken phones, contact our team for a manual evaluation quote.
Step 2: Ship It for Free
We provide a prepaid shipping label, so you don’t pay a cent to send your device.
Related: The Best Way to Ship Your Device Safely
Step 3: Get Evaluated and Paid
Once we receive your phone, we evaluate it. If it matches your selected condition, we send payment. If it doesn’t, we’ll revise the offer — and you can accept or decline it.
4. How Gizmogo Evaluates Broken Devices
Gizmogo’s team of technicians inspects every device based on these criteria:
- Can it power on?
- Does the screen display properly?
- Are buttons and ports functional?
- Is the phone unlocked and account-free?
- Has the device been repaired or modified?
- Is there water damage or corrosion?
We also use diagnostic software to detect internal damage and verify if the phone contains any non-original (non-OEM) parts.
If your phone qualifies for our standard “Damaged” category, we’ll pay you the quoted price. If the damage is more extensive than described, we’ll email you a revised offer.
5. What Kinds of Broken Phones Still Have Value?
Surprisingly, many broken phones still hold decent value — especially recent models. Some examples:
| Phone Model | Damage Type | Typical Payout (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | Cracked screen | $40–$80+ |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | Boot loop issue | $80–$150 |
| iPhone XR | Charging issue | $50–$100 |
| Google Pixel 6 | Water damage | $20–$60 |
Note: These are example ranges. Actual quotes may vary based on the extent of damage and market demand.
Older models may earn less, but they are still eligible for recycling.
6. Tips to Maximize the Value of a Broken Phone
Even with damage, there are ways to get the most money for your device:
1. Be honest about the condition
Overestimating your phone’s state might result in a downgraded offer. Selecting “Damaged” up front avoids surprises.
2. Remove your accounts
Sign out of iCloud, Google, or Samsung accounts. A locked phone cannot be resold.
3. Include accessories (if functional)
Chargers, cases, and boxes may slightly increase resale value or help speed up the evaluation.
4. Clean the device (gently)
A clean, presentable phone (even if broken) is more appealing to refurbishers.
5. Mention repairs or replacements
Let us know if you’ve installed third-party parts — it doesn’t disqualify your phone, but it helps us quote accurately.
7. What Happens to Broken Phones After Sale?
At Gizmogo, broken phones don’t go to waste. Depending on the condition:
- Some are refurbished and resold
- Others are used for parts (screen, battery, housing, etc.)
- Severely damaged phones are recycled responsibly
This helps reduce electronic waste and gives each device a second life — even if it’s beyond personal use.
Related: What Happens to Your Device After You Sell It?
8. Devices We Typically Can’t Buy
While we try to accept as many devices as possible, some broken phones cannot be resold or processed:
- Devices reported as lost or stolen
- Phones with iCloud or Google accounts still active
- Blacklisted or IMEI-blocked phones
- Units damaged beyond recovery (e.g., motherboard failure, extensive fire damage)
In these cases, we may offer free recycling but no payment.
9. Selling Broken Devices vs. Repairing Them
Sometimes people wonder: “Should I fix the phone first, or just sell it broken?”
The answer depends on:
- Repair costs vs. added resale value
- Time and effort required
- Likelihood of further issues
In many cases, it’s not worth repairing unless you can do so cheaply. For example, replacing a cracked screen may cost $150, but only increase the resale value by $100. You’re better off selling it as-is.
Conclusion
Selling a broken phone doesn’t mean settling for nothing. With Gizmogo, you can still earn cash for cracked, damaged, or non-functioning devices — all with no risk and no hassle.
Just describe the condition honestly, ship it for free, and let us handle the rest. Whether your phone is slightly scratched or seriously broken, chances are it’s worth more than you think.
Ready to sell your broken phone?
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