How to sell a broken phone safely in the UK

Selling a broken phone is often better than leaving it unused while its value declines. However, a safe sale requires more than requesting the highest headline quote. You need to protect your data, remove account locks, choose the correct condition and retain evidence of what you sent.

What determines the value of a broken phone?

Two damaged phones of the same model can have very different values. A cracked rear glass panel is not the same as a phone that does not power on, and a working display with surface marks is different from a screen with lines, black areas or failed touch.

Protect your personal data first

Back up anything you want to keep before erasing the phone. Check photos, contacts, notes, messages, authentication apps and files that may not already be synchronised. Do not assume a repair or recycling company can recover information after the phone has been reset.

Apple advises owners to back up and transfer their information before removing personal information from an iPhone or iPad. Google warns that a factory reset erases phone data. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office also advises performing a secure deletion method or at least restoring a device to factory settings before sending it to a specialist.

• Back up the device and verify that the backup can be accessed.
• Remove Apple, Google, Samsung and other accounts as instructed for your model.
• Turn off activation or device-finding locks.
• Remove the SIM and removable memory card.
• Factory-reset the phone only after the backup and account steps are complete.

Describe the damage accurately

Use the condition options literally. If the screen displays an image but touch fails in one area, mention both facts. If the phone powers on only while connected to a charger, do not describe it simply as working. Honest grading reduces the chance of a revised offer after inspection.

Take clear photographs of the front, rear, frame, camera lenses and visible damage. A short video showing the device powering on can also help document its condition before postage.

Compare more than the headline quote

Check what happens if the inspection differs from your description. A useful process should explain whether you can accept or decline a revised price, whether return postage is charged and how long payment normally takes after inspection.

• Confirm the quoted condition and model details.
• Read the inspection and revised-offer policy.
• Check payment method and expected timing.
• Confirm whether tracked postage and transit cover are included.
• Review independent feedback for communication and payment experiences.

Package and post the phone securely

Use protective packaging that prevents movement inside the parcel. Do not rely on a thin envelope around an unprotected phone. Follow the provided battery and postal instructions, use the correct label and retain the receipt and tracking number.

Before sealing the package, photograph the phone beside the addressed packaging. Keep the device serial number or IMEI in your records, but do not publish it in an online advert.

What happens after the phone arrives?

The buyer should match the model and storage, check account status, inspect physical condition and test available functions. If the results match the quoted condition, payment can proceed. If not, the buyer should explain the difference and provide the options set out in its terms.

Common questions

Can I sell a phone with a cracked screen?

Usually, yes. Choose the option that describes whether the display and touch still work, not only whether the outer glass is cracked.

Can I sell a phone that does not turn on?

Some buyers accept non-powering devices, but the available value is normally lower because testing and data removal may be limited.

Should I repair the phone before selling?

Only when the likely increase in value clearly exceeds the full repair cost and risk. Compare a current-condition quote with the realistic repaired value before spending money.