Can You Sell an Old iPhone With a Cracked Screen?

A cracked iPhone screen can make you think your phone has reached the end of its useful life. One moment you are carrying it around as normal, and the next there is a spiderweb of cracks across the display after an unfortunate drop. If you were already thinking about upgrading, it is natural to wonder whether there is any point in selling the damaged phone.

The good news is that a cracked screen does not automatically mean your old iPhone is worthless.

In fact, there are specialist phone recycling and resale services that accept faulty and physically damaged devices. Mazuma Mobile is one such service in the UK. The company specifically says it buys broken phones, including iPhones with cracked screens. A damaged device may be worth less than an equivalent phone in good condition, but it can still have a value depending on its model, condition and other factors.

That distinction is important. You should not assume that every cracked iPhone will receive the same amount, or that every damaged phone will automatically be accepted. Mazuma Mobile assesses devices according to its published condition criteria, and the final value depends on whether the phone matches the condition selected when you request your quote.

So, if you have an old iPhone sitting in a drawer because the screen is cracked, selling it may be worth investigating before you decide to pay for a repair or throw the phone away.

Can You Sell an iPhone With a Cracked Screen?

Yes. Mazuma Mobile states that it accepts broken and faulty iPhones, including devices with cracked screens. Its dedicated broken-phone information explains that it buys broken phones and can still do something with devices that are dented, scratched or have a cracked screen.

The company also explains on its iPhone selling page that broken or faulty iPhones may still have value, even though they generally will not command the same price as iPhones in good condition.

This means you do not necessarily have to repair the screen before selling the phone.

That can be useful because replacing an iPhone display can be expensive. If your only reason for repairing the device is to make it easier to sell, it makes sense to find out what the phone is worth in its current condition first.

For example, imagine you have an older iPhone with a cracked front screen. The phone still switches on, but the glass is visibly damaged. You could potentially spend money getting the display repaired and then try to sell it as a working device. Alternatively, you can declare the damage when getting a quote from a service such as Mazuma Mobile and see what the phone is worth as a faulty device.

The second option can be simpler, particularly if the phone is already an older model.

Does a Cracked Screen Make an iPhone Worthless?

No, not necessarily.

A cracked screen obviously affects the condition of an iPhone, and condition is one of the factors used to determine its value. But a damaged iPhone can still contain useful components and materials, and Mazuma Mobile specifically accepts faulty phones.

The amount you could receive will depend on the particular iPhone and its condition. A newer iPhone may have a different value from an older model, and a phone with a cracked screen but otherwise working components may be treated differently from one with several additional faults.

Mazuma’s current iPhone selling information divides devices into different condition categories and explains that an iPhone in good condition can receive more than one that is poor or faulty.

That is why it is better to get an actual quote than to guess what your damaged iPhone is worth.

What Does Mazuma Mobile Consider a Faulty iPhone?

Mazuma Mobile uses the term “faulty” for phones with certain physical or technical problems.

Its terms and conditions list physical damage such as cracks and damaged or cracked glass among examples of faults. Other examples include display problems, dead pixels, certain functional problems and damage affecting other components.

For individual iPhone listings, Mazuma’s condition guidance also describes a damaged screen as one that may be cracked, chipped or shattered, with the display or touchscreen not working properly.

This is useful when completing the quote process because you should describe the phone honestly rather than trying to place a damaged iPhone into a higher condition category.

If the screen is cracked, select the condition that accurately reflects that damage.

It is better to be accurate from the beginning. Mazuma says that when a device is received, it carries out a diagnostic check and can amend the value offered if the device does not match the answers provided during the order process.

What If the Cracked Screen Still Works?

This is one of the more common situations.

Perhaps you dropped your iPhone and cracked the glass, but the display still lights up. You can still use the touchscreen, make calls, browse the internet and take photographs.

In this situation, you should not describe the phone as being in perfect or good condition simply because it still works.

The physical crack itself is relevant.

Mazuma’s published condition information specifically distinguishes between screens without cracks and damaged screens with cracks, chips or other problems.

The important thing is to look at the overall condition rather than only asking whether the phone turns on.

A cracked screen can be considered a fault even if the rest of the iPhone appears to be working normally.

What If the Screen Is Completely Shattered?

A heavily shattered screen is obviously more serious than a small crack in one corner.

Mazuma’s iPhone condition guidance includes cracked, chipped or shattered screens under its damaged-screen examples.

You should therefore describe the damage accurately when getting your quote.

If the display has black areas, lines, dead pixels, touch problems or other issues as well as the broken glass, make sure you take those problems into account when answering the condition questions.

The more accurately you describe the phone, the less likely you are to receive a different valuation after Mazuma receives and checks it.

What If the Touchscreen Doesn’t Work?

A cracked screen can sometimes leave the glass damaged while the touchscreen continues working. In other cases, the impact can damage the touch functionality as well.

That difference matters.

Mazuma’s individual iPhone selling pages explain that a working device should have a working screen and touchscreen, while faulty examples can include a faulty or cracked touchscreen.

So if you have to press a particular area repeatedly to make it respond, or some parts of the screen do not register touches at all, do not describe it as a fully working touchscreen.

It is much better to be straightforward when completing the quote.

What If the Screen Has Lines or Black Spots?

Lines, black areas, discolouration and other display problems can indicate that the damage goes beyond the outer glass.

Mazuma’s current condition information describes damaged screens as potentially having lines across the display, black marks or a display that remains black.

If your iPhone has these symptoms after being dropped, include them when describing its condition.

A cracked piece of glass and a damaged display are not necessarily the same thing. The latter can make the device more difficult to use and can affect how it is categorised.

Again, the easiest approach is simply to answer the condition questions as accurately as possible.

Should You Repair the Cracked Screen Before Selling?

Not necessarily.

This is probably the biggest question people have when they find out that a cracked iPhone can still be sold.

If the phone has a relatively low resale value, paying for a screen repair may not make financial sense. On the other hand, if you have a newer iPhone and the repair cost is reasonable compared with the difference between its damaged and working values, you may want to compare both options.

There is no universal answer because the numbers will vary by model and condition.

Mazuma Mobile itself points out that broken or faulty iPhones may not fetch as much as iPhones in good condition.

That gives you a straightforward way to approach the decision.

First, find out what the iPhone is worth in its current condition.

Then, if you are considering a repair, find out what the repair would cost and compare the figures.

If repairing the phone would cost a large percentage of the amount you are likely to gain from the improved condition, selling it as faulty could be the more straightforward route. That is a personal financial calculation rather than something you need to decide before requesting a quote.

How Much Is a Cracked iPhone Worth?

There is no single price for a cracked iPhone.

The value depends on the model, storage capacity, age, condition and other factors. Mazuma Mobile says that the amount you receive depends on the model and condition of the device.

For example, two iPhones could both have cracked screens but have very different values because they are different models.

An iPhone with a cracked screen may also be worth more if it is a newer model than an older iPhone with the same type of damage.

Other damage matters too. If the phone has a cracked screen but everything else works, that is different from a phone that has a damaged screen, broken camera, faulty charging port and water damage.

This is why online price estimates should always be treated as an indication until the phone has been checked against the service’s actual condition criteria.

How to Check What Your iPhone Is Worth With Mazuma Mobile

Mazuma Mobile’s process is designed to let you get a quote before sending your phone.

You start by selecting your iPhone model and choosing its condition. Mazuma then provides an instant price based on the information you enter.

The basic process is:

1. Find your iPhone model.

2. Select the storage capacity where applicable.

3. Answer the questions about its condition.

4. Select the appropriate faulty or damaged condition if the screen is cracked.

5. Review the quoted value.

6. Decide whether you want to proceed.

The key point is that you do not have to repair the phone first simply to find out whether it has any resale value.

That makes getting a quote a useful first step.

How Does Selling a Cracked iPhone to Mazuma Mobile Work?

Once you have selected your iPhone and accepted the quote, Mazuma’s current selling process involves packing the device and sending it to the company.

Mazuma says it offers a sales pack at no cost, while also providing options to print your own labels or use a QR code. It also offers free postage options for sending devices.

The basic process is therefore fairly simple.

You select the device and condition, receive your quote, prepare the iPhone, send it to Mazuma and wait for it to be checked.

Mazuma says it carries out a diagnostic check when the device arrives. If the phone matches the condition information supplied during the order, the quoted price applies. If the device is different from what was described, Mazuma reserves the right to amend the offer.

This is another reason not to hide the cracked screen.

If you tell Mazuma about the damage from the beginning, the quote is based on the information you have supplied.

What Happens After Mazuma Receives Your Cracked iPhone?

Once your phone arrives, Mazuma checks the device.

The company says it performs a diagnostic check and may change the value if the device does not match the condition selected during the order process.

For someone selling a cracked iPhone, this is worth understanding before sending the phone.

Suppose you select a working condition even though the screen is cracked. Mazuma could identify the discrepancy when it receives the phone, which may result in a revised offer.

By contrast, if you accurately declare the cracked screen and choose the appropriate condition, you have given the company the information it needs to assess the device correctly.

If you receive a revised offer and decide not to accept it, Mazuma says that it will return the phone to you at no extra cost.

How Quickly Does Mazuma Mobile Pay?

Mazuma currently states that if a device arrives before 2pm on a working day, payment can be made on the same day, subject to its stated conditions and excluding delays outside its control.

That can be useful if you are trying to clear out old technology before buying another phone or heading away on a trip.

It is worth remembering that payment timing is separate from the condition assessment. Sending the phone quickly does not change its value. The device still needs to match the condition you selected.

What Should You Do Before Sending a Cracked iPhone?

The cracked screen is only one part of preparing the phone for sale.

Your iPhone probably contains years of photographs, messages, contacts, documents, saved passwords and other personal information. Before sending it anywhere, make sure your personal data is backed up and removed.

Mazuma advises sellers to log out of accounts, back up their data, wipe their information and reset the device before selling.

This is particularly important with an iPhone because of Apple’s account and activation-lock systems.

Before you send the device, take time to make sure you have everything you need from it.

Back Up Your Photos and Important Data

If your iPhone still works, back up your photos, videos and other important information before resetting it.

You may use your preferred Apple backup method, but the important point is not to assume that everything you need will still be available after you erase the phone.

Think about things such as:

• Photos and videos

• Contacts

• Messages

• Notes

• Important documents

• Authenticator information

• Apps and app data

• Other files stored locally on the iPhone

If the screen is badly cracked, backing up the phone may be more difficult. In that situation, take care not to reset or erase it until you are confident your information is safely backed up.

Remove Your Personal Accounts

Before selling an iPhone, make sure you sign out of your accounts and remove the device from services that could prevent the next owner or recycler from processing it.

Mazuma states that devices must not be activation locked and must be deregistered from associated accounts.

This is especially important with iPhones because an Activation Lock can prevent a device from being properly used by another person.

If you are preparing an old iPhone for sale, do not skip this step.

Remove Your SIM Card

Remember to remove your physical SIM card before sending the phone.

The SIM card belongs to you and may contain information or provide access to your mobile service.

If your phone uses an eSIM, make sure you understand what needs to be transferred or removed before resetting the device.

The goal is to send the phone without leaving behind your personal information or mobile service credentials.

Should You Include the iPhone Box and Charger?

Do not automatically send every accessory you have.

Mazuma’s current terms say sellers should not send accessories or the original box because they cannot be returned.

Its individual iPhone selling pages also state that the device and its battery are required, while items such as a memory card and charger can be kept.

The exact requirements can vary by device, so check the instructions attached to your particular quote before posting anything.

What Other Problems Could Affect a Cracked iPhone’s Value?

The cracked screen is not the only thing that can affect the condition.

Mazuma’s terms list a range of possible faults, including physical damage, display problems, charging problems, camera issues and certain biometric or connectivity faults.

For an iPhone, it is therefore worth checking the phone before completing the condition questions.

Ask yourself:

Does it turn on?

Does the display work?

Does the touchscreen respond?

Can you make calls?

Does Wi-Fi work?

Does the camera work?

Does it charge?

Does Face ID work if your model has it?

Are there cracks elsewhere on the device?

Is the rear glass damaged?

Has the phone suffered liquid damage?

Is the body bent?

Being honest about these issues will give you a more accurate idea of what to expect.

What If the Back of the iPhone Is Cracked Too?

A cracked front screen is common, but newer iPhones can also have glass damage on the rear.

Mazuma’s iPhone condition information says a working device should have no damage to the rear glass or camera lens, including cracks or chips.

If your iPhone has both a cracked front screen and cracked rear glass, make sure you take both into account when describing its condition.

Do not assume that selecting “cracked screen” automatically covers every other type of physical damage.

What If the iPhone Has Water Damage as Well?

Water damage is a separate issue from a cracked screen.

Mazuma’s published terms identify liquid or water damage among the conditions it assesses, and individual iPhone listings state that working devices should not be water damaged.

If your iPhone was dropped into water and then developed a cracked screen, disclose the water damage when completing the condition questions.

Trying to sell the device as though it only has a cracked display can lead to a different assessment when it is inspected.

What If the iPhone Is Bent?

A badly dropped iPhone can sometimes have more damage than the screen alone.

Mazuma’s iPhone condition criteria state that a working device should not have bent housing.

If the frame is visibly bent, mention it when describing the device.

A phone that has a cracked screen and bent housing is in a different condition from one with a simple crack across otherwise intact glass.

What If the iPhone Doesn’t Turn On?

This is another situation where you should not assume the phone has no value.

Mazuma accepts certain faulty devices, and its broken-phone information explains that faulty phones can still be sold.

However, there are limitations.

Mazuma’s terms state that it cannot buy devices that are crushed, bent or snapped in half, and other device-specific criteria can apply.

The current iPhone 17 selling information also says Mazuma accepts faulty iPhones but notes that it cannot take devices that are completely snapped in half or do not power on.

Because acceptance can depend on the specific device and condition, it is best to check the condition criteria for your exact iPhone rather than assuming that every non-working device will be accepted.

Is It Better to Sell a Cracked iPhone or Keep It?

That depends on what you plan to do with it.

If the iPhone is sitting unused in a drawer, selling it can turn an unwanted device into some money while also giving it a route toward reuse, refurbishment or recycling.

Mazuma says faulty devices can still be reused or recycled, depending on their condition.

Keeping an old phone can make sense if you need a spare handset. But if you already have another phone and have no use for the damaged iPhone, there may be little reason to leave it sitting around indefinitely.

Getting a quote gives you useful information without requiring you to commit immediately.

Should You Sell a Cracked iPhone Before Buying a New Phone?

For many people, timing matters.

If you already know that you are going to upgrade, selling the old iPhone before or around the time you purchase your replacement can help you clear out the old device.

This can be especially convenient if the cracked phone is no longer your primary handset.

Before selling, however, make sure you have transferred anything you need to the replacement phone and completed your backups.

You should also make sure the old iPhone is removed from your accounts and reset before sending it.

Is Mazuma Mobile Suitable for a Cracked iPhone?

Mazuma Mobile is particularly relevant if you are looking for a UK service that accepts faulty and broken phones.

The company explicitly advertises a broken-phone service and states that it buys broken iPhones, including phones with cracked screens.

Its iPhone selling service also provides an online quoting process, free postage options and a stated same-day payment service for eligible devices received before 2pm on working days.

The important thing is that Mazuma does not suggest that a cracked iPhone will receive the same amount as an undamaged one. The condition of the phone affects the value.

That makes it a sensible service to check if you want to know whether your damaged iPhone still has resale value rather than assuming it is worthless.

What Makes Mazuma Mobile Different From Simply Throwing the Phone Away?

There is an obvious difference between selling a phone and throwing it in the bin.

An old iPhone contains components that may still be useful even if the screen is damaged. A specialist phone recycling and resale service can assess the device and determine what can be done with it.

Mazuma says it specialises in buying old phones and can accept broken phones, including devices with cracked screens.

That means your damaged iPhone may have another use rather than simply becoming another piece of unwanted technology in your home.

You also get the opportunity to receive money for something you no longer need.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Cracked iPhone

One of the biggest mistakes is hiding the damage.

If your screen is cracked, say so.

Another common mistake is forgetting about other faults. If the camera does not work or the touchscreen has dead areas, include that information.

A third mistake is sending the phone without backing up your data.

And finally, do not send accessories unless the instructions for your specific device tell you that they are required. Mazuma’s general terms say not to send accessories or the original box because they cannot be returned.

A little preparation can make the process much easier.

A Simple Checklist Before Selling Your Cracked iPhone

Before sending your phone, run through this checklist:

• Identify the exact iPhone model.

• Check its storage capacity.

• Check whether the phone powers on.

• Test the display.

• Test the touchscreen.

• Check the cameras.

• Check charging.

• Check the buttons.

• Check Face ID if your iPhone has it.

• Look for rear-glass damage.

• Check whether the housing is bent.

• Consider whether there has been liquid damage.

• Back up your personal data.

• Sign out of your accounts.

• Remove Activation Lock requirements.

• Reset the phone.

• Remove your SIM card.

• Select the condition honestly when requesting a quote.

• Follow the packing and postage instructions provided with your order.

This checklist is particularly useful when the phone has been sitting unused for several months. You might remember the cracked screen but forget about a charging problem or an account that is still connected to the device.

Can You Sell an iPhone With Only a Small Crack?

Potentially, yes, but the key question is where the crack is and what else it affects.

A small crack that does not interfere with the display or touchscreen is still physical damage. You should describe it accurately when getting a quote.

Mazuma’s condition information makes a distinction between working screens without cracks and damaged screens with cracks or chips.

Do not assume that a small crack qualifies as a scratch.

A scratch and a crack are different types of damage, and the condition categories are designed to account for that difference.

What About an iPhone With a Cracked Screen but Excellent Battery Health?

A good battery can certainly be a positive part of the overall condition, but it does not cancel out physical damage.

Mazuma’s published iPhone information considers several aspects of a device, and its terms include battery requirements for certain condition categories.

If the screen is cracked, the phone should still be described as damaged even if the battery holds a good charge.

Think of the condition assessment as a complete picture of the phone rather than a single feature.

Should You Compare the Quote With Other Options?

There is nothing wrong with checking more than one option before selling your phone.

The most important thing is to compare like for like.

If one service is pricing the phone as fully working while another is pricing it as faulty, the numbers will not be directly comparable.

With a cracked iPhone, always make sure you are comparing offers based on the same description of the phone.

You should also check the terms attached to any quote, including how long the price remains valid, what happens if the phone fails inspection and how the phone is returned if you reject a revised offer.

Mazuma currently says its quoted iPhone price is guaranteed for 14 days and that an order is subject to its published conditions.

Why Getting a Quote First Makes Sense

If you are unsure what to do with an old cracked iPhone, there is little reason to guess.

Get a quote.

That immediately gives you a starting point for deciding whether to sell, repair, keep or recycle the phone.

If the quote is lower than you expected, you can decide whether repairing the screen makes sense.

If the quote is reasonable and the phone has been sitting unused for months, selling it may be an attractive way to clear it out.

And if you decide not to proceed, you have lost nothing by checking the value first.

Don’t Assume Your Cracked iPhone Is Worthless

A cracked iPhone screen is frustrating, especially when you know the phone itself still has plenty of useful life left in it.

But a broken screen does not automatically mean you have to throw the device away.

Mazuma Mobile explicitly accepts broken and faulty phones, including iPhones with cracked screens. Its current iPhone selling information explains that damaged iPhones can still have value, although faulty devices generally receive less than equivalent phones in good condition.

The best approach is to be realistic about the condition.

If the screen is cracked, say so. If the touchscreen is faulty, mention it. If the rear glass is damaged or the phone has other faults, include those details too. Mazuma checks devices after receiving them and can change the offer if the phone does not match the condition originally selected.

Before sending the iPhone, back up your information, remove your accounts, make sure it is not activation locked, reset the device and remove your SIM card.

Then get a quote based on its actual condition.

You may find that the cracked iPhone sitting in your drawer is worth more than you expected.

And even if it is not worth as much as it would have been with a perfect screen, selling it through a specialist service such as Mazuma Mobile can be a practical alternative to paying for a repair that may not make financial sense.

So, can you sell an old iPhone with a cracked screen?

Yes. With Mazuma Mobile, cracked-screen iPhones can be accepted as faulty devices, subject to the company’s condition and acceptance criteria.

The next step is simple: check your exact iPhone model, describe its condition honestly and see what quote is available. You can then decide whether selling the damaged phone makes sense for you.