Selling a defective iPhone – here’s how

Selling a defective iPhone requires more than just placing an ad online. Even with a broken display, weak battery or water damage, the device can be sold at a profit to hobbyists, dealers or technology enthusiasts.

Selling a defective iPhone: How to prepare every detail

If you want to sell a defective iPhone, you don’t start with photos or platform selection, but with a relentless inventory. Every scratch, every functioning component and every hidden lock affects the price. This is the key to getting the maximum out of it – or, in the worst case, torpedoing the sale.

• Don’t just write “display broken”. Document whether the touch function, brightness or color saturation still respond. Test the microphone, speakers and camera – even if the device no longer starts. Is there any damage to the case? Measure the depth of any dents using a coin (e.g. a 1-euro coin = 2.3 mm) for precise information.
• Kill iCloud lock: An iPhone with activated “Find My” function is worthless. Go to icloud.com, remove the device from the device list and delete it from your Apple ID account. No more access? An original proof of purchase proves ownership and removes locks at Apple stores.
• Disclose battery status: Even with other defects, buyers ask about charge cycles. Use third-party tools like 3uTools (Windows/Mac) to read the exact health status. A battery with 85% health is more attractive to hobbyists than one with 60%.
• Show your originality: Show the settings☻ General☻ Info to share model number (e.g. “MNXY3ZD/A”) and serial number. For repaired devices, state the name of the repair shop – meaningless information such as “display replaced” arouses suspicion.
• Upgrade accessories: Even a worn original charging cable fetches an extra €5–10. Wrap earphones in cling film to visually reduce signs of wear. Is the power supply unit missing? Make sure to explicitly mention that only the device is being sold – otherwise you risk having to pay it back.
• Don’t overlook water damage: it’s not a death sentence. Open the SIM tray and check whether the white display inside has turned red. Document this with photos – some buyers specifically look for devices with corroded circuit boards to get chips cheaply.

Selling a defective iPhone: platforms in direct comparison

The right place to sell determines success or frustration. Choose between instant cash, lucrative niches or nerve-wracking auctions – here are the facts without embellishment.

• eBay classifieds: Titles like “iPhone 11 Pro Max defective – Face ID ok, battery 78%, iCloud-free” attract hobbyists. Avoid vague phrases like “Maybe easy to repair”. Instead, rely on clear descriptions of defects: “Display not responding, but vibration intact when call incoming”. Set the price 30% above your minimum – standard discounts of 20% are normal.
• Purchase portals like rebuy or wirkaufens: When selecting the defect, always specify “other damage” and describe exactly what is broken in the free text. Automatic algorithms generally categorize “display broken” as serious damage – human inspectors often honor details with higher offers. Always ship via insured DHL package – no tracking number, no money if lost.
• Local repair shops: Never go to the first offer. Show screenshots of online prices (“At wirkaufens I would get €75”) and demand at least 10% more for the elimination of shipping and inspection time. Demand cash payment – promises of remittance are often empty promises.
• Facebook groups for tech hobbyists: Search for groups like “iPhone Repair DIY” or “Buy Defective Devices”. Post photos of the main board (if accessible) and list component numbers. A main board with an intact Face ID module alone is worth up to €200.
• Secret weapon parts sale: Disassemble the iPhone with an iFixit tool set (€25) and sell parts separately. The iPhone 13 Pro camera can fetch up to €120 on eBay, and the haptic feedback module can sell for €30. Important: Label each part with adhesive dots and the exact name (e.g. “iPhone 12 Pro Max Display Flex Cable”).