How to Buy Broken Phones for Parts: Complete 2026 Guide

That old phone with the shattered screen sitting in someone’s junk drawer? It probably contains a working camera module, a working battery and speakers worth money to repair shops. The parts market for broken phones has grown into a legitimate side hustle-and for some, a full-time business. With the widespread smartphone repair market expected to hit $22.66 billion in 2026 and nearly double to $45.52 billion by 2035, the demand for salvageable parts has never been stronger.

Americans break roughly 5,761 smartphone screens every single hour, and 66% of smartphone owners reported damaging their phone in the past year. With the average U.S. smartphone replacement cost sitting around $650 compared to just $150 for a screen repair or $50 for a battery swap, more people than ever are choosing repair over replacement. That creates a steady, growing supply of broken devices worth picking apart-and a hungry market of repair shops willing to pay for quality used parts.

The used and refurbished smartphone market adds even more fuel to the fire, valued at $69.66 billion in 2026 and on track to reach nearly $97 billion by 2031. Phones that can’t be fully restored still feed this ecosystem through their components.

This guide covers where to find broken phones worth buying, how to evaluate them before spending money, which models have the most valuable components, and what to avoid so you don’t end up with expensive paperweights.

Why Broken Phones Still Have Value for Parts

The best places to buy broken phones for parts include eBay (filter for “Parts Only”), Mercari, local classifieds like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, and specialized electronics recyclers. When shopping, look for devices with cracked screens or minor functional issues rather than iCloud-locked or heavily water-damaged units-the former often contain perfectly good internal components, while the latter rarely offer much salvageable value.

A phone with a shattered screen might still have a working camera module, a healthy battery, and functional speakers inside. Repair shops and refurbishers buy these components constantly, which is why broken phones hold real value even when they look like total losses.

The numbers back this up. The global smartphone repair market is projected to reach $22.66 billion in 2026 and nearly $45.52 billion by 2035, growing at roughly 8% annually. The used and refurbished smartphone market is even larger, valued at $69.66 billion in 2026 and expected to reach $96.99 billion by 2031. That demand flows directly into parts sourcing-and broken phones are a primary supply channel.

The scale of damage happening to phones every day also helps explain why parts stay in demand. Americans break an estimated 5,761 smartphone screens every single hour, and 66% of smartphone owners reported damaging their phones in the past year. With the average smartphone replacement costing $650 compared to roughly $150 for a screen repair or $50 for a battery swap, repair is almost always the smarter financial choice-and that keeps demand for salvageable parts consistently high.

It’s also worth noting that iPhones in particular retain 60-70% of their original value after two years, which means even broken iPhones command stronger resale and parts prices than most Android alternatives. California’s Right to Repair Act has further strengthened the parts ecosystem by requiring manufacturers to make parts available for seven years on devices over $100, which adds long-term viability to sourcing components from slightly older models.

Here’s what typically makes a broken phone worth buying:

• Screens and digitizers: Cracked screens account for 29% of all smartphone damage in the U.S., and screen repair comprised 40% of all repair types in 2023-making display assemblies one of the most consistently valuable components to salvage
• Batteries: With battery replacements averaging around $50, working pulls from broken phones offer real cost savings, especially as OEM options become scarcer on older models. It’s also worth knowing how to spot a third-party battery in used phones before you buy
• Cameras and sensors: Genuine camera modules are difficult to replicate and command premium prices, particularly on flagship devices where third-party alternatives fall short on quality. Cracked camera glass can significantly affect a device’s value even when the module itself still works
• Logic boards: Repair technicians use working boards for data recovery and microsoldering projects, and demand has grown alongside the broader repair market
• Housing and frames: Cosmetic parts are always needed for full device refurbishments, especially on popular models where cracked back glass hurts resale value and justifies a thorough restoration

Best Places to Buy Broken Phones for Parts

Where you source broken phones depends on whether you want single units for personal projects or bulk inventory for a repair business. With the global smartphone repair market projected to reach $22.66 billion in 2026 and the used and refurbished smartphone market valued at nearly $70 billion, there’s never been more infrastructure supporting parts buyers at every level.

Online Marketplaces and Auction Sites

eBay remains the go-to destination for parts buyers. Search for “broken,” “for parts,” or “untested” to find relevant listings, and read descriptions carefully. Sometimes a “parts only” phone actually works fine with a simple repair, while other listings hide serious damage in vague language. Given that cracked screens account for 29% of all smartphone damage in the U.S. and Americans break roughly 5,761 screens per hour, listings for screen-damaged phones are consistently abundant. Signs of previous screen repairs aren’t always obvious, so inspect listings closely before buying.

Mercari offers another solid option with more room for price negotiation than traditional auction sites.

Wholesale Liquidation Platforms

Sites like B-Stock, DirectLiquidation, and Reebelo Wholesale sell pallets of returned or damaged electronics in bulk. Liquidation lots-large mixed-condition batches sold at discount-work best for buyers ready to spend thousands upfront. Expect a mix of easily repairable phones alongside complete write-offs in every pallet. Screen repairs and replacements make up around 40% of all repair types, so screen-damaged devices tend to dominate these lots and can offer strong margins when sourced right.

Buyback Companies and Certified Refurbishers

Companies that purchase cracked phones sometimes resell devices they can’t economically refurbish. Prices run higher than random marketplace listings, but quality tends to be more consistent and grading more accurate. iPhones in particular are worth targeting through these channels, as they retain 60-70% of their original value after two years, meaning even damaged units command real resale value once repaired. Understanding how used phone condition is graded can help you evaluate whether a listed price is fair.

Local Repair Shops and Pawn Shops

Independent repair shops occasionally sell devices they’ve decided aren’t worth fixing. Building relationships with local shop owners can create a steady supply of parts phones at fair prices. This has become an increasingly viable channel as Right to Repair legislation expands-California’s Right to Repair Act, for example, now requires manufacturers to make parts available for seven years on devices priced over $100, which has nudged more parts inventory into the broader market. Pawn shops offer another avenue, though pricing varies wildly from one location to the next.

Facebook Marketplace and Social Media Groups

Local sellers often list broken devices on Facebook Marketplace first, and specialized groups for phone flippers and repair technicians exist where members trade inventory regularly. With the average U.S. smartphone replacement cost sitting around $650 versus roughly $150 for a screen repair, more consumers are open to selling a damaged phone cheaply rather than paying for a full replacement-making social media a surprisingly productive sourcing channel.

Source Type	Best For	Typical Condition	Volume
eBay/Online Marketplaces	Individual buyers	Varies widely	Single units
Liquidation Platforms	Repair businesses	Mixed lots	Bulk
Buyback Resellers	Quality-focused buyers	Graded inventory	Moderate
Local Shops/Pawn	Budget buyers	As-is	Single units
Social Media	Bargain hunters	Unverified	Single units

Understanding Broken Phone Condition Grades

Sellers use standardized condition grades to describe damage levels. Knowing what each grade means helps you predict which parts are likely salvageable before you buy. With cracked screens accounting for 29% of all smartphone damage in the U.S. and Americans breaking an estimated 5,761 screens every hour, the supply of broken devices available for parts has never been larger.

Cracked Screen Phones

A cracked screen differs from a shattered display in an important way. Cracked glass with a functioning LCD or OLED panel underneath means the internal components-cameras, batteries, speakers-are probably fine. Phones in this condition often represent the best value for parts buyers since the damage is mostly cosmetic. This is especially true for iPhones, which retain 60-70% of their original value after two years, meaning salvageable parts from a cracked-screen iPhone can command strong resale prices individually. OLED screens in particular carry their own resale considerations worth understanding before you buy.

Phones with Faulty or Broken Functions

Devices with broken buttons, speakers, microphones, or charging ports frequently have fully functional screens and cameras. A phone that won’t charge might just have a damaged port, leaving everything else intact and ready to harvest. Given that the average U.S. smartphone replacement cost sits around $650 compared to roughly $150 for a screen repair or $50 for a battery replacement, buyers of these devices can turn a solid profit reselling individual working components. Keep in mind that battery health percentage can affect how much a component is worth on the resale market.

Water Damaged Phones

Water damage indicators are small stickers inside phones that turn red or pink when exposed to moisture. When triggered, they signal potential corrosion inside the device. Most modern smartphones now carry an IP67 or IP68 water resistance rating, but that protection degrades over time and doesn’t cover all failure scenarios. Samsung devices even display an on-screen moisture warning when liquid is detected in the charging port.

Housing, buttons, and SIM trays are usually salvageable from water-damaged phones. Logic boards and batteries, on the other hand, carry significant risk of hidden corrosion damage that won’t show up until you try to use them. Batteries from water-damaged devices should be treated with particular caution, as internal degradation can pose a safety risk.

Phones That Will Not Power On

“No power” devices present both the highest risk and potentially highest reward. The problem might be as simple as a dead battery-which costs around $50 to replace-or as severe as a failed logic board. Experienced buyers can often diagnose the likely cause before purchasing based on the device’s history and listed condition, but beginners may want to start with less risky condition grades like cracked screen or faulty function devices before moving into no-power units. If data recovery is a concern, it helps to know how to extract photos from a phone that won’t turn on before you attempt any repairs.

How to Evaluate a Broken Phone Before You Buy

Thorough evaluation prevents buying devices with nothing worth salvaging. The following checklist applies whether you’re shopping online or meeting a seller in person.

1. Inspect the Physical Exterior for Hidden Damage

Look for frame bends, deep scratches, or signs of previous repair attempts. Misaligned seams or missing screws often indicate amateur repairs that may have caused additional internal damage beyond what’s visible. Keep in mind that cracked screens account for 29% of all smartphone damage in the U.S., so cosmetic screen damage alone shouldn’t automatically disqualify a device-screen replacements average around $150, making them one of the more straightforward repairs to factor into your offer price.

2. Test All Available Functions

If the device powers on, test touch response across the entire screen, both cameras, speakers, microphone, and charging port. Document which components work before finalizing any purchase-this information determines what the phone is actually worth for parts or as a repair candidate. Screen repair and replacement made up 40% of all repair types in 2023, so a functioning logic board paired with a damaged screen can still represent real value.

3. Verify the IMEI and Carrier Status

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every phone. Free online tools let you check whether a device is reported stolen, tied to an unpaid account, or carrier-locked-all of which affect resale value significantly. With the used and refurbished smartphone market valued at roughly $69.66 billion in 2026, IMEI-clean devices command noticeably stronger resale prices.

4. Confirm Activation Lock Is Disabled

Activation lock-called iCloud Lock on Apple devices and Factory Reset Protection on Android-renders phones nearly useless beyond cosmetic components like the housing and buttons. Always verify activation lock is disabled before buying. This is especially important with iPhones, which retain 60-70% of their original value after two years and are among the most sought-after devices in the parts market, making locked units a particularly common scam.

5. Factor In Right to Repair Protections

Legislation has meaningfully changed the parts landscape. California’s Right to Repair Act now includes a seven-year parts availability requirement for devices priced over $100, and similar laws are expanding across other states. This makes sourcing OEM-compatible components more reliable than it was just a few years ago and is worth considering when assessing whether a repair is economically viable.

6. Request Proof of Ownership or Receipt

Documentation protects you legally if questions arise later. Legitimate sellers are typically willing to provide purchase history or proof of ownership without hesitation. Given that the average U.S. smartphone replacement cost sits around $650, buyers and sellers alike have real financial stakes in these transactions-so don’t skip this step.

How to Check If a Phone Is Stolen or Blacklisted

A blacklisted phone has been reported lost, stolen, or has an unpaid carrier balance. Blacklisted devices cannot be reactivated on carrier networks, and possessing stolen property-even unknowingly-creates legal complications.

Here’s how to verify a phone’s status before buying:

• Locate the IMEI: Find it in device settings, on the SIM tray, or printed on the original box
• Use a free checker: Websites like IMEI.info or Swappa’s IMEI checker provide basic blacklist and carrier status information
• Verify carrier financing status: Some checkers reveal whether the phone still has unpaid installment plan balances attached, which can prevent activation even on unlocked devices
• Check activation lock separately: Apple’s activation lock status can be verified through their website independently-a locked device is effectively unusable without the original owner’s credentials
• Cross-reference with the CTIA’s stolen phone database: Major U.S. carriers share blacklist data through a centralized database, meaning a phone blocked on one network is typically blocked across all major carriers

This step is especially important given how active the used and refurbished smartphone market has become-valued at nearly $70 billion globally in 2026, there’s no shortage of devices changing hands, and not all sellers are forthcoming about a phone’s history. Taking two minutes to run an IMEI check before any purchase is one of the simplest ways to avoid an expensive mistake.

Phone Models with the Most Valuable Parts

Newer flagships and popular models command higher parts prices because repair demand stays strong. With screen repair and replacement accounting for 40% of all repair types and Americans breaking an estimated 5,761 smartphone screens per hour, genuine OEM components for popular devices remain consistently in demand. Focus on models where authentic parts are scarce, expensive to manufacture, or tightly controlled by the manufacturer.

iPhone Models Worth Buying for Parts

Recent iPhone generations-particularly the 12 through 16 series-fetch premium prices for genuine screens, batteries, and cameras. iPhones retain 60-70% of their original value after two years, outperforming all major competitors, which means demand for quality repair parts stays elevated well into a device’s lifecycle. Apple’s parts pairing policies have made authentic components even more valuable, as third-party alternatives frequently trigger software warnings or reduced functionality. California’s Right to Repair Act now mandates a 7-year parts availability requirement for devices over $100, which is pushing more genuine parts into the market but hasn’t meaningfully reduced prices for quality OEM components. Older models like the iPhone 8 and earlier have declining parts value as repair demand shrinks and the remaining user base continues to age out.

Samsung Galaxy Phones with High Parts Demand

Galaxy S series phones remain highly valuable for parts, especially models featuring AMOLED displays. Samsung’s display technology is difficult to replicate accurately, making genuine screens particularly sought after by repair shops prioritizing quality work. With the average U.S. smartphone replacement cost sitting around $650 versus roughly $150 for a screen repair, customers are strongly incentivized to repair rather than replace, keeping demand for authentic Samsung displays strong. The Note series has been largely folded into the Galaxy Z Fold line, and foldable display components are emerging as some of the highest-value parts in the Android ecosystem due to their complexity and cost.

Google Pixel and Flagship Android Devices

Pixel phones have steadily growing repair demand as Google’s installed base expands, particularly following the strong reception of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. Google has also made progress improving parts availability through right-to-repair partnerships, which has helped legitimize the Pixel parts market. Other Android flagships from OnePlus and Motorola maintain developing parts markets, though overall volume remains lower than Apple or Samsung devices. Before sourcing used devices, it’s worth understanding what carrier variant phones mean for resale value, as certain variants may have limited parts compatibility. As the global smartphone repair market approaches an estimated $22.66 billion in 2026, even secondary Android brands are seeing increased parts demand worth factoring into your sourcing decisions.

Broken Phones You Should Never Buy for Parts

Some devices have no salvageable value or carry legal risks that outweigh any potential benefit.

Devices with iCloud or Activation Lock Enabled

Locked devices cannot be fully parted out. The logic board becomes essentially worthless, limiting value to cosmetic components like housing and buttons-rarely worth the purchase price on their own. This is especially relevant with iPhones, which retain 60-70% of their original value after two years, meaning sellers often price locked devices too high relative to what salvageable parts are actually worth.

Phones Reported Stolen or Carrier Blacklisted

Beyond the legal risks of possessing stolen property, even parts from blacklisted phones can create problems for professional resellers who maintain relationships with carriers and manufacturers. As the used and refurbished smartphone market continues to grow-valued at $69.66 billion in 2026-scrutiny around the origin of parts and devices is only increasing, making due diligence more important than ever.

Severely Corroded or Fire Damaged Devices

Extensive corrosion spreads to otherwise functional components over time, so what looks salvageable today might fail tomorrow. Fire damage compromises the structural integrity of all parts, making them unreliable for repairs. Given that screen repairs alone average around $150, customers expect reliable replacement parts-sourcing from damaged devices undermines that expectation and your reputation.

Phones with Counterfeit or Swapped Components

Some “broken” phones have already been stripped or refurbished with low-quality aftermarket parts before being relisted. Look carefully for signs of previous screen replacements or non-original batteries. With screens accounting for 40% of all repair types and being the most in-demand salvage component, counterfeit or already-replaced screens are increasingly common in the secondhand market and significantly reduce the value of any remaining genuine parts.

Devices Outside Practical Repair Demand

As California’s Right to Repair Act now requires manufacturers to maintain parts availability for seven years on devices over $100, demand for third-party salvage parts is shifting toward newer models. Buying very old or obscure devices for parts carries more risk than ever, as the window of practical demand continues to narrow for anything outside mainstream models. Understanding when carriers drop support for older phones can help you gauge which devices are still worth pursuing.

Where to Sell Your Old Broken Phone for Cash

If you have broken phones to sell rather than buy, multiple options exist for getting money for damaged devices.

Kiosk Services for Instant Payment

Automated kiosks at retail locations provide immediate cash offers for broken devices. ecoATM, for example, accepts phones with cracked screens and other damage at more than 7,000 locations nationwide. You can check estimated prices via the ecoATM app before visiting, then walk out with cash in minutes-no shipping, no waiting for payment, no back-and-forth negotiation.

Find a kiosk near you

Online Buyback Websites

Comparison sites like SellCell and BankMyCell aggregate offers from multiple buyers. The typical process involves getting quotes online, shipping your device, and receiving payment within days to weeks depending on the buyer. With the used and refurbished smartphone market now valued at nearly $70 billion globally in 2026, demand for secondhand devices-even damaged ones-remains strong, which helps keep buyback offers competitive.

Trade-In Programs from Retailers and Carriers

Apple Trade In, Best Buy, and carrier programs offer another route, though most provide store credit or bill credit rather than cash. Condition requirements also tend to be stricter than dedicated buyback services, so heavily damaged phones may not qualify. That said, iPhones in particular tend to hold their value well-retaining 60-70% of their original value after two years-so even a cracked iPhone may yield a surprisingly reasonable offer through Apple’s own program.

Know What Your Phone Is Worth Before You Sell

With the average U.S. smartphone replacement cost sitting around $650, buyers in the repair and refurbishment market have real incentive to purchase damaged devices. A phone with only a cracked screen-the most common type of damage, accounting for 29% of all smartphone damage in the U.S.-can still be worth meaningful money, since screen repairs typically run only around $150. Understanding the repair cost from a buyer’s perspective helps you evaluate whether an offer is fair. If you have more than one device to unload, selling multiple phones at once can help you maximize your total payout.

Selling Method	Payment Type	Speed	Accepts Damaged
Kiosk Services	Instant cash	Minutes	Yes
Online Buyback Sites	Check/PayPal	Days to weeks	Yes
Retailer Trade-In	Store credit	Immediate	Limited
Carrier Programs	Bill credit	Immediate	Limited

Turn Your Old Phone into Money for the Parts Market

Whether buying or selling broken phones, knowing condition grades and verification steps protects your investment. With the used and refurbished smartphone market valued at $69.66 billion in 2026 and the smartphone repair market projected to hit $22.66 billion this year alone, demand for working parts has never been stronger-meaning your broken device likely has more value than you think.

Consider that cracked screens account for 29% of all smartphone damage in the U.S., with Americans breaking roughly 5,761 screens every hour. Screen repairs represent 40% of all repair types, and with the average U.S. smartphone replacement costing around $650 versus just $150 for a screen fix, parts sourced from broken phones are in constant demand. iPhones in particular hold their value exceptionally well-retaining 60-70% of their original value after two years-making even damaged Apple devices worthwhile to sell.

For anyone looking to sell old and broken phones quickly, ecoATM kiosks provide instant quotes and immediate payment at thousands of locations across the country-no shipping, no waiting, no haggling required.

Find a kiosk near you

FAQs About Buying Broken Phones for Parts

How much should I expect to pay for a broken phone for parts?

Prices vary based on model, age, and damage type. Older devices typically run $10-$30, while recent flagships with repairable damage might cost $50-$150-still a fraction of their working device value. Keep in mind that iPhones tend to command higher prices even when broken, as they retain 60-70% of their original value after two years, outperforming most competitors on the used market.

Can I legally buy broken phones in bulk for a repair business?

Yes, purchasing broken phones for parts is legal when sourced from legitimate sellers. Keeping records of transactions and verifying IMEI status protects against unknowingly acquiring stolen property. It’s also worth noting that Right to Repair legislation-such as California’s Right to Repair Act, which includes a 7-year parts availability requirement for devices priced over $100-has made the parts sourcing landscape more transparent and favorable for repair businesses.

What documentation should I request when buying a broken phone?

Request the original purchase receipt, proof of ownership, and confirmation that the seller has disabled any activation locks or account associations before completing the transaction.

Are OEM parts harvested from broken phones better than aftermarket parts?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts typically offer better compatibility, longevity, and performance than aftermarket alternatives. This quality difference explains why repair professionals often prefer sourcing genuine components from broken devices rather than buying third-party replacements. With screen repair and replacement accounting for 40% of all repair types, and the global smartphone repair market projected to reach $22.66 billion in 2026, demand for quality OEM components has never been higher.

Which broken phone components are not worth salvaging?

Batteries with visible swelling, logic boards from water-damaged devices, and screens with LCD bleeding or dead pixels typically have little to no resale value. Swollen batteries also pose safety risks during extraction and storage. That said, given that cracked screens account for 29% of all U.S. smartphone damage, even a screen with minor cracks but a functioning backlight may still hold value depending on the repair job at hand.