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A cracked iPhone is worth its working value minus the cost of the glass repair, so recent models keep a large share of their value and older models lose a larger share. A cracked screen on a recent Pro model usually leaves most of the phone's value intact, while a cracked screen on an iPhone 11 can take a large part of a small offer. Cracked back glass usually costs less than a cracked screen, especially on models with removable back panels. Cracked phones are bought on Sell Cracked iPhone for Cash.
- Formula: working value minus the glass repair deduction.
- Keeps the most value: recent Pro and Pro Max models.
- Usually smaller deduction: cracked back glass on iPhone 14 and newer standard models.
- Must still work: touch and picture for the standard cracked-screen deduction.
How much does a cracked screen lower an iPhone offer?
A cracked screen lowers an iPhone offer by roughly the cost of a volume screen replacement for that model, which a buyback company pays before resale. The deduction depends on 3 factors:
- Display type: OLED displays on iPhone 12 and later (except SE models) cost more than LCD displays on the iPhone 11 and SE.
- Display size: Pro Max and Plus displays cost more than standard and Pro displays.
- Display function: a crack with working touch and picture costs less than a display with lines, black areas or dead touch.
| Screen state | Quote answer | Relative deduction |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked glass, touch and picture normal | Cracked screen, touch and picture work | Screen replacement |
| Cracked glass with lines or spots | Display fault | Larger |
| No picture or no touch | Handled as a broken phone | Largest, priced individually |
| Cracked screen protector only | Screen in good shape | None |
Should You Fix a Cracked iPhone Screen Before Selling? compares repair with selling as is.
Is a cracked back worth less than a cracked screen?
A cracked back is usually worth more than a cracked screen, meaning its deduction is smaller, because back glass costs less to replace than a display on most models. The difference is largest on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 15 family and later, which use removable back glass. Older models and the iPhone 14 Pro models bond the back glass to the frame, so their back repairs need a housing replacement, which costs more.
| Model group | Back glass repair | Back deduction vs screen deduction |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 family and later | Removable back panel | Usually smaller |
| iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus | Removable back glass | Usually smaller |
| iPhone 14 Pro and earlier models | Housing replacement | Similar or larger |
Can I Sell an iPhone With Cracked Back Glass? covers back glass in detail.
Which cracked iPhones still sell well?
Cracked iPhones sell well when 3 conditions apply: the model is recent, the storage is high and only 1 piece of glass is cracked. The table shows how model age changes the share of value a cracked phone keeps.
| Model | Share of value kept with a cracked screen |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro, 17 Pro and 16 Pro families | Large share |
| iPhone 15 and 16 standard models | Large share |
| iPhone 13 and 14 families | Moderate share |
| iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone SE | Smaller share |
A cracked iPhone 16 Pro often sells for more than an iPhone 13 in perfect condition, which makes cracked recent phones worth quoting rather than discarding.
What if both the screen and the back are cracked?
An iPhone with both the screen and the back cracked receives 2 deductions, one for each repair. It still sells, and recent models keep a meaningful share of their value. Cover both sides with clear packing tape before shipping to hold loose glass in place. If Face ID, the cameras and charging still work, the phone keeps more value than its appearance suggests.
Does a cracked camera lens count as a cracked back?
A cracked camera lens cover counts as a camera fault, not as cracked back glass, because it is a separate part over each lens. It is answered under the camera question in the quote. A cracked lens cover often blurs photos or causes flare, and its repair can be simpler than a full back glass replacement on some models. Selling an iPhone With a Broken Camera covers camera faults.
Should I repair the crack before selling?
Repairing the crack before selling is usually not worth it without AppleCare+, because the buyback deduction is often smaller than a retail repair. AppleCare+ changes the math, because screen and back glass damage are repaired for a fixed service fee. Avoid cheap aftermarket screens, which trigger an "Unknown Part" message that lowers the offer. Does AppleCare+ Increase iPhone Resale Value? explains when to use coverage.
How do I get the best price for a cracked iPhone?
Get the best price for a cracked iPhone with 6 steps:
- Remove the screen protector to see whether the glass underneath is actually cracked.
- Test touch across the whole screen and check for lines or spots on a white background.
- Test Face ID, the cameras and charging, because impacts can damage them.
- Answer the quote fault by fault.
- Cover the crack with clear tape before packing.
- Sell soon, before the crack spreads into the display layer.
Does a cracked screen get worse over time?
A cracked screen usually gets worse over time, because pressure, temperature changes and small drops spread the crack. A crack that reaches the display layer causes lines, black areas or touch failure, which moves the phone into a larger deduction. Moisture can also enter through cracked glass, because a crack breaks the water seal. Selling soon after the damage happens protects the most value.
Can I sell a cracked iPhone that is locked or financed?
A cracked iPhone that is carrier-locked or financed can be sold, with deductions for the lock and the balance in addition to the glass. The phone must still be removed from the Apple Account. Can You Sell a Carrier-Locked iPhone? Yes, Here Is How and How to Sell an iPhone That Is Not Paid Off explain those deductions.
Do trade-in programs pay less for cracked iPhones?
Trade-in programs often pay much less for cracked iPhones, and some accept them for recycling only, because their condition rules treat cracked glass as major damage. A buyback prices the specific repair, so a cracked phone that works often earns more as a cash sale. Some carrier promotions pay a fixed value for any condition, which can beat cash for a heavily damaged phone. Sell Your iPhone or Trade It In? Cash vs Carrier Credit compares the options.
How do I ship a cracked iPhone safely?
Ship a cracked iPhone by covering the crack with a layer of clear packing tape, wrapping the phone in 2 layers of bubble wrap, and packing it in a small rigid box with padding on every side. Tape holds loose glass, protects the person unpacking it and keeps the crack from spreading. How to Pack and Ship an iPhone Safely When You Sell It covers packing.
What happens to a cracked iPhone after I sell it?
A cracked iPhone is tested, erased, repaired with a new display or back panel, tested again and resold as a refurbished phone. Volume repair lowers the cost per phone, which is why buyback deductions can be smaller than retail repair prices. Phones with too much damage are harvested for parts. What Happens to Your iPhone After You Sell It follows the path.
Is a cracked iPhone safe to keep using until I sell?
A cracked iPhone is generally safe to use until it is sold, with 2 precautions: cover sharp glass with a screen protector or clear tape, and keep the phone dry. Stop using it if glass flakes off, the display flickers or the phone becomes unusually hot. Back up the phone right away, while touch still works. How to Back Up Your iPhone Before You Sell It covers the options.
How do cracked values compare across conditions?
Cracked values combine with the cosmetic grade and other faults. A phone with a cracked screen and an otherwise Like New body receives only the screen deduction. A phone with a cracked screen, scuffed frame and a battery below 80% receives 3 separate deductions. How Much Is My iPhone Worth If I Sell It Today? explains how deductions combine.
Does a cracked screen affect Face ID?
A cracked screen affects Face ID only when the crack covers the TrueDepth camera area at the top of the display, or when the impact damaged the Face ID components. Test Face ID by locking and unlocking the phone. A failed Face ID carries its own deduction, separate from the screen. Can You Sell an iPhone With Face ID Not Working? covers Face ID faults.
Does Ceramic Shield make cracks less likely?
Ceramic Shield, Apple's glass-ceramic cover introduced with the iPhone 12, makes cracks from drops less likely, and newer versions on recent models improve scratch resistance as well. No phone glass is crack-proof, so cracked Ceramic Shield phones are common on the used market. The deduction depends on the repair, not on the glass type.
How do quote photos help with a cracked iPhone?
Quote photos help with a cracked iPhone by showing the size and location of the crack before shipping. Photograph the screen with the display on and off, and the back, under bright light. Clear photos confirm the cracked-screen answer and reduce the chance of a revised offer after testing.
Does carrier insurance help with a cracked iPhone?
Carrier device protection plans usually cover cracked screens for a deductible or a screen repair fee. Compare that fee with the difference between the cracked and working offers before deciding. A phone replaced through an insurance claim belongs to the insurer, so only repaired phones, not replaced ones, can be sold afterward.
Frequently asked questions about cracked iPhone value
How much can I get for an iPhone with a cracked screen?
An iPhone with a cracked screen earns its working value minus a deduction roughly equal to a volume screen replacement for that model. Recent Pro and Pro Max models keep a large share of their value, while older models such as the iPhone 11 keep a smaller share. A free quote that asks about the screen, back and functions returns an exact offer.
Is it worth selling a cracked iPhone?
Selling a cracked iPhone is worth it when it powers on and touch still works, because the phone keeps the value of its model, storage and working parts. Recent models with a single crack often sell for more than older models in perfect condition. Even phones with several cracks earn offers, while phones that do not power on are priced individually.
Does a cracked back lower iPhone value as much as a cracked screen?
A cracked back usually lowers iPhone value less than a cracked screen, because back glass costs less to replace than a display. The difference is largest on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 family and later, which have removable back glass. On older models and the iPhone 14 Pro models, a back repair needs a housing replacement, which costs more.
Will a buyer accept an iPhone with a shattered screen?
Buyers accept iPhones with shattered screens when the phone powers on, with a deduction for the screen and any display faults. A shattered screen with working touch and picture carries the standard screen deduction. A screen with black areas, lines or no touch carries a larger deduction. Cover shattered glass completely with packing tape before shipping it.
Should I replace a cracked iPhone screen before selling?
Replacing a cracked screen before selling is usually not worth it without AppleCare+, because the buyback deduction tends to be smaller than a retail screen repair. With AppleCare+, the fixed service fee can make repair worthwhile. Avoid aftermarket screens, because their "Unknown Part" message lowers the offer by about as much as the crack did.
Sources and references
- Apple Support: iPhone screen and back glass repair pricing pages.
- Apple Support: "About genuine iPhone displays" and Parts and Service History.
- Apple: AppleCare+ terms for accidental damage service fees.