So your iPhone took a tumble and now sports a lovely spiderweb pattern across the screen. Before you start mourning the loss of potential trade-in value, here’s some news that might surprise you: that cracked screen doesn’t automatically mean your iPhone is worthless.
After fixing hundreds of cracked iPhones here at our Wesley Chapel repair shop, I’ve watched countless customers wrestle with this exact question. Some walk in expecting the worst, only to discover they have options. Others assume their shattered screen is no big deal, then face reality when Apple hands them a $0 offer. The truth sits somewhere in the middle, and it depends entirely on where you’re trying to trade that damaged device.
Let me walk you through what actually happens when you try to trade in a cracked iPhone, which companies will take it, how much you can realistically expect, and whether you’re better off getting it fixed first.
Can You Trade In a Cracked iPhone?
You can trade in a cracked iPhone, but here’s the catch: not everyone wants it, and those who do will pay significantly less than they would for a pristine device.
The trade-in landscape breaks down into three camps:
Apple: Extremely picky. They typically offer zero credit for cracked screens because their trade-in program focuses on devices they can refurbish and resell. A crack means it’s headed straight to recycling instead.
Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile): More flexible, especially during promotions. They often accept damaged devices because they’re more interested in locking you into a contract than maximizing resale value on your old phone.
Third-Party Buyback Services: The most lenient. Companies like Gazelle, Decluttr, and ecoATM will take pretty much anything that powers on, though values drop dramatically with damage.
How Much Is Your Cracked iPhone Worth?
Here’s where reality hits. A cracked iPhone loses roughly 50-70% of its undamaged value, sometimes more, depending on severity. Let me break down some real-world numbers based on what we’re seeing in late 2025:
iPhone 14 (128GB) Trade-In Values:
- Perfect condition: $400-$600
- Minor crack (one corner, still functional): $200-$400
- Severe damage (multiple cracks, screen barely readable): $50-$200
- Apple’s offer for any crack: $0
iPhone 15 (128GB) Trade-In Values:
- Perfect condition: $500-$700
- Minor crack: $300-$450
- Severe damage: $100-$250
- Apple’s offer: $0
Notice the pattern? The worse the damage, the steeper the drop. And if your crack affects functionality—like making the touchscreen unresponsive in certain areas—expect offers on the lower end.
———————————
We’ve fixed hundreds of iPhones over the years, and our 1500+ positive Google reviews show we do it right. Visit our Wesley Chapel or Holiday locations, or we’ll come to you in Zephyrhills, Tarpon Springs, or New Port Richey.
———————————
Where to Trade In Your Cracked iPhone
AT&T’s Current Promotions
AT&T actually has some compelling deals right now (as of October 31st, 2025) that can work in your favor even with a cracked screen:
For iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max: Up to $1,100 in bill credits when trading in a smartphone valued at $230 or above after their condition assessment
For iPhone Air, 17, 17 Pro, or 17 Pro Max:
- Up to $700 in bill credits for devices valued at $130 or above
- Up to $350 in bill credits for devices valued between $35-$129.99
The key phrase here is “after condition assessment.” That crack will knock down your phone’s assessed value, but if it still hits those minimum thresholds, you can snag the promotional credit. A cracked iPhone 14 or 15 in otherwise working condition often still meets the $130-$230 range.
Verizon’s Approach
Verizon accepts cracked devices during promotional periods, typically offering fixed credits toward new iPhone purchases. Their current promotions (which change frequently) often provide up to $800-$1,000 in credits, but only if your device:
- Powers on and holds a charge
- Has no liquid damage
- Isn’t activation locked or blacklisted
The crack itself won’t disqualify you during promos, though standard trade-ins outside promotional periods will see reduced values.
T-Mobile’s Policy Shift
T-Mobile made waves in 2025 by becoming more inclusive with damaged devices. During promotional periods, they’ve accepted cracked iPhones with minimal value reductions—sometimes offering flat credits regardless of condition as long as the device works. However, this isn’t universal; it’s tied to specific upgrade campaigns.
Apple’s Trade-In Program
Let’s be blunt: don’t bother with Apple if your screen is cracked. Their online estimator will immediately drop your value to $0 when you answer honestly about damage. Apple’s program works best for pristine devices or those with purely functional issues (won’t turn on, battery dead, etc.).
Third-Party Options
Gazelle: Provides instant quotes online and accepts cracked devices at reduced rates. A cracked iPhone 14 might fetch $150-$300 depending on severity.
Decluttr: Similar to Gazelle, with slightly different pricing algorithms. Sometimes offers better deals for certain models.
ecoATM: Kiosks that give instant cash. Convenient but typically offers 10-20% less than online services due to the immediacy factor.
Buyback Boss, BankMyCell, ItsWorthMore: Various online services worth comparing for maximum value.
————————————–
Visit our Wesley Chapel location or Holiday location, or call +1 (813) 994-4966 or +1(727) 376-1126 to discuss your situation.
————————————–
Should You Fix It Before Trading In?
This is where the math gets interesting. Screen repairs at Gizmo Pros typically run $150-$300 depending on your iPhone model—and we complete most repairs while you wait.
Let’s run the numbers for an iPhone 14:
Scenario 1: Trade in cracked
- Best carrier offer: $250
- Net to you: $250
Scenario 2: Repair then trade in
- Screen repair cost: $150
- Trade-in value (perfect condition): $500
- Net to you: $350
In this example, you’d gain $100 by fixing it at Gizmo Pros. But it’s not always this clear-cut. Sometimes promotions override condition concerns entirely, making repairs unnecessary.
What Affects Your Trade-In Value
Beyond the obvious crack, several factors determine what you’ll get:
- Storage Capacity: A 512GB iPhone always beats a 128GB model, even cracked. The storage premium typically persists through damage.
- Model Age: Newer models retain more value damaged than older models do pristine. A cracked iPhone 15 might beat a perfect iPhone 11.
- Additional Damage: Back glass cracks, camera lens damage, or bent frames compound the problem. Each issue stacks penalties.
- Functionality: This is critical. If the phone powers on, the screen responds to touch, cameras work, and buttons function—even with visible cracks—you’re in much better shape than if touchscreen functionality is compromised.
- Water Damage: Many providers check liquid damage indicators. If your crack came from a drop into water, you’re looking at minimal or zero offers across the board.
- Carrier Lock Status: Unlocked phones are worth more. If your cracked iPhone is still locked to a carrier you’re not trading in with, values drop further.
Preparing Your Cracked iPhone for Trade-In
Even damaged, your iPhone contains personal data worth protecting. Here’s what to do before handing it over:
1. Back Up Everything: Use iCloud or iTunes to save photos, contacts, and important files. This is your last chance to rescue that data.
2. Disable Find My iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone → Toggle Off You’ll need your Apple ID password. Many trade-ins get rejected because people forget this critical step.
3. Erase All Content: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings This factory resets the device and removes your Apple ID.
4. Remove SIM Card: Pop out your SIM using the ejector tool. You’ll need it for your new phone.
5. Gather Original Accessories: Box, charger, and cables can sometimes boost value slightly, though most programs don’t require them.
6. Clean the Phone: Wipe down the exterior and gently clean charging ports. Presentation matters during inspection.
Alternatives to Trading In
Sometimes the trade-in route doesn’t make financial sense. Consider these alternatives:
Sell Privately: Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist often yield 10-30% more than trade-ins, even with cracks. Yes, it takes more effort and involves some risk, but that extra $100-$200 might be worth it.
Keep It as a Backup: A cracked but functional iPhone makes an excellent backup device, alarm clock, or dedicated music player. Don’t underestimate the value of having a spare.
Repair and Keep: If your current iPhone still meets your needs, fixing it professionally through Gizmo Pros extends its life for years at a fraction of a new phone’s cost.
Part It Out: Surprisingly, some broken iPhones are worth more in pieces. The logic board, cameras, and other components have value to repair shops. You can sell on eBay or specialized sites.
Insurance Claim First: If you have AppleCare+ or carrier insurance, file a claim. The deductible ($99-$269) gets you a replacement device worth way more in trade-in.
————————————–
Visit our Wesley Chapel location or Holiday location, or call +1 (813) 994-4966 or +1(727) 376-1126 to discuss your situation.
————————————–
Our Take: Repair or Trade?
Here at Gizmo Pros, we’ve been fixing devices for over 15 years. When customers ask whether to repair before trading in, here’s our honest assessment:
Definitely repair first if:
- You have a newer iPhone (14 or later) with a single cracked screen
- The crack doesn’t affect functionality
- You’re not in a rush
- You’re trading in with Apple or third-party buyback services
Skip the repair if:
- You’re using a carrier promotion with generous damage acceptance
- Your iPhone has multiple issues beyond the screen
- The model is older (iPhone 11 or earlier)
- Time is critical
We’ll never push you toward an unnecessary repair. Sometimes the math simply doesn’t work out, and we’d rather you know that upfront.
The Bottom Line
Can you trade in a cracked iPhone? Absolutely. Will you get full value? Absolutely not. But between carrier promotions, third-party services, and the option to repair first, you have more choices than you might think.
The key is doing the math for your specific situation. A cracked iPhone 15 might still fetch enough in a strong promotional trade-in to make repairs unnecessary. A cracked iPhone 12 probably needs fixing first if you want meaningful value.
And if those numbers don’t work out? Our doors at Gizmo Pros are open. We’ll replace your cracked screen in under an hour, back it with a 90-day warranty, and charge less than what you’d lose in reduced trade-in value. Plus, we’ll actually match any local competitor’s price and beat it by $10—that’s not marketing speak, that’s our actual policy.
Whether you decide to trade in as-is, repair first, or keep using that cracked screen until the iPhone 18 launches, at least now you know exactly what you’re dealing with. And honestly? That knowledge alone is worth more than most trade-in offers.
