You can sell a broken iMac for cash through 4 main channels. Online buyback services like WeBuyBackElectronics, trade in programs, parts buyers and electronics recyclers. Broken iMacs typically return 30–60% of their working value, depending on the model year and the type of damage. This guide covers what a damaged iMac is worth. The 5 places that buy them, the 4-step selling process and how to protect your data even on a unit that no longer powers on.
How Much Is a Broken iMac Worth?
A broken iMac is worth between $30 and $300 in cash for most models. It depends on the model year, screen size, chip and the specific fault. Apple silicon models, like the 24-inch iMac (2021–2023), hold the most value because their displays and logic boards are in high demand for refurbishment. Pre-2015 Intel models return the least.You can get a estimated quote price at webuybackelectronics
There are 4 damage types that determine a broken iMac’s cash value:
Model year matters as much as the fault. A 2021 iMac 24-inch with a cracked screen sells for more than a fully working 2013 model, because its M1 logic board and Retina panel retain parts demand. To compare against working condition prices, see How Much Can I Sell My iMac For.
According to MacRumors’ trade-in guide, cracks and display issues drastically lower trade-in offers. And some trade-in sites refuse broken devices altogether. Buyback services that specialize in damaged electronics price the working components instead of rejecting the unit.
Where Can You Sell a Broken iMac?
There are 5 places that accept broken iMacs, online buyback services, Apple Trade In, retail trade-in programs, marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace and local repair shops or recyclers. Each differs in payment type, effort and whether damaged units qualify.
Marketplace sales occasionally return more for rare configurations, if you accept the listing effort and dispute risk. Buyback services return cash fastest with the least effort: describe the damage, ship free and get paid after inspection.
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How to Sell a Broken iMac in 4 Steps
Selling a broken iMac takes 4 steps: identify the model, get a quote, ship it free and receive payment.
Identify the model and document the damage. Find the serial number printed on the underside of the iMac’s stand, if the unit does not power on. If it powers on, open Apple menu > About This Mac. Photograph the damage from 2–3 angles.
Get an instant quote. Describe every fault honestly, screen condition, power status, liquid exposure, missing parts. Accurate descriptions prevent price adjustments at inspection. Request a cash quote on the Sell iMac page.
Ship it free with the prepaid label. Use the original box or a double walled box with 3 inches of padding on every side. Face the screen against a foam sheet, never loose bubble wrap alone iMac displays crack easily in transit.
Receive payment after inspection. Choose PayPal, direct deposit or a mailed check. Inspection at WeBuyBackElectronics takes 1–2 business days after the iMac arrives, and payment is processed immediately after.
How Do You Protect Your Data Before Selling a Broken iMac?
Protect your data in 1 of 3 ways, depending on whether the iMac powers on: erase it yourself, remove Activation Lock remotely or rely on a certified data wipe from the buyer.
If the iMac powers on: back up your files with Time Machine, sign out of iCloud and iMessage, then erase the drive. The full procedure is covered in How to Factory Reset an iMac.
If the iMac does not power on: remove it from your Apple Account remotely. Sign in at iCloud.com/find, select the iMac under All Devices and choose Remove from Account. This disables Activation Lock so the buyer can process the unit, per Apple Support’s guidance on preparing a Mac for sale.
If FileVault was enabled: the drive contents stay encrypted and unreadable without your password, even when the machine is dead.
WeBuyBackElectronics professionally wipes every iMac it receives. So your information is unrecoverable regardless of the unit’s condition.
Is Repairing a Broken iMac Before Selling It Worth It?
Repairing a broken iMac before selling it rarely increases the net return. Display and logic board repairs on Intel-era iMacs frequently cost more than the resale value they add. Because those parts are the two most expensive components in the machine.
Run this 2-quote comparison before deciding: get a buyback quote, then get a repair estimate plus a working condition quote. Sell as is when the repair cost exceeds the difference between the two quotes — which is the outcome for most iMacs from 2019 or earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Broken iMac
Can you sell an iMac that won’t turn on?
Yes. An iMac that fails to power on is sold on its parts value — the logic board, RAM, SSD, display assembly and enclosure all retain resale demand. Describe the fault as “does not power on” when requesting a quote to receive an accurate offer.
Who buys broken iMacs?
There are 4 buyer types for broken iMacs: online buyback services like WeBuyBackElectronics, parts buyers on eBay and Facebook Marketplace, local repair shops and electronics recyclers. Buyback services pay cash with free shipping, recyclers typically pay the least or nothing.
How much is an iMac with a cracked screen worth?
An iMac with a cracked screen takes the largest single value deduction of any damage type, because the display is the costliest part to replace. Newer Retina and Apple silicon models still return meaningful cash, since their panels and boards hold parts demand. Get a model specific quote for an exact figure.
Can I sell a broken iMac without erasing it?
Yes. Remove the iMac from your Apple Account at iCloud.com/find to disable Activation Lock. Then sell it to a service that performs certified data wipes. WeBuyBackElectronics professionally wipes every device it receives and FileVault encrypted drives remain unreadable without your password.
Does Apple take broken iMacs?
Apple Trade In accepts broken iMacs. But damaged Macs frequently qualify for free recycling only, not credit. When credit is offered it comes as an Apple gift card rather than cash. Cash buyback services price the same unit on its parts value instead.
Do I need the keyboard and mouse to sell a broken iMac?
No. Buyback services purchase the iMac on its own. Including a working Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse if you have them functioning accessories raise the total offer.
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