Selling a Broken Phone or Console in Ottawa: What You Need to Know

Almost everyone has one: an old phone with a shattered screen in a kitchen drawer, or a console that stopped working after a move. If you've upgraded and don't plan to fix it, you might be able to sell your broken phone in Ottawa instead of letting it collect dust. Here's what affects its value, how to prepare it safely, and when repairing makes more sense than selling.

Yes, broken devices can still have value

A phone with a cracked screen still has a working logic board, camera, battery and housing. A console that won't read discs may still have a perfectly good power supply and storage. Repair shops can use these devices for refurbishment or parts, which keeps them out of landfill. At Fix Revolution, we buy broken phones, tablets, laptops and game consoles.

What affects the offer

Every device is different, so we don't publish a price list. Instead, these factors generally shape what a broken device is worth:

• Model and age. Newer and higher-end models are usually worth more, even when damaged.
• Storage capacity. Larger storage versions often carry more value.
• Does it power on? A phone with a cracked screen that still boots is generally worth more than one that's completely dead.
• Type of damage. Cracked glass is different from liquid damage or a bent frame.
• Account locks. A device still locked to someone's account usually can't be reused, which seriously limits what it's worth.

How to prepare a phone or tablet before selling

1. Back up anything you want to keep. Photos, contacts and messages are easy to lose. Our backup guide covers iPhone, Android and iPad.
2. Sign out of your accounts. On an iPhone or iPad, sign out of your Apple Account so Find My and Activation Lock are turned off. On Android, remove your Google account and any manufacturer account (such as a Samsung account).
3. Erase the device. Use the built-in reset option in Settings to erase all content and settings.
4. Remove your SIM and memory card.
5. Remove it from your account online if it still appears in your list of devices.

If the screen is too damaged to do this, don't worry. Tell us when you request an offer, and we'll explain your options.

How to prepare a game console or laptop

• Consoles: sign out of your PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo account, remove the console as your primary or home console where that setting exists, and restore factory settings if the console still works. Take out any disc or game card.
• Laptops: back up your files, sign out of cloud accounts, and turn off device-tracking features before erasing the drive.

Safety first: swollen batteries

If your device's screen is lifting, the back is bulging, or a laptop no longer sits flat, the battery may be swollen. Don't charge it, don't press on it and never try to puncture or remove it yourself. Store it somewhere cool and away from anything flammable, and mention it when you contact us.

Sell or repair? A quick way to decide

Selling makes sense when you've already replaced the device or the repair would cost more than it's worth to you. Repairing often makes more sense when the phone is fairly recent, the problem is a screen, battery or charging port, and you're otherwise happy with it. If you're on the fence, our article should you repair or replace your phone? walks through the decision. You can also ask us for a free repair quote and an offer at the same time and compare.

Selling your device in Ottawa — we come to you

Fill in the form on our sell your device page with the model and condition, and we'll get back to you. If you'd rather repair it, we pick up anywhere in Ottawa and Gatineau, whether you're in Nepean, The Glebe or Gatineau, and drop it back off. Most repairs are done the same day (1–2 business days for MacBooks), with a 90-day warranty. Get a free quote or call 613-265-4349.

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