Yes, you can sell a MacBook that does not turn on. A dead MacBook usually still has value, because the parts inside it, the screen, the casing and in many cases the logic board, can be reused or repaired. What it is worth will depend on the model, year and specification, the reason it will not power on, and the overall condition of the rest of the machine. Below we cover what to try first, what affects the price, and what happens when you send a non-working MacBook to us.

Is a MacBook that will not turn on worth anything?

In most cases, yes. The fault behind it might be simple, like a flat battery or a damaged charging port, or serious, like a failed logic board or liquid damage. Either way, the machine is still made of valuable components.

The display assembly, the aluminium unibody, the keyboard, the trackpad and the battery can all be harvested and reused if the board itself cannot be saved. That is why we can often still quote for a MacBook that is completely dead. It will be worth less than a working equivalent, but it is rarely worth nothing.

Newer models tend to hold more value even when faulty. A non-working M1 or M2 MacBook Air is usually worth more than a working MacBook from 2015, simply because its parts are in higher demand.

What should you check before assuming it is dead?

A few quick checks can stop you underselling a MacBook that only needed a little help.

Charge it properly. Plug it in with a known working charger and leave it for at least 30 minutes. A fully drained battery can take a while before the MacBook will respond at all.

Try a different cable or power adapter. USB-C cables fail more often than people expect, and older MagSafe chargers can fray near the connector.

Look for signs of life. A faint glow from the keyboard, a fan spinning or a chime on older models means the MacBook has power but the display may be the problem. That is a different fault from a MacBook that is completely unresponsive.

Try an SMC or power reset. On Intel MacBooks, resetting the System Management Controller can bring a stubborn machine back. On Apple silicon models, holding the power button for around 10 seconds and trying again does a similar job.

If none of this works, you do not need to diagnose the fault yourself. We test every device when it arrives.

What affects the value of a MacBook that does not turn on?

The model and year. This is the biggest factor. Newer MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are worth considerably more, even as parts machines. If you are not sure which one you have, our guide on how to find your MacBook model number will help, and you can usually read the model number printed on the underside of the case.

The specification. Processor, RAM and storage all matter, particularly on Apple silicon models where they are built into the board. Our finding your spec page explains where to look. If the MacBook will not power on, the model number or serial number on the case is enough for us to work from.

The cause of the fault. A MacBook that will not charge because of a worn port is a very different prospect from one that has had coffee poured over the keyboard. Liquid damage tends to reduce value the most, because it often spreads to several parts.

The physical condition. Dents, cracked screens, missing keys and heavy scratching all bring the value down further.

Activation Lock. A MacBook still linked to someone’s Apple ID is much harder to reuse. More on this below.

Is it worth repairing it before you sell?

Usually not. Logic board repairs in particular are expensive, and the money you spend is rarely matched by the increase in what you get when you sell.

The exception is a cheap, obvious fault, such as a broken charger, which is worth replacing yourself. For anything beyond that, selling the MacBook as it is tends to leave you better off.

If your MacBook is older and you are weighing up whether it has reached the end of the road anyway, our post on how long a MacBook should last on average is worth a read.

What about iCloud and your data?

This is what people worry about most with a dead MacBook, because you cannot sign out of iCloud on a machine that will not start.

The good news is that you can still remove it remotely. Sign in to iCloud.com or use the Find My app on another Apple device, select the MacBook and choose to remove it from your account. This releases Activation Lock so the machine can be reused. Our guide on why removing iCloud locks is important explains why this step makes such a difference.

As for your files, you do not need to wipe the drive yourself. We handle every device with certified data erasure, so anything left on the MacBook is securely removed. If the drive holds photos or documents you have not backed up elsewhere, check iCloud or any external backups first, as we cannot recover data for you.

What happens after Mac Recycle receives it?

Once you have a quote through our sell my MacBook page, sending it in is simple. Postage is free, and we can arrange collection. Our how it works page covers each step.

When it arrives, we check the model, year, specification and condition, and test it to confirm the fault. If everything matches what you told us, we pay you by bank transfer, often within 24 hours. If our assessment differs and you decide not to accept the revised offer, we return the MacBook free of charge.

Anything that cannot be refurbished is broken down for parts, with the rest recycled responsibly. Our post on how Mac recycling in the UK works explains more.

Businesses and schools with several dead or faulty machines can send us a list for a bulk trade-in quote, and we will arrange collection.

Got a MacBook that will not switch on? Get a figure from our instant quote and let us know it does not power on.

FAQs

Can I sell a MacBook that has no power at all?

Yes. We can often still quote for a MacBook that shows no signs of life, because its parts still have value.

Do I need to include the charger?

It helps, but it is not essential. Including the charger lets us rule out a power supply fault quickly.

How do I remove iCloud from a MacBook that will not turn on?

Sign in to iCloud.com or open the Find My app on another device, select the MacBook and remove it from your account. You do not need the MacBook to be switched on to do this.

Will you wipe my data if the MacBook does not work?

Yes. Every device we receive goes through certified data erasure, whether it works or not, so you do not need to wipe the drive yourself.

Is a water damaged MacBook worth anything?

Often, yes, though liquid damage usually lowers the value more than other faults. Let us know about it when you request your quote so the offer is as accurate as possible.

How quickly will I be paid?

Payment is made by bank transfer once the MacBook has been checked and accepted, often within 24 hours.