Selling a MacBook Pro with a smashed screen.

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Selling a MacBook Pro with a smashed screen.

I managed to smash the screen of my 2020 (running 15.2.2) MacBook Pro. Long story short Apple checked it and it’s just screen damage the ‘insides’ are ok.

they wanted £650 to repair so for various reasons I’ve just bought a new one.

but I’m considering selling the old one to one of these firms that give you a bit of money even if the machine is damaged.

given I have no screen how do i

a) wipe it before sending it off?

b) make sure my iCloud isn’t affected as I’ll need all that info for the new computer

might not be worth it but then again worth asking.

thanks.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Nov 26, 2025 8:15 AM

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Answer 1

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Tesserax

Level 10

157,740 points

Nov 26, 2025 8:29 AM in response to Parrotperson

Ok, you have a couple of options to get this done.

Option 1: Use an external display (if available)

If you have any USB-C → HDMI/DisplayPort adapter, plug the MacBook into a monitor or TV. The Mac should automatically mirror the built-in display.

Option 2: If you don’t have an external display

A. On your new device:

Go to Settings → your name → Devices
Pick the broken MacBook
Choose Remove from Account. This is critical — it removes Activation Lock so the buyer can use it.

B. Remotely wipe it (optional but ideal)

From your new device:

Open Find My → Devices
Select the smashed MacBook
Choose Erase This Device It wipes the drive the next time the Mac boots and gets online, even with a dead display.

Ref: What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

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