How to Sell an iPhone 6 in the UK

If you've got an old iPhone 6 in a drawer, you might be wondering if it's still worth anything. The short answer is yes, it still has value. This guide will walk you through how to check its condition, securely wipe your data, and choose the best place to sell it, helping you get a fair price while keeping your personal information safe.

Even though it's an older model, there's a steady market for the iPhone 6. People often look for them as a simple first mobile for a child, a reliable backup, or a basic device for calls and texts. Selling it is a much better option than letting it gather dust.

We often get questions from customers who aren't sure where to begin. The process breaks down into a few clear stages, from the initial checks right through to getting it ready for its new owner.

Getting Your iPhone 6 Ready for Sale

First, you need to give your mobile an honest check-up. This means taking a close look at everything from screen scratches and battery health to whether all the buttons work as they should.

This assessment is crucial because it's the key to figuring out what your mobile is worth. For a deeper dive into how condition affects price, you can learn more about how we determine iPhone 6 pricing in our detailed guide.

Next is the most important part: your data. You must back up all your photos, contacts, and files. After that, you'll need to sign out of your Apple ID and perform a full factory reset to completely wipe the phone. This step protects your privacy and ensures the new owner can set it up as their own without any hassle.

Choosing Where to Sell Your iPhone 6

Once your iPhone is prepped and ready, you need to decide where to sell it. Finding the right place depends on what you value most: getting the best price or having a quick and easy sale.

Here's a breakdown of your main choices in the UK to help you decide.

Comparing Your iPhone 6 Selling Options in the UK

Selling Method	Speed and Convenience	Potential Price	Effort Required
Recycling & Trade-in Sites	Very High. Often provides an instant quote and free postage. It’s the fastest way to get cash.	Moderate. You get a guaranteed, fair price, but it might be less than a private sale.	Low. Just get a quote, post the mobile, and get paid. No need to deal with buyers.
Online Marketplaces (eBay, etc.)	Low. Listing can take time, and you have to wait for a buyer, answer questions, and handle shipping.	High. This is where you have the potential to get the highest price, especially if the mobile is in good condition.	High. You need to write a listing, take photos, manage bids or offers, and deal with postage and payment.
Local & High Street Shops	High. You can walk in and sell on the spot for instant cash.	Low. Convenience comes at a cost; these options typically offer the lowest prices.	Low. Just take your mobile to a shop. No listing or shipping is required.

Ultimately, there’s no single "best" way to sell. If you want a guaranteed price with zero fuss, a trade-in service is a great option. But if you’re happy to put in a bit more work to squeeze out every last pound, an online marketplace like eBay might be your best bet.

How to Honestly Assess Your iPhone 6 Condition and Value

Before you can sell your iPhone 6, you need a clear and honest picture of what it's actually worth. Being realistic from the start saves a lot of hassle and helps you set a price that genuinely attracts buyers.

Let's walk through how to check your device, just like we would at our own repair counter.

First, give it a proper physical inspection. Find a bright light and have a close look. Those tiny scratches you don’t notice in daily use will be the first thing a potential buyer spots. Check the screen, the metal casing, and especially the corners for any scuffs, dents, or deep scratches.

Next, you need to test every single function. Don't just assume everything works because it did last time you picked it up.

• Buttons: Check the Home button (and its Touch ID), the volume buttons, and the mute switch. They should all give a satisfying click and respond instantly.
• Cameras: Open the camera app. Snap a few pictures with both the front and back cameras. Don't forget to test the flash, too.
• Ports: Grab a charger and plug it in to make sure the Lightning port is working. Then, test the audio jack with a pair of headphones.
• Speakers and Microphone: Play a video to check the speakers are clear, and then make a quick call or record a voice note to test the microphone.

Checking Battery Health and Other Key Factors

For an older model like the iPhone 6, battery health is a massive deal. We often have customers contact us about a refurbished phone they’ve bought elsewhere, and poor battery life is one of the most common complaints they have.

To check yours, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the ‘Maximum Capacity’ is below 80%, the phone will show a service warning. You can still sell a phone with a lower battery capacity, but you have to be upfront about it. A buyer will need to factor in the cost of a replacement.

The iPhone 6 was a huge hit when it launched in the UK, pushing Apple’s market share to a record 39.5%. Because so many were sold back then, there’s still a strong and steady demand for them on the second-hand market today. You can read more about the historical iPhone 6 sales boom and its lasting impact.

Finally, a few other details will influence the final price you can get. A phone that is unlocked to any network is always worth more than one locked to a specific provider like Vodafone or O2.

Likewise, larger storage models like the 64GB or 128GB versions will fetch a higher price than the base 16GB model. Having the original box and accessories is a nice bonus that can add a little bit of value and trust, especially if you're selling it privately.

Securely Wipe Your iPhone 6 to Protect Your Data

Getting your mobile ready to sell is about more than just its physical condition; protecting your personal data is the most important step. We've seen it countless times—a customer buys a used mobile, only to find it’s still locked to the previous owner's Apple ID. This renders the phone useless, a problem we call a 'bricked' device.

Taking a few minutes to wipe your iPhone 6 correctly ensures the buyer gets a usable phone. More importantly, it keeps your private information completely secure. Before you do anything else, though, you must back up your data.

Backing Up Your Data First

Losing your photos, messages, and contacts is a nightmare. Always create a backup before you even think about starting the reset process. You have two main options for this.

Using iCloud for Your Backup

This is often the easiest method, as it’s done wirelessly right from your iPhone.

• First, make sure your mobile is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
• Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud.
• Tap on iCloud Backup.
• Check that the toggle is on, and then tap Back Up Now. Just keep the phone on Wi-Fi until it’s finished.

Using a Computer for Your Backup

If you prefer, you can back up your data to a Mac or a Windows PC instead.

• On a Mac, connect your iPhone, open Finder, and select your iPhone from the sidebar. From there, choose ‘Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac’.
• On a Windows PC, you’ll need to use iTunes. Connect your iPhone, open iTunes, and click the small iPhone icon near the top left. Under the Backups section, simply select ‘Back Up Now’.

Once you're sure your backup is complete and your data is safe, you can confidently move on to wiping the device itself.

Performing the Factory Reset

This process involves two key stages: signing out of your Apple ID to turn off Activation Lock, and then erasing all your content. Following these steps ensures the phone is a clean slate for its new owner.

Warning: Do not manually delete contacts, photos, or other items while signed into your iCloud account. This will delete them from the iCloud servers and all your other devices. The factory reset handles this safely.

First, you need to sign out of iCloud and the App Store.

Go to Settings > [your name] and scroll all the way down to tap Sign Out. You'll be asked for your Apple ID password to turn off 'Find My'—go ahead and enter it. You'll then be asked if you want to keep a copy of your data on the phone. Since you're wiping it anyway, you can just tap 'Sign Out' in the top corner.

After you've successfully signed out, it’s time to erase everything.

Go back to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. A final confirmation screen will appear; tap Continue and enter your passcode if prompted.

The phone will restart and greet you with the 'Hello' screen, just like it did when it was brand new. It is now completely clean, free from your data, and ready to be sold to its next owner.

If you're looking for more details on managing your phone's memory, you can find extra tips in our guide on how to delete data from iPhone storage. It’s also important to know how to handle your old devices responsibly. This article offers great guidance on How to Prepare Your iPhone for Recycling.

Where to Sell an iPhone 6 for the Best Price in the UK

You’ve done the hard part—your iPhone 6 is backed up, wiped clean, and ready for a new owner. Now for the final decision: where do you actually sell it? The best place really boils down to what you value more: getting the highest possible price, or a quick, guaranteed sale without any fuss.

Each option comes with its own pros and cons, so it pays to know what you’re getting into before you commit. We’ll walk you through the main choices here in the UK, from specialist trade-in companies to online marketplaces and even high street shops.

Trade-In Services and Recycling Specialists

For most people, this is the most straightforward way to sell an iPhone 6. Companies like us at Used Mobiles 4 U are set up to make selling your old mobile as painless as possible. You get an instant quote online based on your phone's condition, we provide free postage, and once we’ve checked the device over, the money is sent straight to your bank account.

The biggest wins here are speed and security. You don't have to write listings, take photos, or field endless questions from potential buyers. The price you’re offered is the price you get, as long as the mobile arrives in the condition you described.

We had a customer recently who needed to sell his old iPhone 6 fast. He went with our 'Sell Your Tech' programme because the guaranteed price and free postage took all the guesswork and effort out of it. It’s a common story; people choose a trade-in service when they just want to get it done without the hassle.

Online Marketplaces like eBay and Facebook

If your number one goal is squeezing every last penny out of your old mobile, then selling it privately on a platform like eBay or Facebook Marketplace is often your best bet. Because you’re selling directly to the person who will use it, you can usually ask for a higher price than a trade-in company can offer.

Of course, that higher price comes with a lot more work and a few risks.

• Listing and Management: You'll have to write a detailed, honest description, take clear photos from every angle, and decide whether to set a fixed price or run an auction.
• Buyer Communication: Get ready to answer questions from potential bidders and buyers, many of whom might just be time-wasters.
• Risks and Fees: There's always the chance of dealing with non-paying bidders, somebody claiming the phone isn't as described, or even outright scams. Plus, you’ll have to give a cut of your final sale price to the platform in fees.

If you go down this route, honesty is everything. Be completely upfront about any scratches, scuffs, or battery issues. A trustworthy listing with clear pictures is your best bet for attracting serious buyers and avoiding problems later. For a closer look at all your options, our guide on where to sell your iPhone breaks it all down in more detail.

Our Experience: We've found that while private sales can look better on paper, the time you spend managing the listing, combined with platform fees and postage costs, often narrows the price gap more than you’d think. A guaranteed, fee-free offer from a recycler often ends up being far more appealing once you factor in your own time.

High Street and Local Shops

Finally, there’s always the option of walking into a high street phone shop or a chain like CeX that pays cash for old tech. This is another incredibly convenient choice—you can literally walk in with your phone and walk out with cash. It’s fast and requires almost no effort.

The catch? These shops almost always offer the lowest price. Their entire business model depends on buying low to cover their rent, staff, and other overheads. While it’s a brilliant option if you need cash in your hand right now, you’ll definitely be sacrificing a fair bit of your phone's value for that convenience.

Safely Packing and Posting Your iPhone

Once you've found a buyer and settled on a price, you’re at the final hurdle: getting the mobile to them safely. How you pack and post your iPhone 6 is just as important as how you listed it, as this last step protects both you and the buyer from any headaches down the line.

You’ve come this far, so don't be tempted to just pop it in a padded envelope and hope for the best. We see a handful of mobiles arrive with us every year that have been damaged in transit due to poor packaging. A simple jiffy bag just doesn't offer enough protection for a delicate electronic device.

Your Packaging Checklist

To make sure your iPhone arrives at its destination without a scratch, learning how to pack electronics safely is essential. The golden rule is to stop the mobile from moving around inside the box.

• Find a sturdy box: The original iPhone box is perfect if you still have it. If not, any small, strong cardboard box will do the job nicely.
• Wrap the device: Use a generous amount of bubble wrap to create a protective cocoon around the phone. Make sure it’s wrapped snugly on all sides.
• Fill the gaps: Pop the wrapped phone inside the box and fill any empty space with more bubble wrap, scrunched-up paper, or packing peanuts. The mobile shouldn't be able to slide or knock against the sides at all.
• Seal it securely: Tape the box shut firmly along all the seams to prevent it from bursting open. Give the box a gentle shake; if you can hear or feel anything moving, you need more padding.

Postage and Payment Security

When you sell an iPhone 6 privately, your choice of postage and payment method is crucial for steering clear of common scams. We always use a tracked and insured service because it gives both us and our customers complete peace of mind.

For private sales, we strongly recommend using a service like Royal Mail Special Delivery. It offers tracking, proof of delivery, and insurance coverage. It might cost a few pounds more, but that's a small price to pay to protect an item worth a significant amount.

Never post the mobile until you have received cleared funds. Secure payment platforms like PayPal (using the 'Goods and Services' option) or a trade-in service offer protection against buyers who might claim an item never arrived.

If a buyer insists on a bank transfer, wait until the money is showing as available in your account, not just 'pending'. This simple precaution is your best defence against payment fraud. For more details on sending your device to a trade-in company, check out our shipping instructions for selling your tech.

Common Questions About Selling an iPhone 6

When you're ready to sell an iPhone 6, a few last-minute questions always seem to pop up. Over the years, we’ve heard just about every query imaginable from people selling their older mobiles, so we’ve put together some quick, straight-to-the-point answers to clear up any final doubts.

Is my iPhone 6 too old to be worth anything?

Not at all. This is probably the number one question we get asked, and the answer is always a pleasant surprise for sellers. While it won’t fetch the same price as a newer model, the iPhone 6 absolutely still holds value.

Its massive popularity when it first launched means there's a big, steady market for second-hand ones. Many people are specifically looking for an iPhone 6 as:

• A simple and affordable first mobile for a child.
• A reliable backup phone for emergencies.
• A basic device for someone who just needs calls, texts, and a bit of browsing.

As long as it powers on and works, you're far better off getting some cash for it than letting it gather dust in a drawer.

What if my iPhone 6 screen is cracked?

You can definitely still sell an iPhone with a cracked screen, but the key here is being completely honest about it. If you’re using a trade-in service like ours, you’ll find a specific option for "damaged" or "faulty" devices. You'll get a revised quote that accounts for the repair cost, but it’s a hassle-free way to get money for a broken mobile.

If you decide to sell it privately on a marketplace like eBay, transparency is non-negotiable. Take clear, well-lit photos showing the crack from a few different angles. Mention it clearly in both your listing title and the description. Plenty of buyers are happy to get it repaired themselves, but they need to know exactly what they’re buying.

Our Experience: We once had a customer try to sell us an iPhone 6 listed as 'good condition'. When we inspected it, we found a hairline crack cleverly hidden under a screen protector. This always results in a revised, lower offer, which can feel disappointing for the seller. Being upfront from the start builds trust and makes sure the whole process goes smoothly for everyone.

Do I need the original box and charger?

Having the original box, charger, and any other accessories is a nice bonus, especially if you're selling privately. It makes your listing look more complete and suggests the phone has been well looked after, which might help you secure a slightly better price.

That said, it’s not a deal-breaker. Most trade-in companies, including Used Mobiles 4 U, are mainly interested in the handset itself and will happily buy it without any extras. If you don't have them, just be sure to mention that in your description for a private sale.

How do I know if my iPhone 6 is unlocked?

An unlocked iPhone is always worth more. It’s a huge selling point because the new owner can pop in a SIM card from any network, whether it's O2, EE, or Vodafone. A locked phone, on the other hand, will only work with the original network provider it was bought from.

The easiest way to check is to borrow a SIM card from a friend who’s on a different network.

1. Switch your iPhone off.
2. Pop out your SIM tray with an ejector tool and swap your SIM for the other one.
3. Turn the phone back on.

If it connects to the new network and you can make a call, your phone is unlocked. If you get an error message like ‘SIM Not Supported’, it’s locked. Don't worry, though—if your contract has ended, you can usually contact your original network and ask them to unlock it for free.

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If you have more questions about selling your old tech, our team at Used Mobiles 4 U is always happy to help.

Written by James Waterston — 24 years in the mobile phone industry from customer service through to Sales Director of a global repair and recycling company. Now running Used Mobiles 4 U for over 8 years.

LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/james-waterston-9039a21a