Oh, I'm having technical issues with my iPhone. Your screen may be cracked or your battery may need to be replaced. Where can I turn? Apple has a solution, of course, but there are other options, from Staples to good independent repair shops. The DIY method also allows you to order parts from Apple or iFixit and perform the repair on his iPhone yourself. How do you decide?
If your iPhone is still under warranty or has an AppleCare+ protection plan, choose Apple. Repairs to the screen or back glass on eligible devices cost just $29, and repairs for other types of hardware damage cost $99. If your phone is out of warranty and you don't have AppleCare+, a screen replacement will cost between $129 and $379, depending on your iPhone model. Other types of hardware repairs can cost up to $699 for your iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Since Staples is not an Apple authorized service center, this is only a viable option if your phone is out of warranty. At Staples Cell Phone Repair Services, battery replacement costs for select models of iPhone start at $29. Screen repairs range from $90 to $180. Some independent repair shops are Apple Authorized Service Providers. Many are not. Repair costs will obviously vary from shop to shop, but they are usually cheaper than Apple or Staples prices.
If your phone is not covered by a warranty or protection plan, and you are skilled and adventurous enough, we recommend that you try to repair it yourself. You may be able to avoid costly repairs by purchasing the necessary parts from Apple's Self-Service Repair Store or iFixit and replacing defective components.
How to check your Apple warranty coverage
Your iPhone comes with a 1-year limited warranty for hardware repairs. Read the fine print to see if your specific damage is covered. AppleCare+ protection extends your warranty for two years from the date of purchase (or continuous coverage) and provides 24/7 technical support.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
The price of protection varies depending on the device you have. 3rd generation iPhone SE protection costs $3.99 per month or $79 for 2 years. Covering your iPhone 13, 14, or 15 costs $7.99 per month, or $149 for two years. iPhone 14 Plus or 15 Plus coverage costs $8.99 per month or $179 for two years. You can also protect your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max for $9.99 per month or $199 for two years.
AppleCare+ provides unlimited protection against accidental damage. Each incident has a fee of $29 for screen damage and $99 for other types of damage. AppleCare+ protection can be purchased any time within 60 days of purchasing your phone.
To check your warranty status, open Apple's Check Warranty page and sign in with your Apple ID. Select the iPhone icon to see your warranty or AppleCare+ coverage. Alternatively, you can enter your iPhone's serial number, which is not displayed.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
The next window displays the scope of services and support. If you're covered by the initial one-year warranty or AppleCare+, your repair costs should be minimal. If not, you will have to pay the out-of-warranty price.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
To find information directly on your iPhone, visit: Settings > General > About. The screen will tell you that your device is out of warranty or covered by warranty or AppleCare+. Click on any option that appears to view its details.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
Request Apple to repair your phone
At this point, you can set up a repair case through the Apple Support app, which can be downloaded from the website or the App Store. On the website, Link to get started now inside get support section. On the next screen, Repairs and physical damage option. In the Apple Support app, select your iPhone, then Repairs and physical damage.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
You will then be asked to select the question that best describes the type of physical damage to your phone. Cracked screen, bad battery, front or back damage, screen or display damage, or liquid or water damage. In this example, cracked screen.click Continue.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
The next screen will ask you how to repair your phone. Depending on the type of problem, the required repair, and your warranty or AppleCare+ coverage, you'll see three options: Schedule Repair, Send in for Repair, or Express Replacement.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
If you take your phone to an Apple Store or authorized service provider, schedule repairs. Next, you'll be asked to enter your location to find a nearby Apple Store or other authorized repair center. Select a store and select your reservation date and time.Review the details and click Book now To make a reservation.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
If you would like to send your phone to Apple for repair, please select: send for repair. Review the issues and confirm the estimate. Choose whether you want to drop off your phone at UPS or have Apple send you a shipping box and click. Continue Please enter your credit card information to pay for the repair.click Check repair details Press the button to confirm your work.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
If you want to mail your phone to Apple, but you can't leave it without your phone while it's being repaired, Get a replacement as soon as possible. To use this method, your phone must be covered by Apple's limited warranty, AppleCare+, or some type of consumer law that governs repairs.
At this point, Apple will send you a replacement device. Then send the defective phone to Apple. Apple will temporarily authorize your credit card until we confirm that your phone is eligible for repair. Once we receive your repaired phone, we will send you a replacement unit back to you. Selecting this option will take you to a chat screen where you can discuss details with an Apple support representative.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
Order parts from Apple or iFixit
If you're feeling ambitious and want to repair your phone yourself, you can buy new (or used) genuine parts directly from Apple. This DIY method allows you to visit Apple's self-service repair store and start order button.
Select your product and model and enter your iPhone serial number. Select the type of repair you want to perform, such as a screen replacement, add the necessary tools and parts to your shopping cart, and check out.
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(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
Once you have received your parts and are ready to begin your repair, we recommend that you check the iPhone repair manual for your model from Apple's documentation site and follow the instructions provided. Once completed, you can use certain diagnostic tools to determine if the issue is resolved. You can also receive store credit by returning used or defective components to Apple.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)
If you don't want to go through Apple directly, iFixit is another option. Once you know what part you need, you can go directly to the Apple iPhone repair section of the website. Please select your mobile phone and the specific repair you would like. The iFixit website provides detailed repair guides, as well as recommended parts and tools for purchase on the same page.
However, be aware that there are caveats when using a third-party repair source such as iFixit. Due to Apple's “part pairing” practices, some features of your phone may be limited if it detects that a part has been replaced by someone other than an authorized service provider. For example, replacing the battery disables the phone's battery health feature in iOS. Replacing your phone screen disables the True Tone feature and Face ID.
But after Oregon passed a law banning the combination of parts, Apple announced it would allow customers and repair technicians to repair some iPhone models with genuine used parts as well as genuine new parts. . However, that is not expected to begin until the fall.
(Credit: PCMag / iFixit)
Get your phone repaired at Best Buy or Staples
Need another repair option? Best Buy is an authorized service provider that can fix your phone screen in just a few hours. Other repairs will be assessed in-store. To make an appointment, visit Best Buy's iPhone service and repair page. Use the drop-down menu to select your model and view repair costs. My Best Buy Total members receive AppleCare+ pricing.click make a reservation Click to find a location near you and set the date and time.
(Credit: PCMag / Best Buy)
Staples is another option for iPhone repair. You can bring your phone into the store and the repair will usually be completed within a few hours. Staples can replace batteries, repair cracked screens, and recover devices that have been submerged in water. All repairs come with a 1 year parts warranty. Staples is not an authorized service provider, so you will only use the store if your iPhone is no longer under warranty or covered by Apple.
First, open the Staples Cell Phone Repair web page in your browser. Click the drop-down menu. Find a store Click on the section to select your state. Call the store before your trip to check its hours and see if it still accepts iPhone repairs.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / Staples)
Find an independent repair shop
Another option is to use a local independent repair shop. These can be individual businesses or chain stores. Some companies are certified by Apple as service providers, but even non-certified companies can purchase genuine parts from Apple. Find a service provider in your area by searching for Authorized Service Providers on the Apple Support site.
Otherwise, you can also search for “phone repair” on Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Yelp. In this way, you can find a repair shop near you, read customer reviews and evaluate the quality and reliability of a repair shop. Of course, call the shop ahead of time to see if they have the equipment to handle your specific repair.
(Credit: Lance Whitney)
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