The iPhone is one of the most popular types of mobile phone. Every model has been state-of-the-art at the time of release, with industry-leading features and exceptional build quality throughout. These are the things that have defined the Apple brand for decades, and it is no surprise that iPhones have been at the top of the market for as long as they have.
Having said that, iPhones are not immune to faults or damage. Apple makes it relatively difficult to carry out repairs on your own, so it can be helpful to know about common problems so you can try to avoid them. Here are the 10 most common faults with iPhones that customers ask us to repair.
- Scratched housing
The iPhone has been built to be sturdy and robust, but if you don't put yours in a case then you run the risk of wear and tear on the housing. Workshops are frequently asked if they can polish out a scratch, but unfortunately, they cannot. If the scratch is on the screen, it can be replaced, but if it is on a metal part then polishing could risk heating the inner components and causing more severe damage.
- Dropped iPhones
This is the most common of faults with iPhones - an iPhone that falls from a pocket or bag can become damaged. Most often, the damage is a cracked screen or a dent in the casing. Cosmetic issues on harder surfaces may be more expensive to repair, but smashed screens, broken buttons or faulty speakers are more urgent problems.
- Water damage
An iPhone that has been submerged in water is usually beyond repair. More recent iPhone models have shown themselves to be more water-resistant, but a phone that has fallen down the toilet or into a basin full of water cannot usually be repaired.
- Dust and dirt
It isn't unusual for tiny dust particles to find their way into an iPhone, causing boards and small electrical components to fail. The tiny particles can also get into charging ports and other openings in your phone, blocking the connections and causing them to fail when you try to use them. This is one of the reasons a phone case is strongly urged to provide an extra layer of protection against day-to-day dirt and dust.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
Leaving an iPhone in a hot car can cause malfunctions and even make it stop working. It can even happen when left in the glove box for long periods. Extremely low temperatures are no better, as screens and sensitive components can become damaged. Try not to leave your iPhone out in the cold or in direct sunlight as both are a threat.
- Broken glass
A cracked screen doesn't necessarily stop an iPhone from working, but it always ruins the aesthetics. Unfortunately, even if the digitiser below the glass keeps working, a repair requires both the glass and digitiser to be replaced since both are bonded together. If the glass of the screen breaks, you will need a new screen (or you must put up with the crack).
- Bending
There have been reports of iPhones becoming bent after being carried in a pocket. The phone is slim and made of metal and glass, making for an attractive, user-friendly device that can, unfortunately, become bent with relatively modest pressure. This was known to be a significant issue with the iPhone 6, so be aware before buying. There isn't much to be done to repair an iPhone that has a bend in it.
- Faults with iPhones memory
The lifespan of the solid-state memory drive in iPhones is very long, but damage to the device can cause premature failure. Whether it's heat, cold, water exposure, bending or impact, the memory can become damaged. It may be fixable by replacing the board, but it depends on the iPhone model and how it was damaged. It is better to take measures to protect the iPhone against damage happening in the first place.
- Diminished battery life
Replacing iPhone batteries is not rocket science, but if you don't do it right you could end up doing more damage to the iPhone. There have been many devices where the user has attempted the repair but couldn't complete it and it is not uncommon that their efforts have rendered the phone irreparable.
- Broken headphone jack
With the latest iPhone models, there is no headphone jack, but this is a common issue with older models. You should avoid putting undue pressure on the headphone socket by wiggling the headphone jack or inserting it forcefully. A broken headphone socket can usually be repaired, but it depends on the nature of the damage.
Reboxed are experts in all things relating to iPhones. We refurbish preowned devices to enable our customers to own the most desirable phones for up to 40% less than buying new ones.
Our devices are:
- Quality assured
- Guaranteed for 15 months
- Focused on offsetting lifetime emissions to make all phones carbon neutral
We sell every type of iPhone from the iPhone 7 onwards, so you can experience tremendous savings on the most coveted models. Browse our offerings now or drop us a line if you have any questions - our friendly team is waiting to hear from you.
