iPhone Repair

Apple iPhone is a popular smartphone that requires expert knowledge to repair beyond simple maintenance.

This Fix-It Guide on iPhone repair tells how an iPhone works and what you can do to maintain it to extend your phone’s life. Fortunately, iPhones are virtually trouble free. You may need to replace your iPhone battery or the iPhone charger.

How Does an iPhone Work?

An Apple iPhone is a mobile telephone with voice and data service as well as extended features (built-in digital camera, GPS receiver, touchscreen, virtual keyboard, etc.), commonly called a smartphone. The iPhone is powered by an internal battery and uses the proprietary Apple iOS mobile operating system. The phone is recharged by plugging it into a household electrical outlet or into a 12-volt outlet in your car.

Mobile phones connect by digital radio signals to a nearby base station in what’s called a cell. As the mobile phone moves from one cell to another, it automatically connects to the base station in the next cell. Each base station then sends the call to a mobile exchange, which connects to a main exchange in the network, transferring voice and data signals digitally.

Fix-It Tip

If you iPhone is having problems, the first step to fixing it is to determine who is supposed to fix it. Contact your phone service provider to discuss what is covered by the warranty.

What Can Go Wrong with an iPhone?

Actually, there’s not much that can go wrong with an iPhone — at least not much you can fix. Most iPhones are purchased or leased under contract with a phone service provider (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Consumer Cellular), so needed repairs are done by the contractor, not the consumer.  In most cases, iPhone problems are caused by a low battery, a damaged charger, or by mishandling — such as dropping the phone out the window of a car or into a swimming pool.

Fix-It Tip

Many computer stores today can work on iPhones and other smartphones either under or after warranty. If out of warranty and you want to try repairing your iPhone yourself, visit iFixIt.com for illustrated tutorials on common repairs.

How Can I Identify an iPhone Problem?

The internal battery in an iPhone is not easy to replace without special tools. Ask your phone service provider to replace the battery.

In most cases, your iPhone will either work or it won’t.

• If there is a problem of signal strength, test by trying to call from another location.
• If the battery will not hold a charge, try discharging the battery entirely by leaving it disconnected from the charger unit.
• If the iPhone still will not maintain a charge, the problem could be with either the internal battery or the charger unit.
• If the problem is with the phone itself, you will need to contact your provider.
• If the problem is with the battery or charger, you may be able to purchase a replacement online.

You also can contact the Apple Support Center for service including battery replacement.

Fix-It Tip

At least once a week, wipe your iPhone clean with a soft cloth slightly dampened in a mild household cleaner. Alternately, carefully spray the unit with a disinfectant to reduce germs. Make sure you don’t get the mouth (bottom edge) or ear holes (top edge) wet.