Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Cheapest Way to Replace iPhone?

Chase817

Chase817

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 6, 2008
95
0
Hey guys, i need some advice. My iPhone 5 volume down button has stopped working (apparently a decently common issue) and Apple wants me to pay $297 to get the button fixed. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I began to think of solutions. I know any iPhone without a contract is quite expensive, but what is the cheapest way back into having a good condition iPhone 5?

Should I try to find a used AT&T iPhone 5? A used 5c? Refurbished? Unlocked? What would you all recommend? All I want is an iPhone 5/5c that works and is in decent condition.
 
Applejuiced said:
Why don't you bring it to an iPhone repair place and have them fix the volume button instead? It will be way cheaper.
Click to expand...

Do you have any suggestions? I don't have much experience with 3rd-party repair shops.
 
There are many places online but you have to mail it and then wait to be send back.
But there are many local places everywhere. Typical mall iPhone repair kiosks and other computer shops can fix it on the spot.
I'd search around on yellow pages or CL etc....
 
So you're out of AppleCare I assume? Even if you bought it at launch, it's only 2 months outside of the warranty window. You could just call or go on their live chat (I've found their live chat representatives to be extra eager to help) and try your luck there. Mention that you were quoted $297 which is something you can't afford and find ridiculous.

If you can't get any luck after 5 or so tries with their customer support, I'd say have a repair shop do it. I can't imagine it being nearly as expensive there.
 
Jamesesesesess said:
So you're out of AppleCare I assume? Even if you bought it at launch, it's only 2 months outside of the warranty window. You could just call or go on their live chat (I've found their live chat representatives to be extra eager to help) and try your luck there. Mention that you were quoted $297 which is something you can't afford and find ridiculous.

If you can't get any luck after 5 or so tries with their customer support, I'd say have a repair shop do it. I can't imagine it being nearly as expensive there.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I did buy it at launch so it's out of warranty. I suppose I could give their live chat a go.
 
the part costs $25 from ifixit.com, get the part and then perform the repair yourself while following online guides.
 
Applejuiced said:
Some sites I checked charge around $50-80 to repair that type of problem so if they deny you I wouldn't spend $300 at Apple.
Click to expand...
Apple's online support was pretty useless, so this may be an option.


JayLenochiniMac said:
Did you purchase it using a credit card? If so, check if it offers extended warranty (mirrors the original warranty in the 2nd year)?
Click to expand...
No, unfortunately it doesn't offer it.


dictoresno said:
the part costs $25 from ifixit.com, get the part and then perform the repair yourself while following online guides.
Click to expand...
This is actually a plausible idea, the repair video didn't look that daunting.
 
Search on Craigslist or Yelp for some reputable cellphone repair shop, in your area of course. Something like this can easily be fixed for $30-$40.
 
What apple store did you go to? If your phone is out of warranty, the cost to replace the whole phone for a refurb is 229 plus tax...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back