It is quite sad when one of our dear Apple devices is damaged, even more, sad if it is a day-to-day device like an iPhone or Apple Watch, we are powerless because the damage is already done. But we must continue, life goes on: to repair it. Basically, there are 2 options; you send it to repair or repair it yourself, which is better ?. The least we want is to make a bad repair and the device is totally useless for life. Let’s see what options we have and what risks exist.

Repair safely: In an Apple Store or authorized dealer

It is obvious, Apple is the one who will take charge of the case, has the necessary people, original spare parts and relatively good delivery times. In this option there are virtually zero risks, especially if your device is under warranty or accounts with AppleCare, you will surely get a functional device, even if your original iDevice is useless you will probably get a new one, as in the recent case of my partner John, or rebuilt. And generally, in distribution centres authorized by Apple the same thing happens, when they cannot repair an iPhone they send it to a nearby Apple Store, that is, they are intermediaries in some cases. As I said zero risks, but the main disadvantage is the price.

Matter of luck: Repair with authorized third parties

The first thing that can lead us to make repairs in unauthorized businesses is the economic issue, or also that we no longer have a valid guarantee, in this case, it is much cheaper to repair with an establishment. But, this is where we must take the greatest care.

The main errors arise in the use of generic or rebuilt iPhone parts. One of the main problems is the Touch ID, I suppose for security reasons quite well justified. This is where iTunes error 52 is present that does not allow updating the iPhone due to a bad fingerprint sensor present in the device. Similarly with the front camera of the iPhone X and everything related to its FaceID as you can read here, there is no way to operate the facial recognition of the iPhone X after replacing the front camera or infrared sensor, therefore Unlock by FaceID will be useless but the iPhone will continue to work at 100, the only solution is for Apple to replace the piece. Also, it is possible to install modified parts to damage the user as you can read in this paper from the University of Negev where they have altered a touch screen of various Android devices and IOS to store screenshots in an external processor and send them to the attacker among other things quite bad. Obviously, it is for academic purposes but it shows the importance and vulnerability of leaving an iPhone in strange hands.

The cause of all the evils is that they really do not have “official” access to all the documentation, manuals and list of parts of an authorized Apple distributor, so you have to be a bit suspicious. In the same way, there are quite tempting offers, although most are local and it depends on where you live. But to give an example: the company BadApples, which gives service in the United States to most Apple devices, offers a guarantee in case the problem of the device has not been able to repair.

I only recommend that the place is trusted, and if they can get a guarantee or a paper in writing that ensures the originality of the pieces to be replaced, better still. It is worth mentioning that if you have a valid guarantee and they open your iPhone for repairs you will lose it.

For the riskiest: Repairs at home

If you have no guarantee and distrust everyone, do it yourself. Personally, I am a supporter of the right to repair, that is, you have already bought it, you paid enough for it, you should have all the right to do and undo your whim your iPhone. But Apple’s engineers make it very difficult, the designs very compact and the glue on the inside of almost all Apple devices make them a delicate job. If you do not have enough skill or necessary knowledge you can be the one who ruins the iPhone.

The biggest advantage of this is the price first, it’s a lot cheaper if you do it (and you do it well), and finally, you make sure you get the original parts so you do not have problems. The best reference here are the guys from iFixit, who sell original parts and with a lifetime guarantee. Also on its website, you will find guides, manuals and tools to guide you during the repair.

Finally, do not forget to review our guide for technical support of devices when you have a problem or want to use Apple to check your iPhone.