Get Dunked on!! I am pretty convinced they would still repair an iPhone 5 - not so sure they would do it for Free... take it there, show it and they should tell you the price so you can decide what to do. Anyway, I think it is worth repairing it, even paying :)
I went to the Apple Store on Tuesday and was able to replace my iPhone 5 (same model, color, etc.) for the price of a battery ($79). Wasn't too bad considering I've had the phone 5 years and it was free at the time.
Geek Detour apparently I got ip5 since 2013 and I still have it till now the only problem was the left screen is lifting up.. so when I notice it I went straight to the Apple Store right away ( last week ago ) when I got there I told them if they could have a look..they quickly said do you want us to replace your phone sir? And i replied yeah if it's possible.. and this lady came out and said apparently sir we can't replace your phone... Lady: but if you want sir you could upgrade to a newer model Me: I just wanted to see if you could do something about my iPhone 5. Lady: like I told you sir we can't do anything about it, but your still welcome to buy a newer model.. Me: but this is the exact same store I bought my iPhone 5 and 6s plus and I don't wanna upgrade to a newer model just yet. And after I said that she just stop talking. 😅😅😅 Ps. My iPhone 5 was the first thing I bought with my own allowance. And I didn't want to give it up..
I have an iPhone 5 with the exact same problem, swelling battery. I noticed the screen lifting and bowing, but continued to use it thinking at some point it would stop. I noticed yesterday it is now lifted at the corner and lifting away from the button. So, tonight I took my phone to the Apple Store, showed it to them and asked what I should do. They said the phone was not eligible for replacement, but for 269.00 they would replace the phone, or I could talk to a different genius about replacing it for even more with an iPhone 6. I said thanks but no and left the store. I suppose I'll use it until the glass cracks and then go get a flip phone....I don't have the $$ to replace the 5, particularly at Christmas time. Thanks for posting this. I wish Apple stores all had the same policy. I feel kind of ripped off that such an expensive thing failed (dangerously?) in 2.5 years particularly when I have taken such good care of it.
Hi +Booze fort, I wouldn't left it "as is"... if the screen cracks it will be far more expensive. Before I went to the Apple Store I was really considering buying a Battery Replacement Kit - there are some at Amazon with 'ok' reviews... it is a cheaper option if you feel confident of your repairing skills :)
Thanks to your video Geek Detour I got a new iPhone 5!!! I went to Apple Store today 10/01/17 (in New York City) with my 3 years old iPhone 5 - with an expanding battery - and they charged me the cost of a new battery - $79.99 + taxes - but I left with a new iPhone 5! A repair shop in my neighborhood wanted to charge $45 for a new battery + $70 to change the screen. Glad that I found this video last night and decided to give it a try at the Apple Store. Once again, obrigada Geek Detour!
Martha Rivas, hey! That's great 👍 I am glad it helped! Anyway, I think you got lucky anyways: Apple is now just replacing batteries, getting a full replacement is rare nowadays :)
Thank you for the video, just got the iPhone 5C replaced for FREE... Original warranty is 1yr, but when it comes to this issue it gets extended to 2yrs. I had gotten my phone in April of 2014, so we just made it! BRAND NEW UNLOCKED iPhone 5c
Hello! Just passing by to thank your for this tip! I had the same issue with my iPhone 5 and I was completely hopeless that they would replace my phone since it was 2 years out of warranty and also was bought in US and I live in Brazil (the model number from my broken device is not comercialized in Brazil). Ok, I've called the Aapple care and they requested me to send some photos of my phone. So then they transfered me to an senior assistantant which asked me to go to an Apple store to replace my device (they also gave me the option to send it through postal service). I went to the Apple store, they analyzed my iphone and then they gave me a brand new device! Thanks to you and to this very usefull post!
Exact same thing was happening to my iPhone 5S as shown in the video! The display was coming off its frame and I noticed the color movement when pressing some areas of the screen. I had my doubts Apple would replace my iPhone seeing as how it was already out of warranty (I purchased it 2 years ago). Nonetheless, I took it to the Genius Bar at the Apple Store and sure enough, it was a swollen battery. Apple immediately gave me a brand new iPhone 5S free of charge!
Thanks for sharing, +FSVideos! Two things: the first one obviously is how nice that Apple is replacing the problematic iPhones for free even after warranty is over - to me it tells a lot about how dangerous an expanding battery is (it is cheaper for a serious company to replace risky devices than being sued for catastrophic incidents). The second thought might be: wow, it is starting to look like a lot of iPhone 5 / 5S owners had this swelling battery problem!...
+You have an iPad I agree, it seems like Iphone5/5S battery problems are more common than first thought. Like you said, it's easier for Apple to give the customer a new iPhone rather than deal with a potential battery explosion and lawsuit. I didn't realize that the culprit of my iPhone's woes was the actual battery until I saw your video. So thanks for that! Hopefully your video will help others who are having similar issues realize that they need to take their iPhone to the Apple store ASAP before the battery keeps expanding.
THANKS M8 My wife's iphone 5 screen was the same thanks to your video we took it back to apple store Leicester, UK on 29 may 2017 and they replaced it with a new iphone 5 no problems.:)
Same happened with my iPhone 5 too, genius bar told me that manufacturing defects are covered upto 3 yrs of purchase and that my iPhone was already 3yrs and 10 days old.😕 After a few minutes of convincing them, they finally considered my phone for a free replacement and as the store did not have the iPhone 5 in stock that time, they arranged it for me next day. Yay...!!! Finally I got a brand new iPhone 5 ..!!
Few years back I sent my iPhone SE to Apple for this exact issue. They repaired the iPhone with a new battery for free. Fast forward to now and the screen is lifting again. Time to see if Apple will cover it for free or charge $50 for a battery replacement. Doesn’t bother me if they don’t fix it for free but it’s worth a shot after the first time.
I put my iphone 5 that had a bulging screen in a ziploc bag, and I tossed it in the freezer for about an hour. After doing this, the screen became closer to the actual phone itself. So it sort of got "fixed"
I had same issue and took my 5S to the Apple store near me in Staten Island New York. They very quickly determined it was a swelling battery and offered me a new 5S for the cost of a battery... So I paid $49 to get it replaced...definitely worth going to apple and see what they offer.
My iPhone 6 presented a problem in its FaceTime camera , the camera had moved from his place , I went to a store here in Mexico with the stamp Premium Reseller and there I got a new iPhone 6. It is interesting your story, because I did not know that Apple devices could make changes even beyond the warranty.
Hi +Ardan, yes, I got surprised myself - and as people are telling their stories here it is getting clear it is not the rule... it might depend on other factors, or simply the discretion of the store's personal... who knows. Anyway, I find very nice that you got a phone replacement on a Premium Reseller for your camera problem :) Happy Holidays!
Thank you, +Giuseppe Congiu, yes! It is always worth trying, for sure! I feel very lucky that in the center of Madrid there is a nice Apple Store... when I lived in São Paulo there were none (now there is one, but it barely can keep up with the Genius Bar demand) - that is why a few people might feel mocked watching this video: "Hey! easy for you living in a big city with Apple Stores and such... What should I do here in Sudan!??"
I upgraded my phone and put my iPhone se in its box abs put it away. Went to get it out to do something with it and noticed the screen popped out at the top. This phone was like new before I put it away. Undid the screws to remove the screen to have a look and my battery has a tear and was all wrinkled. The bad thing is I took it to Apple to have the battery replaced few months before as the battery was dying and wanted it changed properly with a genuine battery. Just goes to show even Apple have dodgy battery’s
I bought my iPhone 5 from the US during my student years, but I don't live there anymore so I doubt the authorized retailers/service centers at the place I live will give me a replacement free of charge. I'm passing my iPhone 5 to my mom after getting its battery replaced as safety comes first. Thanks for the informative video!
If it gives any consolation, during the past months more and more people are telling me that Apple is no longer offering the free replacement that often anymore (it depends on each case; but some payment is been required in lots of cases). Oh yeah, don't risk your mom's life, ha ha ha - fix it before giving it to her! ha ha ha.
Apparently that free thing is over... I just called the apple store outside Atlanta and they gave me the option of buying a new phone at $269. I think I'm going to Google Fi service instead. I'm tired of being pwned by Apple over and over.
Hi +Stuart Warren, maybe you will be happier - who knows? As you can imagine I am hugely biased towards the Apple ecosystem: I use a lot of their products with a, generally, very satisfactory experience. I think a lot of small things (like the cables and the adapters) are hugely overpriced. Maybe you could try taking your device in person to an Apple Store, maybe try a different store. Or simply switch - maybe there is an Android phone that better suits your needs. Good luck! :)
I have been an iphone user, and have all their toys, iphones, ipads, etc.. I've been paying $100 a year as a apple developer too, not to mention phone bills. I have tried earlier android phones but stuck with apple. When they screwed us on the charging cables, and my ipads are slowing down with updates, it's enough to discard my loyalty for an alternative.
Hi Stuart. Yes, I think I understand your frustration. I have an iPad 2, an iPad 3, an iPad Mini Retina and an iPad Pro - the last ones are blazing fast... the iPad 3 is the sluggish of the bunch - but it is a 4 years old. iOS now is much heavier but it also does so much more than before... I have a feeling you might discover the same problems on the Android side: how well a 4-year-old Android Tablet will perform if you update it to the very last Android OS? (if you know hot to do, because many of them remain unsupported after two years). As an iOS developer I started getting a bit overwhelmed by different screen sizes - something that on the Android world is even more daunting (I have friends making games for Android and they can only warranty correct testing on a small fraction of the available devices). If you are curious, our recent app for iPad is "MaxiCalc", a calculator I created with a dear friend - the visuals and sounds are my role in the development.
The EXACT same thing happened to me. Well, not exactly. My battery went dead. I went to Apple to get it replaced. It had not been charging well, so I suspected the lightning port wasn't good either, so I was worried the battery wouldn't be enough, and I would have to get a new phone. Well, the "genius" at Apple did some tests, noted the swollen battery (which wasn't obvious to me yet) and said for $79 (cost of the battery) I would get a brand new IPhone 5! I was shocked and pleased as I was expecting to have to decide whether to get a new SE or 6S+. Very, very cool! Now when the 7's come out, I'll have a iPhone 5 in pretty good shape to sell. Can't beat that!
My iPhone 5 is a definite candidate. aluminium part is straight, but the glass is bulging, and more not he side the battery is on. You can now see the display backlight through a gap right along the side of the phone.
was really glad i discovered this video before i went out and begged my dad to loan me money for a iphone 6, I went in today with my swollen battery iphone and got a brand new 5s but i had to pay 80$ because they told me it was out of warranty but oh well cant complain too much
My wife's iPhone 5 battery was going bad so we took it to the apple store for a battery replacement. Little did we know, she had an expanding battery. They replaced it with a brand new one for only $79. Took a long while, but this was great.
Geek Detour it was a whole bunch of blah blah blah, until they said, "your battery is swollen, so we'll replace your phone for the cost of battery replacement." We were like okay, and it was practically a new phone
Unfortunately the same thing happened to me but AppleCare refused to replace the item as the serial number didn't match the problem batteries. My phone was originally from Canada the time in the UK the very kind lady on AppleCare told me I needed to take my phone back to Canada totally on helpful. I'm very disappointed with Apple. I was also told that the battery was perfectly safe as it had already expanded.
Hi +Richard Land - this is very unfortunate. If possible, I recommend you to try taking your phone to a different Apple Store. On the comments here, I remember someone who got luckier trying again. And there are people who could replace the whole phone paying the equivalent of a battery replacement service... The criteria, if there is one, is not easy to spot :(
Thanks for uploading this video. I have a 23 month old iPhone 5c and noticed that my screen has started to bulge outwards along the middle exactly like yours. I thought I must've bent the phone when it was in my pocket but now I know why it gets extra hot when it's charging and it's the battery. Now that I realise it's a fire hazard I'm switching it off and using my Xperia until I get a replacement battery sorted.
Man this video is a life saver! I had the exactly the same issue with my iPhone 5 for about 3 weeks now and I thought it was just the screen popped out and it wasn't such a big deal for me. Now I'll try to stop using it until I take it to an Apple Store. Thanks man!
Hey, take it there today if possible! It is not uncommon to have the screen cracked, it is impossible to predict when. I don't know if not using it really slows down the process.
My story (though it's technically not over): I have a white iPhone 5. After 5 months (I got it this Christmas since my friend upgraded to an iPhone 6 (not sure if it's a plus or a s)) a corner started to stick up. Then the corner on the other side started going up and it's separating from the metal frame. I brought it from the store and well they will replace my phone, but it's not gonna be for free, BUT it's going to only be $79 (price for replacing the battery). I'm just waiting for a phone call or email from apple so I can walk to my apple store. Thanks for this advice. You saved me $800 USD. :D
Hey Talia, thank you for sharing your story! I agree: paying for a battery replacement and getting a new phone (or even a fully revised unit) still looks like an awesome deal to me :)
+You have an iPad Update: I got my new phone today and it's nice and flat again as it should be. lol So yeah, I'm good. I had to of course pay the same amount as I said in the last comment, but it's cheaper than getting an upgrade and less risky than replace the battery on my own. :D
due to battery swollen, my iphone 5 screen almost 90% coming off from bottom of the phone since november 2015, i can open the screen up to 70 degree!! I went to apple service center, they offered me MYR400 to change the battery or MYR600 to change for new iphone 5s.
Oh yes, I feel grateful and lucky! :) Well, I generally feel optimistic about everything even though I rationally know it is a deviation of perception, ha ha.
You have an iPad It's always best to err on the side caution. While a rupture may not have been imminent in your case, continued use may have made it so.
My iphone 5 screen started to come off, Checked the internet for possible cause and stumbled upon this video. Went to an Apple store today to have it looked at and they discover a swollen battery! I was told that they will replace my phone with a new one for the cost of the battery! I'm like "for real?" A new phone for the price of a battery? Hell yes! Thanks for posting this video!
my screen of the iphone 5 is expanding too, but im waiting 4 my iphone 7, but i dont want my phone to explode, sorry if my english is not good, im spanish
No problem Juan Carlos Cabrera Vargas! My advice is, take the iPhone 5 to an Apple Store (¿vives en Madrid o Barcelona?) so at least you have it back to safety (maybe you can even sell it later, or pass it to someone in your family). I think it is worth fixing it even if you have to pay something. ¡Un gran abrazo! Ya me contarás que has hecho :)
Juan Carlos Cabrera Vargas pues, tío, llévatelo a la tienda Puerta del Sol y enseña tu iPhone 5. Creo que merece la pena arreglarlo, aunque tengas que pagar algo (no te preocupes, no harán nada sin antes decirte cuánto valdría el reparo).
This is pretty much same thing that happened to your phone. I have black iPhone 5 and The screen is bulging like crazy but I feel like if I go to the Apple Store I won't get a free replacement or repair they'll charge me what should I do
Hi +Maya McKenzie, they won't do anything without FIRST telling you the price and asking you if you want to do it or not. So, don't be afraid :) Take it there and listen to what they offer you. You see: if you do nothing, great chances your iPhone will die (the battery is dying and the display may crack). So, even if it is a paid repair, consider it carefully. Of course, depending on the price, you might be better served buying a newer iPhone (on the US Apple have new subscription plans for you to get a new iPhone every year!) Good luck!
Are you disappointed that the screen didn't crack yet, or it didn't caught fire? I think it would be more interesting (and safer) to have your phone fixed - but maybe you might be happier when it gets permanently damaged :) Your call! Ha ha ha.
This happened to me. I took my almost-3-year-old iPhone 5 into the Apple store. "For the price of a new battery" (about $79, plus tax), they gave me a new iPhone 5. SO, it wasn't "free" but it was a new phone. Make sure you back up your phone to the cloud or another device BEFORE you take it in -- you don't want to lose data.
Exactly, +L. E. H. Swim: keeping the iCloud backup working and updated is very important! Like you, even if I had to pay the equivalent cost of a battery replacement, I would have totally accepted it: after all, it is new phone! Excellent deal :)
Hi there! Yeah, it happened with my iPhone 5 once more too, long after I published this video. To me, the iPhone 5 has several problems around the battery... If you still like the iPhone, I really recommend the “Plus” sizes - much better batteries. I have an 8 Plus for one year already and it is a dream 😄
I have an expanded battery on iPhone 5 as well. I'm over two years. They said they'd replace the phone for the "reduced" price of $260. I just bought a new phone on payment plan.
Hi +MrArrak, I guess you did the better deal... 260 seems too much. My impression is that the iPhone 5 is prone for battery problems - that aside, is a great phone: so, if Apple keeps replacing the phone without cost, a considerable amount of people would keep their brand new iPhone 5s 'forever'... then it seems Apple got less 'benevolent' about this on the past months. If I had to pay more than 200 euros for the repair of my iPhone 5, I would probably have chosen buying a new iPhone 6 as well. Thank you for telling your story!
I wish I had seen your post earlier! My iPhone 5 always ran hot and after a year, I would have to recharge at least 3x day--which I thought was because I used it so much. Like yours, it was no longer under Apple Care nor was it listed in the recall numbers. About a week ago, somebody mentioned that the light was uneven and that the screen was no longer attached to the body of the phone. Today, it was very dark unless I pressed the front & back together. I decided to take care of it and took it in to a reputable iPhone repair shop and had to have the battery replaced. When I returned to pick up, the owner showed me my battery---it was puffed out both in the front and back--about 2x thickness of regular battery. I wonder if Apple didn't cast a wide enough net on their recall--? My daughter-whose phone was purchased at the same time as mine-had to replace her battery about a year ago because it wasn't holding a charge. Now I am wondering why both phones had battery issues but were not on the recall listddl? Do you know why this happens?
They never did a Recall on the iPhone 5 for battery issues... but I feel it would be justifiable. A lot of cases such as mine and the one you just said.
I brought my iphone 5 in Bangalore, India about ~2 years ago. by paying huge premium of Rs.44000. Recently my phone started bulging and screen almost popping out of case. I took it to a nearby service centre and it was diagnosed with a swollen battery issue and hence the screen has started to bulge. I checked Apple website site and I believe this product has been recalled. However the service centre in Bangalore, India is asking me to pay Rs.8000 to fix the issue. I really don't understand the crappy service in India and why they are asking for me to cough up such a huge amount for which Apple is owning up issue? The service centres are unfortunately outsourced to some 3rd party. These folks show no accountability unlike good service which Apple is known for in USA. I don't understand why we are charged premium for bad service? Why is the service so sub-standard in India?
Oh, +Viji Ranganna, I don't know what to say - I suppose it is what it is... You see, I got my iPhone 5 replaced on an Apple Store in Spain. If you read the comments here, you'll find either people who had their phones replaced free of charge, and lots of people who needed to pay a (variable) amount of money, in the US as well!! I am from Brazil, and when I published this video, some friends of mine privately messaged me their stories from the only 2 Apple Stores in Brazil (1 in São Paulo and another in Rio de Janeiro): there we also had free replacement AND repair fees... So, it is hard to determine the criteria used it each case. Here is what I think: if Apple had offered me to replace the whole phone for up to 30% of its price, I would have taken the deal. I know for sure you just can't leave your bulging phone as it is, because the battery continues to expand and there is a great possibility it will crack the display.
I just got the 6, and was going to give my 5c to my mom, checked on my old phone and same thing totally expanded. Been in my backpack, in our storage space downstairs.
Hi Michael! If your old 5C looks in good shape (besides the battery problem), take it to Apple. The more frequent thing people are telling me now is Apple replacing the phone for the cost of a battery-replacement service, which I thing is a super good deal!
Yeah, they won't replace mines without a $87 payment. They told me my model of the iphone 5 was from a defective line of Iphones 5that were shipped on release date. Since It's been years since release they told me no free replacement. I got a little upset and just decided I do it myself. Sadly I haven't been able to do much since then and my phones battery expanded more so then before. Looking at it now, it just screams let me loose. Alas I still use it till the day it goes boom. sadly. I'll make sure I wear protective gear every night and every day I wake up. In case it goes kaboom!
I love making repairs myself... but nowadays, before I open anything, I ask myself: "will I be in a desperate situation if I open this thing and, instead of success, I completely ruin it???" If the answer is yes, I pay the official repair service to do the job.
Yeah, I always have that little thought in mind. It's the same with my T.V I messed up due to my laziness, but I still use it. It's not unbearable but it can be a bit; non immersive. Unfortunately.
Be ever so careful. I took mine to my IT guy this afternoon and he took one look at it and said it's dangerous. He was trying to fix his sisters and it was just like this. It blew up and acid ran out and it ruined the dinner table with a nasty spot. I'm tempted to wait 2 weeks til the new phones come out but then again, I like holding my phone and don't care to have acid on my hands or ear!! Good luck
I have one hell of a story about this expanding battery :P So my mum is a.... bitch. She hates me and thinks that I do everything to abuse her... she abuses me. And so her aging iPhone4's battery was slowly dying. It was losing charge and then the Iphone's battery expanded and she thought I broke it out of spite. She then took my iphone claiming at as hers. That weekend I was going to my grandparents and told my grandad about it. I then looked it up online and showed him. This was a few mins ago and I don't think she'll believe it and say that's not it and say hat I broke it but hey! We can chance it :'(
Pretty sure this is happening to my iPhone 5 right now...as those weird colour waves appear right above where the battery just so happens to be. I don’t know for sure though, as it’s only bulging by around 0.5mm, and I can’t quite tell. My dad originally got the phone around when it first came out, used it for about 2.5 years, but then got the iPhone 6 and left the 5 laying around not doing anything, with next to no charge for a while. I then started to use it myself nearly a year and a half later, and started using it like a normal phone. I only started noticing this a few days ago from now. Any thoughts??
Going to test my Apple store tomorrow with my fiancé’s old 5S. I don’t know what to expect... but I’m thinking by the end of the day, it would be cheaper to just replace the battery myself. It’s an older phone. I honestly don’t know how the damn phone even turns on anymore. More than half the screen is popping off. He’s had the phone for 4 years. I doubt we’ll be walking out lucky 😂
My phone gets crazy hot when it's charging and the right side of my screen has started to lift too, don't know whether it's worth taking it to the Apple Store as most people are saying they have to pay and I really can't afford that..
Thank you very much! After coming across your video, I decided to take in to the Genius Bar. A few hours later, I have a new (refurbished, I believe) iPhone 5. You saved me a lot of time, money and frustration.
My 5s screen is begging to buldge up and having same issue, iv had it for 3 years now will apple still replace it with a new one since the risk of explosion?
Hi +Androidhacker 2002! You will need to take it to an Apple Store to see what they will offer you... If you read the comments here you will find people with so much different stories: sometimes it was a free replacement like mine, in other occasions they offered the replacement by the cost equivalent do a battery replacement (which is still a nice deal) - and sometimes they did not offer to replace: the told "we can change the battery and the cost would be X". Man, take it there! They will see it and offer you something - you don't need to accept it if you don't like!
+You have an iPad I don't live close to an Apple Store so I called them and their gonna mail me a box to ship it to them in and their gonna check it out and email me about it. If they wanna charge more than 100 to fix instead of a replacement I'll half them ship it back and I'll replace it myself thanks for the help!
Yeah, I feel your pain... I lived from several years in São Paulo (Brazil) before the first Apple Store came to the country (and the first one came to Rio)... Now I fell really lucky to live in Madrid, 15 minutes away from the Apple Store "Puerta del Sol" :)
so my iphone 5 is doing the same thing the battery is expanding and all. But what im asking here is do i need to pay for a new phone or battery because i had mine for years and its warranty is overdue. I heard that i can hand it in to the apple store and they will take a look and if it is the battery swelling then they would give me a new iphone 5.
I noticed my iPhone was having the same problem, after watching your video I decided to contact apple, they told me to go with my iPhone to an ishop. Once I finish the back up I will be there. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll let you know what happens with my phone, because unlike you, there are not apple stores in my country :(
Hi David! I am really curious to know how it goes for you - I wonder that, if Apple suggested you to take it to iShop, it is an authorised service provider, right? In which country do you live?
Well, this happened to me at SCHOOL LMAO, I was casually listening to music when i saw my iPhone slowly rising. Before i knew it, smoke was coming out and was hot to the touch. My parents are gonna be so mad fml.
Oh man... ha ha! I can only imagine it as an action movie in which your iPhone is invaded by some alien technology and converted into some mass domination detonation device :)
My screen cracked 2 months ago, but now some orange dots started to appear on the screen, my iphone turned off when i had 40% battery time, and the screen started coming off in a corner. I took it to the apple store, but they said that the orange dots was something that came inbetween the screen and led, and they don't do battery services with a cracked screen, and they don't replace screens on a bent phone so they offered me to replace the phone for like 400$!
Ouch, +Alex Makassiouk! Yeah... I imagine in this case you are better of simply buying a brand new iPhone. But, man, from what you said I am visualizing a pretty much beaten up phone, ha ha!!! Apple seems to be have now a more restricted control of what they replace for free, or increasing the price for repair. Anyway, thanks for sharing!
This exact thing is happening to my iPhone 5. However, I took it in to the Genius Bar today, and they indicated that because it is out of warranty there is nothing they could do. The only option that they presented was to purchase a new iPhone 5 for $269. :(
Hi +4bennettkids, that is sad - I really wanted to understand if there is inconsistent criteria or what... I know a lot of people who experienced exactly my case (had the phone replaced for free, even out of warranty) and a lot of stories like yours. I wanted to understand it better. I heard people suspecting it could be related to the overall condition of the phone... or if they detect the phone was charged with a generic charger - but who knows... I am sorry for you. Have you tried another store?
I have the same problem but apple store told me that they can open my iphone and check if it's eligable for batter replacement (for around $200) or if it's not they would replace everything inside and I would have to pay $ 700 for basically new iphone, old cover. Ridiculous
thank. i just tried to reglue my screen. it did not work. luckily i saw this video and remember I was shocked that my battery was like a water balloon. going to iphone store and trying to see what they will do.
This happened to my dad's phone who are in Texas, but their phone is under warranty. They just received a 3RD REPLACEMENT phone from att. I ALWAYS tell these phone companies, when you send refurbished p hones you are just sending out someone else's problems!!! This is crazy and outrageous! What causes a battery to expand like this?????
My IPhone 5 did the same thing, it happened for days now and I want to get it repaired immediately... But I don't know where to find an Apple Store where i live..
My original iPhone 2g screen became damaged after the battery started to swell. I took it to the Genius Bar and they gave me some options. The best we’re: 1: get a battery and screen replacement for x dollars 2:get a free iPhone 5 3:get an iPhone SE with the trade in program In the end I settled for the iPhone 5 which is suffering from the swollen battery too. I live in Edinburg Texas and the nearest Apple store is in Houston so I can’t afford to drive over there just to see what they can do about my iPhone 5.
Oh man... after so many years I might say the iPhone 5 seems to be cursed in the battery aspect.... The iPhone 5 they replaced for me after 2 other years also had very poor battery performance and has started to expand as well... My wife saw my misery and gifted me an iPhone 8 Plus which is an AMAZING phone so far. I think it is time for you to move on from the iPhone 5 - it will keep giving headaches.
@@GeekDetour I have an iPhone 5 with a swollen battery that is turned off inside the original box. The iPhone case is a bit bumped and scratched from the previous owner. It have been in the box for two years or so now. If possible to have Spotify on it i would gladly try to restore it or even get a replacement from Apple. That way i could use it as a mediaplayer only at home. Do you think it is possible for Apple to fix this? I live in Sweden, we have no real apple seller, only media markt and similar that sells Apple devices.
Did they replace it for you because it was dangerous? Or was it an insurance thing? My iPhone 5 battery has swollen so much that my screen doesn't work anymore. I'm pretty sure I don't have insurance. So if that's a factor in this problem, it'd really be a game changer. I'm already set on getting the iPhone 6 soon anyways, but if I can get this one replaced I could give it to my brother.
Hi Lola. I took it there because I feared that the screen could break/crack or pop-out completely (and I was right: I found several cases later when I started searching about this problem) - and also, the battery can really burst with flammable/toxic gases or even explode (rarely, but I found cases online). You shouldn't risk. Take it to Apple - if the overall conditions of your iPhone are good (it shows you take good care of it), good chances they will offer a replacement (either free or by the equivalent price of changing the battery). Why not trying? :) Good luck!
I took my iphone 5 with a puffy battery to an Apple store today, and they did absolutely nothing. They only told me that I could pay $269 to get a new iphone 5. They would not replace the battery or phone. Apple just looks after itself, and not its customers.
Hi Jeff, that is very sad... To which Apple Store did you take your phone? Maybe you should try another store, if this is possible for you. Is your iPhone still in good conditions? Or it looks beaten up?
I took it to an Apple Store in Raleigh, NC. The iphone is is great condition except for the front plate which is being pushed up by the puffy battery. I left the store just annoyed and frustrated.
Oh, Jeff, I feel your pain. You really should try another store. It is hard to figure out why in some stores people get an amazing service (kind geniuses really interested into solving your problem) and not good at all in other stores... People tell me very different stories here: sometimes free replacement, sometimes replacement of the phone by the equivalent cost of a battery replacement, sometimes just the battery... I don't know if it has to do with manufacturing information they have specifically about your phone, or simply availability... I think it is worth trying again. I had a few unfortunate episodes with Apple - but on most occasions I got out with a smile, so, don't give up! :)
I have this issue. I made an appointment with the Apple store this Friday and I'm hoping I'll get a replacement!! The phone is out of warranty though so the chances of that happening are unlikely. I feel like since a swollen battery is such a serious issue (resulting in fire, or even an explosion) Apple should replace all phones with this defect free of charge. Especially when it is no fault of the owner that this happened.
They will probably offer you to replace the battery (for a fee). Free phone replacements are very rare nowadays. Even so, if your battery is expanding you SHOULD FIX it as soon as possible. Tell us what happened! :)
my mom has an iphone 5 and yesternight she sees that her iphone's screen is expanding but she doesnt have a icloud will it be free???if we dont have icloud she said pls answer immediately
i have a refurbished iphone 5, i think i got the same problem like in this video since my iphone screen are loose. can i go to the apple store and tell them what's the problem? and replace a new one?
Ha ha ha, +Fitri Sukri, if you ask me "will they replace it for sure?" the obvious answer is: "I don't know!" I am sure you have nothing to lose going there and let the Genius Bar take a look at your phone :) (besides your time, of course)
+Fitri Sukri since i have a cracked screen iphone, (lcd works fine tho) . idk they will accept it. since im out of warranty. if they give me a replacement about the battery swollen, will they accept my cracked screen for the replacement (if they accept it lol)?
Fitri Sukri there is a great chance you would need to pay for the screen - it is written on the iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program page: www.apple.com/support/iphone5-battery/ Anyway, go there! They won't force you to do anything - if what they offer you is acceptable you do it, otherwise you just go home! :)
Mine is popping up, quickly! Apple store offered to replace it for $79. Not worth it for old technology. Apple products not what they used to be, nor is their service. This is something they should stand behind and replace for free - It is a dangerous defect in their product.
I agree with you: it is a dangerous defect, I think free replacement is mandatory up to a certain time (more than 1 year certainly). Anyway, I would have payed $79 for replacing my iPhone 5 for another perfect iPhone 5 - I think it is a good deal. I always pay the full-price iPhone (unlocked, contract free) because in the 'subsidized' plans you end-up paying more (I only pay around $ 15 monthly phone bill in Spain - it would be more than $50 monthly if it was a subsidized phone plan). But thats me :) If it doesn't make sense to you, no problem at all!
hi i was told that i needed a new battery because my iPhone kept flashing the logo and wouldn't turn on, but i ordered a new battery, it said it would take five days to deliver, is that too long? or will it be OK when i replace it?
Hi Julito - I don’t know if Apple has official stores on the Philippines, or just authorized third party repair centers. Anyway, you should check your options in this page: support.apple.com/en-ph
I had the same problem, went to the apple store. They did not offer me to replace it for free, but for the "cost of replacing the battery" (which they won't do on my iPhone5, since it is older than 2 yrs). That ended up being $80. Not much, but not free either.
I just took mine into the apple store and they tried to force me to buy a new phone, when I said no to buying another phone, they didn't want to give me my phone back! In the end I had to be really insistent and basically rude with them. Holding someone's phone ransom is not ok, Really Bad customer service, the whole experience was extremely frustrating. This is the last Apple product I will buy. Thanks for the video though!
This just happened to my daughter's 6. We didn't notice the screen lifting and the case on the side cracking open by the volume buttons because of the case, but her phone became suddenly very unstable stuck in a boot loop. My daughter tried Apple store and a repair store to no avail. Apple tech said we had to.pay $300 to replace it but called it a software glitch. Well I'm a developer and that didnt sit well with me. I attempted to restore ios and fix it and got it stable but as soon as it was off the charger it was looping again. Today we took it back to Apple again with mom the developer (me) in tow, so they would take us seriously nit just push around a teenager and I immediately requested a manager. After speaking with her and her expediting getting a tech (I was not terribly hopeful at first speaking to the tech and hearing out of warranty we will try something but if that doesn't work you're on the hook to buy a new one), he checked it and came back, showed us how the screen was slightly lifted and the case cracking on the side where the case covered it and said "you're in luck! We believe you have a bloated battery and are giving you a brand new device, FOR FREE!!!" Woohoo! Trying to get her through college is no cheap task. So this is huge right now. We can certainly use that money for other necessities and I just purchased that iphone 16 months ago brand new in April '15. I'm not the biggest fan of Apple as a company, but today they earned some brownie points. Idk if we truly had a bloated battery or not if ya catch my drift, but either way we are happy. Thank you to Emily, the manager at the Apple Store in Ardmore, PA Suburban Square.
I am SO HAPPY for you guys! And thank you so much for sharing! Reading your story, I remembered the time I used a case with my iPhone all the time... indeed it would have made it more difficult for me to spot the swelling, if I'd be still using a case when this happened to my iPhone. The problem is that cases, mostly for kids and teenagers, are REALLY necessary - they are very active and, well, accidents happen. But your story makes the point: inspecting the phone, out of its case, from time to time, is a good idea (specially if something weird is happening). Once more, thank you for stepping by and welcome to Geek Detour :)
+Geek Detour Thanks! I'm not so sure she even had a bloated battery. I do believe they found a way they could replace it after speaking to me and questioning the first tech's response. But hey, I wasn't questioning it when it meant a free replacement phone. They glass was very slightly lifted but there was a small crack of damage right there and well tbh that glass has been replaced once or twice for her accidents. The guy at the repair store did try to swap out her glass the day before too thinking it might fix the problem and apple didn't open the phone to see the battery. He just said we believe you may have a swollen battery here and that opens it back up to warranty for a free replacement. I know the 5 had this problem big time but I can't find many instances with the 6 being stated. Either way, I appreciate them stepping up as a company when they were not able to clearly say what the problem definitely was. Yes, it's a good idea to look at the phone without a case sometimes tho, as I now understand bloated batteries can happen and it can be dangerous to carry a phone with one for exposure to the battery gases and fire risk associated with battery damage. Thanks again! Happy to share if it helps others.
+Geek Detour I will say, there was no recent incident related to the phone's unstable behavior. She was out of the country for the first time without a parent and had just arrived when the phone decided to stop working. That was stressful for me to lose communication with her.
do you think they still might replace it for free or do you think its more likely ill have to pay something? I think I'm a little late since the screen no longer works from being pushed out so much :/ i should have suspected this long ago considering the phone started getting hot from not too much use while on its charger
Oh, man... Impossible to know. I think you don't have much to lose by taking it to the Apple Store anyways. The most frequent thing people tell me now is that they were offered full replacement by paying the equivalent of a battery replacement service - which I still think is an awesome deal. Good luck!
Hi Troy! Crossed fingers! Just to keep realistic expectations: the frequent resolution people are telling me now is Apple offering to replace your phone by the price of a battery-replacement service (which I still think is a good deal). Would you tell us what happened, please?? Good luck! :)
You have an iPad Went to the Apple Store earlier, and wasn't a good experience. I explained my problem, and they replaced it for £60. I went with the phone and had a few problems setting up, e.g. wouldn't accept pin. I went back, and it suddenly started working. Anyway, I left with the £60 refurb iPhone and I hope I don't find any other problems :)
Hi Troy, well, I don't consider that a bad experience (if you was respectfully treated and they took good care of your case). I told you to be prepared for the cost of a battery replacement :) Oh yeah, when I got my "new" iPhone 5 I was also worried for a few days, testing everything (Wifi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Camera, Led light, headphones, connecting to an external audio dock... ha ha).
You have an iPad No, they told me I had to come back if I wanted the problem fixed. I think it may have just have been a corrupted backup, since the WiFi wasn't very good in the Apple Store.
I have a small dent on the back of my iPhone 5s, its right on the apple logo.It isn't very deep but do you think it coud do anything to the battery, and explode or something? Also Is the expanding battery like a hint before your battery explodes?
It just happened to me...I have noticed for weeks that the screen was not properly flat, but did not pay attention. My home bottom started to be less responsive too. Yesterday I pushed the home bottom which "sank" into the iphone and pushed out the screen. I was ready to pay for a new phone. Then I found a service (not apple) that changed the battery and the home bottom for £80, including pick up and delivery (in three hours I had my phone back and working). I was not aware that Apple may change the phone for free because of the battery issue. If it happens again, I will go there first. Apparently it is quite common
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your story! Yeah, checking with Apple first is advisable - but don't feel bad for having paid that amount for a non-Apple service... there are good chances you could have paid about the same amount at Apple as well (I didn't figure out yet exactly what are the criteria... if it is the overall condition of the phone, or if there is something specific about the serial number and less-than-optimal components they know that should be completely replaced....)... Anyway, it is more common now that Apple offers a non-free replacement (or repair). But you are right: checking with them first would be better next time! :)
I have an iphone 5C and a few weeks ago i noticed the top right corner had popped and i noticed discoloring when i pressed on the screen near it. A few days ago the entire screen of the phone has come up and you can lift it up a few millimeters. i noticed over the past few weeks also that the phone dies around 15%. I have only ever dropped the phone once on carpet over 6 months ago, there isnt even a scratch on it. The phone is out of warranty by a few months. Does this sound like the battery expanding and do you think apple will replace or repair it free of charge, also to consider that im in Ireland and there is no official apple store or genius bars, just apple official resellers. Thanks
Ha ha ha, hi +LornaFly95. I don't know how expensive it is for you to go, lets say, to London... Please, consider that it is YOUR phone :) Now, seriously, people are commenting all sorts of outcomes here: some people had free replacement, a lot of people had to pay some amount of money for repairing or replacement. It seems to me your iPhone could be on the verge of cracking the screen - if you have any other reasons to make the travel (friends of family to visit, I don't know...) you should try taking it to the Genius Bar. Once more: there is no warranty whatsoever they will replace it for free - I was lucky in June 2015 (some people still are today, but this is not a promise!).
Ola amigo, estou no Estados Unidos mas comprei meu Iphone no Brasil e a bateria inchou tanto que agora a tela ficou toda preta, você acha que eles trocam ou pelo menos consertam um iphone que nao é americano? Ou eu devo levar em alguma loja de conserto?
Olá +Ike Araujo, tudo jóia? Acho que você não perde nada em levar primeiro numa Apple Store e mostrar no Genius Bar :) Aproveite a oportunidade uma vez que no Brasil, nas duas lojas da Apple o Genius Bar está sempre com a agenda lotada! Boa sorte!
ahhh! i dropped my phone today and the screen popped out in the upper right hand corner. It was already a bit wobbly on the left side but now it is quite bad! I get a little bit of the color displacement but it is barley noticable. Do you think i have a swollen battery?
Hi +Ellie Davies, I think you dropped your phone :(, ha ha. Now seriously: I don't know if your battery is getting bulged or not - I recommend you take it to the Genius Bar so they can evaluate. From what people are telling me, if the battery is really swelling and the phone is in good condition, usually Apple replaces or fix it for free - but if the device is clearly beaten up, they inform the price of regular paid service... I suppose you have nothing to lose taking it there, right? Good luck and tell us what happened! :)
Hey, +Vexxei!... I don't know what you should do - having a crack on the screen definitely doesn't help... On the iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program ( www.apple.com/support/iphone5-battery/ ) it is written: "Note: If your iPhone 5 has any damage such as a cracked screen which impairs the replacement of the battery, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the battery replacement. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the repair." But, well, I suggest you to take it there and check what they offer you!
To repair the iPhone yourself, here are some "iPhone Battery Replacement Kits":
- amzn.to/1STBnSJ (Amazon USA),
- amzn.to/1KlLEV1 (Amazon UK),
- amzn.to/1KlM91f (Amazon Deutschland),
- amzn.to/1RVQsms (Amazon España),
- amzn.to/1KlN41R (Amazon France) and
- amzn.to/1RVR6QV (Amazon Italia)
Do you know if they'd still repair it in 2017, scared it's maybe too old or something
Get Dunked on!! I am pretty convinced they would still repair an iPhone 5 - not so sure they would do it for Free... take it there, show it and they should tell you the price so you can decide what to do. Anyway, I think it is worth repairing it, even paying :)
I went to the Apple Store on Tuesday and was able to replace my iPhone 5 (same model, color, etc.) for the price of a battery ($79). Wasn't too bad considering I've had the phone 5 years and it was free at the time.
Geek Detour apparently I got ip5 since 2013 and I still have it till now the only problem was the left screen is lifting up.. so when I notice it I went straight to the Apple Store right away ( last week ago ) when I got there I told them if they could have a look..they quickly said do you want us to replace your phone sir? And i replied yeah if it's possible.. and this lady came out and said apparently sir we can't replace your phone...
Lady: but if you want sir you could upgrade to a newer model
Me: I just wanted to see if you could do something about my iPhone 5.
Lady: like I told you sir we can't do anything about it, but your still welcome to buy a newer model..
Me: but this is the exact same store I bought my iPhone 5 and 6s plus and I don't wanna upgrade to a newer model just yet. And after I said that she just stop talking. 😅😅😅
Ps. My iPhone 5 was the first thing I bought with my own allowance. And I didn't want to give it up..
My phone i'm using right now has the top about popped off.
I have an iPhone 5 with the exact same problem, swelling battery. I noticed the screen lifting and bowing, but continued to use it thinking at some point it would stop. I noticed yesterday it is now lifted at the corner and lifting away from the button. So, tonight I took my phone to the Apple Store, showed it to them and asked what I should do. They said the phone was not eligible for replacement, but for 269.00 they would replace the phone, or I could talk to a different genius about replacing it for even more with an iPhone 6. I said thanks but no and left the store. I suppose I'll use it until the glass cracks and then go get a flip phone....I don't have the $$ to replace the 5, particularly at Christmas time.
Thanks for posting this. I wish Apple stores all had the same policy. I feel kind of ripped off that such an expensive thing failed (dangerously?) in 2.5 years particularly when I have taken such good care of it.
Hi +Booze fort, I wouldn't left it "as is"... if the screen cracks it will be far more expensive. Before I went to the Apple Store I was really considering buying a Battery Replacement Kit - there are some at Amazon with 'ok' reviews... it is a cheaper option if you feel confident of your repairing skills :)
My phone is out of warranty and they said at AT&T that I might have to replace my whole phone...
Booze fort My iphone 5 has a really swollen battery ive been using it nonstop since 2016
I went to the apple store and they gave me a NEW iPhone 5 for $80!!!
Same sitwation bruh
Thanks for uploading this. My battery was starting to swell on my 5. You pretty much saved me from a potential explosion. Cheers, lad.
Thanks to your video Geek Detour I got a new iPhone 5!!!
I went to Apple Store today 10/01/17 (in New York City) with my 3 years old iPhone 5 - with an expanding battery - and they charged me the cost of a new battery - $79.99 + taxes - but I left with a new iPhone 5!
A repair shop in my neighborhood wanted to charge $45 for a new battery + $70 to change the screen. Glad that I found this video last night and decided to give it a try at the Apple Store. Once again, obrigada Geek Detour!
Martha Rivas, hey! That's great 👍 I am glad it helped! Anyway, I think you got lucky anyways: Apple is now just replacing batteries, getting a full replacement is rare nowadays :)
Thank you for the video, just got the iPhone 5C replaced for FREE...
Original warranty is 1yr, but when it comes to this issue it gets extended to 2yrs.
I had gotten my phone in April of 2014, so we just made it! BRAND NEW UNLOCKED iPhone 5c
What an interesting username you got! :) I am happy for you and your iPhone 5C
Hello! Just passing by to thank your for this tip! I had the same issue with my iPhone 5 and I was completely hopeless that they would replace my phone since it was 2 years out of warranty and also was bought in US and I live in Brazil (the model number from my broken device is not comercialized in Brazil). Ok, I've called the Aapple care and they requested me to send some photos of my phone. So then they transfered me to an senior assistantant which asked me to go to an Apple store to replace my device (they also gave me the option to send it through postal service). I went to the Apple store, they analyzed my iphone and then they gave me a brand new device!
Thanks to you and to this very usefull post!
Caio Marques have you went to the Apple Store in Shopping Morumbi or Village Mall?
Geek Detour I've been to Apple Store Morumbi
Geek Detour I've called them on Monday. On saturday morning I went to the store and got my new iphone :)
Exact same thing was happening to my iPhone 5S as shown in the video! The display was coming off its frame and I noticed the color movement when pressing some areas of the screen. I had my doubts Apple would replace my iPhone seeing as how it was already out of warranty (I purchased it 2 years ago). Nonetheless, I took it to the Genius Bar at the Apple Store and sure enough, it was a swollen battery. Apple immediately gave me a brand new iPhone 5S free of charge!
Thanks for sharing, +FSVideos! Two things: the first one obviously is how nice that Apple is replacing the problematic iPhones for free even after warranty is over - to me it tells a lot about how dangerous an expanding battery is (it is cheaper for a serious company to replace risky devices than being sued for catastrophic incidents). The second thought might be: wow, it is starting to look like a lot of iPhone 5 / 5S owners had this swelling battery problem!...
+FSVideos, at least, we are happy campers again :)
+You have an iPad I agree, it seems like Iphone5/5S battery problems are more common than first thought. Like you said, it's easier for Apple to give the customer a new iPhone rather than deal with a potential battery explosion and lawsuit. I didn't realize that the culprit of my iPhone's woes was the actual battery until I saw your video. So thanks for that! Hopefully your video will help others who are having similar issues realize that they need to take their iPhone to the Apple store ASAP before the battery keeps expanding.
Gy9
THANKS M8
My wife's iphone 5 screen was the same thanks to your video we took it back to apple store Leicester, UK on 29 may 2017
and they replaced it with a new iphone 5 no problems.:)
What I tried was putting my phone in a bag then in the fridge for 10 mins and it actually worked...
Will I still survive??
Same happened with my iPhone 5 too, genius bar told me that manufacturing defects are covered upto 3 yrs of purchase and that my iPhone was already 3yrs and 10 days old.😕
After a few minutes of convincing them, they finally considered my phone for a free replacement and as the store did not have the iPhone 5 in stock that time, they arranged it for me next day.
Yay...!!! Finally I got a brand new iPhone 5 ..!!
Wow, it seems you got lucky - it is very rare to get a free replacement today! Congrats!!!
Thanks for making this video! now I know whats causing my phone to warp
Few years back I sent my iPhone SE to Apple for this exact issue. They repaired the iPhone with a new battery for free. Fast forward to now and the screen is lifting again. Time to see if Apple will cover it for free or charge $50 for a battery replacement. Doesn’t bother me if they don’t fix it for free but it’s worth a shot after the first time.
I put my iphone 5 that had a bulging screen in a ziploc bag, and I tossed it in the freezer for about an hour. After doing this, the screen became closer to the actual phone itself. So it sort of got "fixed"
I had same issue and took my 5S to the Apple store near me in Staten Island New York. They very quickly determined it was a swelling battery and offered me a new 5S for the cost of a battery... So I paid $49 to get it replaced...definitely worth going to apple and see what they offer.
Exactly! Why not, right? They are the only place that could offer a brand new phone for the price of a battery!
My iPhone 6 presented a problem in its FaceTime camera , the camera had moved from his place , I went to a store here in Mexico with the stamp Premium Reseller and there I got a new iPhone 6. It is interesting your story, because I did not know that Apple devices could make changes even beyond the warranty.
Hi +Ardan, yes, I got surprised myself - and as people are telling their stories here it is getting clear it is not the rule... it might depend on other factors, or simply the discretion of the store's personal... who knows. Anyway, I find very nice that you got a phone replacement on a Premium Reseller for your camera problem :) Happy Holidays!
I had my three years old iphone 5 replaced for free for the exact same problem : ) going to apple store is worth a shot.
Thank you, +Giuseppe Congiu, yes! It is always worth trying, for sure! I feel very lucky that in the center of Madrid there is a nice Apple Store... when I lived in São Paulo there were none (now there is one, but it barely can keep up with the Genius Bar demand) - that is why a few people might feel mocked watching this video: "Hey! easy for you living in a big city with Apple Stores and such... What should I do here in Sudan!??"
I upgraded my phone and put my iPhone se in its box abs put it away. Went to get it out to do something with it and noticed the screen popped out at the top. This phone was like new before I put it away. Undid the screws to remove the screen to have a look and my battery has a tear and was all wrinkled. The bad thing is I took it to Apple to have the battery replaced few months before as the battery was dying and wanted it changed properly with a genuine battery. Just goes to show even Apple have dodgy battery’s
Am lucky to found this video, because My iPhone 5 has a swollen battery,about the size as your. Thanks am going to get a new buttery very soon
I bought my iPhone 5 from the US during my student years, but I don't live there anymore so I doubt the authorized retailers/service centers at the place I live will give me a replacement free of charge. I'm passing my iPhone 5 to my mom after getting its battery replaced as safety comes first. Thanks for the informative video!
If it gives any consolation, during the past months more and more people are telling me that Apple is no longer offering the free replacement that often anymore (it depends on each case; but some payment is been required in lots of cases). Oh yeah, don't risk your mom's life, ha ha ha - fix it before giving it to her! ha ha ha.
lol, thanks, that helps :)
Apparently that free thing is over...
I just called the apple store outside Atlanta and they gave me the option of buying a new phone at $269. I think I'm going to Google Fi service instead. I'm tired of being pwned by Apple over and over.
Hi +Stuart Warren, maybe you will be happier - who knows? As you can imagine I am hugely biased towards the Apple ecosystem: I use a lot of their products with a, generally, very satisfactory experience. I think a lot of small things (like the cables and the adapters) are hugely overpriced. Maybe you could try taking your device in person to an Apple Store, maybe try a different store. Or simply switch - maybe there is an Android phone that better suits your needs. Good luck! :)
I have been an iphone user, and have all their toys, iphones, ipads, etc.. I've been paying $100 a year as a apple developer too, not to mention phone bills. I have tried earlier android phones but stuck with apple.
When they screwed us on the charging cables, and my ipads are slowing down with updates, it's enough to discard my loyalty for an alternative.
Hi Stuart. Yes, I think I understand your frustration. I have an iPad 2, an iPad 3, an iPad Mini Retina and an iPad Pro - the last ones are blazing fast... the iPad 3 is the sluggish of the bunch - but it is a 4 years old. iOS now is much heavier but it also does so much more than before... I have a feeling you might discover the same problems on the Android side: how well a 4-year-old Android Tablet will perform if you update it to the very last Android OS? (if you know hot to do, because many of them remain unsupported after two years). As an iOS developer I started getting a bit overwhelmed by different screen sizes - something that on the Android world is even more daunting (I have friends making games for Android and they can only warranty correct testing on a small fraction of the available devices). If you are curious, our recent app for iPad is "MaxiCalc", a calculator I created with a dear friend - the visuals and sounds are my role in the development.
The EXACT same thing happened to me.
Well, not exactly. My battery went dead. I went to Apple to get it replaced. It had not been charging well, so I suspected the lightning port wasn't good either, so I was worried the battery wouldn't be enough, and I would have to get a new phone.
Well, the "genius" at Apple did some tests, noted the swollen battery (which wasn't obvious to me yet) and said for $79 (cost of the battery) I would get a brand new IPhone 5! I was shocked and pleased as I was expecting to have to decide whether to get a new SE or 6S+. Very, very cool!
Now when the 7's come out, I'll have a iPhone 5 in pretty good shape to sell. Can't beat that!
That's awesome!! Thank you for sharing your story! :)
My iPhone 5 is a definite candidate. aluminium part is straight, but the glass is bulging, and more not he side the battery is on. You can now see the display backlight through a gap right along the side of the phone.
Hi +Brek Martin, yeah, so it seems! Just don't let it 'unattended' - as I said in the video, it goes south very quickly...
was really glad i discovered this video before i went out and begged my dad to loan me money for a iphone 6, I went in today with my swollen battery iphone and got a brand new 5s but i had to pay 80$ because they told me it was out of warranty but oh well cant complain too much
Hi +Travis Ngo, thank you for sharing your story. Out of curiosity, in which city you took it to Apple?
My wife's iPhone 5 battery was going bad so we took it to the apple store for a battery replacement. Little did we know, she had an expanding battery. They replaced it with a brand new one for only $79. Took a long while, but this was great.
Oh, really? How did they communicate that you had a swollen battery? (I am always curious about the Genius Bar interactions, ha ha ha)
Geek Detour it was a whole bunch of blah blah blah, until they said, "your battery is swollen, so we'll replace your phone for the cost of battery replacement." We were like okay, and it was practically a new phone
Oh, so, they actually replaced the iPhone - instead of opening your old iPhone and replacing the battery?
Geek Detour yep, I guess they saw the screen coming apart (which I didn't before) because of the swollen battery
Unfortunately the same thing happened to me but AppleCare refused to replace the item as the serial number didn't match the problem batteries.
My phone was originally from Canada the time in the UK the very kind lady on AppleCare told me I needed to take my phone back to Canada totally on helpful. I'm very disappointed with Apple. I was also told that the battery was perfectly safe as it had already expanded.
Hi +Richard Land - this is very unfortunate. If possible, I recommend you to try taking your phone to a different Apple Store. On the comments here, I remember someone who got luckier trying again. And there are people who could replace the whole phone paying the equivalent of a battery replacement service... The criteria, if there is one, is not easy to spot :(
You can mail it to the store in the uk
Thanks for uploading this video. I have a 23 month old iPhone 5c and noticed that my screen has started to bulge outwards along the middle exactly like yours. I thought I must've bent the phone when it was in my pocket but now I know why it gets extra hot when it's charging and it's the battery. Now that I realise it's a fire hazard I'm switching it off and using my Xperia until I get a replacement battery sorted.
Please, pleeeease: fix it as fast as possible to avoid bad surprises: if the screen cracks, it will cost you much more (even on Apple).
Man this video is a life saver! I had the exactly the same issue with my iPhone 5 for about 3 weeks now and I thought it was just the screen popped out and it wasn't such a big deal for me.
Now I'll try to stop using it until I take it to an Apple Store.
Thanks man!
Hey, take it there today if possible! It is not uncommon to have the screen cracked, it is impossible to predict when. I don't know if not using it really slows down the process.
My story (though it's technically not over):
I have a white iPhone 5. After 5 months (I got it this Christmas since my friend upgraded to an iPhone 6 (not sure if it's a plus or a s)) a corner started to stick up. Then the corner on the other side started going up and it's separating from the metal frame. I brought it from the store and well they will replace my phone, but it's not gonna be for free, BUT it's going to only be $79 (price for replacing the battery). I'm just waiting for a phone call or email from apple so I can walk to my apple store. Thanks for this advice. You saved me $800 USD. :D
Hey Talia, thank you for sharing your story! I agree: paying for a battery replacement and getting a new phone (or even a fully revised unit) still looks like an awesome deal to me :)
+You have an iPad Update:
I got my new phone today and it's nice and flat again as it should be. lol So yeah, I'm good. I had to of course pay the same amount as I said in the last comment, but it's cheaper than getting an upgrade and less risky than replace the battery on my own. :D
due to battery swollen, my iphone 5 screen almost 90% coming off from bottom of the phone since november 2015, i can open the screen up to 70 degree!! I went to apple service center, they offered me MYR400 to change the battery or MYR600 to change for new iphone 5s.
elfxiang Personally, I would take the deal for an IPhone 5S (because of the Touch ID). Free substitution is very rare nowadays.
Hi, where is the service center that u went? How old is your phone?
Hi Fong Yi Lim! The details you are asking are all explained in the description of the video (when, where, how old the phone was - everything).
Fong Yi Lim Are you Malaysian? I went KLCC apple service center. I bought my iPhone 5 in feb 2013
2 to 3 years is the typical lifespan of most batteries. Just be glad you caught it early before any serious damage was done.
Oh yes, I feel grateful and lucky! :) Well, I generally feel optimistic about everything even though I rationally know it is a deviation of perception, ha ha.
You have an iPad It's always best to err on the side caution. While a rupture may not have been imminent in your case, continued use may have made it so.
***** you are absolutely right - thats why I took it there as soon as I realized something wrong was happening! :)
My iphone 5 screen started to come off, Checked the internet for possible cause and stumbled upon this video. Went to an Apple store today to have it looked at and they discover a swollen battery! I was told that they will replace my phone with a new one for the cost of the battery! I'm like "for real?" A new phone for the price of a battery? Hell yes!
Thanks for posting this video!
That's great news, congratulations! And welcome to Geek Detour :)
my screen of the iphone 5 is expanding too, but im waiting 4 my iphone 7, but i dont want my phone to explode, sorry if my english is not good, im spanish
No problem Juan Carlos Cabrera Vargas! My advice is, take the iPhone 5 to an Apple Store (¿vives en Madrid o Barcelona?) so at least you have it back to safety (maybe you can even sell it later, or pass it to someone in your family). I think it is worth fixing it even if you have to pay something. ¡Un gran abrazo! Ya me contarás que has hecho :)
Geek Detour vivo en madrid.
Juan Carlos Cabrera Vargas pues, tío, llévatelo a la tienda Puerta del Sol y enseña tu iPhone 5. Creo que merece la pena arreglarlo, aunque tengas que pagar algo (no te preocupes, no harán nada sin antes decirte cuánto valdría el reparo).
This is pretty much same thing that happened to your phone. I have black iPhone 5 and The screen is bulging like crazy but I feel like if I go to the Apple Store I won't get a free replacement or repair they'll charge me what should I do
Hi +Maya McKenzie, they won't do anything without FIRST telling you the price and asking you if you want to do it or not. So, don't be afraid :) Take it there and listen to what they offer you. You see: if you do nothing, great chances your iPhone will die (the battery is dying and the display may crack). So, even if it is a paid repair, consider it carefully. Of course, depending on the price, you might be better served buying a newer iPhone (on the US Apple have new subscription plans for you to get a new iPhone every year!) Good luck!
Mines been bulging for a month but nothings happening. Thank God I found your vid! If not bad stuff could happen.
Are you disappointed that the screen didn't crack yet, or it didn't caught fire? I think it would be more interesting (and safer) to have your phone fixed - but maybe you might be happier when it gets permanently damaged :) Your call! Ha ha ha.
This happened to me. I took my almost-3-year-old iPhone 5 into the Apple store. "For the price of a new battery" (about $79, plus tax), they gave me a new iPhone 5. SO, it wasn't "free" but it was a new phone. Make sure you back up your phone to the cloud or another device BEFORE you take it in -- you don't want to lose data.
Exactly, +L. E. H. Swim: keeping the iCloud backup working and updated is very important! Like you, even if I had to pay the equivalent cost of a battery replacement, I would have totally accepted it: after all, it is new phone! Excellent deal :)
The battery was swelling on rickey’s iPhone 5s
Toy Lightning McQueen who’s rickey
My iPhone 5s battery is swelling very bad, it’s already been replaced once and now it’s doing it gain
Hi there! Yeah, it happened with my iPhone 5 once more too, long after I published this video. To me, the iPhone 5 has several problems around the battery... If you still like the iPhone, I really recommend the “Plus” sizes - much better batteries. I have an 8 Plus for one year already and it is a dream 😄
I have an expanded battery on iPhone 5 as well. I'm over two years. They said they'd replace the phone for the "reduced" price of $260. I just bought a new phone on payment plan.
Hi +MrArrak, I guess you did the better deal... 260 seems too much. My impression is that the iPhone 5 is prone for battery problems - that aside, is a great phone: so, if Apple keeps replacing the phone without cost, a considerable amount of people would keep their brand new iPhone 5s 'forever'... then it seems Apple got less 'benevolent' about this on the past months. If I had to pay more than 200 euros for the repair of my iPhone 5, I would probably have chosen buying a new iPhone 6 as well. Thank you for telling your story!
I wish I had seen your post earlier! My iPhone 5 always ran hot and after a year, I would have to recharge at least 3x day--which I thought was because I used it so much. Like yours, it was no longer under Apple Care nor was it listed in the recall numbers.
About a week ago, somebody mentioned that the light was uneven and that the screen was no longer attached to the body of the phone. Today, it was very dark unless I pressed the front & back together. I decided to take care of it and took it in to a reputable iPhone repair shop and had to have the battery replaced. When I returned to pick up, the owner showed me my battery---it was puffed out both in the front and back--about 2x thickness of regular battery.
I wonder if Apple didn't cast a wide enough net on their recall--? My daughter-whose phone was purchased at the same time as mine-had to replace her battery about a year ago because it wasn't holding a charge. Now I am wondering why both phones had battery issues but were not on the recall listddl? Do you know why this happens?
They never did a Recall on the iPhone 5 for battery issues... but I feel it would be justifiable. A lot of cases such as mine and the one you just said.
I brought my iphone 5 in Bangalore, India about ~2 years ago. by paying huge premium of Rs.44000. Recently my phone started bulging and screen almost popping out of case. I took it to a nearby service centre and it was diagnosed with a swollen battery issue and hence the screen has started to bulge. I checked Apple website site and I believe this product has been recalled. However the service centre in Bangalore, India is asking me to pay Rs.8000 to fix the issue. I really don't understand the crappy service in India and why they are asking for me to cough up such a huge amount for which Apple is owning up issue? The service centres are unfortunately outsourced to some 3rd party. These folks show no accountability unlike good service which Apple is known for in USA. I don't understand why we are charged premium for bad service? Why is the service so sub-standard in India?
Oh, +Viji Ranganna, I don't know what to say - I suppose it is what it is... You see, I got my iPhone 5 replaced on an Apple Store in Spain. If you read the comments here, you'll find either people who had their phones replaced free of charge, and lots of people who needed to pay a (variable) amount of money, in the US as well!! I am from Brazil, and when I published this video, some friends of mine privately messaged me their stories from the only 2 Apple Stores in Brazil (1 in São Paulo and another in Rio de Janeiro): there we also had free replacement AND repair fees... So, it is hard to determine the criteria used it each case. Here is what I think: if Apple had offered me to replace the whole phone for up to 30% of its price, I would have taken the deal. I know for sure you just can't leave your bulging phone as it is, because the battery continues to expand and there is a great possibility it will crack the display.
I just got the 6, and was going to give my 5c to my mom, checked on my old phone and same thing totally expanded. Been in my backpack, in our storage space downstairs.
Hi Michael! If your old 5C looks in good shape (besides the battery problem), take it to Apple. The more frequent thing people are telling me now is Apple replacing the phone for the cost of a battery-replacement service, which I thing is a super good deal!
Yeah, they won't replace mines without a $87 payment. They told me my model of the iphone 5 was from a defective line of Iphones 5that were shipped on release date. Since It's been years since release they told me no free replacement. I got a little upset and just decided I do it myself.
Sadly I haven't been able to do much since then and my phones battery expanded more so then before. Looking at it now, it just screams let me loose. Alas I still use it till the day it goes boom. sadly. I'll make sure I wear protective gear every night and every day I wake up. In case it goes kaboom!
I love making repairs myself... but nowadays, before I open anything, I ask myself: "will I be in a desperate situation if I open this thing and, instead of success, I completely ruin it???" If the answer is yes, I pay the official repair service to do the job.
Yeah, I always have that little thought in mind. It's the same with my T.V I messed up due to my laziness, but I still use it. It's not unbearable but it can be a bit; non immersive. Unfortunately.
Be ever so careful. I took mine to my IT guy this afternoon and he took one look at it and said it's dangerous. He was trying to fix his sisters and it was just like this. It blew up and acid ran out and it ruined the dinner table with a nasty spot. I'm tempted to wait 2 weeks til the new phones come out but then again, I like holding my phone and don't care to have acid on my hands or ear!! Good luck
I Iike your voice it's very soothing
Hey, thank you Questary!
I have one hell of a story about this expanding battery :P
So my mum is a.... bitch. She hates me and thinks that I do everything to abuse her... she abuses me. And so her aging iPhone4's battery was slowly dying. It was losing charge and then the Iphone's battery expanded and she thought I broke it out of spite. She then took my iphone claiming at as hers. That weekend I was going to my grandparents and told my grandad about it. I then looked it up online and showed him. This was a few mins ago and I don't think she'll believe it and say that's not it and say hat I broke it but hey! We can chance it :'(
Hi +Ssh001. I don't know what to say... "Moral of the Story: be in peace with your parents before the battery expands"??
lel
Pretty sure this is happening to my iPhone 5 right now...as those weird colour waves appear right above where the battery just so happens to be. I don’t know for sure though, as it’s only bulging by around 0.5mm, and I can’t quite tell. My dad originally got the phone around when it first came out, used it for about 2.5 years, but then got the iPhone 6 and left the 5 laying around not doing anything, with next to no charge for a while. I then started to use it myself nearly a year and a half later, and started using it like a normal phone. I only started noticing this a few days ago from now. Any thoughts??
Going to test my Apple store tomorrow with my fiancé’s old 5S. I don’t know what to expect... but I’m thinking by the end of the day, it would be cheaper to just replace the battery myself. It’s an older phone. I honestly don’t know how the damn phone even turns on anymore. More than half the screen is popping off. He’s had the phone for 4 years. I doubt we’ll be walking out lucky 😂
My phone gets crazy hot when it's charging and the right side of my screen has started to lift too, don't know whether it's worth taking it to the Apple Store as most people are saying they have to pay and I really can't afford that..
Thank you very much! After coming across your video, I decided to take in to the Genius Bar. A few hours later, I have a new (refurbished, I believe) iPhone 5. You saved me a lot of time, money and frustration.
Hi hapamane7! I am so happy for you! :) Thats great news! Enjoy your "new" iPhone!
My 5s screen is begging to buldge up and having same issue, iv had it for 3 years now will apple still replace it with a new one since the risk of explosion?
Hi +Androidhacker 2002! You will need to take it to an Apple Store to see what they will offer you... If you read the comments here you will find people with so much different stories: sometimes it was a free replacement like mine, in other occasions they offered the replacement by the cost equivalent do a battery replacement (which is still a nice deal) - and sometimes they did not offer to replace: the told "we can change the battery and the cost would be X". Man, take it there! They will see it and offer you something - you don't need to accept it if you don't like!
+Androidhacker 2002 BUT, just don't keep using it without going for a repair, right?
+You have an iPad I don't live close to an Apple Store so I called them and their gonna mail me a box to ship it to them in and their gonna check it out and email me about it. If they wanna charge more than 100 to fix instead of a replacement I'll half them ship it back and I'll replace it myself thanks for the help!
Yeah, I feel your pain... I lived from several years in São Paulo (Brazil) before the first Apple Store came to the country (and the first one came to Rio)... Now I fell really lucky to live in Madrid, 15 minutes away from the Apple Store "Puerta del Sol" :)
+You have an iPad if I replaced it myself will screen still buldge out?
I completely agree. You are funny. You make people happy.
+Robert Greene that's sweet, thanks!
so my iphone 5 is doing the same thing the battery is expanding and all. But what im asking here is do i need to pay for a new phone or battery because i had mine for years and its warranty is overdue. I heard that i can hand it in to the apple store and they will take a look and if it is the battery swelling then they would give me a new iphone 5.
I noticed my iPhone was having the same problem, after watching your video I decided to contact apple, they told me to go with my iPhone to an ishop. Once I finish the back up I will be there. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll let you know what happens with my phone, because unlike you, there are not apple stores in my country :(
Hi David! I am really curious to know how it goes for you - I wonder that, if Apple suggested you to take it to iShop, it is an authorised service provider, right? In which country do you live?
Well, this happened to me at SCHOOL LMAO, I was casually listening to music when i saw my iPhone slowly rising. Before i knew it, smoke was coming out and was hot to the touch. My parents are gonna be so mad fml.
Oh man... ha ha! I can only imagine it as an action movie in which your iPhone is invaded by some alien technology and converted into some mass domination detonation device :)
Hahahahaha
My screen cracked 2 months ago, but now some orange dots started to appear on the screen, my iphone turned off when i had 40% battery time, and the screen started coming off in a corner. I took it to the apple store, but they said that the orange dots was something that came inbetween the screen and led, and they don't do battery services with a cracked screen, and they don't replace screens on a bent phone so they offered me to replace the phone for like 400$!
Ouch, +Alex Makassiouk! Yeah... I imagine in this case you are better of simply buying a brand new iPhone. But, man, from what you said I am visualizing a pretty much beaten up phone, ha ha!!! Apple seems to be have now a more restricted control of what they replace for free, or increasing the price for repair. Anyway, thanks for sharing!
I have the iphone 3gs and the back housing case is cracked i think the battery is swollen
This exact thing is happening to my iPhone 5. However, I took it in to the Genius Bar today, and they indicated that because it is out of warranty there is nothing they could do. The only option that they presented was to purchase a new iPhone 5 for $269. :(
Hi +4bennettkids, that is sad - I really wanted to understand if there is inconsistent criteria or what... I know a lot of people who experienced exactly my case (had the phone replaced for free, even out of warranty) and a lot of stories like yours. I wanted to understand it better. I heard people suspecting it could be related to the overall condition of the phone... or if they detect the phone was charged with a generic charger - but who knows... I am sorry for you. Have you tried another store?
I have the same problem but apple store told me that they can open my iphone and check if it's eligable for batter replacement (for around $200) or if it's not they would replace everything inside and I would have to pay $ 700 for basically new iphone, old cover. Ridiculous
Hi Arkadiusz Bartnik, in which Apple Store you went? (Is it in USA?) weird.
thank. i just tried to reglue my screen. it did not work. luckily i saw this video and remember I was shocked that my battery was like a water balloon. going to iphone store and trying to see what they will do.
This happened to my dad's phone who are in Texas, but their phone is under warranty. They just received a 3RD REPLACEMENT phone from att. I ALWAYS tell these phone companies, when you send refurbished p hones you are just sending out someone else's problems!!! This is crazy and outrageous! What causes a battery to expand like this?????
My IPhone 5 did the same thing, it happened for days now and I want to get it repaired immediately... But I don't know where to find an Apple Store where i live..
Hi Maria, well, you can Google it. You can also access this page: www.apple.com/retail/storelist/ then select your country. Good luck!
I also having that problem what should i do? If i go to Apple will them replace for free? I mean its not to late isn it?
My original iPhone 2g screen became damaged after the battery started to swell. I took it to the Genius Bar and they gave me some options. The best we’re:
1: get a battery and screen replacement for x dollars
2:get a free iPhone 5
3:get an iPhone SE with the trade in program
In the end I settled for the iPhone 5 which is suffering from the swollen battery too. I live in Edinburg Texas and the nearest Apple store is in Houston so I can’t afford to drive over there just to see what they can do about my iPhone 5.
Oh man... after so many years I might say the iPhone 5 seems to be cursed in the battery aspect.... The iPhone 5 they replaced for me after 2 other years also had very poor battery performance and has started to expand as well... My wife saw my misery and gifted me an iPhone 8 Plus which is an AMAZING phone so far. I think it is time for you to move on from the iPhone 5 - it will keep giving headaches.
@@GeekDetour I have an iPhone 5 with a swollen battery that is turned off inside the original box. The iPhone case is a bit bumped and scratched from the previous owner. It have been in the box for two years or so now. If possible to have Spotify on it i would gladly try to restore it or even get a replacement from Apple. That way i could use it as a mediaplayer only at home. Do you think it is possible for Apple to fix this? I live in Sweden, we have no real apple seller, only media markt and similar that sells Apple devices.
Did they replace it for you because it was dangerous? Or was it an insurance thing? My iPhone 5 battery has swollen so much that my screen doesn't work anymore. I'm pretty sure I don't have insurance. So if that's a factor in this problem, it'd really be a game changer.
I'm already set on getting the iPhone 6 soon anyways, but if I can get this one replaced I could give it to my brother.
Hi Lola. I took it there because I feared that the screen could break/crack or pop-out completely (and I was right: I found several cases later when I started searching about this problem) - and also, the battery can really burst with flammable/toxic gases or even explode (rarely, but I found cases online). You shouldn't risk. Take it to Apple - if the overall conditions of your iPhone are good (it shows you take good care of it), good chances they will offer a replacement (either free or by the equivalent price of changing the battery). Why not trying? :) Good luck!
Good idea. Thanks!
I took my iphone 5 with a puffy battery to an Apple store today, and they did absolutely nothing. They only told me that I could pay $269 to get a new iphone 5. They would not replace the battery or phone. Apple just looks after itself, and not its customers.
Hi Jeff, that is very sad... To which Apple Store did you take your phone? Maybe you should try another store, if this is possible for you. Is your iPhone still in good conditions? Or it looks beaten up?
I took it to an Apple Store in Raleigh, NC. The iphone is is great condition except for the front plate which is being pushed up by the puffy battery. I left the store just annoyed and frustrated.
Oh, Jeff, I feel your pain. You really should try another store. It is hard to figure out why in some stores people get an amazing service (kind geniuses really interested into solving your problem) and not good at all in other stores... People tell me very different stories here: sometimes free replacement, sometimes replacement of the phone by the equivalent cost of a battery replacement, sometimes just the battery... I don't know if it has to do with manufacturing information they have specifically about your phone, or simply availability... I think it is worth trying again. I had a few unfortunate episodes with Apple - but on most occasions I got out with a smile, so, don't give up! :)
I have this issue. I made an appointment with the Apple store this Friday and I'm hoping I'll get a replacement!! The phone is out of warranty though so the chances of that happening are unlikely. I feel like since a swollen battery is such a serious issue (resulting in fire, or even an explosion) Apple should replace all phones with this defect free of charge. Especially when it is no fault of the owner that this happened.
They will probably offer you to replace the battery (for a fee). Free phone replacements are very rare nowadays. Even so, if your battery is expanding you SHOULD FIX it as soon as possible. Tell us what happened! :)
my mom has an iphone 5 and yesternight she sees that her iphone's screen is expanding but she doesnt have a icloud will it be free???if we dont have icloud she said pls answer immediately
i have a refurbished iphone 5, i think i got the same problem like in this video since my iphone screen are loose. can i go to the apple store and tell them what's the problem? and replace a new one?
Ha ha ha, +Fitri Sukri, if you ask me "will they replace it for sure?" the obvious answer is: "I don't know!" I am sure you have nothing to lose going there and let the Genius Bar take a look at your phone :) (besides your time, of course)
+Fitri Sukri since i have a cracked screen iphone, (lcd works fine tho) . idk they will accept it. since im out of warranty. if they give me a replacement about the battery swollen, will they accept my cracked screen for the replacement (if they accept it lol)?
Fitri Sukri there is a great chance you would need to pay for the screen - it is written on the iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program page: www.apple.com/support/iphone5-battery/ Anyway, go there! They won't force you to do anything - if what they offer you is acceptable you do it, otherwise you just go home! :)
Mine is popping up, quickly! Apple store offered to replace it for $79. Not worth it for old technology. Apple products not what they used to be, nor is their service. This is something they should stand behind and replace for free - It is a dangerous defect in their product.
I agree with you: it is a dangerous defect, I think free replacement is mandatory up to a certain time (more than 1 year certainly). Anyway, I would have payed $79 for replacing my iPhone 5 for another perfect iPhone 5 - I think it is a good deal. I always pay the full-price iPhone (unlocked, contract free) because in the 'subsidized' plans you end-up paying more (I only pay around $ 15 monthly phone bill in Spain - it would be more than $50 monthly if it was a subsidized phone plan). But thats me :) If it doesn't make sense to you, no problem at all!
THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS VIDEO WAS A LIFESAVER!! I GOT A FREE REPAIR ON MY 5s!!
That's great! I am so happy for you! Welcome to Geek Detour :)
I have the same problem with my 5s, will try and see with apple store
The screen of my iphone 5s is popping out (Badly)And I don't what to do and i dont have money to repair
From Philippines
The Apple Store here in the PH won't give you a free replacement. They'll charge you for everything.
mine is really Confusing. the Moving part of the screen is on the right side (where the A7 Processor Lives). its an iPhone 5S
the same thing is happening to my iphone 6 and guess what....im getting a used iphone 6 again *what an upgrade*
The upper left side of my screen on my IPhone se is lifted a little bit. Is it a swollen battery is it just that I’ve dropped it too much?
hi i was told that i needed a new battery because my iPhone kept flashing the logo and wouldn't turn on, but i ordered a new battery, it said it would take five days to deliver, is that too long? or will it be OK when i replace it?
😉😱🙃it is available in the Philippines? I had exactly the same experience as that shown on you video.
Hi Julito - I don’t know if Apple has official stores on the Philippines, or just authorized third party repair centers. Anyway, you should check your options in this page: support.apple.com/en-ph
Same happening to me. May I ask what exactly did you say when you went to the Apple Store?
"Hi, this is my iPhone - the screen is popping out, see? I think it might be the battery expanding and I am worried" it was something like this
Geek Detour Thx dude, this video helped me a lot!
Promit Saha In my case, they replaced the whole phone.
Promit Saha I have an appointment tomorrow so I'll tell you then!
FabTBCHi did replace your iphone?
I've got a ipod touch 6 and the hole button of the screen and sides is lifting up and I can see the back of the lcd and insides of the ipod
Got my replaced in Machines Kuala Lumpur Malaysia for USD $129 this morning....
I had the same problem, went to the apple store. They did not offer me to replace it for free, but for the "cost of replacing the battery" (which they won't do on my iPhone5, since it is older than 2 yrs). That ended up being $80. Not much, but not free either.
Hello +Eduardo Tabacman, thank you for sharing your case. It puzzles me why the repair prices can be so different.
+You have an iPad
I think it is left to the discretion of the store employee or manager. I don't think it is uncommon for Apple...
whats the proofment i have to show to them? i got none near my hand now ..
I just took mine into the apple store and they tried to force me to buy a new phone, when I said no to buying another phone, they didn't want to give me my phone back! In the end I had to be really insistent and basically rude with them. Holding someone's phone ransom is not ok, Really Bad customer service, the whole experience was extremely frustrating. This is the last Apple product I will buy. Thanks for the video though!
will it be ok if i turn it off for now cause its already night here in PH?
This just happened to my daughter's 6. We didn't notice the screen lifting and the case on the side cracking open by the volume buttons because of the case, but her phone became suddenly very unstable stuck in a boot loop. My daughter tried Apple store and a repair store to no avail. Apple tech said we had to.pay $300 to replace it but called it a software glitch. Well I'm a developer and that didnt sit well with me. I attempted to restore ios and fix it and got it stable but as soon as it was off the charger it was looping again. Today we took it back to Apple again with mom the developer (me) in tow, so they would take us seriously nit just push around a teenager and I immediately requested a manager. After speaking with her and her expediting getting a tech (I was not terribly hopeful at first speaking to the tech and hearing out of warranty we will try something but if that doesn't work you're on the hook to buy a new one), he checked it and came back, showed us how the screen was slightly lifted and the case cracking on the side where the case covered it and said "you're in luck! We believe you have a bloated battery and are giving you a brand new device, FOR FREE!!!" Woohoo! Trying to get her through college is no cheap task. So this is huge right now. We can certainly use that money for other necessities and I just purchased that iphone 16 months ago brand new in April '15. I'm not the biggest fan of Apple as a company, but today they earned some brownie points. Idk if we truly had a bloated battery or not if ya catch my drift, but either way we are happy. Thank you to Emily, the manager at the Apple Store in Ardmore, PA Suburban Square.
I am SO HAPPY for you guys! And thank you so much for sharing! Reading your story, I remembered the time I used a case with my iPhone all the time... indeed it would have made it more difficult for me to spot the swelling, if I'd be still using a case when this happened to my iPhone. The problem is that cases, mostly for kids and teenagers, are REALLY necessary - they are very active and, well, accidents happen. But your story makes the point: inspecting the phone, out of its case, from time to time, is a good idea (specially if something weird is happening). Once more, thank you for stepping by and welcome to Geek Detour :)
+Geek Detour Thanks! I'm not so sure she even had a bloated battery. I do believe they found a way they could replace it after speaking to me and questioning the first tech's response. But hey, I wasn't questioning it when it meant a free replacement phone. They glass was very slightly lifted but there was a small crack of damage right there and well tbh that glass has been replaced once or twice for her accidents. The guy at the repair store did try to swap out her glass the day before too thinking it might fix the problem and apple didn't open the phone to see the battery. He just said we believe you may have a swollen battery here and that opens it back up to warranty for a free replacement. I know the 5 had this problem big time but I can't find many instances with the 6 being stated. Either way, I appreciate them stepping up as a company when they were not able to clearly say what the problem definitely was. Yes, it's a good idea to look at the phone without a case sometimes tho, as I now understand bloated batteries can happen and it can be dangerous to carry a phone with one for exposure to the battery gases and fire risk associated with battery damage. Thanks again! Happy to share if it helps others.
+Geek Detour I will say, there was no recent incident related to the phone's unstable behavior. She was out of the country for the first time without a parent and had just arrived when the phone decided to stop working. That was stressful for me to lose communication with her.
My sister's iPhone5 gets swelling and how can I get the new one through exchange from the store
Hello buddy can you plz Jo Explain the iPhone 5s board problem.. cause my phone was burn during charging. & now it doesn't even work.. 😞😢
Hello buddy can you plz Explain the iPhone 5s board problem.. cause my phone was burn during charging. & now it doesn't even work.. 😞😢
do you think they still might replace it for free or do you think its more likely ill have to pay something? I think I'm a little late since the screen no longer works from being pushed out so much :/ i should have suspected this long ago considering the phone started getting hot from not too much use while on its charger
Oh, man... Impossible to know. I think you don't have much to lose by taking it to the Apple Store anyways. The most frequent thing people tell me now is that they were offered full replacement by paying the equivalent of a battery replacement service - which I still think is an awesome deal. Good luck!
There’s no apple store in my COUNTRY
I guess🧐
I'm going on Tuesday. Hope it gets repaired/free replacement! :)
Hi Troy! Crossed fingers! Just to keep realistic expectations: the frequent resolution people are telling me now is Apple offering to replace your phone by the price of a battery-replacement service (which I still think is a good deal). Would you tell us what happened, please?? Good luck! :)
+You have an iPad Thanks! I'll let you know what happens. I might get a different phone if this doesn't go well.
You have an iPad Went to the Apple Store earlier, and wasn't a good experience. I explained my problem, and they replaced it for £60. I went with the phone and had a few problems setting up, e.g. wouldn't accept pin. I went back, and it suddenly started working. Anyway, I left with the £60 refurb iPhone and I hope I don't find any other problems :)
Hi Troy, well, I don't consider that a bad experience (if you was respectfully treated and they took good care of your case). I told you to be prepared for the cost of a battery replacement :) Oh yeah, when I got my "new" iPhone 5 I was also worried for a few days, testing everything (Wifi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Camera, Led light, headphones, connecting to an external audio dock... ha ha).
You have an iPad No, they told me I had to come back if I wanted the problem fixed. I think it may have just have been a corrupted backup, since the WiFi wasn't very good in the Apple Store.
i have an iphone XS it dosent have an expanded battery but the backlight and the battery is faulty so idk if the phone is on
I have a small dent on the back of my iPhone 5s, its right on the apple logo.It isn't very deep but do you think it coud do anything to the battery, and explode or something? Also Is the expanding battery like a hint before your battery explodes?
Kinda late, but if your phone is 2 years old, you should consider changing the battery. Batteries will expand, then explode.
It just happened to me...I have noticed for weeks that the screen was not properly flat, but did not pay attention. My home bottom started to be less responsive too. Yesterday I pushed the home bottom which "sank" into the iphone and pushed out the screen. I was ready to pay for a new phone. Then I found a service (not apple) that changed the battery and the home bottom for £80, including pick up and delivery (in three hours I had my phone back and working). I was not aware that Apple may change the phone for free because of the battery issue. If it happens again, I will go there first. Apparently it is quite common
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your story! Yeah, checking with Apple first is advisable - but don't feel bad for having paid that amount for a non-Apple service... there are good chances you could have paid about the same amount at Apple as well (I didn't figure out yet exactly what are the criteria... if it is the overall condition of the phone, or if there is something specific about the serial number and less-than-optimal components they know that should be completely replaced....)... Anyway, it is more common now that Apple offers a non-free replacement (or repair). But you are right: checking with them first would be better next time! :)
yes! my additional issue was that I am going on holiday tomorrow. So I needed a fast solution :) Thank God my bill was not too high..
I have an iphone 5C and a few weeks ago i noticed the top right corner had popped and i noticed discoloring when i pressed on the screen near it. A few days ago the entire screen of the phone has come up and you can lift it up a few millimeters. i noticed over the past few weeks also that the phone dies around 15%. I have only ever dropped the phone once on carpet over 6 months ago, there isnt even a scratch on it. The phone is out of warranty by a few months. Does this sound like the battery expanding and do you think apple will replace or repair it free of charge, also to consider that im in Ireland and there is no official apple store or genius bars, just apple official resellers. Thanks
Ha ha ha, hi +LornaFly95. I don't know how expensive it is for you to go, lets say, to London... Please, consider that it is YOUR phone :) Now, seriously, people are commenting all sorts of outcomes here: some people had free replacement, a lot of people had to pay some amount of money for repairing or replacement. It seems to me your iPhone could be on the verge of cracking the screen - if you have any other reasons to make the travel (friends of family to visit, I don't know...) you should try taking it to the Genius Bar. Once more: there is no warranty whatsoever they will replace it for free - I was lucky in June 2015 (some people still are today, but this is not a promise!).
Is this program is available in this year?
My iPhone 5s also have the same exact problem
Ola amigo, estou no Estados Unidos mas comprei meu Iphone no Brasil e a bateria inchou tanto que agora a tela ficou toda preta, você acha que eles trocam ou pelo menos consertam um iphone que nao é americano? Ou eu devo levar em alguma loja de conserto?
Olá +Ike Araujo, tudo jóia? Acho que você não perde nada em levar primeiro numa Apple Store e mostrar no Genius Bar :) Aproveite a oportunidade uma vez que no Brasil, nas duas lojas da Apple o Genius Bar está sempre com a agenda lotada! Boa sorte!
Does this apply to the iPhone 5s as well?
ahhh! i dropped my phone today and the screen popped out in the upper right hand corner. It was already a bit wobbly on the left side but now it is quite bad! I get a little bit of the color displacement but it is barley noticable. Do you think i have a swollen battery?
ps i have the iphone 5c
Hi +Ellie Davies, I think you dropped your phone :(, ha ha. Now seriously: I don't know if your battery is getting bulged or not - I recommend you take it to the Genius Bar so they can evaluate. From what people are telling me, if the battery is really swelling and the phone is in good condition, usually Apple replaces or fix it for free - but if the device is clearly beaten up, they inform the price of regular paid service... I suppose you have nothing to lose taking it there, right? Good luck and tell us what happened! :)
What if you didn’t bought it from the apple store?
Aight, so mines has the screen thing when its pressed on, not sure if the battery is expanding. It could be because of the crack it has. helpppp
Hey, +Vexxei!... I don't know what you should do - having a crack on the screen definitely doesn't help... On the iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program ( www.apple.com/support/iphone5-battery/ ) it is written:
"Note: If your iPhone 5 has any damage such as a cracked screen which impairs the replacement of the battery, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the battery replacement. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the repair."
But, well, I suggest you to take it there and check what they offer you!
Sounds like a plan. Thanks man!!