Category Archives: iPhone

Sometimes, the volume control of your iPhone can give you problems. The controls might not be responsive if you try to lower or raise the volume. Some units have a “volume ghost,” turning the volume higher or lower without any buttons being pressed. It’s a frustrating issue, but can it be fixed? Of course it can! Below are some tips to help you clear the problem on your own. If you’ve already tried them, let iFixYouri’s expert technicians take a crack at fixing it. Most volume control issues can be solved in as little as 30 minutes at any of our walk-in locations, or with 24-hour turnaround from anywhere in the country!

Ways of Fixing iPhone Volume Control

Some iPhone problems are not serious and can be fixed at home. For instance, if you have a problem with volume controls, you can try fixing it yourself by following the tips listed below.

Clean the Volume Control Buttons

This is suitable if you feel like the buttons are stuck or feel mushy. Deposits of dirt, dust, oil, grease, food crumbs (“crud”) could be interfering with the sensitivity of the buttons. You can use a narrow pin, carefully get it down the side of the buttons, and see if you can clean the crud out. You can also clean the area around the buttons with a regular vacuum nozzle and a clean, dry toothbrush.

Press the Buttons on Every Side

In some cases, the buttons could be just stuck. You can easily get them unstuck by pressing on the buttons repeatedly. iPhones are designed for durability and the buttons have gone through pressure tests to ensure that they can withstand thousands of finger pushes. A couple of quick pushes could be all you need to dislodge a stuck button and get it working again.

Perform a DFU Restore

A DFU is what the guys at the Genius Bar will likely advise you to do. A restore is often done to rule out software glitches. If this does not resolve the issue, you most likely have a hardware problem.

Check if Volume Changes With and Without Headphones

In some cases, faulty connections between the phone and the headphones can cause changes in volume. There is no clear reason why this occurs. You can bring your phone to the iPhone store and have it checked for loose connections.

For buttons that feel mushy or soft, this could easily be a hardware problem that you can fix by manually moving the buttons around. You may require more help when the problem involves software glitches. If your phone is under warranty, you can easily have it replaced by Apple. Many customers dealing with faulty UP or DOWN buttons have had their buttons replaced by Apple in most retail stores. You can bring your phone in, have it checked out, and see whether it is software or hardware issue.

If your phone is past warranty, you can have the professional repair technicians from iFixYouri do the repairs for you. The next time you need to fix iPhone volume control issues, just call us and we will come to your rescue.

DIY Fix, iPhone

Dealing With an iPhone Black Screen

December 20, 2012 Staff Leave a comment

Most iPhone users freak out at their first encounter with the iPhone black screen. This often occurs unexpectedly and has been known to strike even brand-new phones. After all that money spent, most users don’t want to see their phone display pitch black. It’s important to know what to do when this problem occurs. If any of tips fail to bring your device back to life, send your phone in for a free diagnostic and our expert technicians will diagnose the issue and iFixYouri will offer to repair it (or buy it from you for cash!).

How to Deal With an iPhone Black Screen

If your iPhone screen blacks out, there’s no reason to worry. Several methods can get rid of the black screen. Below you will find some of the most common ways of dealing with this issue.

Hold the Home & Wake Buttons

Press and hold the Lock/Wake button on the right side of your iPhone.
Simultaneously, press and hold down the Volume Down button on the left side. Keep the Lock/Wake button pressed.
Continue holding the buttons until the screen goes black and the Apple Logo is displayed.

Also known as a hard reset, this is the first solution that you try since it is fairly easy. The screen should come back on. If it doesn’t try a full restore.

Do a Full Restore in iTunes

If the first solution does not work, a full restore is your next best bet. The restore returns your phone’s data to its original settings according to the settings on the backup. This is often done to transfer data from a defective device to a new and working device but also works to restore all data from a blacked-out iPhone.

Open iTunes on the Mac or PC used to back up your device.
Connect your device to your computer with a USB or Lightning cable. If prompted for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen steps.
Select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes.
Choose Restore Backup in iTunes.
Review the date and size of each backup. Choose the most relevant option.
Click Restore and wait for the restore to complete. Enter the password for your encrypted backup if asked.
Keep your device connected after it restarts. Wait for it to sync with your computer. You can disconnect after the sync finishes.

What to Do When the iPhone Black Screen Won’t Go Away

If none of these options work for you, you should contact the nearest Apple store and have your phone looked at by the technicians at the Genius Bar. If you try to do any repairs yourself, you’ll end up voiding your warranty. If your phone suffers from simple software problems, they can easily make quick fixes for you. If your phone is still covered by the warranty, the people at the bar can open it up and see what is wrong. If a visit to the Genius Bar reveals that you have a defective unit on your hands, you may get a replacement iPhone.

Other Options Available

If the warranty period for your iPhone ended, you can have it repaired by professional technicians. At iFixYouri, we have some of the best technicians in North America, with lots of experience fixing the black screen on iPhones as well as any other issue under the sun.

DIY Fix, iPhone, News, Repair Parts

What To Do When Your iPhone Microphone Stops Working

December 12, 2012 Staff 1 Comment

One of the most common problems that iPhone users encounter is the microphone not working during phone calls. The person you are speaking to can’t hear you while using the handset, but in some cases may still be able to hear while on speakerphone. It’s a frustrating problem that can make it difficult to use the phone on a regular basis. If you’re tired of shouting and asking people to “SPEAK UP,” consult the tips below or take it in for a professional diagnostic and repair.

Causes of iPhone Microphone Malfunction

Water exposure. Has your phone recently been dropped into water? Gotten wet in any way? Sometimes, even exposure to high levels of moisture, like steam, can cause the microphone to malfunction.
Mechanical malfunctions can sometimes cause the mouthpiece on the phone to stop working, like after a drop onto a hard surface.

How to Fix an iPhone Microphone Malfunction

Allow the phone to dry. If the microphone is malfunctioning after being exposed to moisture, you can allow the phone to dry. Turning the phone off and placing it in a porous environment, like in a box of rice, can help to dry the phone effectively and hopefully get the microphone back to normal.
Replace the microphone. If the problem persists, and you don’t want to buy a new phone, you can always have the microphone replaced by a professional.

Microphone Repair Cost

The costs can vary depending on the model of the phone, the damage and whether the mouthpiece can be repaired or needs to be replaced completely. Mechanical problems with the phone that have not been caused by the user are usually fixed under the warranty of the phone with no cost to the customer.

Keep in mind that phones less than one year old are usually covered under the manufacturer or carrier warranty, but there are exceptions. In addition, the warranty program on phones that have been tampered with or repaired outside Apple are often void under and the phones are ineligible to be repaired or replaced for free when the mouthpiece breaks.

The next best alternative is to ship your iPhone to our stores and we will fix it for you and send it back to you. iFixYouri has experts equipped with skills required to fix your iPhone’s microphone when it stops working. Alternatively, you could also sell your iPhone for cash.

DIY Fix, iPhone, News

How to Increase iPhone Processor Speed

December 11, 2012 Staff 3 Comments

Your smartphone has certain benchmarks for processing that can be overcome, increasing the processing power of your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. By overclocking the internal processor, it is possible to boost the circuit boards and increase performance. This overclocking, however, greatly reduces the battery life of the iPhone and will rapidly drain it, even for programs that draw relatively little energy. The key to increasing iPhone processor speed lies in overclocking the processor through jailbreaking.

Benefits of Increasing iPhone Processor Speed

When you increase the processing speed of a phone, there are many benefits. Your apps take less time to power up and down, you can get better access to streaming internet content, and your wait times for pages to load is significantly reduced. One of the major criticisms of some iPhones is the amount of time they take to load content.

Secret to Increasing iPhone Processor Speed

Apple iPhones are “underclocked,” running at about half the capacity of their processor power. An iPhone 6S, for instance, can run at 1.4 megahertz but is set to run at only half that. Thus, overclocking the phone will boost processing speed by 50%, but will also drain the battery 50% faster. These safeguards put on the phone also prevent it from overheating. When you overclock an iPhone, it may heat up past the point of damage to the circuitry.

Jailbroken Phone Necessary for Increasing Processor Speed

An overclocked iPhone needs to be jailbroken, removing the limitations that Apple puts on their products. A jailbroken phone automatically violates Apple’s warranty process, meaning that overclocking your phone will make it impossible to get it fixed by Apple’s product services. It is best to jailbreak an iPhone once the warranty has expired or else you risk losing the phone in the event of damage. Using a cooling pad minimizes the damage that overclocking could present.

Overclocking 101

There are a number of protocols that you can download from the internet to overclock your phone. File-sharing sites and torrent distributors have the files needed to install overclocking software on your processor. It will be necessary to download and rename the file, however, since the device will automatically block any files do not have Apple configurations. Install it on your phone and reboot the processor. Your iPhone will utilize the program to run on a new processor configuration.

Overclocking Can Damage iPhone

In addition to boosting processor speed and heating up the phone, overclocking will reduce the lifespan of your phone’s computer processing unit. The best way to maximize CPU life and minimize heat is to close the apps you are not currently using and to check the temperature often. Anytime you jailbreak or overclock a phone, you do so at your own risk. Increasing the processor speed on a brand-new smartphone is not recommended, especially since some new devices (like the Galaxy Note 7) are subject to recalls and jailbroken iPhones cannot be recalled or replaced.

While it is possible to increase iPhone processor speed, it can end up causing you more issues with your phone. Since you’ve voided the warranty by jailbreaking your iPhone, you’ll need to get it repaired by a third-party professional company, like iFixYouri.

Accessories, iPhone, News

The Best Wireless Charging System for iPhone 4

December 1, 2012 Staff 2 Comments

The Powermat is by far the best wireless charging system for iPhone 4. Since there’s no competition on this patented product, you’ll want to see an in-depth look at the functions, features, pros and cons of owning this device.

Pros/Cons of Wireless Charging System for iPhone 4

Pros:

Easy to charge
Safe to use
Built in system prevents battery leak and depletion over time
Cordless charging keeps the phone safe from more hazards

Cons:

Cost prohibitive
Not compatible with other phones
Exclusive charger for iPhone 4

How The Powermat Wireless Charging System for iPhone 4 Works

The Powermat charging system comes with a charging mat, a phone cover, and a wall adaptor. The charging mat uses inductive charging technology with a customized sensor so when the phone is 100% powered, the charger stops pumping energy in, preventing battery drainage and life loss.

The owner simply sets the phone on the mat, careful to position it in the proper face-up position, waits for the audio confirmation that the phone is connected, and walks away. The phone will be fully powered in no more than two hours.

The Considerable Advantages

With a wireless charging system, you don’t have to worry about many of the hazards that accompany other chargers. If you’re a pet owner, or have small children, if you’re clumsy or often rushed, you’ll be familiar with the downsides to the traditional wall chargers for cell phones.

A pet might chew on the power cord, a toddler might get tangled in the cord, and a loose length of cord might hang in a walkway and get caught on someone’s leg as he rushes past. In any one of these incidents, damage might occur to the charger, phone or worse, person or pet.

iPhone Repairs

Cell Phone repair is commonly sought for broken USB charging connector. If the charging cord is tripped over, the force might bend or break the USB port. However, with a wireless charger, this problem is not even a consideration.

Moreover, the designers of the Powermat had a dual-purpose function in mind with their charger. You might be turned away by the cost of the system, but when you consider that the Powermat case reduces the cost of purchasing a separate protector case, you’re looking at cost savings.

You’ll still want to purchase a screen protector, but with the wireless charging system for an iPhone 4, you’ll be sure to have fewer costly accidents.

iPhone

Do You Need iPhone Digitizer Replacement?

November 14, 2012 Staff 4 Comments

If you bought an iPhone, you know that the touch capabilities are the best part about it. The component that makes this enjoyable experience possible is the digitizer, which is firmly fixed to the screen. Unfortunately, this means that if your touchscreen gets broken or damaged, you will require iPhone digitizer replacement as well.

How iPhone Digitizer Replacement Works

The digitizer is like a thin plastic film attached to the screen. It’s sensitive to your finger movements, and sends information about the position and movements of your fingers to the motherboard. The information you enter with your fingers is analog information, and it is converted by the digitizer into digital, or computer-readable, data.

Why You Might Need a Replacement

If the screen is damaged, it is usually the result of the phone being dropped, or knocking against something – a very common occurrence. However, it’s possible that the digitizer itself can develop problems. Symptoms that could indicate that your digitizer needs replacing include:

No response from your screen when you touch it.
There is a response, but it is very slow.
Some areas respond erratically, or not at all.
Some applications seem to open unpredictably or randomly.

If you experience any of these problems, your digitizer is faulty and needs replacing – repair is not an option.

Whether the digitizer needs replacing because it is faulty in itself, or because the screen is damaged, it cannot be replaced by itself. Because it is fused to the screen, the two are in effect a single component, so you have to replace the screen as well. There are various ways to do this.

How to Replace the iPhone Digitizer

You can try to do it yourself. There are a number of low-cost digitizer replacement kits on the market, and several instructional three-minute video clips online. However, it is a very difficult repair to do successfully, especially if the kits supply cheap plastic tools rather than metal, and you don’t have years of experience and know-how. This can cause serious frustration. There’s even a chance of causing additional damage to the iPhone. There is also the option of using Apple’s own repair service, though this costs up to $200 and has a lengthy wait time.

The easiest and most satisfactory way of obtaining an iPhone digitizer replacement is usually to find a reliable professional repair company. This is likely to be a lot cheaper than using Apple’s service, or paying the deductible for your carrier’s phone insurance. Make sure you choose a company that offers a warranty, lists prices on its website, and can guarantee a fast turnaround, such as iFixYouri.

The Simple Truth

The chances of damaging your iPhone are actually pretty high. As you can imagine, the inconvenience of being without it can be pretty painful. It’s a smart idea to identify a reliable repair service in advance, such as iFixYouri, that specializes in matters such as iPhone digitizer replacement just in case you need it. Alternatively, if your phone is damaged and you’re ready for an upgrade, you could always sell your old iPhone for cash.

iPhone, Tips

What To Do When an iPhone LCD Screen is Damaged

November 11, 2012 Staff 3 Comments

You probably suspect by now that the LCD screen on your iPhone is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of your gadget. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens are commonly used in many electronic gadgets such as TVs and computer monitors.

The screen is made up of ultra-thin layers. Two of those layers are polarized panels, between which is a solution of liquid crystal – hence the name. When light is projected through these layers, the liquid crystal layer becomes colorized and produces the image that we see on the phone. Due to its design and material, the LCD screen is easily prone to damage and breakage.

LCD Screen Maintenance Tips

To extend the usable life of your iPhone and keep it in top shape, use these tips on care and maintenance:

Keep Your LCD Screen Clean

In most cases, an LCD screen will only require regular wipes to remove dust. If oil or grime gets on the surface of the phone, use 70% rubbing alcohol and a piece of chamois or flannel. Use this to wipe off the surface. Do not use ammonia-based cleaning products, window or glass cleaners, rough cloths or paper towels.

Use a Protective Screen Film

Screen film is thin and transparent with a stick-on side that can be applied on the surface of the screen. This will help protect it from the usual problems associated with regular wear-and-tear, such as scratches (which will also eliminate the need for LCD screen scratch repair). It can be peeled off and replaced with a new one every few months.

Avoid Dropping the Phone

If the polarized panels break, the liquid crystal solution will leak and cause distortion on the screen. Avoid carrying your phone around during vigorous activity such as exercise and keep it in a protective case. The extra rubber, silicone or plastic barrier will help protect the surface against dents, dings, and scratches. There are even cases that are designed to shield the iPhone against shock. These cases are usually enough to protect the device from low falls but won’t do much if you drop your phone from a considerable height.

What Happens If I Damage the Screen?

If the damage is extensive or affects the functionality of the iPhone, you can have a professional service such as iFixYouri repair or replace the screen or buy it for cash. Unless you have the expertise and experience, it is not recommended that you attempt to replace the screen yourself. Doing so could cause serious, irreparable damage (that may greatly outweigh the LCD screen repair cost). Besides, you could void the warranty if the coverage is still active. Have the experts work on the problem instead.

Accessories, iPhone

Need an iPhone Case? Consider These Top Choices

November 3, 2012 Staff 7 Comments

If you want to protect your iPhone from damage (and keep it looking clean and new), you will have to get yourself a decent iPhone case. iPhone cases are available online or in stores and they come in an array of different colors, styles and designs. With the various cases available online, the million dollar question is, which one is the best?

OtterBox Defender iPhone Case

If you are looking for a case that can handle tough conditions, the OtterBox Defender should be your first choice. It comes with a screen protector, polycarbonate shell and a rubber outer layer which acts as a shock absorber. Therefore, when you accidentally drop your phone, the rubber outer layer absorbs the impact and ensures that your phone is not damaged. It also comes with rubber plugs which protect the ports. The only downside with this case is that it is a bit bulky; however, that is a small price to pay for the safety of your iPhone.

OtterBox Commuter Case

It might not be as rugged as the Defender but it offers great protection for your iPhone. As it was the case with the Defender, the Commuter has rubber plugs which keep the dust out of the headphone jack as well as the iPhone dock connector. It comes with a built-in screen protector which protects your screen from scratches and keeps it looking sleek and new.

Cygnett Vector

Sleek, textured, stylish and affordable are some of the words that can be used to describe the Cygnett Vector 3D iPhone case. It is easy to grip, impact resistant and has a built-in screen protector. If you are looking for a cheap yet effective case, look no further than Cygnett Vector.

Belkin View iPhone Case

The new iPhone 5 is stylish, sleek and very gorgeous, therefore, you can be forgiven for not wanting to cover it with a case. The Belkin View case was made for people who like to show off their stylish new phones. It offers great protection without compromising the stylish look of your phone. The back of the case is made of polycarbonate and it is transparent. The side edging is impact resistant. You can choose from the array of colors at your disposal.

Grove Bamboo Case

It might be a bit expensive but its style and design justifies its price. The new Grove Bamboo case features intricate designs which make your phone look stylish and gorgeous. Unlike other rubber cases, this case does not succumb to scratches and scuffs. The best thing about it is that you can customize the design to suit your personality.

While cases protect your iPhone from accidental damage, there are some cases when the iPhone case won’t do you any good. For instance, if you accidentally drop your phone in a pool, the case will not protect your iPhone from water damage. The technicians at iFixYouri have the expertise required to fix your iPhone. Bring it to one of our locations or send it to us and let us repair your iPhone.