Returning an iPhone to Belfast when bought in the Republic?

brophs

Is this okay? My g/f bought an iPhone through Three just before Christmas and the home button on the phone seems to have sunk in a bit. Looking online it seems that that is likely to mean the button itself is failing, so she's better off trying to have it repaired/replaced by Apple while in warranty.

So, my question is, can she bring it to the Apple store the next time she's up and have it dealt with there? If so, with something like that are they likely to replace on the spot or send it away (which makes going in a bit pointless)?

Thanks.

dave oc

Yep, did the same myself a few weeks ago. Actually had a problem with the home button too. I phoned apple customer support first, explained the issue and was approved for a replacement over the phone. They can replace the phone by courier here, but that didnt suit me so I phoned again and got a genius appointment in the Apple store in Victoria Square.

The genius up there had a quick look at it and was happy to replace it. He told me that the button on the iPhone 4 is built into the mainboard or something, so they cant send it to be repaired. The phone has to be replaced. They'll have a refurb to give you there and then, dont worry these refurbs are still covered under your original warranty and come with a new housing and battery, are wrapped in plastic and look like new.

(btw is it the iPhone 4 she has?)

brophs

Dave6195 wrote: »

Yep, did the same myself a few weeks ago. Actually had a problem with the home button too. I phoned apple customer support first, explained the issue and was approved for a replacement over the phone. They can replace the phone by courier here, but that didnt suit me so I phoned again and got a genius appointment in the Apple store in Victoria Square.

The genius up there had a quick look at it and was happy to replace it. He told me that the button on the iPhone 4 is built into the mainboard or something, so they cant send it to be repaired. The phone has to be replaced. They'll have a refurb to give you there and then, dont worry these refurbs are still covered under your original warranty and come with a new housing and battery, are wrapped in plastic and look like new.

(btw is it the iPhone 4 she has?)

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the info. Yep, it's an iPhone 4. She didn't really notice it but when I used hers the other day the button felt noticeably lower in comparison to my own. It hasn't acted up so far but I suspect it will over time.

I'll suggest it to her and see what the reaction is.

ironclaw

brophs wrote: »

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the info. Yep, it's an iPhone 4. She didn't really notice it but when I used hers the other day the button felt noticeably lower in comparison to my own. It hasn't acted up so far but I suspect it will over time.

I'll suggest it to her and see what the reaction is.

I've had 4 iPhone's replaced since July. If you want a fast service and you arn't prepared to wait for a courier, its worth the trip to Belfast. Otherwise, phone up Apple. They collect and return a replacement in about a week.

Alternatively you can pay €35 (I think) plus a hold amount (The cost of the phone) on your Credit card. A replacement phone is sent to you by Apple, when it arrives they take your broken iPhone. Once inspected, they realize the hold amount and you keep the replacement. The €35 is a just the fee they charge for this. To put it in perspective, its €35 you would spend in Petrol going to Belfast.

barryd09

€29 is what i payed for a replacement in february.

mcgrailg

Hi,

I am only after coming across this thread, i am actually having the same problem with the home button on my iphone 4. I have just gotten off the phone with them and they never mentioned that this is a known problem nor was i approved for a replacement over the phone. I was given 3 options for getting it fixed, Belfast pay 30 quid for a new model to be shipped to me, or they will send me a box in three days and i can send it back to them myself. The never mentioned a courier to me is this the same thing they are proposing ? I am a bit fed up that i am going to be without a phone for at least a week for a known problem. Should i ring them back and push it further ?

Gary

barryd09

just ring apple.

have your credit card handy to pay for a replacement.
they ship the replacement to you,you get it,swap it for the broken phone and send it with the courier (UPS iirc)

provided its covered under warranty thats it,no other dealings with apple.

gonna cost you €29 though,but only if you cant do without an iphone for a few days.

mcgrailg

i dont mind the €29 its the block of the €500 that will be the problem

dave oc

What Barry said. It's called Advanced Replacement Service(ARS). They can put a hold for the value of the phone on your credit card (no money is taken) until they receive your faulty phone. They will send a new phone along with a box to send back your faulty one, so you won't be without a phone. I'd try ringing them again.

barryd09

mcgrailg wrote: »

i dont mind the €29 its the block of the €500 that will be the problem

its only held until they get the broken phone back and know that its a fault and covered by warranty.
i was unsure about it myself but its all good.

mcgrailg

thanks for the advice lads i may try this now then

hdowney

my home button has decided to b a díck. i have to push it several times to get it to recognise the darn thing!