How to Maximize your iPhone 3G One Year Warranty

By Gary Ng on May 26th, 2009 63

July 11th, 2008–what does this date represent to you? Obviously it was the happiest day of your entire life (forget the wedding day, graduation, Driver’s License pass, citizenship, first job, first son/daughter, birthday, first shower/bath, anniversary, etc.–the iPhone 3G usurps all of that) 227 days ago, the iPhone 3G was finally available in stores across Rogers and Fido locations in Canada. Sure, the wait was painful and just downright excruciating for some, but in the end most would say it was worth it.

As the one year anniversary of the iPhone’s launch in Canada comes closer, it also brings forward another very important point: your iPhone 3G’s one year warranty will soon expire. For most, their iPhones are in excellent condition. For others, they can only imagine such a perfect scenario.

My Own Battles with the iPhone 3G

Personally, I had my battles with the iPhone 3G’s dismal battery life (have you read how to increase your iPhone 3G’s battery life?) in the beginning, but that was soon solved. My “refurb” replacement unit from Rogers arrived with a scuff on the back of the iPhone! Sure, did this warrant another call to Rogers to request a replacement? Well, I would assume so since most of us are committing well over $3000 over 3 years to enjoy the iPhone 3G.

We heard about iPhone 3G units developing random cracks in the plastic, which Apple quietly replaced in stores. Well, just yesterday I ended up with another problem with my iPhone. I dropped my iPhone accidentally and luckily the small drop did not result in any physical damage.

However, this bump caused a small amount of dust and debris to somehow dislodge from within the iPhone and show up underneath my touchscreen. The dust was clearly visible with the screen off. My worry with this was if the dust is there now, just how much more would accumulate?

Two Options for Dealing with Getting a Replacement iPhone

After doing some research online about others experiencing similar issues from bumping their iPhones, I realized this would be a legitimate concern that would fall under the iPhone’s warranty. In a nutshell, iPhone users in Canada have two options:

1. Call Rogers/Fido and ask for a replacement. Can be tedious if you run into CSRs that do not care about you or your stinkin’ iPhone.
2. Visit your nearest Apple Store and book an appointment with a Genius. Apple can make miracles happen in store.

So I called up Rogers today and took my chances, yet again. I explained my situation and how I was worried more dust would accumulate over time, past my warranty period and I would be out of luck. I didn’t have to put up a fight and surprisingly my CSR immediately issued a replacement to be shipped out!

The phone call was over in less than 10 minutes after it was all said and done. I was blown away at what just happened. Normally people get forwarded back and forth for hours on end when dealing with Rogers (we’ve all experienced it at one point or another!). I consider myself lucky!

So What About Visiting an Apple Store?

Apple Stores have iPhones in stock in the back that they can bring out and replace your damaged/defective iPhone on the spot. Obviously you must have a legitimate case for getting a new unit. Other people have been returning their iPhones successfully due to dust in Vancouver as well. If you are going to visit the store, I would suggest booking an appointment online with a Genius before you go.

Tips for Increasing your Chances of Getting a Replacement iPhone

Some users out there have had some bad luck trying to get replacement units on their defective iPhone 3G units. Here are some pointers that might work for you…

- Be calm, courteous and respectful (that means no swearing for you potty mouths out there). These CSRs are human beings after all. Don’t be a first class douche-bag and demand anything. Douch-bags end up getting their plans jacked up secretly after they disconnect.
- Ask questions for clarification, and also try using empathy to get your point across.
- Sometimes, utilizing the weak, uneducated role can play to your advantage as some CSRs just love to talk and explain everything. By doing so you empower them and they will feel positive that they are helping you through your difficult situation.
- Take the following dialogue you could try for example (this worked for me when the Rogers CSR did not seem inclined to take my previous battery issue seriously):

“I’m not asking for much, I just want to have an iPhone 3G that works. I’ve committed to a 3 year contract and I’m paying almost $100/month for a phone with Rogers/Fido. That works out to over $3000 after three years–a huge investment. I could put that money towards my mortgage/kids/retirement/life savings/groceries/rent but I have decided to give my business to Rogers. I’ve been a loyal customer for X years. Is it too much to ask that I just want a working iPhone as I’m not even 1 year into my contract? Am I being unfair or unreasonable? I’m just frustrated, as I’ve been forwarded back and forth and nobody seems to care about resolving my problem. Can you help me? Please? I don’t know what else I can do and I’m begging you to assist me. I have been losing sleep over this iPhone. What would you do and how would you feel in my situation?”

YMMV – Your Mileage May Vary

Use these ideas above at your own risk of course! The fact of the matter remains that if you have an iPhone 3G that has a cracked casing, dust under the screen, constant errors, sleep/wake/volume buttons are recessed, earpiece/mic issues, SIM card errors, etc., there is still hope.

Call Rogers or visit the Apple Store and see what they can do for you. Remember, ask and ye shall receive. In this case, not asking at all is quite possibly the worst thing you can do. Don’t forget that honesty also works too and will go a long way.

Have you received a replacement iPhone 3G before? From Rogers or the Apple Store? For what issue? I’d love to hear about what others have encountered as well.

Gary Ng

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of iPhoneinCanada.ca. Follow @iPhoneinCanada and on Google+. Click here to save 20% OFF at ZAGG.com with coupon 'iphoneinca'!

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Mike

Does the warranty also apply to the earbuds that come with the phone. Ive started to notice that problem that seems to pop up with most earbud headphones where the wiring inside isnt sitting quite right and if you turn your head you loose audio.
Mike

Does the warranty also apply to the earbuds that come with the phone. Ive started to notice that problem that seems to pop up with most earbud headphones where the wiring inside isnt sitting quite right and if you turn your head you loose audio.
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

Yes. I called Apple telephone support and they shipped me new headphones. I was past the 3 month free telephone support but they still helped me out. Visit any Apple store and they should replace it!
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca iPhone Fan

Yes. I called Apple telephone support and they shipped me new headphones. I was past the 3 month free telephone support but they still helped me out. Visit any Apple store and they should replace it!
Chris

My experience at the apple store was irritating at best. They refused to exchange my iPhone for one that wasn’t suffering from the notorious case cracks because one moisture sensor had been set off. They informed me that the phone was a ticking time bomb and thecircuitry would eventually corrode, rendering the phone unusable and voiding my warranty. 2 things I love: there was never any inspection of the circuitry, and the only moisture my phone has ever been exposed to is the application solution for my Zagg InvisibleShield. I don’t see myself buying apple in the future due to this experience.
Chris

My experience at the apple store was irritating at best. They refused to exchange my iPhone for one that wasn’t suffering from the notorious case cracks because one moisture sensor had been set off. They informed me that the phone was a ticking time bomb and thecircuitry would eventually corrode, rendering the phone unusable and voiding my warranty. 2 things I love: there was never any inspection of the circuitry, and the only moisture my phone has ever been exposed to is the application solution for my Zagg InvisibleShield. I don’t see myself buying apple in the future due to this experience.
Guest

Thanks for the tips
Dusty

Thanks for the tips
CharveL

One month in I somehow managed to pull out the little metal ring around the headphone jack and got a prompt replacement. The CSR told me I could just keep the phone and they’d send me another.

Ya right.

They were so naive in those early, heady days…
CharveL

One month in I somehow managed to pull out the little metal ring around the headphone jack and got a prompt replacement. The CSR told me I could just keep the phone and they’d send me another.

Ya right.

They were so naive in those early, heady days…
Patrick

does anybody know if there is a way to get apple care yet on iPhones in Canada? this would solve a lot of these issues. I called apple twice over the past year specifically inquiring about extending the warranty and nobody could help me both times.
Patrick

does anybody know if there is a way to get apple care yet on iPhones in Canada? this would solve a lot of these issues. I called apple twice over the past year specifically inquiring about extending the warranty and nobody could help me both times.
Pingback: How to Maximize your iPhone 3G One Year Warranty : 3g Technology
Bruce

I’ll be trying the apple flagship store in Montreal this week for a major problem. I purchased a Scorche car kit to transmit the iPhones music to my car audio. It comes with two cables, one connected at sync port other through headphone jack. The ONE time I used the headphone jack it took about 5 minutes and I heard a giant buzz then music played from phone speakers while connected. I removed phone and immediately plugged headphones .. Boom no more left channel. Scorche replied within 12 hours of emailing with a verification number and a request foe harware as well as phone to be sent to them. NO WAY am I sending phone to a third party !! Cross my fingers the apple store sees my pain, not to mention all the darn surface cracks!! ( yea cracks on white phone suck arse)
Bruce

I’ll be trying the apple flagship store in Montreal this week for a major problem. I purchased a Scorche car kit to transmit the iPhones music to my car audio. It comes with two cables, one connected at sync port other through headphone jack. The ONE time I used the headphone jack it took about 5 minutes and I heard a giant buzz then music played from phone speakers while connected. I removed phone and immediately plugged headphones .. Boom no more left channel. Scorche replied within 12 hours of emailing with a verification number and a request foe harware as well as phone to be sent to them. NO WAY am I sending phone to a third party !! Cross my fingers the apple store sees my pain, not to mention all the darn surface cracks!! ( yea cracks on white phone suck arse)
http://twitter.com/joshjadavies Shave

Do you have to return your old phone if Rogers issues you a replacement_
http://twitter.com/joshjadavies Shave

Do you have to return your old phone if Rogers issues you a replacement_
Mv740

Well i went to get my third iphone this week at montreal apple store . It took less than 10 min to get a free replacement !! About apple care in canada, i have asked them again and their answer is still a no !!!
Mv740

Well i went to get my third iphone this week at montreal apple store . It took less than 10 min to get a free replacement !! About apple care in canada, i have asked them again and their answer is still a no !!!
http://twitter.com/joshjadavies Shave

My headphone jack on my iphone hasnt worked for a while now, I just called rogers and had a new phone shipped to me within about 2 mins. Although, they are sending a prepaid package to me so I can send my old phone back. I was hoping to keep it, what do you think will happen if I dont send it back_
http://twitter.com/joshjadavies Shave

My headphone jack on my iphone hasnt worked for a while now, I just called rogers and had a new phone shipped to me within about 2 mins. Although, they are sending a prepaid package to me so I can send my old phone back. I was hoping to keep it, what do you think will happen if I dont send it back_
Nick

If you get a replacement phone, do you then get a new 1 year warranty???
Nick

If you get a replacement phone, do you then get a new 1 year warranty???
Venelin

I just called Apple CSR, explained the situation (two cracks on the plastic body) and CSR schedule for me appointment in my nearest Apple Store for iPhone3G replacement. I hope to get new iPhone this time, because two months ago I went in Rogers then they sent me to Apple Store and then nothing happened.
Venelin

I just called Apple CSR, explained the situation (two cracks on the plastic body) and CSR schedule for me appointment in my nearest Apple Store for iPhone3G replacement. I hope to get new iPhone this time, because two months ago I went in Rogers then they sent me to Apple Store and then nothing happened.
Dave

If you don’t send back the old one they’ll charge you $655 8g and $755 16G,just a matter of time before you receive a notice that they’re charging your account and you have 15 days, I believe, to return device. For the warranty new 3 months or rest of original warranty, which ever is longer. I’m on my sixth replacement lol, have done swaps for countless reasons, but have never had any problems doing so, not being a total d**k goes a long way.
Dave

If you don’t send back the old one they’ll charge you $655 8g and $755 16G,just a matter of time before you receive a notice that they’re charging your account and you have 15 days, I believe, to return device. For the warranty new 3 months or rest of original warranty, which ever is longer. I’m on my sixth replacement lol, have done swaps for countless reasons, but have never had any problems doing so, not being a total d**k goes a long way.
will

my phone developed these small air bubbles under the screen that were clearly visible when off, as well as a pretty significant crack to the casing that i hadn’t noticed because it was in a protective case… I immediately booked a genius appointment at the apple store, and within 15 minutes i replaced my cracked, air bubble and even jailbroken and unlocked iphone for a brand new one. Feels so good to have a flawless phone once again
will

my phone developed these small air bubbles under the screen that were clearly visible when off, as well as a pretty significant crack to the casing that i hadn’t noticed because it was in a protective case… I immediately booked a genius appointment at the apple store, and within 15 minutes i replaced my cracked, air bubble and even jailbroken and unlocked iphone for a brand new one. Feels so good to have a flawless phone once again
Izzy

Hey

I have the Iphone 3G and I dropped it face down which resulted in a crack screen
But only the glass not the actual LCD. I went to Apple and I was sincere and they said the warranty does not cover self inflicted damage
So therefore I would have to pay $250 to have the screen fixed. Not even replaced!

Any recommendations? That was when I just stopped by without booking an appointment.

Thank you, I’m using my BB now but man I miss my iphone
Izzy

Hey

I have the Iphone 3G and I dropped it face down which resulted in a crack screen
But only the glass not the actual LCD. I went to Apple and I was sincere and they said the warranty does not cover self inflicted damage
So therefore I would have to pay $250 to have the screen fixed. Not even replaced!

Any recommendations? That was when I just stopped by without booking an appointment.

Thank you, I’m using my BB now but man I miss my iphone
http://twitter.com/joshjadavies Shave

What if I say I sent it back and canada post lost it, not my fault haha think it would work_
http://twitter.com/joshjadavies Shave

What if I say I sent it back and canada post lost it, not my fault haha think it would work_
Fugu

I am on my 3rd, yes count it 3rd 3G unit. First just died. rezzed out to a white screen and wouldn’t boot. Second had the dismal battery issue. It actually drained completely in less then an hour on several occasions while just sitting there on standby.

I found if you’re courteous and persistent getting a replacement isn’t that hard. I’m hoping for one more fault in the next month so I can maximize my new unit time, though my current replacement is only 2 months old.
Fugu

I am on my 3rd, yes count it 3rd 3G unit. First just died. rezzed out to a white screen and wouldn’t boot. Second had the dismal battery issue. It actually drained completely in less then an hour on several occasions while just sitting there on standby.

I found if you’re courteous and persistent getting a replacement isn’t that hard. I’m hoping for one more fault in the next month so I can maximize my new unit time, though my current replacement is only 2 months old.
Nick

About the broken glass screen issue…

Go to ifixit.com

All of your prayers will be answered…
Nick

About the broken glass screen issue…

Go to ifixit.com

All of your prayers will be answered…
Andrew

Hi!! Just noticed the dust problem on my phone too. Shit!!! Going to applyle this week. I’ll let everyone know
Andrew

Hi!! Just noticed the dust problem on my phone too. Shit!!! Going to applyle this week. I’ll let everyone know
Mike

I had a few dead pixels on my iphone, made an appointment with the genius bar to get it fixed. They don’t fix they replace. I got a referb iPhone. No issues dealing with Apple. I love my phone and because the customer service was great I will buy more Apple products. If you have real issues with your phone get them fixed. It’s easy.
Mike

I had a few dead pixels on my iphone, made an appointment with the genius bar to get it fixed. They don’t fix they replace. I got a referb iPhone. No issues dealing with Apple. I love my phone and because the customer service was great I will buy more Apple products. If you have real issues with your phone get them fixed. It’s easy.
Neil

This is a timely article for me.
I recently had hardware problems with my original I Phone.
Stuff would just happen,phone calls,apps opening etc,etc.
Talked to Rogers,after the usual run around,probably 2hrs on the phone the finally said they would send me a replacement phone.
The phone arrived,sent the old one back in the pre-paid package and all seemed well.
After a couple of days I noticed things werent working right,Apps not jiggling or couldnt delete un-wanted Apps.I figured there was another hard ware problem.
It seemed obvious they sent me a re-furbished phone and not a new one.
That pissed me off,you pay for a new one when you originally buy your phone,$500+ then you get a re-furb and not a new one,stinks.
A couple of weeks later I got water damage,thought I was really screwed now.
Called Rogers,told them the story,I was honest.They wouldnt do anything.
The guy did tell me to call Apple though as I still had some warrantly left on my phone.Thank goodness I did.
Heres the good bit guys.Apple have changed some rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apparently Apple just one week ago now has a deal for water damaged phones.
You pay a little over 200 bucks and they will repair your phone.
I paid an extra 30 bucks to get a temparary phone I can be usuing now.
I called this morning and the replacement phone will be here in the morning.
Great news for me.
Because I already have a couple of hundred bucks in I Phone accessories and could afford to spend another 500 on a new phone this was a god send.
Apologies for the long post guys but I thought it was important you know about the new Apple deals.
Im outa here.NKH.
Neil

This is a timely article for me.
I recently had hardware problems with my original I Phone.
Stuff would just happen,phone calls,apps opening etc,etc.
Talked to Rogers,after the usual run around,probably 2hrs on the phone the finally said they would send me a replacement phone.
The phone arrived,sent the old one back in the pre-paid package and all seemed well.
After a couple of days I noticed things werent working right,Apps not jiggling or couldnt delete un-wanted Apps.I figured there was another hard ware problem.
It seemed obvious they sent me a re-furbished phone and not a new one.
That pissed me off,you pay for a new one when you originally buy your phone,$500+ then you get a re-furb and not a new one,stinks.
A couple of weeks later I got water damage,thought I was really screwed now.
Called Rogers,told them the story,I was honest.They wouldnt do anything.
The guy did tell me to call Apple though as I still had some warrantly left on my phone.Thank goodness I did.
Heres the good bit guys.Apple have changed some rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apparently Apple just one week ago now has a deal for water damaged phones.
You pay a little over 200 bucks and they will repair your phone.
I paid an extra 30 bucks to get a temparary phone I can be usuing now.
I called this morning and the replacement phone will be here in the morning.
Great news for me.
Because I already have a couple of hundred bucks in I Phone accessories and could afford to spend another 500 on a new phone this was a god send.
Apologies for the long post guys but I thought it was important you know about the new Apple deals.
Im outa here.NKH.
DBazz

I had the exact same problem. I pay my Rogers’ monthly bill with my Visa card: turns out that they have insurance that covers everything you buy with it either if it’s lost, stolen or broken. It took a lot of paper to send out but they paid for the replacement that Apple charged me 200$ for. They even paid the shipping fees.

Hope this help
DBazz

I had the exact same problem. I pay my Rogers’ monthly bill with my Visa card: turns out that they have insurance that covers everything you buy with it either if it’s lost, stolen or broken. It took a lot of paper to send out but they paid for the replacement that Apple charged me 200$ for. They even paid the shipping fees.

Hope this help
trancen

Yes, I have had 2 replaced because the volume on one is hardly audible .
I gave up and bought Shure head phones, the difference is no and day, makes the Apple headphone sound like they were bought at the dollar store.
trancen

Yes, I have had 2 replaced because the volume on one is hardly audible .
I gave up and bought Shure head phones, the difference is no and day, makes the Apple headphone sound like they were bought at the dollar store.
Dave

-Shave..You’re taking a chance man, I’ve seen too many horror stories, used to work for them up until a month ago. The phones get sent through UPS and Rogers will ask you for a waybill #, if you can’t provide one they will do a trace, which will result in nothing. Plus you’ll be billed 2% late fees on that $755 each month. Wouldn’t risk it..hope this helps.
Dave

-Shave..You’re taking a chance man, I’ve seen too many horror stories, used to work for them up until a month ago. The phones get sent through UPS and Rogers will ask you for a waybill #, if you can’t provide one they will do a trace, which will result in nothing. Plus you’ll be billed 2% late fees on that $755 each month. Wouldn’t risk it..hope this helps.
Tim

I’ve replaced my iPhone once already, and it’s been a fairly straightforward process. What happened in my case was the microphone and button on my iPhone stopped working for some reason, after trying another headset, I confirmed that it was not my buds (v-moda phones.. very nice ). So I called up Rogers, and after trying a few suggestions by the rep (which I had already done, but I entertained them as a ‘normal’ customer would ) I was told my iPhone would be in the mail. Unfortunately they were out of stock for weeks and it took a while to make it to me. I did eventually get a brand spanking new iPhone in the mail (complete with the latest firmware of course). However, now I’m having problems with the sim card popping out randomly. So, I’ll be going for replacement number two soon enough. Hopefully they run out of stock and have to wait to send me a ‘new’ iPhone (crossing my fingers for next gen!).

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