How to resolve non-functional side/screen lock button on iPhone 16 after warranty expiration?

Question

Level 1

8 points

How to resolve non-functional side/screen lock button on iPhone 16 after warranty expiration?

My iPhone 16 - MYDQ3VC/A

started getting a difficult to press side/screen lock button a few weeks ago. I should have acted immediately before my AppleCare Warranty expired on Nov-21, but I’ve had other life matters going on.

Now the button is completely sunken and non-functional. I have to use the accessibility widget, but can’t download new apps or use Apple Pay anymore. I’ve tried all the cleaning and software suggestions. This is my fourth iPhone, I’ve never broken one. This is definitely a hardware failure.

I chatted with an Apple person, (or AI bot ??) through text and they would not discuss any warranty repair despite my assertions that the problem began within the warranty period, and mention that this seems to be a widespread issue with iPhone 16-buttons. They also very thinly bordered being insulting after I suggested Apple should recall the buttons. Great customer service Apple.

I guess I won’t be an iPhone customer anymore after this. I thought all the extra cost was for quality.

does anyone know what kind of cost I should expect to fix this?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPhone 16 button failure

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 1:51 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,598 points

Dec 8, 2025 2:14 PM in response to Secshunate

Hi, I’m a former Apple Store manager. Make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store and request to speak to a manager. Explain the issue(s) and the circumstances that surrounded your inability to respond within the warranty period. Store managers have it within their abilities to extend warranty periods when the circumstances warrant an exception.

Calmly present your case. Do not threaten to not be a customer. That’s not going to help your case. Instead express how loyal you’ve been and express your faith and confidence that Apple will do the right thing.

Let’s see how that works for you. They may offer a warranty repair or a discounted repair. Please let me know how that works for you.

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Answer 2

Dec 8, 2025 2:03 PM in response to Secshunate

I should have acted then when my AppleCare Warranty expired on Nov-21.

No, you should have acted on this before the warranty expired on Nov 21.

Make an appointment at the Apple Store / Genius Bar or take the phone to an authorized Apple service shop for an estimate of repairs. You can find a list of authorized shops in your area using this link:

Find Locations

For the future, you should always buy what you want. We don't care what you buy, but you would always be wise to buy an extended warranty if it is available.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

224,706 points

Dec 8, 2025 1:55 PM in response to Secshunate

You make an appointment at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store, take it to your local authorized service provider, or arrange for mail in service and PAY for the repair.

That's how warranties work.

If you have a problem with this, do yourself a favor and don't ever buy a car...

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