How to address a cosmetic manufacturing defect on an iPhone 17 purchased from Flipkart?

It’s definitely frustrating to find a flaw on a brand-new device, especially when you’ve paid full price for it. Since you bought it from Flipkart, you have a very narrow window to act.

Here is exactly what you should do right now:

• Check the "7-Day" Window: Flipkart usually has a 7-day replacement policy for iPhones. If you are still within 7 days of delivery, you need to go to your Orders page immediately and select "Return/Replace". Even if the option looks hidden, try clicking "Help" or "Contact Seller" within that order.
• The 48-Hour Rule: For cosmetic damage (scratches/dents), Flipkart often expects you to report it within 48 hours of unboxing. If you've passed 48 hours, they might try to redirect you to Apple.
• Don't go to Apple yet: Apple’s standard 1-year warranty specifically does not cover cosmetic damage (like scratches or tiny dents) once the box is opened, as they consider it "wear and tear." Your only real chance for a replacement is through Flipkart by claiming "Received Damaged/Defective."
• Gather Proof: Take a high-quality video of the defect under bright light. If you have an unboxing video, that is your "golden ticket" to getting a replacement approved.

Next Step: Check your order details on Flipkart, does it say "7 Day Replacement" or "Service Center Replacement"? If it says Service Center, you'll need to visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) and ask for a DOA (Dead on Arrival) Certificate, which you can then show to Flipkart to force a replacement.

LAashiqq wrote:

Flipkart offers open box delivery if I couldn’t find any defects during delivery they will not replace it

And the delivery person are always in a hurry but it was my mistake I should’ve watched it clearly and rejected to accept the order that time

but its in my luck to get a bit damaged phone then what to do

Then I would consider future purchases where made at Apple or Authorized Apple Seller where you have a 14 day, no questions asked return policy and there is not delivery person that is in a hurry for you to inspect the device. That was simply your choice so you are subject to the terms of FlipKart.

MrHoffman has a great idea to deal with the current situation you are in without any recourse with FlipKart and that is to put a case on it.

Flipkart is NOT an authorize Apple retailer. This is between you and them.

Apple can't help you with this.

Given that it's a used/gray market product, you may not even have a warranty.

Put a case on it. With a decent case, you’ll not see that spot, and a good case will reduce the chances of damage.

katep78 wrote:

Next Step: Check your order details on Flipkart, does it say "7 Day Replacement" or "Service Center Replacement"? If it says Service Center, you'll need to visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) and ask for a DOA (Dead on Arrival) Certificate, which you can then show to Flipkart to force a replacement.

Please explain how a minor defect in the coating on the outside of a phone would mean it was "Dead on Arrival."

katep78 wrote:

…Next Step: Check your order details on Flipkart, does it say "7 Day Replacement" or "Service Center Replacement"? If it says Service Center, you'll need to visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) and ask for a DOA (Dead on Arrival) Certificate, which you can then show to Flipkart to force a replacement.

A dead-on-arrival certificate for a working iPhone? What even is a dead-on-arrival certificate? Is this AI?

As for buying an second-hand iPhone from a seller other than Apple or an authorized reseller, that’s always risky.

Here, use some of the savings from this purchase to buy a protective case, and enjoy using your (not dead on arrival) iPhone.

You bought from Flipcart, so you will need to contact them for any returns or exchanges.

Apple would not be involved with this in any way.

Apple gives you 14 days to return the device for any reason when purchased from them. You are subject to the return terms of FlipKart, since that is where you purchased it.

If you put a case on it, you won't know it's there. If you DON'T put a case on it, you'll have many more scratches in short order and won't even notice this little dot.

Just my 2 cents.

Take it back to Flipkart. That's who you bought it from.

LAashiqq wrote:

Flipkart offers open box delivery if I couldn’t find any defects during delivery they will not replace it

And the delivery person are always in a hurry but it was my mistake I should’ve watched it clearly and rejected to accept the order that time

but its in my luck to get a bit damaged phone then what to do

Then you'll just have to live with the little cosmetic issue and be done with it. You didn't tell us you bought an open box item, which you inspected and have no recourse to return? Why did you omit that rather important detail? There's nothing anyone here can do for you and Apple certainly won't do anything either.

Re: “Then I would consider future purchases where made at Apple or Authorized Apple Seller where you have a 14 day, no questions asked return policy”

I believe that Apple has that return policy, but Authorized Apple Resellers may, or may not. (It is still better to purchase from one of them than from an unauthorized seller.)

Where's the defect?