iPhone 4 Power Button Stuck

OK, everyone, I think this can be summarized as a manufacturing defect. As slimgym also noted, it is a simple switch, where the actuator prematurely detaches. This has only happened, in large numbers, on this particular design, and even then, just a subset of 4 and 4Ss. (If this were a problem with all of the 4 series, you can bet there'd be a lot more people complaining. Remember, they sold millions of the 4 and 4S.) Nonetheless, this is a real issue for those that have part of the bad batch.

As for designed-in failure... no, that's not the case here. There are other switches in the phone that use the same basic design and they are not failing. This is a manufacturing defect, like the glue used, or the plastic it sticks to, or something like that. Remember, the majority of people who bought the phone have no issue with the button at all. If it was designed in, then all the phones would fail at the end of the year period and clearly, they haven't.

As for Robotaz's complaints - not true. I have my still-fully-functioning Original iPhone, 3 and 3GS (as well as a 3 Newtons). If these were designed to break, how come they haven't? There are millions of people with iPhones, iPads, Macs, iPods, etc., that are well over 13 months old, and still fully functional.

Extended warranties, however, are a cash cow for most companies... because most of their products don't really fail within the extended warranty period. If they did, the extended warranty programs would COST the company money.

Sure, as we all figure out how to make more, with less, electronics will become more disposable, but how many of us are actually going to use a cell phone for 20 years? As long as they last about 5, I'm happy.

it happened to my iphone yesterday. i booked a genius appointment for tomorrow but i dont know what to expect at the appointment. The button doesn't click but only works on one side. It feels stuck to the phone itself. will apple give me a replacement?

If in warranty, then yes. Out of warranty, no. You'd have to pay them the "repair" price.

Some places will do it for $70 bucks or so.

It is in warranty. when i shake my phone i can hear something thats sounds like its from the button. it seems like a screw and some part below the button. will they replace or repair? im pretty sure that i didn't cause any accidental damage but hopefully i get a replacement free of charge 😀

Me too. iPhone 4s, 6 months old, in protective case, well-cared for. Power button non-functional. Wow.

If your phone is under warranty, they should replace it. They do have the option of repairing it, but typically they just swap it out when you bring it in. Just make an appointment with the genius bar.

Also, if it is less than a year old, I think you still have the option of buying the AppleCare. I did this, and maybe you should too, as it might give you peace of mind for at least another year.

Good luck!

I went to the apple store in sydney on Saturday. They said that the button was broken and that I had a loose vibrate motor. They said they couldn't repair so they replaced it. :D they didn't even ask whether I dropped It or not.

You should be able to get ur 4s replaced. I got mine replaced with no questions asked :)

Took the 4s to the Apple store. They had a quick look and said, Yeah let's get you a new one. No hassle. Thanks Apple!

I have this same problem as well, it was working fine this afternoon and all of a sudden the home button got stuck.. I bought it last may and my warranty hasn't expired. I'll havent call the service centre maybe later in the morning but I was wondering will they change it to a new phone or will they repair it? And how long will it tale for them to repair or? Sorry I'm quite new to this forum and this is the first time i encountering.

If you are under warranty, you should send it in (or take to the Genius Bar in an Apple Store). They should replace the phone (as is their typical custom).

If you take it in, they will swap it out while you wait. If you ship it in, then the process will be the same, but you have to wait for shipping times.

The best way is to take it in to the store.

They won't charge you if you are in warranty. They will firstly check why the problem is then give you a replacement free of charge straight away

This just happened to my phone, that I've had for 4 months, late last night. My boyfriend had dropped my phone back in September and cracked the back pannel and he replaced it so now I'm worried that the warrenty is void and I won't be able to get a new one. That was the one and only time my phone was ever dropped and it has never been near enough to water to get wet. My contract isn't up for 2 whole years yet so what can I do?

Thank you in advance!

Due to the fact that you are still in warranty, you should be able to get your iPhone replaced. When I got mine replaced they didn't even asked whether I dropped my iphone or not. They'll firstly have a look then should be able to give you a replacement.

I went to the genus bar yesterday, I told them my lock button was stuck and they took it to the back to run diagnositics. They came back out and said that because my iPhone 4s was 3 weeks out of my 1 year warranty I had two options. For $199 I could get another iPhone 4s or for $199 (and a contract update) I could get an iPhone 5. I differed and said I would think about it.

Right now I am using the accesability option on my phone to lock and turn off my phone that way but that little orb is annoying and taking up valuble screen realestate. Should I drop the money and get an iPhone 5 or just try to live with my 4S like this for another year?