iPhone WiFi greyed out and Bluetooth loading forever...

Question

Level 1

34 points

iPhone WiFi greyed out and Bluetooth loading forever...

What I have is a 32GB White iPhone 4. It came pre-owned but undamaged on ebay. What's happening is that when I try to turn on WiFi in settings I cant because it is "greyed out", meaning I cant select anything or switch the toggle. Also, my bluetooth isnt working either and the option to turn it on is replaced by it showing the spinning "loading" icon forever. On top of all this, when I go to check the MAC address, it shows it as "Wifi Address: N/A".

I have tried resetting network settings, tried restoring from iTunes, tried DFU mode, consulted Apple about a 125GBP repair (Which I think is too expensive)... And when I got REALLY desperate, I even tried the infamous freezer trick.

What should I do? How can I fix this cost effectively and determine whether this device is suffering hardware or software-wise? 😟

Thanks in advance,

Themankymoo

iPhone 4, iOS 6.1.2

Posted on Mar 2, 2013 2:50 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 2, 2013 2:52 PM in response to mankymoo

See this tip:http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559

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Answer 2

mankymoo Author

Level 1

34 points

Mar 2, 2013 2:58 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Thanks for the speedy reply... but freaking ****, THE AMOUNT OF TIMES I HAVE SEEN THAT PAGE TODAY!!!

I've tried everything on that page... so thanks, but any other ideas?

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Answer 3

Mar 2, 2013 3:07 PM in response to mankymoo

If you have already restored the device AS NEW, and the problem still persists at that point then it will need to be replaced. This can be done online, in-store, or by calling 1 800 692 7753

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Answer 4

mankymoo Author

Level 1

34 points

Mar 2, 2013 3:11 PM in response to tcsellers92

If possible i'd like to leave that as a last resort, considering it costs so much. Now, im unsure of whether we can talk about this on these forums, but how about the prospect of me fixing it myself?

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Answer 5

Mar 2, 2013 3:19 PM in response to mankymoo

Is the device outside of its hardware warranty? If not then the replacment would be free.

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Answer 6

mankymoo Author

Level 1

34 points

Mar 2, 2013 3:22 PM in response to tcsellers92

Im afraid it is... Which *****. I heard somewhere that I could just buy apple care which is 60 pounds and replace my phone for half the price of fixing it? Otherwise, could somebody just give me a way to determine for sure whether its software or hardware?

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Answer 7

Mar 2, 2013 3:26 PM in response to mankymoo

Have you confirmed that it is in fact outside of the hardware warranty? If so, then you would be unable to purchase AppleCare. Please go to this website: https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

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Answer 8

mankymoo Author

Level 1

34 points

Mar 2, 2013 3:27 PM in response to tcsellers92

Yeah, i checked with apple tech support over a chat... Looks like the apple care theory is bust, then.

How about that software or hardware thing... Any ideas?

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Answer 9

Mar 2, 2013 3:30 PM in response to mankymoo

Hard to say. If a restore as new has been done then its very likely hardware. In that case its $149 to replace an iphone 4.

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Answer 10

mankymoo Author

Level 1

34 points

Mar 2, 2013 3:36 PM in response to tcsellers92

Wow... So thats it then. Im stuck with no iphone, or no cash.

Fair enoug, i guess.

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Answer 11

Mar 2, 2013 3:41 PM in response to mankymoo

I would say try again. Put the device into recovery mode and then restore it. Make sure that we are setting it up as NEW, and not restoring from a back up.

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Answer 12

mankymoo Author

Level 1

34 points

Mar 2, 2013 3:44 PM in response to tcsellers92

Thanks tcsellers, but ive already done that about 5 times... Should i still try again?

Ill ask again, what if i open it up and replace the parts myself?

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Answer 13

Mar 2, 2013 3:52 PM in response to mankymoo

I guess if you have already tried it that many times then it really must be hardware. Obviously opening it up is not something Apple supports and it would void the warranty but since it doesn't exactly have one that is really up to you. If you can find a kit somewhere online or if you have some shop near by that will fix it for you for much less than the $149 to replace with Apple then thats a very open option that you have available.

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Answer 14

Mar 2, 2013 4:01 PM in response to mankymoo

If you're handy with small electronics and think you can replace the radio chip on a multilayer board without breaking anything else it's worth a try. The problem is if you fail you no longer qualify for the $149 replacement.

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Answer 15

mankymoo Author

Level 1

34 points

Mar 2, 2013 4:10 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Thanks to you all for your answers... I think ill just go ahead and try to repair it myself.

If somebody knows what i need to repair and where i can get it thatd be great

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