Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

1 points

iPhone 5s Power Button Loose/Rattling Noise

Today I had scheduled a Genius Bar appointment for my loose rattling power button. I can hear it rattle when I record video and move around, the video even records the sound and it interferes with the video. It is also bothersome, in general, to have a rattling noise on my phone. The "genius" had me unlock the phone (since I have a passcode/fingerprint I.D) and he took it to the back to take a look at it, came back and said there's nothing wrong and that it's the "vibrating motor." Yeah, sure. I place my finger on the power button and move my phone and it has 0 rattling, when I let go it rattles like a maraca. I then asked him if he could open it and try and fix it for me, and he told me that he had just opened it and everything checked out fine. Another lie, he gave me my phone back unlocked and into my settings. If he opened it it would have been turned off, and on again which would request my passcode which he doesn't have. My previous iPhone 3/4S/5 has never done this and I see it as a simple fix if they were to really open it. I have fully purchased a new iPhone every year for the past 3 years and when I encounter a problem I'm lied to and told there is nothing I can do about it. I'll be scheduling another appointment soon in hopes I get a different employee that will actually help me.

What I want to know is, is there a fix to this?
When I take videos it captures the rattling noises ruining the video.

iPhone 5s, iOS 7

Posted on Sep 22, 2013 9:46 PM

484 replies

jonchild

Level 1

5 points

Oct 8, 2013 11:46 AM in response to Interdimension

Have had quite a few replacements now.

Some service part replacements and a brand new boxed replacement also.

Guy in apple store said there was a shim just below the power button mechanism and tis is what is cuasing the issue, hinted a possible design flaw.

However, after long deliberation.... am going to swap for the 5C.

Seems solid and has none of the rattling issues. I rely on the phone for audio and video work and this just isnt happening with this current itertion sadly...

Oct 8, 2013 12:21 PM in response to william.hu

The paper trick in the case helps a ton, I have the red leather apple case. This button rattle has vexed me since the day I got the phone. I've had one replacement...fixed a rattling silent switch but same loose power button. It's absurd that we have to look for ways to improve our phones with "lifehacks". I still don't understand how they can get the volume buttons so snug, but every single power button is loose that I have come in contact with.

If they don't fix this in future devices in the next couple months that we can replace with, then they should offer a plastic strip similar to a screen protector that goes over the top and holds the button in place.

If anyone has seen the teardowns of the phone, is it possible that there is a screw in there that needs to be tightened a little more, or is this just a free floating button that needs to be a mm thicker all around?

l0veJeso

Level 1

0 points

Oct 8, 2013 12:24 PM in response to BrandonD.

I dont have the iphone 5s or 5c but I have the 5. I also have like the same situation as you with the rattling noise since my phone's lock button is loose and flat down. I called apple and they said I could go to the apple store and get a quick fix and if they can't fix it , they will replace my phone with a new iphone 5 free of charge.

Brm9714

Level 1

0 points

Oct 8, 2013 2:30 PM in response to BrandonD.

Hey everyone... So when you tap your power button can u actually see it move? Does it appear loose? On mine, if I lightly tap the left side the right side moves upward.

Oct 8, 2013 3:47 PM in response to Brm9714

Yes I can see the space inbetween my power button and the case. I can see the button move. This is not the case with the volume buttons...they are nice and snug.

Brm9714

Level 1

0 points

Oct 9, 2013 8:08 PM in response to BrandonD.

So is the construction of the power button different on the 5S vs. the 5? The button on the 5S appears thinner. Why would they change the button?

Oct 10, 2013 12:00 AM in response to Brm9714

The teardown of the phone said the button was different from last year, and Apple said the added a 'new coating' because of 'issues' people had with the button on the iPhone 5. Many iPhone 5 buttons failed, bit since we cannot speculate on this forum that is all that is known.

Oct 10, 2013 12:11 AM in response to BrandonD.

Have the same problem with my iPhone 5. Hope to get a fast solution 😟

Brm9714

Level 1

0 points

Oct 10, 2013 6:34 AM in response to BrandonD.

Well, mine seems to be getting more loose day by day. It is very noticeable when I get a text or a call! Has anyone got a replacement? I am thinking about taking it to the Apple store in 2 weeks. I live 100 miles away from the nearest store. I do have a few concerns about taking it in:

1. I already took the phone in for service problems. They said I had crashing applications and needed to update the phone.

2. Will the replacement phone have a loose button as well? When I first got the 5S the button wasn't loose at all. Over a week of use is when I noticed it. So I may get the replacement and have it be fine in the store only to have the same problem a week later.

3. I have had either a software or hardware issue with almost every iPhone and had a couple replaced. I feel bad and don't want to be labeled as that guy that always has issues....

joeluken

Level 1

0 points

Oct 10, 2013 6:51 AM in response to Brm9714

My iP5s sleep/wake button also rattles and is a pretty loose fit and can be move around a little. I visited the local Genius Bar and whilst in the Apple store I checked around 6 demo iP5's and non had the same rattle. My unit also has a noisy home button that was annoying.

I decided that these issues on top of the motion sensor issues was too much and requested a refund. Not the experience I was expecting when purchasing a new iPhone.

Very disappointed. 😮

Oct 10, 2013 9:46 PM in response to Brm9714

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrNtqp00JMc

Oct 10, 2013 9:47 PM in response to jonchild

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrNtqp00JMc

Oct 10, 2013 9:47 PM in response to Brm9714

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrNtqp00JMc

Oct 14, 2013 1:22 PM in response to BrandonD.

Just an update for your guys.

I decided to exchange for a 5c because the rattle was bugging me so much.

I just got my 32gb white 5c today and there is still a rattle, however, it's definitely not as bad ( I don't hear it wheni pick it up) and this is also $200 less than what I paid for the 5s.

this will do.

thanks and good luck everyone.

Oct 14, 2013 4:52 PM in response to jonchild

Does your 5c replacement have the same issue? seems like my 5c is doing the same thing.

Thanks

iPhone 5s Power Button Loose/Rattling Noise