Level 1

14 points

iPhone 5 screen bulge

My iphone 5 has recently developed a bulge on the left hand side of the screen just above the volume buttons. I have taken it into the apple store who said they believe it to be the battery expanding but as the phone is one month outside of warranty they will not replace. Then told me to contact my service provider, which I have done and they have sent me back to apple. Any suggestions? I don't think its fair that I should have to pay to repair a faulty item as I would expect an item of this cost to last much longer than 13 months. Anyone know if I'm covered under the sales of goods act?

The screen bulge is causing some other problems as well:

Phone turns off randomly

Touch screen is very temperamental

Freezing

Any input would be highly appreciated.

iPhone 5, iOS 7.0.6

Posted on Mar 7, 2014 1:16 PM

Top-ranking reply

Ruadh2

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Sep 14, 2017 10:28 PM

My son's 5s (http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/iphone/iphone-faq/differences-between-ipho ne-5c-iphone-5s-iphone-5.html) started behaving erratically a couple of days ago. With a full battery, the screen would randomly go blank (ie. not a shut down), and be unable to be rebooted. However, when you plugged it into power it would first show a flat battery indicator, and then (but not reliably) reboot, immediately show 100% battery and so work as normal. The corner of the screen near the volume buttons was slightly raised and a bit spongy to touch.

I booked it in for a repair with the Genius Bar and after a few tests, they concluded that it had a swollen battery. They gave us a new phone to replace it, saying that they were required to under Australian Consumer Law. (The Australian regulator had recently taken Apple to court for refusing to repair or replace defective products where the customer had used a third party repairer for an unrelated problem. https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-takes-action-against-apple-over-alleg ed-misleading-consumer-guarantee-representations. In my case all repairs were with Apple. This follows previous criticism of Apple's extended warranty for charging for services required to be provided for free.)

So, in Australia you should get this repair for free. If not, check your rights with ACCC.

Good result for me though!

View in context

136 replies

Sep 1, 2016 7:05 AM in response to omarfromnewport

It is out of warranty, so Apple will not fix it for free. They will usually fix it for $79, the cost of a replacement battery.

Sep 1, 2016 8:32 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Yeah, but I heard in other forums that this is an extreme issue and many people have gotten it replaced way out of warranty for free

Sep 1, 2016 8:37 AM in response to omarfromnewport

omarfromnewport wrote:

Yeah, but I heard in other forums that this is an extreme issue and many people have gotten it replaced way out of warranty for free

No, it's not an "extreme issue". However, only Apple can tell you want Apple will do for you. Contact them and ask.

bhav2013

Level 1

4 points

Sep 1, 2016 2:49 PM in response to omarfromnewport

Even I had this issue recently and my phone was also more then 3.5 years ... but they refused to do it for free but replaced my phone for the cost of the battery...

So don't get too high hopes the replacement is free of charge only if your phone is not old then 3 years..

Sep 5, 2016 10:07 PM in response to Samd123

Funny thing... I have the iPhone SE. Which is pretty much just the iPhone 5 with upgraded specs. I've only had it for a few months. Within the last two weeks, I noticed that sometimes, I would pick my phone up, or pull it out of my pocket, and the left side of the screen would pop, like it was going back into place. Didn't think anything of it until I Googled the issue. I saw where a lot of iPhone 5 batteries were expanding and the screen would raise up... Well I looked thoroughly at the left side of my screen, and the top left is definitely raised off of where it normally sits, and I can press down on it and the screen will move up and down. I contacted apple tonight to send my phone in for repair. Such a shame. I got rid of my iPhone 6 Plus due to the whole unresponsive screen with gray bars at the top, and got a smaller one thinking that the 6 plus was too big and it was bending in my pocket, just to have an issue with the screen/battery on this one. I want the solid build of my iPhone 3gs back. These phones seem to get worse and worse with time. 😟

Me111003

Level 1

4 points

Nov 26, 2016 6:51 AM in response to Samd123

I have had the same problem with the phone. I have experienced a massive decrease in battery life and my phone has had problems with cellular sevice being slow where it hasn't before. I have not gone to Apple yet but will be soon and don't know if the battery is the cause. The screen is literally popping out I the phone.

Nov 26, 2016 7:39 AM in response to Me111003

Take it to Apple quickly. Your battery is nearing its end-of-life and expanding; you need to get it replaced before it does additional damage.

Dec 6, 2016 7:10 PM in response to $uomynona

i think thats your internets problem not the ipod or iphone

Dec 7, 2016 6:02 AM in response to Garebear3342

Garebear3342 wrote:

i think thats your internets problem not the ipod or iphone

A bulging battery is a hardware problem in the phone. It is not caused by "your internets".

May 9, 2017 6:11 AM in response to frankfromdrums

Thanks for reporting, and I'm glad it worked out for you.

Jun 24, 2017 10:21 AM in response to Major_21

I don't know if it's official policy, but in the US Apple stores have frequently replaced a phone with a swollen battery for the cost of a battery replacement (79 USD).

Major_21

Level 1

4 points

Jun 24, 2017 11:10 PM in response to paulfromindio

Thanks a lot for your replies. I will now go back to the store again, and try to talk to them for a replacement ( which is of course not for the price of a new phone).

Again, thanks!

Jun 25, 2017 8:35 AM in response to Major_21

Some general advice, which you probably already know, but I'm posting for others who may be in a similar situation: You have a better chance of success if you are polite and reasonable.

nigagape

Level 1

8 points

Jul 22, 2017 11:21 PM in response to Major_21

I also confront with this problem now and I try to contact to Apple for help. May be I can do nothing. :(

Jul 23, 2017 6:21 AM in response to nigagape

As has been posted many times over in the thread you posted to you need to take the phone to an Apple store or Apple Authorized Service Provider and they will help you.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPhone 5 screen bulge