Are third party screen replacements EVER successful?

Hi.

I'm an independent repairer. There are a vast difference in qualities of screens available on the market. If you go for the cheapest option, then you will likely encounter problems with the screens. You want to look for someone who offers a 6-12 month warranty on the part. The length of the warranty speaks volumes about the quality which is being used.

I only use the best quality parts available with a 12 month warranty, and for iPhone screens, I may have 1 out of every 100 which are returned under warranty.

I find most people base their decision on price. Where they would be much better off in the long run basing it on length of warranty.

It's possible to have the screen replaced by a 3rd party and not have problems, however...

There are a few facts you need to keep in mind before you opt to take that route.

Apple will not service a device that has been opened by a 3rd party, either in or out of warranty. Opting for 3rd party service means you forfeit your right to an out of warranty replacement.

Apple does not sell iPhone parts. The only possible sources for iPhone parts used by unauthorized 3rd parties are salvaged parts, counterfeit parts, and stolen parts.

NelMid1994 wrote:

Also, can the poor work done by a third party be redone, or is the phone ruined forever?

Yes, it can be rectified with good quality parts installed by someone who has an attention to detail.

SunOfRa78 wrote:

NelMid1994 wrote:

Also, can the poor work done by a third party be redone, or is the phone ruined forever?

Yes, it can be rectified with good quality parts installed by someone who has an attention to detail.

This is partially true. However, if the screen replacement did not keep the original HOME button assembly then Touch ID and related features (such as Apple Pay and login to apps that support Touch ID) will never work again. There is no way to rectify this. The Error 53 issue has been resolved with iOS 9.2.1(15D20) update, but it still doesn't fix TouchID.

As the phone in question is a 6S there is no justification for having anyone other than Apple replace the screen, as any other path will void the warranty on the phone. Apple's fee for changing a 6S screen is $129.

Lawrence Finch wrote:

This is partially true. However, if the screen replacement did not keep the original HOME button assembly then Touch ID and related features (such as Apple Pay and login to apps that support Touch ID) will never work again. There is no way to rectify this. The Error 53 issue has been resolved with iOS 9.2.1(15D20) update, but it still doesn't fix TouchID.

Exactly. After all the attention on error 53 recently I should hope that no 3rd party's are replacing the home button with a screen replacement!

I agree with you, and it's possible to replace the screen without replacing or damaging the HOME button as you well know. The discussion brought up poor work done by a 3rd party, however, and I think damaging the assembly is a potential issue in that category.

Lawrence Finch wrote:

I think damaging the assembly is a potential issue in that category.

Well of course. There are dozens of potential issues which can arise from any repair. But if the right procedures and methods are carefully carried out, then the likelihood of issues are very low. And this is where warranty and going with someone with a good reputation come into play when finding someone who is good enough to avoid said issues.

The warranty is only as good as the company offering it and presupposes they will still be in business one year later. And finding the reputable place is still a high difficulty factor.