Can Apple tell if an iPhone has been repaired?

Yes. On iOS 15.2 and later, Apple shows repair details for major components in Parts and Service History.

Does replacing the battery void the iPhone warranty?

Third-party repairs during an active warranty may affect coverage. Apple-authorised repairs do not.

Why does my iPhone show “Unknown Part”?

This appears when Apple cannot verify the part as a genuine Apple component.

Can Face ID stop working after a screen replacement?

Yes. Incorrect screen or sensor installation can interfere with Face ID.

Is a refurbished iPhone with replaced parts reliable?

Yes, if it has been properly tested, graded, and sold with a warranty and return policy.

How can I check if the screen is original?

Check True Tone availability and review Parts and Service History in Settings.

Does a repaired iPhone affect resale value?

It can, especially if non-genuine parts are used or repairs are not disclosed.

Buying Guides17 Dec 2025Posted byLiam Harris

How to Check if an iPhone Has Been Repaired?

When buying a used or refurbished iPhone, one of the most common concerns is whether the device has been repaired before. Repairs are not always a bad thing, but understanding what was repaired, how it was done, and whether the parts are genuine helps you make a confident decision. Apple now provides system-level indicators that make this easier, especially when combined with physical and functional checks. If you’re still learning how refurbished devices are evaluated overall, this fits into the broader context of the iPhone refurbishment buying guide.

Check Apple’s Parts and Service History (iOS 15.2 and Later)

Apple introduced Parts and Service History in iOS 15.2 to improve transparency around iPhone repairs. This section shows whether key components have been replaced and whether Apple recognises the parts as genuine.

How to Find Parts and Service History in Settings

Open Settings, go to General, then tap About.
If the iPhone has had a repair, you may see a section called Parts and Service History.

Apple lists repairs for major components such as:

Battery
Display
Camera

Each listed part will show whether it is a Genuine Apple Part or an Unknown Part. If no repairs are detected, this section may not appear at all.

What “Unknown Part” Means on an iPhone

An Unknown Part message means Apple cannot verify the component as a genuine Apple part or confirm that it was installed by an Apple Authorised Service Provider. This commonly occurs after third-party repairs or when aftermarket components are used. This distinction is important when comparing different device conditions, similar to how buyers assess the pros and cons of refurbished phones before purchasing.

An unknown part does not automatically mean the phone is unreliable, but it does affect transparency and may influence resale value.

Check Battery Replacement and Battery Health

The battery is one of the most frequently replaced components on the iPhone. Apple provides several ways to check battery condition and replacement history.

How to Tell If the iPhone Battery Was Replaced

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
Look for:

Maximum capacity percentage
A “Service” message
Battery details listed in Parts and Service History

A battery replacement may appear here if Apple recognises it.

Signs of a Non-Genuine Battery

Indicators of a third-party battery replacement may include:

Battery health data missing or not updating
Sudden battery percentage drops
Performance management warnings
Inconsistent charging behaviour

Battery condition is one of the main differences people look for when trying to understand whether a device is new or refurbished.

Check if the iPhone Screen Has Been Replaced

Display replacements are common, especially after drops or cracks. Apple systems and visual checks can help identify screen repairs.

True Tone Check After Screen Replacement

True Tone is disabled when a display is replaced with a non-genuine screen or when calibration data is missing.
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and check if True Tone is available.

If True Tone is missing and was previously supported, the screen may have been replaced.

Physical Signs of Screen Replacement

Inspect the display closely for:

Uneven bezels
Screen gaps
Light bleed around edges
Delayed or inconsistent touch response

Screen quality and calibration are also part of the broader refurbishment process and tools used during professional device reconditioning.

Check Camera, Face ID, and Sensors

Camera modules and sensors are tightly integrated with Apple’s security and display systems.

Camera Replacement Indicators

Check the camera for:

Blurry images
Autofocus issues
Night mode inconsistencies
Camera-related warnings in Settings

Camera replacements may also appear in Parts and Service History on newer iOS versions.

Face ID and Sensor Functionality Checks

Test Face ID by setting it up again in Settings.
Also check:

Screen turning off during calls (proximity sensor)
Auto-brightness adjustments
Face ID failure messages

Sensor problems often appear after screen or camera repairs.

Inspect the iPhone Physically for Repair Signs

Not all repairs are recorded in software. A physical inspection can reveal signs of previous work.

Screw and Frame Inspection

Look at the bottom pentalobe screws.
Signs of repair include:

Scratched or worn screws
Uneven frame alignment
Slight separation between screen and body

These suggest the device has been opened.

Check for Water Damage or Internal Repairs

Check the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) inside the SIM tray using a light.
A red or pink indicator suggests water exposure.

Also watch for:

Corrosion on ports
Fog inside the camera lens
Discolouration near connectors

Verify the iPhone Using Serial Number and IMEI

Apple’s verification tools can confirm device identity and warranty status.

How to Check Warranty and Repair Coverage

Use Apple’s Check Coverage tool with the serial number.
This shows:

Warranty status
AppleCare coverage
Estimated purchase date

While it doesn’t list all repairs, it helps confirm authenticity.

Match Device Details With the Listing

Ensure the following match the seller’s description:

Model number
Storage capacity
Colour
Network compatibility

Mismatches may indicate part replacement or incorrect listing details.

Apple Repairs vs Third-Party Repairs – What’s the Difference?

Apple repairs are logged in the system and use verified components. Third-party repairs may not appear in Parts and Service History, even if done professionally.

The quality of a repair depends on:

Parts used
Installation accuracy
Post-repair testing

A third-party repair can still be reliable if performed correctly and disclosed transparently.

Is a Repaired iPhone Safe to Buy?

A repaired iPhone is not automatically a poor choice. Most refurbished devices have had at least one component replaced as part of normal reconditioning. What matters is whether the repair was disclosed, the device was properly tested, and key features like Face ID and battery health function as expected. This is why buyers comparing different options often consider refurbished iPhones rather than unverified used devices.

What to Look for When Buying a Refurbished iPhone

When evaluating a refurbished device, focus less on whether it was repaired and more on how it was refurbished. Most professionally refurbished iPhones go through component replacements as part of normal reconditioning, so the quality of the refurbishment process matters far more than the repair itself.

Reliable sellers clearly explain how devices are inspected, tested, and graded before resale. A refurbished iPhone that has undergone structured testing, transparent grading, and warranty coverage offers significantly more confidence than a device with an unclear history.

Key indicators of a reliable refurbished iPhone include:

Multi-point inspection and functional testing
Clear grading standards, such as Open Box Like New, Grade A, or Grade B
Battery health and internal component checks
At least a 12-month warranty
A change-of-mind return window

Transparency and after-sales support are stronger indicators of device reliability than whether a specific part was replaced. A well-documented refurbishment process reduces risk and helps buyers make informed decisions.

Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.