iPhone 5c down the toilet....!!

papercut1982

Good Evening

I am after some advice please.

This am my iPhone 5c slid out my back pocket straight in the loo... (Before the loo was used, all I have been asked today).

I got it out in seconds, left it on and removed all code/screen locks just in case when it was put back on the keyboard wasn't fully functioning.

Then I took to it with a hair dryer, on mild, from the bottom and a fair amount of water came out. I then switched off and put it in rice on the radiator.

Keyboard was all over the place this morning and it wouldn't make a call, this evening it's fine except the camera is poor and a bit if water damage on the screen. Everything else works.

So, my question, found out my insurance doesn't cover water damage... £560 for a new one or, I phoned apple and they can provide one for £210. It isn't 'brand new' but it is??

Can anyone explain this to me? They said it will have a warranty and look new so what is it? The 5c has only been out since autumn last year.

Is £210 a good price? Has anyone any experience in doing this?

Thank you :-)

redcard

Turn the phone off and put it back in the bowl of rice

papercut1982

Yes, I have done this.
It is sat on the radiator now in the biscuit tin.
Massive improvement since this am.
I will need another I don't doubt, I can't imagine it being 100% after this happening so just wondered what this new but not new really means?

redcard

It means it's refurbished, it probably has a new casing and screen, and comes with a warranty of some description.

You'll get £100+ for a water damaged 5C on ebay

papercut1982

Thank you.

I guess as long as the warranty is worthy of the next 15mths then it should be ok coming direct from apple.

I guess they will want the old one in exchange just in case I do sell it on or try and get another from insurance or whatever so selling won't be an option. Shame as it would make a good running phone!

gjchester

papercut1982 wrote: »

So, my question, found out my insurance doesn't cover water damage... £560 for a new one or, I phoned apple and they can provide one for £210. It isn't 'brand new' but it is??

Is £210 a good price? Has anyone any experience in doing this?

You will get a refurbished phone, even through it may look like new. It will be one someone else has returned Apple have repaired and are selling to you as a refurb. Yours will go back into the chain be repaired/refurbed and become someone else's in the same way. Never has it on a phone but had to have ipods replaced in warranty via pretty much the same mechanism, most of the time you won't tell its been used.


Given the options are £210 for a replacement or £469 for a new one your choice should be clear...


The problem with any liquid damage is most liquids are not pure, you'll get all sorts of corrosion or salts coming out onto the circuits that cause issues.


On the Brightside, Apple are one of the few companies who will at least offer this as a service...

d123

Apple will want the old one back, they term it an "out of warranty" replacement and the replacement will to all intents and purposes be a brand new phone in a plain box.

I did a warranty replacement of an iPhone 5 last month and the replacement was manufactured in late December so had only been out the factory for less than a month.

The only thing to remember is the warranty on the new phone is only the same as the one you hand in.

gjchester

papercut1982 wrote: »

Thank you.

I guess as long as the warranty is worthy of the next 15mths then it should be ok coming direct from apple.

I guess they will want the old one in exchange just in case I do sell it on or try and get another from insurance or whatever so selling won't be an option. Shame as it would make a good running phone!

Yes they will take the old one back, usually its done as an advanced swap, they send the new one, you return the old one, but before you think you can keep it they take your card details, if you don't return the old one they charge you full price for the refurb.




Warranty on refurbished is 90 days or the remainder of your original warranty, whatever's the longer.


Other point is if it shows signs of opening or damage (such as you opening it up to dry it out) then they may not offer the replacement at all, unlikely but best you know before you try to open it to dry it better

d123

gjchester wrote: »

Yes they will take the old one back, usually its done as an advanced swap, they send the new one, you return the old one, but before you think you can keep it they take your card details, if you don't return the old one they charge you full price for the refurb.

Or, of course, while you wait in any Apple Store.

http://concierge.apple.com/reservation/gb/en/techsupport/

papercut1982

Thank you so much for your replies, I did think it would be a return or some kind of refurb, didn't make sense otherwise (business sense).

They said book a slot online with the store and they will do it there and then, just tell O2 the new serial number in case I get it unlocked end of contract.

I will also insure for accidental water damage!

I have never done anything like that in 15yrs of owning a mobile. Very annoying! I won't take it apart, I wouldn't have a clue anyway and I know that it is a sealed unit and they are very clever about picking up on anyone else's interference..

Lesson learnt! But yes, £210 is a good price I guess. I wouldn't buy on eBay in case the person selling their new upgrade doesn't pay their contract and the phone gets blocked in my possession.

I guess I'm lucky it still functions minus camera until I can book an appointment! When should I charge it? Bit worried that could fry it...!!!

d123

papercut1982 wrote: »

Thank you so much for your replies, I did think it would be a return or some kind of refurb, didn't make sense otherwise (business sense).

They said book a slot online with the store and they will do it there and then, just tell O2 the new serial number in case I get it unlocked end of contract.

I will also insure for accidental water damage!

I have never done anything like that in 15yrs of owning a mobile. Very annoying! I won't take it apart, I wouldn't have a clue anyway and I know that it is a sealed unit and they are very clever about picking up on anyone else's interference..

Lesson learnt! But yes, £210 is a good price I guess. I wouldn't buy on eBay in case the person selling their new upgrade doesn't pay their contract and the phone gets blocked in my possession.

I guess I'm lucky it still functions minus camera until I can book an appointment! When should I charge it? Bit worried that could fry it...!!!

If you can help it, charge it as little as possible (that can cause more damage).

If you use my link, you can normally make an appointment within a few days (right up till 8pm depending on store). Go in, tell them you've spoken to telephone support and ask for an out of warranty replacement. It all takes about 15-20 minutes.