Everything you need to know about Apple's iPhone self-repair program

Apple launched its iPhone Self-Repair program in late April to allow Apple device owners to perform their own repairs at home using Apple parts, repair manuals and tools.

In this tutorial, we'll cover everything you need to know about a self-repair plan, including whether it's worth using alternative repair options.

Self-repairable devices

Currently, the self-repair program covers Apple’s latest iPhones, iPhone 12 models, iPhone 13 models, and the 2022 iPhone SE. The full list of covered devices is as follows:

• ‌iPhone 13‌
• ‌iPhone 13‌ Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• ‌iPhone 13 Pro‌ Max
• ‌iPhone 12‌
• iPhone 12 Mini
• ‌iPhone 12‌ Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone SE (2022)

Start Repair

The first step in starting a repair is to review the repair manual for the device you want to repair to see what it requires. You need to browse it to get the service manual code inside, which is the next step in the repair process.

After viewing the manual, you can visit the self-service repair shop and enter the equipment you want to repair and the parts that need to be repaired. Apple will show you the repair parts and tools you need to make the repair, as well as pricing information.

You can add the components you want to your shopping cart on the website and check out to have them shipped directly to you. Note that almost all repairs require special tools, which you can buy separately or rent a tool kit from Apple for $49.

Please note that the repair shop is not operated by Apple, but by third-party provider SPOT.

Access Repair Manual

To obtain a repair manual, all you need to do is visit Apple's self-service repair website. From there, click the "Apple Repair Manuals" link under "Support." You can also click below to directly access the manual you are looking for. Please note that all links are to PDFs on Apple's website.

• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone SE 3rd Generation

Every Repair The manuals all explain how the repair process works and describe the parts available for purchase. The repair manual includes detailed information on how to set up the repair, the steps required, and what to do if a problem occurs.

Repairable Components

Apple's manuals, tools, and components are available for the following repairs on every ‌iPhone‌:

• Battery
• Bottom Speaker
• Camera
• Showcase
• SIM Tray
• Touch Engine

If another ‌iPhone‌ component is damaged, you cannot To repair, you need to send it to an Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or independent repair shop.

Tool Kit Rental

Nearly all repairs require special tools designed by Apple and can be obtained by renting an Apple repair kit. Repair kits rent for $49, but you must pay a $1,200 deposit to secure your return of the repair kit.

You have 7 days to use the repair kit, after which it must be returned to Apple via UPS. Apple charges a licensing fee when you first rent a kit, which disappears once the kit is returned. Apple says users will be charged for any lost or damaged tools.

A repair kit that contains nearly all the tools you need sounds convenient, but it comes in two parts that are bulky and unwieldy. The first part of the kit weighs 43 pounds and the second part of the kit weighs 36 pounds, for a total of 79 pounds. These kits are very heavy, and Apple provides tips for lifting them on its repair website:

• Think before you lift. Resize the object and if it's too bulky, get help!
• Plan the elevator. Know where you are going and have a clear path.
• Stack smaller boxes on top of larger boxes, extend handles and roll instead of carrying two boxes.
• Balance the load between your hands.
• Have a good base of support—feet shoulder-width apart or more.
• Bend with your knees and hips and keep your head up.
• Foot first. Turn with your feet, not your torso.
• Take it easy.

These kits stack up to 20 inches wide and 47 inches tall, but they do include a wheeled case for shipping. Each kit includes a battery press, a display press, a heated display removal jig, a repair tray, adhesive cutter, protective cover and torque driver, the full list can be found on the do-it-yourself repair website.

Tool kits are customized for each Apple device model, it's worth noting that some parts need to be purchased separately as not all tools are included. Most of the tools not included are probably items you have at home or can be purchased cheaply at a repair or hardware store.

Tool Purchasing

Do-It-Yourself Repair Shop offers over 200 parts and tools that can be purchased individually for ‌iPhone‌ repairs. You don't have to use any of the Apple rental kits mentioned above, but can purchase every tool you might need.

This will get expensive, as some of Apple's proprietary repair tools are expensive. Some sample prices are as follows. Many of these tools are required for every repair.

• Display Press - $216
• Display Glue Plate - $25 to $30
• Torque Drive - $80 to $100
• Heated Display Bag - $108 to $116
• Heated Monitor Removal Clamp - $256
• Repair Tray - $30 to $50
• Universal Monitor Removal Set (SE only) - $160

If you plan to make multiple repairs, it may be worth buying each component piecemeal, but for one-time repairs, it's more affordable to rent a kit.

Repair Price

Taking into account Apple's $49 rental fee for the kit, the repair price will in some cases be more expensive than simply sending the device to Apple for repair.

The following is a list of repair prices for ‌iPhone 13‌, including rental prices for repair kits. Each of these is calculated using Apple's recommended fix component package. Apple does offer a discount for sending replacement components for recycling, so that's included in the pricing.

• Battery Repair-$95.84
• Speaker Repair-$92.64
• Camera Repair-$113.54
• Monitor Repair-$285.35
• SIM Tray - $7.20 (no repair kit required)
• Taptic Engine - $92.64

Please note that this pricing does not take into account the cost of returning the repair kit and it will require Replacement components are shipped back to Apple. It also doesn't take into account the time it takes to repair, which can be lengthy for those unfamiliar with repairs.

By comparison, it costs $69 to have Apple replace an iPhone 13 battery under warranty, so replacing the battery yourself isn't worth it. Likewise, even if you don't have a warranty, it will cost Apple $279 to replace a damaged screen, which is cheaper than repairing it yourself.

For other repairs, you may save some money based on Apple's out-of-warranty repair/replacement charges. Non-battery and display repairs for the ‌iPhone 13‌ are $449. Of course, this repair price is the price set by Apple, and the fees charged by Apple's authorized service providers may be lower.

If you have AppleCare, there's no reason to even consider repairing it yourself, since each repair costs $99 or less.

Repair Requests

Apple does not allow you to order any used repair parts you want - all repair purchases are tied to a specific "iPhone". When creating a new order, you will need to provide the serial number or IMEI of the ‌iPhone‌ you are repairing.

The serial number of your iPhone‌ must match the part you ordered. So, for example, if you want to buy an ‌iPhone 13‌ display bundle, you'll need an ‌iPhone 13‌ serial number or IMEI. This essentially limits repairs to device owners and does not allow independent repair shops to order parts in bulk from Apple.

After installation, many repairs require you to contact Apple to verify the part through the system configuration process.

Return Parts for Recycling

After the repair is completed, your removed components may be sent back to Apple. If this is the case, and Apple has access to the components, you may be able to get a small discount on the cost of the repair.

For example, with ‌iPhone 13‌ Battery Repair, you can get a $24.15 credit when you send in your old battery, which brings the price of the repair components down to $46.84 (plus $49 for the kit).

Self-Service Repair Experience and Apple Repair

We tested the repair process with an ‌iPhone 12 mini‌ battery replacement and found that it was difficult for people without repair experience to complete. It's a complex and time-consuming process that takes nearly a full day and requires tools that even Apple doesn't provide in its toolkit.

At the end of the repair, it turned out to be more expensive than having Apple replace the battery, and overall, not worth the investment of time and money. Be sure to check out the video above for a complete overview.

Some repairs, such as camera and Taptic Engine repairs, may be worth it as you'll save some money based on the cost of getting them from Apple, but be sure to read through the repair manual ahead of time to understand what you're getting into. For most repairs, it's easiest to contact an Apple retail store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or an independent repair shop that uses Apple components to repair your device.

Supported Countries

The self-repair program is available in the United States, but will expand to other countries, including Europe, later in 2022.

FUTURE EXPANSION

In the future, Apple plans to expand the self-repair program to other devices, including Apple Silicon Macs.

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