What will actually happen if I send my Ipad to Apple for repair?
July 30, 2022 11:28 PM Subscribe
I have a 2020 Ipad Air that has stopped recognizing when it's plugged in. According to the people at my local Apple affiliated store the port connector has become corroded and would need to be replaced. What will Apple actually do if I send it to them for repair?
If I send it to Apple for out of warranty (which it is) repair it will cost $419. Will Apple actually replace the port on my Ipad and send it back to me, send me a refurbished (or I suppose new) 2020 Ipad Air, or send me a refurbished 2022 Ipad Air? If they were going to send me the same 2020 model I think I may opt to pay the extra and just get the newer model.
On the gripping hand is it worth finding a third party repair place? Does anyone have any recommendations for this sort if repair? I think I'm reasonably technically savvy, but I don't think I have the skills and certainly not the tools to replace the port myself.
If I send it to Apple for out of warranty (which it is) repair it will cost $419. Will Apple actually replace the port on my Ipad and send it back to me, send me a refurbished (or I suppose new) 2020 Ipad Air, or send me a refurbished 2022 Ipad Air? If they were going to send me the same 2020 model I think I may opt to pay the extra and just get the newer model.
On the gripping hand is it worth finding a third party repair place? Does anyone have any recommendations for this sort if repair? I think I'm reasonably technically savvy, but I don't think I have the skills and certainly not the tools to replace the port myself.
Assuming good attempts have been made to clean the port with contact cleaner, etc.? Apple will be trying that first when you bring it in. Then the swap at repair cost.
Depending on why you use the port, you could charge through the smart connector as a workaround. You’d need a device that connects to it and that has a port, like the magic keyboard.
posted by michaelh at 5:53 AM on July 31, 2022
Depending on why you use the port, you could charge through the smart connector as a workaround. You’d need a device that connects to it and that has a port, like the magic keyboard.
posted by michaelh at 5:53 AM on July 31, 2022
The cost of a refurbished iPad air 3rd gen from Apple starts at $419. A 64GB "renewed" 4th gen iPad Air from Amazon is $418.95. Apple's "repair" costs are basically the cost of a refurb unit and only seem to exist so Apple can claim to have a repair program. I would probably just bite the bullet and buy a newer model.
I argued the price over a port problem with an iPad Pro a few years ago and they knocked about 50% off the "repair" price -- which I went ahead and took, but at the original repair price it would have made more sense to buy a new one.
I used to feel that Apple would do the right thing with repairs and factored that into the Apple Premium with their hardware - but the last few times I've had to interact with them about hardware issues I've been less satisfied.
posted by jzb at 6:06 AM on July 31, 2022 [4 favorites]
I argued the price over a port problem with an iPad Pro a few years ago and they knocked about 50% off the "repair" price -- which I went ahead and took, but at the original repair price it would have made more sense to buy a new one.
I used to feel that Apple would do the right thing with repairs and factored that into the Apple Premium with their hardware - but the last few times I've had to interact with them about hardware issues I've been less satisfied.
posted by jzb at 6:06 AM on July 31, 2022 [4 favorites]
For what it's worth, I had a really nice iPad that I dropped something heavy on, and the screen shattered. I sold it on eBay as-is, making it very clear that it worked fine except for the shattered screen, for $140 plus shipping. It took very little time to sell. I then bought a replacement (new, open box) on eBay for around $185 or $200. If you have any eBay experience or know someone who can sell it for you it's probably worth doing the same.
posted by Slinga at 7:35 AM on July 31, 2022
posted by Slinga at 7:35 AM on July 31, 2022
On the iPad the port is a serviceable component, and opening it is something you can do with the right tools and skill. I wouldn’t think twice about going to a third party repair service for that job. Most independent cellphone shops should be able to do it safely and I would expect to spend under $200. Allstate sent my 2018 Pro, which should be similar, to iResq for a charge port replacement and it went fine.
posted by doomsey at 9:47 AM on July 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by doomsey at 9:47 AM on July 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
Apple have a playbook for this kind of fault, and I bet they have no means of inspecting the inside of the connector to see if it actually corroded.
Before you go further, take a pin or unbent paper clip and just check if the port is not full of lint - poke it in as far as it can go and then take it out by following the bottom of the hole to the left or right and then running the tip up the side wall. That happened to be with my iPhone repeatedly, and it means the connector won't seat far enough in to charge. I can see it being less likely with an iPad, but certainly possible, and it costs you nothing to try.
Also, dumb question: you tried it with a second cable, right? Cable pins definitely get grotty, I've had to fix them in the past (fine sandpaper works).
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:13 AM on July 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
Before you go further, take a pin or unbent paper clip and just check if the port is not full of lint - poke it in as far as it can go and then take it out by following the bottom of the hole to the left or right and then running the tip up the side wall. That happened to be with my iPhone repeatedly, and it means the connector won't seat far enough in to charge. I can see it being less likely with an iPad, but certainly possible, and it costs you nothing to try.
Also, dumb question: you tried it with a second cable, right? Cable pins definitely get grotty, I've had to fix them in the past (fine sandpaper works).
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:13 AM on July 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
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posted by bluloo at 11:48 PM on July 30, 2022 [1 favorite]