Free iPhone/iPod Touch Replacement Tutorial by [PowerPlans]
I wanted to teach everyone who currently owns a iPhone (all versions) and iPod Touch (all versions) how to receive a brand new replacement under warranty (or refurbished-depending on stock).
Why would you want to do this you might ask? The answer is simple – you might be almost up on contract/warranty (like me) and want to get a nice fresh replacement to sell before opening up a new contract (iPhone only). So i did my research and figured out a full proof method in order to receive a brand new iPhone 3G for myself.
My research:
I found the TOS for iPhone replacement on apple’s website
Apple iPhone FAQ
Then reasons for Apple to replace iPhone
http://www.cultofmac.com/how-to-get-the-…ty/11368/2
What I did:
Since the only symptoms my phone had was a little dust under the screen, i knew they wouldn’t replace my iPhone, just replace the screen. Not cool! So what I decided to do was figure out the best type of issue that they couldn’t determine at the MAC store and would be my “in” for a free replacement.
The “bright” idea:
I scheduled a early afternoon(important – 1-2pm) appointment at my local Apple store and went to the iPhone specialist to let him know i have 2 issues:
1.Dust under screen
2.Battery issue (Bright Idea)
Battery Issue- I explained to the tech that I will use my phone(iPod) all day and it will show that it is full charged until about 6pm – then the battery will drop from showing full to less than 20% (in the red). You have to make sure you tell the guy you listen to music for about 3-4 hours, browse the net and make a bunch of calls during the day and still the same issue (so he knows you are using a good amt. of battery life).
*IMPORTANT* Make sure prior to going to the tech the 1st time – that you don’t use your phone that much for the day (so it shows full bar).
He’ll give you a bunch of info about restoring your phone(iPod), tell them you did a restore from backup about a week ago, he will then say “maybe try setting up the phone(iPod) as a fresh install”, tell him you will try that when you get home and make sure they document your visit with them.
Do a fresh install of your phone(iPod) (they most likely know when the OS was installed from their diagnostics) and schedule an appt. with them for a week later (to give it time to test).
2nd Visit: Make sure you follow the same steps on time and not using phone(iPod) prior to visit. Go to the tech and say you did what they asked and had a fresh install but the phone has the same symptoms and by the end of the day you don’t know if you have 90% battery or 10% and that is an issue due to (Work reasons, family issues, school project) and that you need your phone(iPod) into late hours and this battery dropping suddenly is causing a serious issue.
They will do some diagnostics, but ultimately they cannot test for this specific issue as their diagnostics aren’t equipped for this and they will have to replace your phone(iPod). Voila – new equipment!!!!!
*IMPORTANT STEPS*
1. Don’t try to do this in one visit – it will severly reduce odd’s of receiving new equipment, unless they offer it to you on-spot (highly unlikely).
2. Visit store between 1-2PM with iPhone/iPod that hasn’t been used for the day (make sure you turned it on prior to visit).
3. Be persistent and tell them you paid alot of money and the equipment is causing a big inconvenience.
4. Enjoy your new stuff 
