
070-3037-J
Visual/Mechanical Inspection Guide
for iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s
March 17, 2014
Updates in Version J:
■
p14: Device Identification: updated configuration codes for iPhone 5c
Feedback:
smfeedback6@apple.com
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070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 1 of 14
Visual/Mechanical Inspection
Apple provides service for iPhone products with defects in materials and workmanship under the iPhone warranty or
applicable consumer law. This document helps you identify conditions that affect whether Apple covers service.
Note: This document applies to iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5s.
Apple warrants iPhone against defects in materials and workmanship when used normally in accordance with Apple’s
published guidelines for a period of ONE (1) YEAR globally (except for Turkey where the period is TWO (2) YEARS) from
the date of original retail purchase by the end-user purchaser. The iPhone warranty covers failures caused solely by
manufacturing defects, regardless of accidental damage. The warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage, including
but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports or to defects caused by normal wear and tear or otherwise due to the normal aging of the device.
Benefits under the manufacturer's warranty are in addition to rights provided by consumer law. For details, refer to
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/statutoryrights.html.
Purpose of Visual/Mechanical Inspection
The Visual/Mechanical Inspection (VMI) will help you determine whether a user's described issue with the iPhone was
caused by a defect in materials and workmanship, accidental damage or an unauthorized modification, and then determine which service type to use. Defects in materials and workmanship are eligible for service under Apple's Limited
Warranty or applicable consumer law. Some forms of accidental damage may be eligible for service under an AppleCare Protection Plan (APP) or AppleCare+ (where available) or for out-of-warranty service at a cost to the user.
Service Eligibility
■
Eligible Damage (Returnable Damage): Damage caused by defects in materials or workmanship and some forms
of accidental damage, for example liquid contact. See Guidelines for Damage Classification and Reference Photos
(page 12) for examples of damage that is eligible for service under Apple's limited warranty, AppleCare Protection
Plan, AppleCare+ (where available) or applicable consumer law or for out-of-warranty service at a cost to the user.
■
Ineligible Damage (Non-Returnable Damage): Severe or catastrophic damage caused by accident, abuse, disassembly or unauthorized service or modification is ineligible for service under Apple's Limited Warranty or for out-ofwarranty service. See Guidelines for Damage Classification and Reference Photos (page 12) for examples of damage
that is ineligible for service. Devices with this type of damage should be returned to the user un-repaired.
Note: Catastrophic damage may be covered for AppleCare+ users in certain countries. Refer to Apple Support article OP691: Coverage eligibility for products covered by AppleCare+ for more information.  Apple Confidential - Do Not Distribute
070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 2 of 14
iPhone 5 Hardware Overview
This section offers diagrams of both external views and internal views of the device. Its purpose is to be a guide
through external and internal inspection and give an overview of the components in each device.
All functional components must be present for a device to be eligible for service under Apple’s warranty. Also, all
functional components must be those that were originally contained within the iPhone.
External Inspection
When inspecting the device’s exterior, look for these key components to be present.
If any of the following external components are missing or
intentionally damaged, the device has ineligible damage.
• Headset jack
• iSight camera
• Receiver
• Display
• FaceTime camera
Unauthorized modifications alter the device’s functionality or capability and the device is ineligible for service.
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1 Vibe Motor
2 Battery
3 Washer Flex Cable
4 Headphone Jack
5 Home button flex springs
6 Microphone
7 Camera
8 Display Connections on logic board
9 Logic Board Serial Number
10 SIM Tray
11 Serial Number
12 Lightning Flex Cowling
13 Lightning Flex
14 Battery Cowling
15 Speaker Module
16 Lightning Connector
17 Camera/Receiver/ALS Connector
18 Multi-Touch Connector
19 Display Connector
20 Receiver Connector
21 Home Button Assembly
Internal Inspection
For detailed information about iPhone 5 component locations, search GSX for the iPhone 5 Service Guide.
Unauthorized modifications alter the device’s functionality or capability and the device is ineligible for service.
Unauthorized modifications include third party parts used in the device, missing components on logic board,
or missing components on flexes. If battery pull-tab is not present, then device is ineligible for service.
If any of the following internal components are missing or
intentionally damaged, the device has ineligible damage.
• Battery
• iSight camera
• Microphone
• Visible flexes
• Battery connector
• Logic board
• Receiver module
• Vibe motor
• Headset jack
• Logic board serial number
• Speaker module
If any of the issues below are found, investigate further for unauthorized modifications or corrosion.
If no signs of unauthorized modifications or corrosion are found, replace any missing screws/cowlings,
reconnect cables and continue testing.
• Missing screws or cowlings
• Missing internal LCIs
• Damaged battery pull-tab
• Disconnected cables
• Stickers or other unusual markings • Internal serial number sticker on top of older sticker residue
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iPhone 5c Hardware Overview
This section offers diagrams of both external views and internal views of the device. Its purpose is to be a guide
through external and internal inspection and give an overview of the components in each device.
All functional components must be present for a device to be eligible for service under Apple’s warranty. Also, all
functional components must be those that were originally contained within the iPhone.
External Inspection
When inspecting the device’s exterior, look for these key components to be present.
If any of the following external components are missing or
intentionally damaged, the device has ineligible damage.
• Headset jack
• iSight camera
• Receiver
• Display
• FaceTime camera
Unauthorized modifications alter the device’s functionality or capability and the device is ineligible for service.
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070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 5 of 14
1 Vibe Motor
2 Battery
3 Battery Adhesive Tab
4 Home button flex springs
5 Washer
6 Headphone Jack
7 Microphone
8 Camera
9 Display Connections on logic board
10 Serial Number
11 Logic Board Serial Number
12 SIM Tray
13 Battery Cowling
14 Speaker Module
15 Lightning Connector
16 Camera/Receiver/ALS Connector
17 Multi-Touch Connector
18 Display Connector
19 Receiver Connector
20 Home Button Assembly
Internal Inspection
For detailed information about iPhone 5c component locations, search GSX for the iPhone 5c Service Guide.
Unauthorized modifications alter the device’s functionality or capability and the device is ineligible for service. Unauthorized modifications include third party parts used in the device, missing components on logic board, or missing
components on flexes.
If any of the following internal components are missing or
intentionally damaged, the device has ineligible damage.
• Battery
• Headset jack
• Logic board serial number
• Speaker
• Battery adhesive tab
• iSight camera
• Microphone
• Vibe motor
• Battery connector
• Logic board
• Receiver
• Visible flexes
If any of the issues below are found, investigate further for unauthorized modifications or corrosion.
If no signs of unauthorized modifications or corrosion are found, replace any missing screws/cowlings,
reconnect cables and continue testing.
• Missing screws or cowlings
• Missing internal LCIs
• Stickers or other unusual markings
• Internal serial number sticker on top of older sticker residue
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• Disconnected cables
070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 6 of 14
iPhone 5s Hardware Overview
This section offers diagrams of both external views and internal views of the device. Its purpose is to be a guide
through external and internal inspection and give an overview of the components in each device.
All functional components must be present for a device to be eligible for service under Apple’s warranty. Also, all
functional components must be those that were originally contained within the iPhone.
External Inspection
When inspecting the device’s exterior, look for these key components to be present.
If any of the following external components are missing or
intentionally damaged, the device has ineligible damage.
• Headset jack
• iSight camera
• Receiver
• Display
• FaceTime camera
Unauthorized modifications alter the device’s functionality or capability and the device is ineligible for service.
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070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 7 of 14
1 Vibe Motor
2 Battery
3 Battery Adhesive Tab
4 Home Button Connector
5 Headphone Jack
6 Microphone
7 Camera
8 Display Connections on logic board
9 Serial Number
10 Logic Board Serial Number
11 SIM Tray
12 Battery Cowling
13 Speaker Module
14 Lightning Connector
15 Camera/Receiver/ALS Connector
16 Multi-Touch Connector
17 Display Connector
18 Receiver Connector
19 Home Button Assembly
Internal Inspection
For detailed information about iPhone 5s component locations, search GSX for the iPhone 5s Service Guide.
Unauthorized modifications alter the device’s functionality or capability and the device is ineligible for service. Unauthorized modifications include third party parts used in the device, missing components on logic board, or missing
components on flexes.
If any of the following internal components are missing or
intentionally damaged, the device has ineligible damage.
• Battery
• Headset jack
• Logic board
• Receiver
• Battery adhesive tab
• Home button flex
• Logic board serial number
• Speaker
• Battery connector
• iSight camera
• Microphone
• Vibe motor
• Visible flexes
If any of the issues below are found, investigate further for unauthorized modifications or corrosion.
If no signs of unauthorized modifications or corrosion are found, replace any missing screws/cowlings,
reconnect cables and continue testing.
• Missing screws or cowlings
• Missing internal LCIs
• Stickers or other unusual markings
• Internal serial number sticker on top of older sticker residue
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• Disconnected cables
070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 8 of 14
Damage caused by liquid contact or contamination
Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs)
iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s are equipped with one externally visible LCI to assist with determining if iPhone has come into
contact with liquid. A triggered LCI indicates that the iPhone may have come into contact with liquid.
When a phone comes into contact with liquid, a red color fills a circle within the LCI. If the externally visible LCI is triggered, missing, or cannot be seen, open the device to check the two internal LCIs or check for other signs contamination or corrosion.
Note: A flashlight, magnifying glass, or otoscope may be needed to view LCIs.
What to do if the external LCI is triggered?
Check for clear signs that iPhone has been in contact with liquid, such as liquid behind the display or Lightning connector
corrosion. If clear signs of liquid damage exist, deny warranty coverage and offer out-of-warranty paid service.
Ask the user if iPhone has been in contact with liquid, and if so, whether the failure occurred at that time or soon after
exposure. If user confirms correlation between liquid contact and failure, deny warranty coverage and offer out-ofwarranty paid service.
If a user disputes whether an iPhone with a triggered external LCI has been damaged by liquid contact and there are no
external signs of damage from corrosion:
- Open the device as described in the Service Guide and look for internal corrosion or a triggered internal LCI. If there is
corrosion or at least one full red triggered internal LCI, deny warranty coverage and offer out-of-warranty paid service.
- A triggered or missing external LCI alone does not place a device out-of-warranty. If there is no sign of corrosion, present liquid, or internal triggers have not been activated, proceed with eligible warranty service.
The iPhone warranty excludes damage that has been caused by liquid except under special circumstances listed
under the “Eligible For Warranty Service” section of this guide on page 12.
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Debris or Corrosion
Inspect for contamination that may be causing functional issues with the:
• Headset jack • Lightning connector
Inspect for corrosion, lint or other foreign materials in the Lightning connector and headset jack that could cause a
functional issue. Corrosion or other contamination could prevent proper connections. Damage caused by material or
foreign objects in the ports, that is not caused by defects in materials and workmanship, is NOT covered under the
iPhone warranty. This type of damage may be eligible for out-of-warranty service. Use an anti-static brush to remove
lint or other debris from the ports prior to testing.
If a device is exposed to water or other liquids, corrosion— an irreversible deterioration or degradation of materials —
may result. Corrosion damage requires out-of-warranty service unless the user is seeking service for any of the damages
that are considered “eligible for warranty service” on page 12. However, liquid damage that results in a complete failure
of the product or requires the replacement of a whole unit is only eligible for out-of-warranty service (returnable
damage). Note: Do not replace components in devices that have triggered internal LCI or corrosion damage.
Swollen Battery
Refer to Apple Support article TS2358: Enclosure separation due to expanded battery.
Enclosure Wear Characteristics
The warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on
ports or to defects caused by normal wear and tear or otherwise due to the normal aging of the device. Enclosure Wear Characteristics
The following images are examples of normal wear and tear that is not normally covered under warranty.
Edge “brightening”
Chips
Scratches and Scuffs
Cracks
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Gouges
Housing dents
070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 10 of 14
Unauthorized Modifications
Unauthorized modifications alter the device’s functionality or capability and the device is ineligible for service. In order
for the device to be eligible for service, the user should submit the device with its original components.
All service claims that are denied due to unauthorized modification must be clearly recorded in the service history.
Third-Party Display Modification
Note: If display powers on, then this test is not necessary. Remove any screen protector, if present. Illuminate display
with an LED flashlight positioned at least 1ft (30cm) from the display. If reflection on display does have color bands or
refractive color banding as shown on the left, then it is an original Apple display. The banding will not be present on a
device that has this type of third-party display.
Original Apple Display
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Third-Party Display
070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 11 of 14
Guidelines for Damage Classification and Reference Photos
The chart below outlines the service eligibility of different types of damage.
Eligible For Warranty Service: If the damage for which the user is seeking service is described below, whether or not
Eligible For Warranty Service
accidental or liquid damage is present, the damage is eligible for warranty service. Debris Under Display Glass or Pixel Anomaly
Single Hairline Crack to the
Front Glass or Back Inlay
without point of impact
or additional cracks
Upon user claim only
Bent Enclosure unrelated to abuse (no cracked glass or points
of impact) iPhone 5c bent enclosure not eligible for warranty service.
Eligible For Out-Of-Warranty Service (Returnable Damage): If the damage (or combination of damages) for
Eligible For Out-Of-Warranty Service
which the user is seeking service is described below, the damage is eligible for out-of-warranty service.
Any Chip(s) or Fractures in Glass
Clear Evidence of Corrosion or
Liquid Damage Confirmed by User
Including glass fracturing where internal
See “What to do if the external LCI is triggered?”
Internal LCI Triggered
components are exposed.
Single Hairline Crack with point of
impact or additional cracks
Any LCD Fractures
Damaged Lightning Connector
Under the cover-glass
Bent pins,
broken plastic
or bent bezel.
Extreme Abrasion, Puncture Holes,
Button Damaged or Missing from Drop
Bent Enclosure iPhone 5c bent enclosure
Split Enclosures
ineligible for warranty service.
Severe separation of the enclosure.
Audio Jack / Speaker Grill Damage
with Foreign Material that Cannot
Be Removed
Ineligible For
Service
Including broken
headphones
and other accessories.
Ineligible for Service (Non-Returnable Damage): If the damage for which the user is seeking service is described below, the damage is ineligible for service. Return the device to the user. Disassembled Unit
or Missing Parts
Catastrophic Damage
Including units that are destroyed or forcibly separated
into multiple pieces.
To receive service, unit must
have all functional parts listed
on pages 3 & 4 and be
assembled.
*
Counterfeit or Third-Party Parts and
Unauthorized Modifications
Including aftermarket displays, mis-matching components or other non-Apple
installed parts.
Unauthorized modifications, including inoperability or malfunction due to installation of unauthorized software, cause the device to be ineligible for warranty
or out-of-warranty service until the device is returned with its original components
and/or software.
* Catastrophic damage may be covered for AppleCare+ users in certain countries. Refer to Apple Support article
OP691: Coverage eligibility for products covered by AppleCare+ for more information.
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070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 12 of 14
Device Identification
A valid device identifier, such as the International Mobile Equipment Identifier
(IMEI) or Apple serial number, is required to provide service for iPhone. The
IMEI is on the back of the iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s housing. If the device turns on,
the serial number may be obtained in Diagnostics, iTunes, and the IMEI can be
obtained by dialing *#06# on the phone keypad.
Note: Do not use the iOS “About” screen to retrieve the serial number.
If a device turns on, and the printed serial number is missing or mismatched,
use the serial number obtained in Diagnostics or iTunes. The IMEI can be obtained by dialing *#06# on the phone keypad.
If a device does not turn on, use the IMEI on the back housing and match it to the internal serial number label to identify the device. If the back housing IMEI is unreadable, use the internal serial number.
If the device doesn't turn on, the back housing IMEI is unreadable, and the
internal serial number is not present, attempt to determine whether the serial
number label has been subject to unauthorized removal, or is missing due to
the manufacturing process. A serial number that has been removed will leave
behind a hexagonal pattern of adhesive residue (see image to left).
If the printed serial number label has been removed by a user and the device does not turn on, the device is not
eligible for service.
If the printed serial number is missing due to the manufacturing process and the device does not turn on, the
user will need to present proof of purchase to be eligible for service.
If any printed or etched serial number or IMEI shows signs of intentional defacing, then device is no longer eligible for service.
IMPORTANT: Certain iPhone 5 CDMA Model A1429, with a serial number within the range xxxH1xxxxxxx xxxJ9xxxxxxx, must be serviced using the IMEI on the back housing. These devices may have an internal serial
number label that does not match the serial number presented in iOS, iTunes or iOS Diagnostics. Do not deny
service on the basis of mismatched serial numbers for these devices. Inspect the device for signs of tampering or unauthorized service per normal procedures and use the device International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI), etched on
the back housing, to initiate service if appropriate.
When entering a serial number to begin service, verify the color, size and model of the device matches the serial number. All iPhone models have a unique configuration code (the last 3-4 characters of the serial number). This code identifies the size, color, and model of an iPhone. If there is a mismatch between the configuration code and the device’s
color, size, or model, it has been modified and is considered ineligible for service. See next page for a chart of configuration codes.
Devices with color modifications can be identified by looking inside the headset jack and Lightning connector.
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Model Numbers and Configuration Codes
A 14 28
i Ph on e 5
A 142 9
GSM
GS M w /AW S b a nd
GS M
6 4G B B lack
F 38W
FH1G
F39C
F 8GM
CD MA
F8H7
6 4G B Wh ite
F 38 Y
FH1 H
F 39D
F8GN
F8H8
32G B B lack
D T TQ
FH1 D
DT W G
F 8GK
F8H5
32G B Wh ite
D T TR
FH1F
DT WH
F8 GL
F8H6
16 GB B l ack
DT TN
FH 19
DT W D
F8GH
F8H2
16 GB White
DT TP
F H1C
DT WF
F8GJ
F8 H 4
A 14 5 6
A 15 0 7
A 1516
A 152 6
A 1529
CD M A
GSM
CD M A
CDMA
C DMA
32G B Wh ite
FM1P
F LF L
F Q14
FQ 14
FLFT
FQ 14
FM1 N
FN DK
FNLY
32G B Pink
F M 21
F LG 2
F Q18
FQ 18
FLG0
FQ18
FM20
FN DP
FNM3
32G B Ye llow
FM1R
FLFM
F Q15
FQ 15
FLFV
FQ15
F M1Q
FNDL
FNM0
32G B B lu e
F M1 V
FLFN
F Q16
FQ 16
FL FW
FQ 16
F M1T
FN DM
F ND M
32G B G re e n
F M 1Y
FLFP
F Q 17
F Q17
FLFY
F Q17
FM1 W
FN DN
FMN2
16 GB White
FFHH
F F T5
F Q 0Y
F Q0 Y
FL01
F Q0Y
FFHG
FN DD
FNLQ
16 GB Pi n k
FFHR
F F TN
F Q13
FQ 13
FL05
FQ13
FFHQ
FNDJ
FNLW
16 GB Yel l ow
F F HK
F F T6
F Q10
FQ 10
FL02
FQ 10
FFHJ
FN DF
FNLR
16 GB B l u e
F F HM
F F T7
F Q 11
FQ11
FL03
FQ11
FFH L
FN DG
FN LT
16 GB G re en
FFHP
F F TM
F Q12
FQ 12
FL04
FQ12
FFH N
FN DH
FNLV
G07P
FYYD
FY WR
FY Y1
FY W8
FY VW
i Pho ne 5 c
8G B White
A1532
GSM
C DMA
8G B Pin k
G 0 7V
FYYJ
FQ 13
FY Y5
FY WF
FY W2
8G B Yellow
G07Q
FYYF
FY WN
FY Y2
FY W9
FY VY
8G B B lu e
G 0 7R
F Y YG
FY WP
FY Y3
FY W C
FY W0
8G B G re en
G07T
FYYH
FY W Q
FY Y4
FY WD
FY W1
A 14 53
A 14 57
A 1518
A 1528
A1530
CD M A
GSM
CD M A
CDMA
CDMA
6 4G B Space G ray
FFFR
FFGH
FR9G
FP6 P
FR CC
FFGH
F R9 R
FFFQ
FNJ Q
FNN R
6 4G B G old
FFFW
FFGK
F R9 J
F P6R
FR CF
FFG K
FR9 V
FFFV
FNJT
FNN V
6 4G B Silver
FFFT
FFGJ
F R 9H
FP 6 Q
FR CD
FFG J
FR 9T
F FFP
FNJ R
FN NT
32G B Space G ray
FFFJ
FFGD
F R 9C
FP 6L
FR C7
FFG D
FR9N
FFDP
FNJM
F NNN
32G B G old
FFFN
FFGG
FR9F
FP6 N
FR C9
FFGG
FR 9Q
FFFM
FN JP
FN NQ
32G B Silve r
FFFL
FFGF
F R9 D
FP 6M
FR C8
FFGF
FR9P
FFF K
FN JN
F NNP
16 GB Spa ce G ray
F F 9Y
FFG8
F R 97
FP 6H
FR C4
FF G8
FR9 K
FF9R
FN JJ
FNN K
16 GB G o l d
FFDR
FFGC
F R9 9
FP6K
FR C6
FFGC
FR 9M
FFDQ
FNJ L
FNNM
16 GB Si lver
FFDN
FFG9
F R9 8
F P6 J
FR C5
FF G9
FR 9 L
FF9V
FN JK
FNN L
i Ph on e 5s
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A 1533
GS M
C DMA
070-3037-J iPhone 5, 5c, 5s VMI Guide Page 14 of 14