After complaints of Apple iPhone 5 sleep/wake button not working, Apple initiates replacement program

(Credit: Flickr / Sean MacEntee)

Many iPhone owners have complained about the Apple iPhone 5 sleep/wake buttons not working properly. Apple, Inc. has acknowledged the error on a small percentage of iPhone 5 devices, whose owners say the sleep/wake functionality may work intermittently or stop altogether. Apple is now commencing a free replacement program in order to help these customers.

If the owner qualifies, the faulty sleep/wake button mechanism on the iPhone 5 will be replaced by Apple for free. On the Apple Support website, there is a new page that will examine whether or not you are qualified to receive the replacement. The faulty buttons appear to primarly be on devices manufactured before March 2013.

In order to receive the replacement, the device unit needs to have a qualifying serial number. The sleep/wake button is on top of the iPhone 5. If it is faulty, the Apple Support site will ask you to enter the serial number of your iPhone 5.

If the device is eligible for replacement, the repairs of the sleep/wake button will be carried out at Apple's repair centers. There are two ways to send your device to the Apple Repair Center – one is mail-in, and the other is carry-in. The replacement process takes about four to six days from the time the unit is received by the repair center.

The Apple Repair Center will examine your iPhone before doing any service to verify if it qualifies for the program, and to make sure it is in working condition. Be reminded to backup your data and settings before handing you device over.

If your device has any damage like a cracked screen which may impair the replacement of the sleep/wake button, this should be resolved first. There are cases where the repairs will have associated costs.

The replacement program started last Friday, April 25, for customers in Canada and the U.S. Other countries will follow beginning Friday, May 2.

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