When buying a second-hand device or getting an unofficial repair, you run the risk of getting fake display in your iPhone. In this article, I’ll show you how to check if your iPhone’s screen is fake or original.
While preloved iPhones can come with a few defects, it’s best to buy devices that still have their original display. Original iPhone display is designed not just to work, but also to pass the necessary safety requirements for everyday use.
With an original iPhone, your second-hand device can still be covered by Apple’s warranty for repairs or factory defect recalls.
Proven ways to check if your iPhone display is fake or original
You don’t have to have specialized equipment to identify fake iPhone screen. Let me teach you a few ways to identify a fake iPhone display. Here are some methods to find out if your pre-loved iPhone still has its original display:
Watch Out for Notifications
With iPhone 11 models and later, excluding iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), using iOS 15.2 and later, you can go to Settings > General > About for the parts and service history of your iPhone. You can also find out if the display has been replaced. If the repair was done using genuine Apple parts and processes, “Genuine Apple Part” will appear next to Display. If the replacement was done using genuine Apple parts and processes, “Genuine Apple Part” will appear next to display.
An Unknown Part message will appear if the display was replaced with a fake display or if it was already used or installed in another iPhone
An additional message might appear that says “Apple has updated the device information for this iPhone.” This means that Apple has updated the device information maintained for this iPhone for service needs, safety analysis, and to improve future products.
With iOS versions earlier than iOS 15.2, an Important Display Message will appear instead of an Unknown Part message.
Take Your iPhone to Apple
When all else fails and you’re still not sure if your iPhone’s screen is fake or original, Apple can tell you for sure.
Schedule an evaluation with your nearest Apple Store or Apple-authorized repair center to get a confirmation. To schedule a session with Apple, go to the Apple Support page and select Start a repair request, then select iPhone as the device you want to repair.
On the next page, it will ask you to enter the issue you have with your device. There is no direct way to ask if your iPhone has fake display, but you can opt to select The topic is not listed and type in your concern.
After, you can choose to either set up a chat with Apple Support or schedule a repair visit. You will be required to enter the IMEI number of your iPhone to confirm your appointment.
Problems you may face with a fake iPhone display
If you use a fake display on your iPhone, your device might experience the following problems:
Multi-Touch issues
- Multi-Touch might not respond on parts of the screen
- Degraded Multi-Touch performance, such as missed screen touches or touches not registering in the right location
- Touches might unexpectedly register during a phone call
- Display might not turn off during phone calls
- Accidental edge or palm touches might register
Display brightness and color issues
- True Tone display doesn’t function correctly
- Lost or degraded function of the ambient light sensor, causing the screen to dim or brighten incorrectly
- Incorrect display color calibration, such as the display to appearing too yellow or blue
- Display isn’t uniformly bright
- Lower maximum brightness
- Unintentional battery drain
How to avoid getting a fake iPhone display
Once you are a certified Apple iPhone owner, it’s important to avoid getting any future repairs with third-party providers. There is always a chance that they not only use fake parts for their repairs, but also steal the working parts and replace them without your consent.
While it may appear cheaper and your iPhone may work for a while, non-genuine display run the risk of affecting the rest of your device. With so many iPhone models on the market, a non-Apple-trained technician may also install used, damaged, or incorrect display for your model.
By using only Apple-authorized service providers, the repair of your device is guaranteed to use only original display. Should there be any issues with the quality of the repair, or recalls due to manufacturing errors, Apple is also likely going to foot the bill.
Make Sure Your iPhone’s Screen Is Genuine
Counterfeit products are everywhere. If you’re tempted to get your iPhone screen replaced by non-certified technicians because of their cheap price, remember that nongenuine display might cause compatibility or performance issues. For example, an issue might arise after an iOS software update that contains display updates. To be safe, it is best to visit a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair. These providers include Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers, and Independent Repair Providers, who have access to genuine Apple parts.