My Silent/Ring Key is Broken.. software solution??

istrikelast · September 15th, 2007, 08:21 PM

Okay, so I bought my iPhone a *little* used and I just realized that the Silent/Ring switch is broken. I don't want to open the thing up to switch the internal mechanism and totally void up my warranty. Instead I was thinking maybe there was some terminal magic or a software solution to tell the iPhone that the switch is switched the other way.

My phone is currently stuck in it's silent state and I can't hear anything unless I have the headphones on.

Thank you guys in advance.

unity · September 16th, 2007, 02:33 AM #2

Just take it in for repair, sorry but I have to say "duh". Its an Apple product, so the warranty covers the product, not the purchaser. In short, no matter who has the phone, its covered for hte first year and longer is Apple Care is purchased.

iPodAddict · September 16th, 2007, 04:53 AM #3

Are you saying the switch works but the iPhone won't change it, or is the switch mechanically damaged?

Restore if former, send it in for repair if latter.

istrikelast · September 16th, 2007, 08:31 PM #4

Quote:

Originally Posted by unity

Just take it in for repair, sorry but I have to say "duh". Its an Apple product, so the warranty covers the product, not the purchaser. In short, no matter who has the phone, its covered for hte first year and longer is Apple Care is purchased.

*sigh*

I took it to Apple and because my iPhone has a scratches on the back (I had a friend keep my phone in her purse one night and she threw it in the same pocket as her keys), they immediately assumed that my phone was dropped and that the broken switch is because I drop my phone all the time.

The Apple Genius Bar is one *very* frustrating thing for me. Every time I've ever been there, they've always told me that my issue is not within the boundaries of the warranty or even the paid AppleCare service.

unity · September 18th, 2007, 10:22 PM #5

Dude, TAKE IT BACK AGAIN!!!!!

Those stupid "genius" guys are not what they used to be. "Apple Genius" is now an oxymoron.

Scratches are NOT a sign of abuse, but use. Ask to speak to a manager ro just keep bugging them til they give. This is a phone, not a piece of art meant never to be touched. Even if you dropped it, they should fix it unless there is major structural damage.7

istrikelast · **you think so** - September 18th, 2007, 11:35 PM #6

Altight, I'll give it another go, tomorrow after work. I like that they have free WiFi there. Maybe I can give some updates while I'm there.

istrikelast · **The terminal route** - September 22nd, 2007, 02:25 PM #7

Alright, I give up on going about official means.

Can anyone tell me maybe how to go about using the terminal to tell the phone to ignore the switch or atleast think the switch is on ring mode instead of silent??

I just want my ringtones back.

iPodAddict · September 24th, 2007, 05:34 AM #8

Quote:

Originally Posted by istrikelast

Alright, I give up on going about official means.

Can anyone tell me maybe how to go about using the terminal to tell the phone to ignore the switch or atleast think the switch is on ring mode instead of silent??

I just want my ringtones back.

I really don't think there's a way. Even if you were to set a plist file with the right value, it would likely go right back.

I would just call Apple and have them ship an iPhone box to you for mail-in repair. They're not as stupid as the geniuses

istrikelast · September 24th, 2007, 03:11 PM #9

Quote:

Originally Posted by iPodAddict

I really don't think there's a way. Even if you were to set a plist file with the right value, it would likely go right back.

I would just call Apple and have them ship an iPhone box to you for mail-in repair. They're not as stupid as the geniuses

They have already told me that this wasn't going to happen because of the scratches on the back and the slight dent on the top corner. They keep repeating that they do not fix 'accidents'. Then dent was caused by an overstuffed pocket one afternoon.

Hans · September 24th, 2007, 03:31 PM #10

wow how does overstuffing your pocket dent it? i have dropped mine several times (onto wood floors, concrete, etc) and just scratched the metal border so far

iPodAddict · September 24th, 2007, 08:53 PM #11

Quote:

Originally Posted by istrikelast

They have already told me that this wasn't going to happen because of the scratches on the back and the slight dent on the top corner. They keep repeating that they do not fix 'accidents'. Then dent was caused by an overstuffed pocket one afternoon.

Don't tell them about anything but the switch and just send it to them. The techs at the repair center generally know what they're doing.

istrikelast · September 25th, 2007, 05:16 AM #12

Quote:

Originally Posted by iPodAddict

Don't tell them about anything but the switch and just send it to them. The techs at the repair center generally know what they're doing.

Alright, I called today to set up a repair. When asking if it would cost me anything, they said that if they find that the device was damaged due to user abuse (accidents) or by me opening it up, then they would send me a bill of $199.

Seriously... what happened to this company's support policies? I remember when I had my 1st gen iPod, if it started to go south, I went into the Apple retail store and they handed me another one.

Highway51blues · **Suggestion** - September 27th, 2007, 01:59 AM #13

I have run into the same problem with Apple as well, but with an iPod. Basically it comes down to who is working at the Genius bar, a douche or a non douche. My hard drive failed in my iPod, I had a sad Mac face and I was in LA at the time, they said this was because I dropped it (had a minor dent or two) and refused to give me a replacement, so I said fine "f*** you" and walked out, for reals. I was in Seattle a week later went to another mac store, told the guy my hard drive failed on the plane ride from LA and I would like a replacement. He was very nice said its very common and I went home with a new iPod that day. Great story I know.

If you travel, go to another Mac store and switch it out or I too suggest calling up Apple. Worse comes to worse they do want to charge you the $199, refuse it and they have to send you the phone back unfixed. Service has gone down the tubes, Steve's been making friends with bad companies like Starbucks, companies like Best Buy and Starbucks realize people will be pissed by the lack of service but we always come back and their profits are better. Good Luck.

**Yes** - October 23rd, 2007, 12:05 AM #14

Thank you for this thread -- just went to apple store today and i had a dent (extremely, extremely minor, i kid you not) and a scratch on the top and my iphone's screen had a dead part on it that i could not touch anything (couldnt open the clock, calc, notes, or settings). the asshole manager and genius told me that i voided my warranty by scratching it.

i am going to go to another apple store to try the techniques y'all have tried. any other suggestions?

thanks again for this thread -- we should post more on how to get around apple's support staff.

Chad Vader · October 24th, 2007, 04:43 AM #15

Tell them that you realize the warranty doesn't cover cosmetic damages and that you just want your problem fixed. You'll take the scratched iPhone case as long as they fix it.

**any new info?** - December 29th, 2007, 08:36 PM #16

i went in today with mine and no luck. talked to the manager and said what y'all said to say... even less luck. they said i could put my sim card in another phone or i could get a new one for 249$! anyone have any new links to how to do it yourself?

bwilliams18 · December 29th, 2007, 08:58 PM #17

that sux ive gotten 2 new iphones because theyve been broken one the dock connector and another the speakers nd my friend got a new one b/c he had something stuck in his headphone jack that was obvious a usser accident it was something like a marble
i would try a different apple store if that is possible or go to an ATT store i went in there once and they didnt even care that i had hacked the hell out of it

kramerd · **Positive experience** - November 22nd, 2008, 11:51 AM #18

My silence switch broke (the chrome portion sheared off from the rest of the switch leaving very little material to toggle the switch back and forth). I set up an appointment with the Genius Bar, first experience ever, walked in and showed them the phone. No questions asked, they said they will set me up with a new phone. They asked if I backed up my data, and I said yes. They asked me if I wanted to transfer the aftermarket screen protector or not. I said "I would like to transfer it".

They brought the new phone and they gently removed the screen protector and placed it on the new phone and proceeded to work the air bubbles out from under it. They then activated the phone, apologized for the inconvenience, and I was on my way.

I came home, synced with iTunes and all my data was restored except for the passwords for the email accounts (which I suspect was done that way for security reasons and was no big issue to restore them manually).

So, not sure why others are having negative experiences. While I was disappointed by the problem, I was very pleased that Apple stood behind their product and did not question me at all. They did not even check to see if it was under warranty (which it is, so perhaps they knew this simply because it is a 3G and hasn't been out long enough to be out of warranty). They did not blame me or even suggest I had anything to do with the damage.

I am pleased by the customer support.

bt86bt · November 26th, 2008, 06:22 AM #19

There is another -software- solution for broken volume button. This solution disables the volume buttons (ONLY in 1.1.3 and 1.1.4! NOT 2.0+) and worked perfectly for me.

The original post here: http://hackint0sh.org/forum/showpost...06&postcount=1

Or the guide copied to my webpage: http://btc.inara.nu/page.php?id=41 (if the link above does not work)

brian1625 · December 30th, 2008, 08:16 AM

A friend and I figured this out. There's no more warranty, so no other choice.

If your switch is broken and it's stuck on silent mode, there is a DIY hardware fix!

The iPhone default is "Ring On" The point of the switch is to turn on "Silent" if the switch is stuck on "silent" you can fix it.

If you know how to get into your iPhone and locate the switch you can cut it off! Now the phone can ring again! [You can test it by unhooking the strip and calling it] If you want silent mode on again, simply turn on airplane mode. Simple.

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istrikelast Forum Lurker Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My Silent/Ring Key is Broken.. software solution?? - September 15th, 2007, 08:21 PM #1
	Okay, so I bought my iPhone a little used and I just realized that the Silent/Ring switch is broken. I don't want to open the thing up to switch the internal mechanism and totally void up my warranty. Instead I was thinking maybe there was some terminal magic or a software solution to tell the iPhone that the switch is switched the other way. My phone is currently stuck in it's silent state and I can't hear anything unless I have the headphones on. Thank you guys in advance.

unity iPA Regular Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: WI Posts: 45 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	September 16th, 2007, 02:33 AM #2
	Just take it in for repair, sorry but I have to say "duh". Its an Apple product, so the warranty covers the product, not the purchaser. In short, no matter who has the phone, its covered for hte first year and longer is Apple Care is purchased.

iPodAddict Beyond l33t Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 245 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	September 16th, 2007, 04:53 AM #3
	Are you saying the switch works but the iPhone won't change it, or is the switch mechanically damaged? Restore if former, send it in for repair if latter. __________________ iPod Therefore I am

unity iPA Regular Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: WI Posts: 45 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	September 18th, 2007, 10:22 PM #5
	Dude, TAKE IT BACK AGAIN!!!!! Those stupid "genius" guys are not what they used to be. "Apple Genius" is now an oxymoron. Scratches are NOT a sign of abuse, but use. Ask to speak to a manager ro just keep bugging them til they give. This is a phone, not a piece of art meant never to be touched. Even if you dropped it, they should fix it unless there is major structural damage.7

istrikelast Forum Lurker Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	you think so - September 18th, 2007, 11:35 PM #6
	Altight, I'll give it another go, tomorrow after work. I like that they have free WiFi there. Maybe I can give some updates while I'm there.

istrikelast Forum Lurker Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The terminal route - September 22nd, 2007, 02:25 PM #7
	Alright, I give up on going about official means. Can anyone tell me maybe how to go about using the terminal to tell the phone to ignore the switch or atleast think the switch is on ring mode instead of silent?? I just want my ringtones back.

Hans Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 391 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	September 24th, 2007, 03:31 PM #10
	wow how does overstuffing your pocket dent it? i have dropped mine several times (onto wood floors, concrete, etc) and just scratched the metal border so far

Highway51blues New Recruit Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York City Posts: 18 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Suggestion - September 27th, 2007, 01:59 AM #13
	I have run into the same problem with Apple as well, but with an iPod. Basically it comes down to who is working at the Genius bar, a douche or a non douche. My hard drive failed in my iPod, I had a sad Mac face and I was in LA at the time, they said this was because I dropped it (had a minor dent or two) and refused to give me a replacement, so I said fine "f*** you" and walked out, for reals. I was in Seattle a week later went to another mac store, told the guy my hard drive failed on the plane ride from LA and I would like a replacement. He was very nice said its very common and I went home with a new iPod that day. Great story I know. If you travel, go to another Mac store and switch it out or I too suggest calling up Apple. Worse comes to worse they do want to charge you the $199, refuse it and they have to send you the phone back unfixed. Service has gone down the tubes, Steve's been making friends with bad companies like Starbucks, companies like Best Buy and Starbucks realize people will be pissed by the lack of service but we always come back and their profits are better. Good Luck. Last edited by Highway51blues; September 27th, 2007 at 02:05 AM.

johndoe111 Guest Posts: n/a	Yes - October 23rd, 2007, 12:05 AM #14
johndoe111 Guest Posts: n/a	Thank you for this thread -- just went to apple store today and i had a dent (extremely, extremely minor, i kid you not) and a scratch on the top and my iphone's screen had a dead part on it that i could not touch anything (couldnt open the clock, calc, notes, or settings). the asshole manager and genius told me that i voided my warranty by scratching it. i am going to go to another apple store to try the techniques y'all have tried. any other suggestions? thanks again for this thread -- we should post more on how to get around apple's support staff.

Chad Vader iPhone Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 86 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	October 24th, 2007, 04:43 AM #15
	Tell them that you realize the warranty doesn't cover cosmetic damages and that you just want your problem fixed. You'll take the scratched iPhone case as long as they fix it. __________________ Day shift manager.

*bexter Guest Posts: n/a	any new info? - December 29th, 2007, 08:36 PM #16
*bexter Guest Posts: n/a	i went in today with mine and no luck. talked to the manager and said what y'all said to say... even less luck. they said i could put my sim card in another phone or i could get a new one for 249$! anyone have any new links to how to do it yourself?

bwilliams18 Rocks the Board Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 257 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	December 29th, 2007, 08:58 PM #17
	that sux ive gotten 2 new iphones because theyve been broken one the dock connector and another the speakers nd my friend got a new one b/c he had something stuck in his headphone jack that was obvious a usser accident it was something like a marble i would try a different apple store if that is possible or go to an ATT store i went in there once and they didnt even care that i had hacked the hell out of it __________________ Paintballer and Proud Viva La Nation

kramerd Forum Lurker Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Positive experience - November 22nd, 2008, 11:51 AM #18
	My silence switch broke (the chrome portion sheared off from the rest of the switch leaving very little material to toggle the switch back and forth). I set up an appointment with the Genius Bar, first experience ever, walked in and showed them the phone. No questions asked, they said they will set me up with a new phone. They asked if I backed up my data, and I said yes. They asked me if I wanted to transfer the aftermarket screen protector or not. I said "I would like to transfer it". They brought the new phone and they gently removed the screen protector and placed it on the new phone and proceeded to work the air bubbles out from under it. They then activated the phone, apologized for the inconvenience, and I was on my way. I came home, synced with iTunes and all my data was restored except for the passwords for the email accounts (which I suspect was done that way for security reasons and was no big issue to restore them manually). So, not sure why others are having negative experiences. While I was disappointed by the problem, I was very pleased that Apple stood behind their product and did not question me at all. They did not even check to see if it was under warranty (which it is, so perhaps they knew this simply because it is a 3G and hasn't been out long enough to be out of warranty). They did not blame me or even suggest I had anything to do with the damage. I am pleased by the customer support.

bt86bt Forum Lurker Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	November 26th, 2008, 06:22 AM #19
	There is another -software- solution for broken volume button. This solution disables the volume buttons (ONLY in 1.1.3 and 1.1.4! NOT 2.0+) and worked perfectly for me. The original post here: http://hackint0sh.org/forum/showpost...06&postcount=1 Or the guide copied to my webpage: http://btc.inara.nu/page.php?id=41 (if the link above does not work)

brian1625 Forum Lurker Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	A Fix For the Silent Switch - December 30th, 2008, 08:16 AM #20
	A friend and I figured this out. There's no more warranty, so no other choice. If your switch is broken and it's stuck on silent mode, there is a DIY hardware fix! The iPhone default is "Ring On" The point of the switch is to turn on "Silent" if the switch is stuck on "silent" you can fix it. If you know how to get into your iPhone and locate the switch you can cut it off! Now the phone can ring again! [You can test it by unhooking the strip and calling it] If you want silent mode on again, simply turn on airplane mode. Simple.