First off, there are certain models of the iPhone 5 under a battery recall by Apple. Have an iPhone 5 that doesn't seem to have enough battery life? Check your phone's serial number with Apple to see if it's under recall, if so, you may be in for a FREE, new battery. Apple's battery recall information HERE
Okay, so maybe you don't have an iPhone 5, or your phone doesn't qualify for the recall. If you have a 4/4S (or dare we say a 3? Believe it or not, a screen repair request on a 3GS came in the other day, so some people still use them), then you likely just need a new battery. Those devices are older and depending on their use, the battery is likely approaching the end of its usable life. iPhone and Galaxy batteries will be listed in our online store soon, so keep checking back.
On to a much bigger problem. Cheap, 3rd party lightning cords! Ever been in a gas station and saw a lightning cord for $5.00? Did you buy it? Did you consider buying it? If you did, throw it away now. Seriously. If you didn't, don't, and be thankful.
A large number of devices using Apple's newest charging cord, the lightning cable have been reported has having several battery related issues ranging from charging in one direction of the cord, but not when flipped over, charging to a certain % that's less than 100 and stopping, to not charging at all - in either direction of the lightning cord plug.
Our friends at imore.com have an article about it HERE
Okay, so maybe you don't have an iPhone 5, or your phone doesn't qualify for the recall. If you have a 4/4S (or dare we say a 3? Believe it or not, a screen repair request on a 3GS came in the other day, so some people still use them), then you likely just need a new battery. Those devices are older and depending on their use, the battery is likely approaching the end of its usable life. iPhone and Galaxy batteries will be listed in our online store soon, so keep checking back.
On to a much bigger problem. Cheap, 3rd party lightning cords! Ever been in a gas station and saw a lightning cord for $5.00? Did you buy it? Did you consider buying it? If you did, throw it away now. Seriously. If you didn't, don't, and be thankful.
A large number of devices using Apple's newest charging cord, the lightning cable have been reported has having several battery related issues ranging from charging in one direction of the cord, but not when flipped over, charging to a certain % that's less than 100 and stopping, to not charging at all - in either direction of the lightning cord plug.
Our friends at imore.com have an article about it HERE
Have an iPhone 5 that won't seem to charge past 1% or boot up at all anymore after the battery was completely depleted? It seems that you aren't alone. According to UK repair company mendmyi, who has seen an influx of iPhone 5's with this particular issue, the problem is a prime example of why you shouldn't use cheap cables to charge your iPhone.
That, according to imore.com is a significant problem. We're afraid it's a lot more complicated than simply replacing your current, cheap lightning cord with one that's certified by Apple's MFi program. Once you've been using a cheap lightning cord long enough, permanent damage can and will occur within your phone's logic board. Often, the damage is more expensive to repair than it is to just buy a new phone because it involves micro soldering of an integrated circuit known as the U2.
Still using a cheap lightning cable or knock-off Apple cable you bought on eBay? You are gambling with the photos, contacts, un-synced apps, and other data on your phone. Once the U2 IC is damaged, you may not be able to recharge or sync it, even with an original Apple cord.
So where can you get an Apple certified lightning cord without paying $30 for it? Walgreens Tech N Go brand are Apple certified and right around $15. How do you know it's certified by Apple's MFi program? Look for this logo anywhere on the packaging. If you can't find it, DON'T BUY IT! Be weary of "loose" iPhone cords sold at gas stations UNLESS you see this logo:
Still using a cheap lightning cable or knock-off Apple cable you bought on eBay? You are gambling with the photos, contacts, un-synced apps, and other data on your phone. Once the U2 IC is damaged, you may not be able to recharge or sync it, even with an original Apple cord.
So where can you get an Apple certified lightning cord without paying $30 for it? Walgreens Tech N Go brand are Apple certified and right around $15. How do you know it's certified by Apple's MFi program? Look for this logo anywhere on the packaging. If you can't find it, DON'T BUY IT! Be weary of "loose" iPhone cords sold at gas stations UNLESS you see this logo:
Another source for certified by Apple lightning cords is Amazon's brand sold under AmazonBasics. They have a black one for $10.99 and a white one for $13.99. Links provided below.
Or if 3 feet isn't quit long enough to reach your bed, sofa, or other favorite place to relax and use your iPhone, iPod, or iPad, then here is a 6 foot version in black for $13.99
As always, if you have any questions about this subject or others, email us at h2o@riceisfordinner.com
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