Let’s be clear – iPhones are one of the best smartphones out there. However, this doesn’t make them perfect meaning there are some issues here and then that are frustrating proud owners of these devices. One of these issues is the audio IC (integrated circuit chip) issue. What’s interesting is that this specific problem has occurred in two specific models of iPhone – the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Some experts have created a name for this problem – the loop disease.
Audio IC issue in iPhone 7 and 7 Plus explained
Almost every smartphone has a certain weakness and when it comes to iPhone 7 and 7 Plus that’s the audio chip. The specific problem that was experienced by many people in Australia and around the globe in the process of loosening of the audio chip. This is a hardware problem that requires the opening of the device and an intervention. Screen Fixed offer iPhone repairs Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne CBD.
While we are talking about this audio issue, we should mention that it’s different than the Qualcomm chip issue. Similar to the integrated audio chip, the Qualcomm chip tends to become loose after a couple of years. But, the final result of this problem is a no service notification and actual loss of network in some phones.
If you want to prevent this problem from happening, there are a few things that you can do. For instance, it’s highly recommended to use a protective cover for your phone. In this way, you can avoid many issues even if you accidentally drop your phone to the ground. Next, you should never put your iPhone on the edge of a table or other places where it can be pushed.
It’s good to point out that the vast majority of users that have had an audio IC issue with an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus were carrying their devices in their pockets. This means that the phones were in limbo, swinging from one place to another all the time. This can certainly contribute to the loosening of different parts including the integrated audio chip.
Recognizing the common audio issue in iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
It’s crucial to make sure that you are dealing with this problem before taking any action. When this issue occurs for the first time, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users will notice the freezing of their screens now and then. Additionally, the voice memo icon and speaker icon may become gray when they are making phone calls. What’s even worse is that the symptoms will become worse after a while. Once it reaches its final phase, the phone will display the Apple logo on the screen, but it won’t be able to proceed. In other words, you won’t be able to use your iPhone 7/7 Plus anymore. In some cases, the logo appears on its own (the device will reset itself and display the logo) while in other cases, this problem will appear when the user resets the iPhone himself. So, it is very likely that you won’t notice the problem before you reset your iPhone for some reason.
According to some sources, the problem occurred when the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus’s OS was updated. Apple has confirmed that there’s an issue like this.
As we said before, the main problem here is the loosened audio chip integrated to the motherboard. But, what’s not known for sure is how this problem occurs. Some say that the reason should be traced to users’ behavior. If they are not taking good care of their devices and dropping them on tables and other places suddenly and abruptly, this issue will appear. Others argue that if Apple had made this phone part more durable and placed in the right way in the motherboard, this wouldn’t have been an issue.
To be honest, both options are in play. But, what’s important to remember here is that people have to look for a solution once they notice the earliest signs that they have an audio IC issue with their iPhone 7 or 7 Plus.
The Apple replacement program doesn’t cover this issue
As previously mentioned, Apple has unofficially recognized the issue. In 2017 and 2018, they have provided free replacements and fixed for some users. However, they have stopped this practice. While we are talking about the Apple replacement program, we should mention that there are over 10 issues that are covered, but the audio IC issue for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus is not one of them.
Some of these free replacement programs are associated with newer models while others cover even older models like the iPhone 6s for unexpected shutdown problems. Of course, you can always bring your device to one of Apple stores and pay for a repair like this. However, you should be prepared for a costly repair.
Is there a temporary fix for the issue?
Since dozens of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users have experienced problems like this, it’s quite natural that many of them have been trying to find a solution even a temporary one. Over the months, they have figured out how to avoid this problem at least for a while.
This is a simple two-step process. For starters, you have to hard reset your device. To do this, you have to push and hold the volume down and power button at the same time for about ten seconds. This will make the screen go black. After that, push and hold the power button. In this way, you will turn on the device again. If everything goes well, you will notice the Apple logo on the screen. At that point, press form in the lower right part under the logo. Keep holding this area. If you’re lucky, the device will turn on.
Unfortunately, this method doesn’t work for everyone, but even if it does, it’s just a temporary fix. So, the best idea is to look for a professional that can help you with a problem like this. That’s where professional service providers like Screen Fixed Brisbane come into play.
Using an independent repair store to resolve an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus audio IC issue
Even if your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus is not completely blocked and you can still most of its functions, you will still lack a few features or risk to witness a major problem after a while. Of course, we are talking about situations where owners are not taking action to resolve the issue. The only reasonable option is to look for professional help.
The good news is that there are many services like this across Australia. Big cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne have dozens of repair stores, but if you want to get the best service, you have to do some research. Don’t forget that you can use the Apple store and their technicians, but this type of repair is quite expensive and usually slow.
Choosing the best independent repair store
Why settle with a mediocre repair service provider when you can use the best one? After all, you are paying from your pocket for this service. But, how can an iPhone user without any experience find the best service provider? The answer is simple – by checking a few things related to the service providers that they are interested in.
First of all, we will focus on cost. Screen Fixed, for example, provides iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus audio IC repairs for $199. This is more than a reasonable price especially when we compare it to Apple Store. While it’s true that you might be able to find a cheaper option, you have to evaluate the service in general before jumping to conclusions.
Serious repair stores like Screen Fixed are using high-quality replacement parts. When it comes to this specific problem, a new part might not be necessary. Yet, there will be some soldering involved. A process like this involves the use of specific materials like a solder paste for example and special equipment. True professionals will use high-quality materials and have the latest equipment to help them get this job done properly. They are always following the latest industry trends and act accordingly.
Another thing that we should mention there is the warranty. Companies that are confident in their work will provide a warranty for their service. What does this mean? Well, once they fix the audio IC issue, you should be able to use your iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus without any problems. If a problem related to the audio functioning of your device appears (the same problem as before), you have the right to call the service and ask them to repair it for free. The best companies provide 1-year or even 2-year warranties. This is one of the best proofs that you are working with professionals that know what they are doing.
It would be great to check the team before you leave your precious iPhone 7/7 Plus in the hands of a phone repair company. If the company is successful, they will have a team that consists of reliable, trustworthy, trained, and qualified technicians. They should be friendly and professional at the same time. The experience they have is vital for success. So, it would be great if they are specialized in iPhone and they have already fixed a few phones that had a problem like that.
FAQs
What causes a problem with iPhone 7 no sound?
You might have sound turned down or muted. There is a feature on your iPhone “DND” (Do not disturb); when enabled, all the notifications, incoming calls, and alerts will be silenced. It may cause the iPhone 7 not to ring.
What does audio IC mean?
IC means Integrated circuit or microchip. This code identifies the type of the integrated circuit. The audio IC iPhone 7 problem is with its audio function. This IC iPhone problem may be caused by a loosening of the audio chip on the phone’s motherboard.
Ben
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