Apple Launches A Replacement Program For The iPhone 5's Sleep Button

Apple has launched a new replacement program for the iPhone 5 handset’s sleep button.

A problem reportedly affecting “a small percentage” of handsets has prompted Cupertino to unveil the new program, which will see Apple replace buttons on affected iPhone 5 devices free of charge.

The company has launched a new Web page for the program, and there users can input their handset’s serial number in order to check if their smartphone is one of the affected few. Apple explains:

Apple has determined that the sleep/wake button mechanism on a small percentage of iPhone 5 models may stop working or work intermittently. iPhone 5 models manufactured through March 2013 may be affected by this issue.

Apple will replace the sleep/wake button mechanism, free of charge, on iPhone 5 models that exhibit this issue and have a qualifying serial number.

The replacement process will begin in the United States and Canada from April 25, while in other countries, the program will begin from May 2. Replacements take place at an Apple Repair Center, and users can either bring their iPhone 5 in person or send it off in the mail.

Unfortunately, replacements take between four to six days, meaning users are going to have to live without their beloved handset for some time while the repair takes place.

Before sending your iPhone 5 off, Apple asks users to:

Back up your data to iTunes or iCloud

Turn off Find my iPhone

Erase data and settings in Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings

Remove any case or cover

For more information on the replacement program take a look at Apple’s recently launched Web page. Do you have an affected handset?

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