Guide · iPhone parts and Settings warnings
“Unknown Part” on your iPhone,
explained properly.
Since iOS 15, iPhones check whether a screen, battery or camera is paired to the phone and show a note in Settings when it isn’t. Here is which models show it, what a genuine part shows instead, and why it doesn’t affect how the phone works, with the caveat that Apple sets this per model and per part, and moves it.
✓ A repair record, not a fault·✓ Genuine parts show “Genuine” or “Used” on 12+·✓ Never affects your warranty with us
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4,000+Devices repaired
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Up to 12Month warranty
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5.0Google rating
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Apple trainedSelf Repair programme
What it is
A pairing check, not a fault
On iPhone XR and newer, Apple records some replaced parts against the phone, which ones depends on the model (see below). When a recorded part is replaced, iOS checks it. If it can’t verify it, Settings shows a note such as “Unknown Part” or “Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple display” under Settings → General → About. It also appears as a notification when you first unlock the phone after the repair, and again five days later.
It is a label. The screen still works, True Tone can be restored on genuine panels, the battery still charges and reports health, the camera still shoots. It does not slow the phone, block updates, or affect its value to us when you sell.
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iPhone 8, X, XR, XS, SE and 11 series
iPhone 8 and X keep no parts record, so no message. XR, XS and SE: nothing for the screen or camera; the battery may be listed as “Unknown”, whichever battery we fit. iPhone 11: our aftermarket screens show “Unknown”, and the battery may too with any battery, genuine included. Apple's repair tool doesn't cover most of these models.
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iPhone 12 and newer, genuine part
A new genuine Apple screen or battery shows “Genuine” once the repair is finished with Apple's Repair Assistant, with True Tone and (on Pro models) ProMotion restored. A reclaimed genuine part (taken from another iPhone) shows “Used”. We always try Repair Assistant, but occasionally a reclaimed part stays linked to the phone it came from and Settings keeps its note; it doesn't stop the part working. We tell you which part you're getting before we start.
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iPhone 12 and newer, aftermarket part
A quality aftermarket screen or battery shows the note. It works normally; the note is the only difference, and it is why the aftermarket price is lower.
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Cameras
We fit genuine Apple cameras only, reclaimed from another phone, or brand new on request and quoted separately. On iPhone 12 and newer Settings lists them as “Genuine” or “Used”; older models don't record the camera. Apple says camera messages don't affect using the camera, and we test photos, focus and stabilisation before return.
What it means for a repair
Choosing between genuine and aftermarket
On iPhone 12 and newer you have a real choice: a genuine Apple part shows “Genuine” (new) or “Used” (reclaimed) and restores every feature; a quality aftermarket part costs less and works the same day to day, listed as “Unknown” in Settings. On XR to 11 a replaced battery may show “Unknown” either way, so the aftermarket part is usually the sensible choice there.
Either way, every repair we do carries a warranty of up to 12 months, depending on the part (3 months on a genuine Apple part or a budget LCD screen), and the note never affects that warranty or what we pay when you sell the phone.
Buying refurbished
Why an Excellent phone can still show it
A refurbished iPhone may have had a screen or battery replaced during refurbishment. Every phone we sell is tagged Original parts (every part genuine Apple, a reclaimed genuine part included) or Quality parts (a quality aftermarket part), stated on the listing; on iPhone 12 and newer a genuine part shows “Genuine”, or “Used” for a reclaimed one. On XR to 11 a replaced part can show “Unknown” even when genuine, so an Original parts iPhone 11 with that note is exactly as described. All are fully tested and covered by the warranty.
Sources
Where this comes from, and when we last checked it
Apple sets these rules per model and per part, and changes them: which parts Repair Assistant supports, which devices accept a used genuine part, and what Parts and Service History reports have all moved more than once. The guide above is what we see on the bench today, not a permanent rule, if your model matters to a decision, check Apple's own page for it.
Last reviewed against our bench and Apple Support: 14 September 2026.
Apple's own sources: Apple Self Service Repair, and search Apple Support for “Parts and Service History” and pick your exact model.
FAQ
Common questions
No. It records that a part was replaced and what kind of part it is, on XR to 11 even a genuine battery can show it. Quality of the repair is about the part, the fitting, the seal and the testing, none of which the note measures.
It is a record of the repair, so it stays in Parts and Service History. On iPhone 12 and newer a new genuine Apple part shows “Genuine” once finished with Apple's Repair Assistant, and a reclaimed one shows “Used”, instead of “Unknown”. On XR, XS, SE and 11 Apple's repair tool doesn't cover most models, so a replaced battery may stay “Unknown”. Tell us your model and the part and we will say what it will show before you commit.
Face ID is unaffected by a screen replacement done properly. True Tone is restored on genuine panels and on many aftermarket panels; we tell you which for your model. Battery health reports normally on iPhone 12 and newer with a genuine battery; aftermarket batteries on older models may show the note in place of a percentage, but still charge and last as they should.
No. We price on model, storage, condition and faults. A working replacement part with the note is a working part.