What Could Happen if I Dropped My iPhone on the Floor?

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Close-up of a woman on a subway holding an iPhone
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Apple's iPhone is one of the best-selling smart phones on the market. Its sleek design, full-featured Web browsing capabilities and large screen make it an ideal mobile Internet device. Like all electronic equipment, though, the iPhone is made up of fragile components that may suffer significant damage if you drop the device on the floor. If you accidentally drop your iPhone, there are a few potential outcomes and few of them are good.

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No Damage

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The best case scenario for a dropped iPhone is that it survives the fall undamaged. Despite its delicacy, the iPhone can generally survive short falls on to wood, vinyl or carpeted floors. It may even hold up if it's dropped from a few feet, provided it lands on the back or edge, avoiding damage to the glass face. Even if there is no apparent damage, always inspect your iPhone thoroughly before using it again after a fall.

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Minor Damage

Another possibility is that your iPhone survives the fall with only minor damage. This could be anything from a scratch on the face to partial loss of functionality. For example, the mute switch could stop working, or cellular service could become intermittent. If your iPhone is damaged, consider contacting Apple support to ask about possible repair options.

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Major Damage

The worst case scenario is that the glass face shatters or the iPhone is damaged irreparably. If this happens, clean up the glass carefully using gloves to avoid cuts or exposure to toxic chemicals. If the iPhone is not working but the screen remains unbroken, Apple support technicians may be able to repair it or help you recover your data. Replacement screens are available, too. Contact your local Apple Store for options or call the Apple support line.

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Insurance

The standard iPhone warranty doesn't cover accidental damage. Apple's own Apple Care+ plan covers accidental damage, but you will have to pay an excess fee on any claim. Standard Apple Care plans don't cover accidental damage. If you're clumsy, consider buying insurance from a third party. A number of reputable vendors offer plans that cover accidental damage -- such as drops and falls -- at a reasonable cost.

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