iPhone shows "Unknown Part" or "Important Message": what it means

First, find out what the message means

Where to find the message

In Settings → General → About, under "Parts & Service History". This section only appears if a part in the iPhone has been replaced. For each part, the iPhone states whether it is a genuine Apple part or an "Unknown Part". Right after the replacement, a notification also appears on the lock screen and in Settings for a few days — for example "Important Display Message" or "Important Battery Message".

What "Unknown Part" means

The iPhone can't verify that the part is a genuine Apple part configured for this phone. It may be a non-genuine part, but it may also be a genuine part that nobody configured in the phone after the replacement. On newer models with current iOS, genuine parts — even used ones from another iPhone — can be configured after the replacement directly on the phone through Repair Assistant. The message itself doesn't harm the phone — the iPhone keeps working, only some features may be missing.

Display: True Tone is missing or brightness behaves differently

With an unverified display, True Tone may be missing, auto brightness may work worse, and touch or colours may not be what they were. The fix is a display replacement. After our replacement we configure the part in the phone, and the iPhone confirms it itself under "Parts & Service History": "This is a genuine Apple part".

Battery: the percentage is missing in Battery Health

With a battery the iPhone can't verify, Settings → Battery → Battery Health doesn't show the maximum capacity and a warning appears. The battery works, you just can't tell how much of it is left. For a battery replacement we use batteries the iPhone recognises as genuine — battery health in Settings stays free of warnings.

Face ID or Touch ID stopped working

Face ID and Touch ID are paired with the main board of that specific iPhone. After an unprofessional display replacement or damage to the sensor, they can stop working entirely, and swapping in a module from another phone usually doesn't bring them back. In a Face ID repair we repair the original module so the pairing with the board is preserved. With Touch ID, we tell you after inspection whether it can be kept, or whether the button will only work as a Home button.

You're not sure which part triggers the message

Choose Diagnostics: we inspect the phone and send you the exact repair price within 24 hours of receiving it. Diagnostics are free if you approve the repair; if you decline, we charge €35 for diagnostics and shipping the phone back.

What an iPhone display replacement costs

The price depends on the iPhone model — an iPhone 11 has a different display from an iPhone 16 Pro Max. The table shows where the replacement starts within each brand; iPhones are in the Apple row. An iPhone display replacement starts from €95, a battery replacement from €70. You see the exact price for your iPhone once you pick the model.

The price you see for your model is final: part and labour, no hidden fees. It covers the whole display module, configuring it in the phone, and a 12-month warranty on the part and the work.

What to do right now

• Don't panic. The message itself breaks nothing — the iPhone still makes calls, charges and updates.
• Check in Settings → General → About → "Parts & Service History" which part the iPhone has flagged. Mention it in your order; it helps us.
• If the part was replaced recently, that repair is under warranty — contact whoever did it first.
• If Face ID doesn't work after a display replacement, don't keep opening the phone or swapping more parts. Every further attempt raises the risk that the original Face ID module gets damaged too.
• Make a backup before you send the phone.

Why not to wait

An unverified display or battery usually works, but without the features you're used to — True Tone, battery health or Face ID. Cheaper parts may also have poorer brightness, touch response or battery life. And if you ever sell the iPhone, the buyer will see the message in Settings.

How the repair works

1. You pick the model and the repair and order online. Nothing up front if you pack the phone yourself; a protective box for €5 is optional. Shipping is free.
2. We email you a drop-off code (or send it with the box to your chosen Packeta point). You hand the packed phone in at a staffed Packeta point.
3. Within 24 hours of receiving your phone, we replace the part and configure it in the phone.
4. Once the repair is paid, we send the phone back to the same Packeta point. Return shipping is free.

Related problems

• Screen not responding to touch, flickering or showing a green line
• Phone battery drains fast, overheats or shuts down
• Broken screen

Frequently asked questions

Will the "Unknown Part" message go away on its own?

The lock-screen notification disappears after a few days, but the entry in "Parts & Service History" stays. It only changes once the phone has a part the iPhone verifies — after a replacement or, with a genuine part, once it has been configured.

What will I see in Settings after your repair?

All parts we use in iPhone repairs are recognised by the iPhone as genuine. After the replacement we configure them in the phone, and under "Parts & Service History" you then see "This is a genuine Apple part" — with no warnings.

Can I update and use the iPhone normally?

Yes. The message doesn't block updates, calls or apps. Only features tied to the specific part may be missing, such as True Tone, battery health or Face ID.

Will I lose my data?

No. Both the display and the battery are replaced without touching the phone's storage. We still recommend a backup before you send it.