The “Unknown Part” message means that the iPhone does not recognise a replaced component as a verified genuine Apple part. According to Apple, the device keeps working; the message appears in the parts and service history and can, among other things, affect the trade-in value.
Where to find the parts and service history
Since iOS 15.2, the iPhone shows whether genuine Apple parts were used in a repair. You can find this section under “Settings” > “General” > “About”. It only appears if something on the device has already been repaired.
According to Apple, which parts are listed there depends on the model:
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iPhone 12 and later: battery, display, logic board, front camera and rear cameras.
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iPhone 11: battery and display.
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iPhone XR, XS, XS Max and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation): battery.
What “Unknown Part” means according to Apple
Apple gives four reasons why a part may be shown as unknown:
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Not a genuine part: The replacement part does not come from Apple.
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Unexpected behaviour: The part does not work as expected.
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Not linked: The part was not checked and linked to your iPhone after the repair.
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Modified: The part has been modified or cannot be verified in some other way.
So the message alone says nothing about the quality of the repair. It only shows that the iPhone could not confirm the part through Apple’s own system. Besides “Unknown”, the history has other entries: “Genuine” for repairs using genuine Apple parts and processes, and “Used” for parts that were previously installed in another iPhone.
What happens in everyday use
If the iPhone detects an unknown part, according to Apple it shows a notification the first time it is unlocked after the repair and again a few days later. After that, the note remains visible in the parts and service history.
You can keep using the iPhone normally. Depending on the component, there may be limitations: for an unverified logic board, Apple mentions Apple Pay as an example. For the battery, the battery health display may be limited after the replacement. If you want to trade in the device later, you should know that an unknown part can affect the trade-in value.
What this means for your repair at STARPHONE
STARPHONE offers different quality levels for many iPhone displays; in the configurator you can see them side by side with their prices. With parts that are not genuine Apple parts, the iPhone may show the “Unknown Part” message. We tell you this in advance so you can choose at your leisure.
Every quality level comes with a 12-month warranty on the part and the work carried out. You can see which repairs are available for your model in the overview of iPhone repairs, and the price for your model in the repair configurator.
You can drop off your iPhone in Aachen, Blondelstraße 10, or send it in by post. Within Germany, outbound and return shipping for repairs are free and insured.
Before you choose a quality level
Whether the message bothers you depends on how you use your iPhone. These points will help you decide:
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Resale: If you want to sell or trade in the device soon, the entry in the history is more likely to matter than for a phone you will keep using for a long time.
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Features: Check which features are important to you. For the logic board, Apple mentions Apple Pay as an example.
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Battery: After a battery replacement, the battery health display may be limited. The battery life itself depends on the new battery.
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Backup: Back up your data before any repair, regardless of the quality level you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is my iPhone broken after the message?
No. According to Apple, the iPhone keeps working. The message only shows that a part was not recognised as a verified genuine part and says nothing about the quality of the repair. Depending on the component, there may be limitations: for an unverified logic board, Apple mentions Apple Pay as an example; for the battery, the battery health display may be limited.
Can I remove the message?
The entry remains visible in the parts and service history under “Settings” > “General” > “About”. According to Apple, the notification itself appears twice after the repair: the first time you unlock the phone and again a few days later. The message can appear for parts that are not genuine Apple parts. You can see the quality levels for your model side by side in the repair configurator.
Does the message affect every iPhone?
No. Which parts appear in the history depends on the model. On iPhone 12 and later, they are the battery, display, logic board, front camera and rear cameras. On iPhone 11, the battery and display. On iPhone XR, XS, XS Max and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), only the battery. The section has existed since iOS 15.2.
Does the message affect resale?
According to Apple, an unknown part can affect the trade-in value. If you plan to sell or trade in your iPhone soon, the entry in the parts and service history matters more than for a device you will keep using for a long time. In a private sale, it helps to tell the buyer openly about the repair and the entry.
Conclusion
“Unknown Part” is information, not an error message: the iPhone does not recognise a replaced part as a verified genuine part, but keeps working. Get advice on the quality levels before the repair, take a look at iPhone repairs or send in your device via send in a repair.
Sources
October 15, 2026
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