iPhone 5 On/off Button Replacement Underway

Apple has kicked off a replacement program for the iPhone 5, recalling certain units of the model over a potentially faulty sleep/wake (on/off) button. The program starts today for those located in the United States and Canada, and next month for those elsewhere.

If your wake button is being finicky or you're curious if your handset is covered under the replacement program, you can check your iPhone's serial number on Apple's applicable support page (link below). If your smartphone is covered under it, it'll be repaired at an Apple Repair Center.

The iPhone 5 models potentially affected by the issue were manufactured up through March 2013, and could either lose function with the button, or it may start working only intermittently. Those who don't want to visit the Apple Repair Center in person can mail their handset in — the replacement process is said to take 4 to 6 days.

The phone will need to be in working order, otherwise certain issues will have to be repaired before the button repair will be carried out. For those located outside of the United States, Apple will be starting the repair program on May 2.

SOURCE: Apple