On supported iPhones, iOS checks whether key parts like the screen, battery and camera are genuine Apple parts. If a part isn't, or couldn't be verified, Settings → General → About → Parts and Service History may list it as "Unknown Part". The part keeps working. Depending on the model and part, a few features, like the battery health readout or True Tone, may be limited.
Where you'll see it
On supported models, open Settings → General → About and look for Parts and Service History. It lists parts that have been replaced, and whether each is a genuine Apple part or an unknown part. You may also see a one-time notification after a repair.
Which parts it applies to
The check covers key parts that vary by model, most often the display, the battery and the cameras. It's designed to tell you, and a future buyer, what's been replaced.
What still works
In everyday use, the part works. A non-genuine screen still displays and responds to touch, and a non-genuine battery still powers the phone. What can change, depending on the model and the part:
- The battery health percentage may not display on some models.
- True Tone may not be available unless it's transferred correctly from the original screen.
- The parts message stays in Settings.
Many repairs don't involve the parts iOS checks, so they don't show a message at all.
Face ID is a special case
Face ID's sensors are paired to the iPhone's logic board. A screen replacement doesn't affect Face ID as long as the technician carefully moves your original earpiece and sensor assembly to the new screen. If those sensors are damaged or swapped for others, Face ID can stop working. That's one reason to choose a shop that does this carefully. See our screen repair process.
Why iOS shows these messages
The idea is transparency. Used iPhones change hands a lot, and the parts history lets an owner or a buyer see what has been replaced and whether those parts are genuine. It isn't a warning that something is wrong.
It can also help with diagnosis. If a phone with a replaced screen develops an unusual problem, knowing the screen isn't original is useful to a technician.
What matters most is that the part is good quality, fitted carefully and covered by a warranty. A genuine part fitted badly can cause more trouble than a quality aftermarket part fitted well. That's why it's worth asking questions before the repair, not after.
Does it affect resale value?
Some buyers care about the parts history, since it's visible in Settings. If you plan to sell the phone soon, it's worth weighing genuine and aftermarket parts. You can still sell a repaired iPhone; it just helps to be upfront about its history.
How to choose parts
- Ask exactly which part will be used: genuine, refurbished original, or aftermarket, and which grade.
- Ask whether a parts message will appear on your model.
- Ask whether True Tone and battery health will be kept or affected.
- Make sure the warranty covers the part.
We'll always tell you which part you're getting before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Is an "Unknown Part" message a problem?
Not for everyday use. The part works normally. It's mainly a record of what has been replaced, though a few features can be limited depending on the model and part.
Can the Unknown Part message be removed?
Not by a repair shop. The message reflects the part that's installed. If it matters to you, ask for a genuine part before the repair.
Will a screen repair break Face ID?
Not when it's done properly. Face ID keeps working as long as the original sensors are carefully moved to the new screen.
Related repairs