With the new iOS 17.5 update, users won’t need to disable Find My when sending their iPhone for repairs. This is because of the introduction of a “Repair State” mode. This mode helps Apple verify that the iPhone isn’t lost or stolen, simplifying the repair process.
iOS 17.5 introduces a new Repair State to the Find My app. 9to5Mac discovered this feature in the code of iOS 17.5 beta 4, which developers received on Tuesday. This mode is currently semi-functional for beta testers and modifies the rules for sending an iPhone for repairs.
When taking your device to an Apple Store or repair service, Apple requires you to disable Find My through iOS Settings. However, this task has gotten more complex with the launch of Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3. This feature introduces a delay when altering important settings, including Find My.
Some customers were not informed and ended up waiting an hour at the Apple Store to disable Find My. However, this is changing with iOS 17.5.
The added “Repair State” mode in the iOS 17.5 beta allows users to verify with their Apple ID and password that they are sending their iPhone for repair. Consequently, Apple technicians can confirm the ownership of the iPhone and go ahead with the repair without turning off Stolen Device Protection and Find My.
Don’t activate this mode without a reason. Beta users now have the option to turn on Repair State mode when they attempt to remove their iPhone through the Find My app.
A message states, “This iPhone is connected to your Apple ID and cannot be removed while online, but you can prepare it for repair.” After this, a badge appears in the Find My app showing the iPhone is “ready for repair” and the device is “fully functional.”
Currently, there isn’t a definite method to deactivate Repair State. This might be because Apple hasn’t introduced this feature in the beta yet, or it could be that only Apple technicians are allowed to verify the completion of the repair and then take the device out of this mode. For now, it’s best to avoid using Repair State.
The new mode is designed to simplify preparing an iPhone for repair, particularly since some users were puzzled by having to disable Find My. It’s important to note that Repair State is only for iPhone, not iPad.
What we think?
I think the new Repair State in iOS 17.5 is a big help. Now, you don’t have to turn off Find My when you send your iPhone for fixing. This makes things less confusing, especially since turning off Find My got trickier with new updates.
It’s great that you just confirm with your Apple ID, and that’s it. But, it’s a bit worrying that you can’t turn off Repair State by yourself yet.
