Français
English GB
Deutsch
Have you replaced one or more rear cameras on your iPhone without going through a repair service Apple and now you are getting an error message? We will explain why in this article!
The issue is as follows: you have replaced one or more rear cameras on your iPhone (without using an authorised Apple technician) and an error message appeared when you turned your phone back on.
This message remains in your iPhone's settings (Settings > General > About).
The iPhone initially displays "unknown part" and then "unable to verify if this iPhone has an original Apple camera."
First of all, we will begin by giving you Apple's explanation:
"The message 'Unknown device' 
appears if the installation of the camera in question is incomplete, or in the following situations:
- The camera has been replaced with a non-original part
- The camera has already been used or installed on another iPhone
- The camera is not functioning as expected
The message "Apple has updated the device information for this iPhone" may also appear. This means that Apple has updated the device information stored for this iPhone for service, security analysis, and future product improvement purposes.
These messages do not affect your ability to use your iPhone or camera. "
Are all iPhones affected?
All models from the iPhone 12 series onwards are affected. If you have an iPhone from before this series, you are not affected by this issue.
So how can this phenomenon be explained?
It is important to note that rear cameras all have a serial number that allows the motherboard to identify and authenticate the part as the original part used in the design of the device. If the cameras are changed, the motherboard will detect that the serial number is no longer the original one. The motherboard will then automatically display an error message. Only Apple technicians have the authority to remove the message after a camera replacement, using special software.
So do not worry if you replace your cameras! Even if it is an Apple camera, the message will still appear if you do not go through an authorised technician.
Apple's brand seems to be making its parts more secure in order to protect itself in the event of an incident after a part has been replaced by an unauthorised repairer or by the phone owner themselves. However, as they themselves point out, this has no impact on the use of the device.
As with rear cameras, replacing the battery or screen may result in an error message. The mechanism that causes this message to appear is the same, so there is no need to worry.
To find out more about changing the battery, please read this article. To find out more about changing the screen, please read this article.
However, please ensure that the parts you order are of good quality and are not damaged before connecting them to your phone.
More articles
VISIT OUR BLOG
IPhone screen: understanding Hz and ProMotion
60 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz, ProMotion: find out how the display frequency of an iPhone screen works,...
2025-11-28
What quality iPhone screen should I choose? TFT, INCELL, OLED, original
TFT, INCELL, LTPS, hard and soft OLED, Service Pack, refurbished or pulled: find out which iPhone...
2025-11-26
OnePlus 13: Features and Release Date
OnePlus 13: Discover its features, innovations and expected release date. Everything you need to...
2025-03-04