If you’ve ever had to send your phone for repair, then you know how anxious the process can make you.
This post will show you how to prepare your phone for repair. It includes tips on what you should do before sending it in and what to expect when the company receives it.
We hope this list of tips will help you with your mobile device. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some things to keep in mind before taking it for repair.
Here are some recommendations that can help you, whether or not you go to an official technical service.
With the steps that we propose below, you will not only be able to protect your personal information, but you will also get service more adapted to your needs and focused on the incidence that your device presents.
Table of Contents
1. Make A Backup Copy
This is one of the essential points to keep in mind. If you are not in the habit of making periodic backup copies of the information on your mobile or you do not have it synchronized with any cloud service, make a backup copy of:
- your contacts,
- images, photos and videos from the gallery,
- documents,
- agenda and calendar.
You can also connect your smartphone with the computer and make the backup locally on the computer. For this, most brands have an application that allows you to connect the device with your PC or Mac. We detail some:
Apple: to connect iPhone to Mac, use iTunes.
Samsung: Smart Switch.
Huawei: HiSuite.
Xiaomi: with the Miui app, you can back up the applications and the system, but the photos, videos, files and other documents will have to be saved manually on the computer or the SD card if you have it.
Oppo: ColorOS.
After making the backup, delete the information from your device if you want to protect your data.
2. Eliminate Passwords And Security Patterns
So that technicians can quickly check the mobile operation without having to ask you the PIN or security pattern, delete them.
If your device is Android, you can delete these security settings in “Settings”> “Security and lock screen” or “Lock screen” or “Biometric data and passwords”, depending on your mobile model> delete the pattern, PIN, authentication by biometric data or any other blocking method that you have configured.
If you are an iPhone user, go to “Settings”> “Touch ID and code” or “Code” or “Face ID and code”>, depending on the model, and disable the security methods.
3. Do Not Deliver Accessories
SIM and SIM holder
Before sending the mobile for repair, remove the SIM card and the “SIM holder” tray if your mobile allows it, and store them in a safe place.
To open the tray:
Insert the end of a paper clip or SIM eject tool into the hole next to the tray.
Use pressure, but don’t force it.
Notify your mobile repair shop or an official brand distributor if you cannot remove the SIM card.
Charger and Earphones
If the incident that your mobile presents does not have to do with the battery charge or the use of the headphones, do not deliver them to the technical service.
Before sending the headphones for repair, if the sound is not clear and to ensure proper hygiene, we recommend cleaning them by following the following tips:
- Clean the headphones regularly with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Remember that no liquid must enter the openings, so do not get them wet!
- For the microphone and speaker grilles, Apple recommends using a dry cotton swab. To remove debris, use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush.
If the problem is with the battery, it is recommended, whenever possible, to deliver the mobile with a 30% charge or less.
Remove The Case And Screen Protector.
Neither the case nor the screen protector is required to repair. However, remember that technicians will have to remove them to manipulate the device and perform the quality tests required by the brands before being returned after repair.
Therefore, if you want to speed up the service and avoid possible loss of covers or protectors, remove them and put them away before sending your mobile for repair.
4. Pack It Well
If you have hired a mobile phone repair service that offers doorstep device collection, try to pack the device properly to be transported protected: with a padded envelope, wrapped and packed in a rigid box.
It is advisable to take a photo of how the equipment is shipped before doing so. In this way, if an incident arises during transport, it would be easier to make the corresponding claim.
In case when you receive it, the packaging is in poor condition and some damage may have occurred, make sure the carrier includes a note on their PDA indicating this and take photos before opening it where the shipping label can be read.
5. Check The Warranty
Before taking the mobile for repair, check if your device is still under the warranty period or not.
Remember that if the mobile is within the warranty period and the incident is covered by it, the repair, provided you go to an official technical service of the brand, will be carried out at no cost to you.
FAQs
Can Cell Phone Repair Shops Steal Your Data?
Yes, they are capable of it. They can return the phone with your data intact or they can neglect to take off the memory card that contains your photos, videos, contacts and messages. It is advisable not to let them handle these things and if you decide to hand over your phone (for example, iPhone screen repair), make sure that you remove the memory card yourself.
The chances are minimal, but it is possible that they can access your phone by using their “tool kit”. It consists of a wire with two ends that connect if the technician wants to reset the phone. One side goes into the USB port and another directly into your motherboard so it can access your phone.
The “tool kit” can be used for any set of purposes, such as erasing all modes, resetting the password and give them full access to your data.
To protect against this, you should place a sticker over the USB port to become unaccessible when the motherboard is open or remove the battery and store it somewhere else.
Is It Safe To Take Your Phone To A Repair Shop?
Absolutely not. You should send it back to the manufacturer or you can find a repair shop that offers mail-in service but never take your phone to an unknown third party.
There are countless horror stories of this kind where people have dropped off their phones at random places only to be returned with parts replaced by other damaged ones, missing components or the unit destroyed.
If I Send My Phone For Repair, Will The Service Stop?
No. Suppose you send your device for repair under warranty. In that case, the temporary suspension of the warranty only applies to those services already provided by the manufacturer or dealer where you made your purchase.
The manufacturer cannot refuse to make repairs without any valid reason if a warranty covers the service.
Does A Cell Phone Repair Service Keep My Personal Data?
No, the original owner is the only one who owns their own data and privacy. You can check this by requesting a copy of your personal information from the company you have an account with or by sending a letter to the credit bureau to which they sent your report. Phone companies don’t have the right to keep your information if you ask them to delete it.
Should I Factory Reset My Phone Before Sending It For Repair?
No. The manufacturer can ask for the IMEI code, which is impossible to retrieve after the factory reset. You should wait until you get your phone back before doing so. In this way, if an incident arises during transport, it would be easier to make the corresponding claim.
Conclusion
In the end, these are some simple recommendations to keep in mind before you take your phone for repair.
The more research and preparation that can be done ahead of time, the smoother the process will go (and better off you’ll feel).
We hope this post has given you a good foundation to work from as you prepare yourself for any upcoming repairs on your devices.
