Today, mobile phones are so much more than communicative devices. They’re digital gateways that have redefined how we shop, bank, work and stay keyed into current news.
Cast your mind back to 2018. Back then, it was revealed that half of Brits had smashed their phone screen at one time or another. Of course, that doesn’t even account for the number of people who’ve dropped their phones in water or had their devices develop some other type of fault. These incidents are incredibly common.
But don’t panic! While it’s indeed a frustrating situation, there are some tried and tested steps you can follow when your mobile phone needs urgent repair. This guide has got you covered, from assessing the damage to figuring out the best solution.
Stay Calm and Backup Your Data (If Possible)
Just like in any emergency, it’s crucial to stay calm. Panicking might lead you to make rash decisions, which could complicate matters further.
It might seem ridiculous to say to some, but if you are in a panic (and it’s understandable to be, depending on the situation), take deep breaths, give yourself a moment to process the situation and start thinking about the next steps.You might feel cut off and isolated from your loved ones or even stranded if you’re in a remote area far from home, so validate your feelings first and take stock of them.
If your phone is still operational, albeit partially, now is the time to back up your data if you haven’t done so already. Our phones carry our lives these days – photos, contacts, messages, and more. Losing this information can sometimes be more distressing than the physical damage to the device. So, head home (if you need to) and connect your phone to a computer. You may be able to utilise cloud devices, or specially designed backup apps, to transfer some of your data from the broken phone to the computer.
Remember, many things are digital these days, and there are many tips out there for synching data between all your devices. All is not necessarily lost when a phone breaks, so try to calm down and adopt a resourceful mindset. Your phone might be broken, but you’re not beaten yet!
Understanding the Damage
You can’t understand how bad a crisis is until you evaluate it more closely. Learn to know what you’re dealing with here.
Start by carefully assessing your device. Is it a hardware issue like a cracked screen or a damaged port, or is it something to do with the software? If you’ve been using the phone in the bathroom a lot, perhaps the steam from any hot showers or baths has infiltrated the hardware. Knowing the type of problem will pave the way to the most suitable solution.
You also need to remember that it’s important not to tamper too much with a damaged phone. You might be curious and even want to fix it yourself, but remember, unless you have the necessary expertise, you could end up causing more harm than good. You could worsen the damage or void any warranties linked to the device.
Stick to basic checks that don’t involve opening the phone or poking around the inside. Basic checks include powering it on and off, opening and closing apps, testing call functionality, and ensuring volume buttons can be pressed and responding to inputs promptly. Remember, the internet is brimming with DIY mobile repair tutorials that might tempt you to pick up a screwdriver and perform surgery on your precious device. However, unless you are technically inclined and confident in your abilities, it’s usually best to resist this urge.
Rethink Insurance
It’s a good idea to have your phone insured. However, things aren’t always perfect here.
Insurance could cover you for the accidental screen, water, or general damage. Providers can also replace devices too. That said, there are a few things to watch out for, and you’ll need to think about them in emergency situations so that you don’t shoot yourself in the foot.
We mention replacing devices lightly. After all, many people replace their phones entirely rather than get them repaired, which is a shame. That mindset can lead to upsurges of eco-waste (depending on insurer disposal methods), and it’s quite sad to say goodbye to an old phone if it can be restored. Sometimes replacements are necessary, but other times they simply aren’t.
Insurers’ support services can be particularly helpful. If you’re on the right policy, you may be able to contact them remotely and use their guidance to troubleshoot any faults. However, it’s sometimes better not to go with the repair services they recommend. They often try to minimise costs by using cheaper repair services, which means repairs aren’t as high-quality as they would be if you looked for an expert service independently.
Research Independent Repair Options
Once you’ve understood the nature of your phone’s damage and backed up your data, you can evaluate where you stand on repairs. You have a few options here; depending on your situation, some will appeal to you more than others.
We mentioned warranties earlier. If your phone is still under warranty, your first port of call should probably be the manufacturer’s customer service (or one of their authorised repair centres). Be aware that warranties often don’t cover accidental damages, so this route might not be viable for a phone that’s taken a dive or had a close encounter with concrete.
Sometimes, the folks behind warranties can demand you send your phone to one of their warehouses and go without it for weeks. Obviously, this article is about urgent repairs, so these situations aren’t always viable in that sense, either. Sometimes they have prompt local service, but there’s no guarantee.
So, consider turning to a professional repair service that thrives in an emergency. Likewize Repair is a good recommendation, as they do mobile phone repairs by coming to your home and usually fixing the device within the hour. If you book them early enough, they can even arrive the same day. You won’t spend hours Googling ‘mobile phone repairs near me’, and you can restore your device quickly and cleanly. Once they’re done, a twelve-month warranty will be in place as a safety net.
Think About Repair Speeds
Understandably, you want your phone back in working order as soon as possible. But remember, speed shouldn’t come at the expense of quality.
The services we mentioned beneath the last heading don’t guarantee mobile phone repairs in an hour, and note that it can ‘usually’ take under that. That’s the sign of honest service, giving themselves wiggle room for repairs to take a little bit longer, and that’s good. Mobile repair can be quick, but it can also be slower depending on the nature of the damage done.
An unreliable repair shop might promise a quick fix in minutes. However, they’ll likely use low-quality parts or botch the repair some other way. A good repair service might take a little longer and put the aforementioned warranties in place so they can return in the unlikely event they need to.
Remember, a hasty repair can lead to more issues down the line. So, patience, though challenging in an urgent situation, is not only your best ally but also that of the repair service. Stay from services that overpromise, as they’re likely to underdeliver.
