Justin Drake Carroll iPad

How Much to Replace iPad Battery?

Do you have an Apple iPad with a battery that’s not staying charged? Or do you have an iPad with a battery that’s not charging at all when you plug it in?

Either way, you’ll want to look into doing iPad battery replacement ASAP. You won’t be able to get too much use out of your iPad otherwise.

Before you bring your tablet to an iPad repair shop, though, you should try to get some sense of how much a new iPad battery will cost. Knowing the answer to the question, “How much to replace an iPad battery?”, will let you know how much money you’ll have to set aside for a new iPad battery.

Most iPad repairs will run you between $100 and $200 on average. But the exact price you’ll pay for iPad battery replacement will depend on many key factors.

Here are some of the factors that’ll have an impact on how much a new iPad battery will run you.

The Apple iPad You Have

The very first Apple iPad was released way back in early 2010. Since then, Apple has released a slew of other iPads.

From the iPad 2 and the iPad Air to the iPad Pro and the iPad 9, there isn’t any shortage of options when it comes to iPads. The specific one that you have will play a part in how much iPad battery replacement will cost you.

If you have an older iPad with a battery that might be difficult to find, it could increase the price of your iPad battery replacement. If, on the other hand, you have a newer iPad with a battery that will be easily accessible, it shouldn’t cost you too much to replace it.

Be ready to let an iPad repair shop know which iPad you have. It’ll help them answer the question, “How much to replace an iPad battery?”

The iPad Repair Shop You Choose

There have been about half a billion iPads sold since Apple introduced the first one more than a decade ago. As a result, it should be very easy for you to find iPad repair shops in your general area that can replace the battery in your iPad for you.

But it’s worth mentioning that not all iPad repair shops are going to provide you with the same prices for battery replacement. Some will inevitably cost more than others.

Because of this, you should aim to shop around for an iPad repair shop that will help you replace your battery without breaking the bank. There are sure to be at least a few in a place like Charlottesville, VA that you can consider. Your job will be to track down the one that’s going to set you up with excellent iPad repair services and great prices to match.

The Time It Takes to Replace an iPad Battery

When you need to get your hands on a new iPad battery, you’ll have to pay an iPad repair shop for more than just the battery itself. You’ll also need to take the labor associated with iPad battery replacement into account.

Most iPads have batteries in them that’ll be relatively easy to replace. There are, however, some iPads that’ll force a repair shop to work a little harder to get an old battery out to make room for a new one.

You aren’t necessarily going to know this in advance. But it is something you should keep in the back of your mind just in case it becomes an issue when you’re having battery replacement done.

The Urgency of Your iPad Battery Replacement

Do you need to have the battery in your iPad replaced immediately so that you can bring your iPad on an important work trip? In this case, an iPad repair shop should be able to lend a helping hand to you. But it could very well come at a cost.

In the event that you need to have your iPad battery replaced in a hurry, you might have to pay extra to make this happen. Not all iPad repair shops will be able to drop everything else that they’re doing to do iPad battery replacement for you for the same price as usual.

Give some thought to whether you really need an iPad repair shop to rush through your battery replacement job. You might be able to save yourself some money by giving them a few days to get around to hooking you up with a new battery.

The Other iPad Repairs You May Need

Is your iPad battery the only issue you’re having with your tablet right now? If there are other things going on with your iPad, too, you might want to consider having them repaired as well.

When you have multiple iPad repairs done at one time, it could result in you getting a better deal overall. It would be worth asking an iPad repair shop if they would be willing to extend a deal to you based on all the different repairs you’ll be having done.

So, How Much to Replace an iPad Battery? Call Us to Find Out

As you can see, it can be tricky coming up with a definitive answer to the question, “How much to replace an iPad battery?” Each of the factors that we’ve listed here will play a role in how much iPad battery replacement costs you.

Fruit Fixed is the company you can count on to help you with your iPad battery issues. We’ll let you know if you need to replace your entire iPad battery in the first place. We’ll also provide you with an affordable price on iPad battery replacement and get your iPad back to you as quickly as we can.

Learn about our low-price guarantee and then reach out to us to schedule iPad repairs.

Justin Drake Carroll MAC

How Much to Fix a MacBook Pro Screen?

If you own a MacBook Pro, you probably paid a pretty penny for it. Most MacBook Pros cost at least $1,000 to $2,000 with some selling for even more than that.

With this in mind, you won’t want to get rid of a MacBook Pro if it has a broken screen. You’ll want to fix a cracked screen instead so that you’re able to get back to using it again.

Before you schedule a MacBook Pro screen repair, though, you should find out the answer to the question, “How much to fix a MacBook Pro screen?” It’ll give you an opportunity to make sure that fixing your broken screen is what you want to do.

So, how much it is to repair a cracked MacBook screen? It’s going to depend on a bunch of different factors.

Take a look at which factors will impact the cost to fix a cracked screen on a MacBook Pro below.

The MacBook Pro You Own

Believe it or not, the very first MacBook Pro was introduced to the world almost two decades ago. It first hit shelves way back in early 2006.

Since then, the MacBook Pro has evolved quite a bit. The screens on it have gotten bigger and better than ever before.

Because of this, the specific MacBook Pro that you happen to own will play a huge part in how much it’ll cost to fix its screen. It’ll be one of the first things a MacBook Pro repair shop asks you about when you call on them for help.

If you have a very old or a very new MacBook Pro, you might have to shell out a nice chunk of change to have its screen fixed. In the case of an older MacBook Pro, it won’t always be easy for a shop to obtain a screen replacement. In the case of a newer one, the technology included in this screen will make it more expensive to fix.

Whatever the case, you’ll want to see to it that you know exactly which MacBook Pro model you have. It’ll make it easier for a repair shop to provide you with an answer to the question, “How much to fix a MacBook Pro screen?”

The Issue With Your MacBook Pro’s Screen

After you let a repair shop know which MacBook Pro you have, the next thing they’ll want to know about is what’s wrong with the screen. More often than not, those who have MacBook Pro screen repair done will do it due to a cracked screen.

If this is the case for you, you’ll most likely need to have a complete screen replacement performed. The price you’ll pay to fix a cracked screen will be based on which screen must be used to replace it.

There are also some other screen-related problems that you might run into when you own a MacBook Pro. For example, your screen might stop turning on or it might showcase distorted images.

In these instances, a repair shop will have to take a closer look at your MacBook Pro to see what’s wrong with it. It’ll put them in a better position to tell you how much it’ll cost to fix it.

The MacBook Pro Repair Shop You Choose

Most computer repair shops in this country will be able to provide you with MacBook Pro screen repair. But not all of them are going to charge you the same prices for it.

For this reason, you should shop around for the MacBook Pro repair shop that’ll charge you the best price possible for screen repair. In a perfect world, you should look high and low for a repair shop that offers a low-price guarantee on their services.

When you go with a repair shop like this, you’ll be guaranteed to get a very low price on MacBook Pro screen repair. It’ll keep your costs down without forcing you to secure estimates from too many other repair shops.

The Urgency of Your MacBook Pro Screen Repair

Do you need to get your MacBook Pro screen repaired within the next few hours so that you can finish a work project before a deadline?

A great MacBook Pro repair shop should be able to get your screen fixed for you right away. But if they have to drop everything else they’re doing to help you, it may result in them charging you slightly more than usual for their services.

Give some thought to whether you have a true MacBook Pro repair emergency on your hands before asking a repair shop to get right to work. You might be able to save a few bucks by giving a repair shop a few days to fix a cracked screen.

The Other MacBook Pro Repairs You Might Need

Is your MacBook Pro screen the only thing that’s giving you trouble right now? Or are there other issues with your MacBook Pro that also need to be dealt with accordingly?

If you fall into the second category and you’d like to have a repair shop work on multiple issues, you might be able to bundle repair services together and save some money. It wouldn’t hurt to ask a repair shop if they would be willing to bring their prices down just a little in exchange for you agreeing to fix more than just your screen.

So, How Much to Fix a MacBook Pro Screen? Get a Quote Here

As you’ve seen here, there are so many factors that can affect the cost to repair a MacBook screen. You should keep them all in the back of your head when you’re trying to come up with an answer to the question, “How much to fix a MacBook Pro screen?”

Fruit Fixed can provide you with an estimate of how much it’ll cost to repair your MacBook Pro screen after you provide us with some basic information about your laptop. Learn more about our laptop repair services and touch base with us to arrange to have a MacBook Pro repaired.

Justin Drake Carroll Uncategorized

How to Fix a Charging Port

Quick question, reader: what do your phone, laptop, and tablet have in common? Simple: they all need charging to work as intended!

Unfortunately, that charging juice isn’t always readily available. When you put the charger into the device, it will refuse to acknowledge it. Other times, the device will see the charger but won’t seem to know what to do with it.

Most of the time, the cause of this issue will lie in a faulty port. Here are some tips on how to fix a charging port from the safety of your home!

Reset the Device

We’re all familiar with the old IT cliche of “turn it off, then on again.” Well, what if we told you that this is a cliche because it so often works?

Sometimes, your port will work fine and allow your device to receive power from the charger. However, some software glitches will prevent the battery status bar from going up, making it seem like a port issue.

You can solve software problems of this kind with a quick restart. This will reset the device’s temporary memory and make it “see” the charger again. You can restart most devices by holding the Power and Volume Down keys.

Next, ensure you’re running the latest version of your operating system. That said, this may require a certain amount of battery power. As such, you should only consider it if you can charge your device wirelessly.

If you’re still stuck, consider doing a factory reset. Keep in mind this will delete all the data on your phone, so back everything up before starting. Consult your phone manual for more information on this process.

Try a Different Charger

By eliminating software-related issues, only the hardware ones are still in play. Even then, there’s still a chance your port isn’t the culprit.

Due to wear and tear, some cables eventually stop being able to conduct electricity. If you take your cable everywhere with you, all that twisting may take its toll. You can test this theory by trying a different charging cable. 

Let’s say you’re usually charging your iPhone by connecting it to a USB port on your laptop. This time, plug it into a wall outlet. If your phone’s been dead for a while, it might need extra power to start the charging process.

Alternatively, use your usual charging setup with a different phone or tablet. If the device charges up as normal, you’ll know the issue lies with the phone. This would be a good time to start looking into iPhone repair options.

Clean Out the Port

Do you often carry your phone in your pocket? If so, there’s a decent chance that dirt and debris will contribute to the phone not charging.

Check for debris by pointing a light source into the port. If you find something, turn the phone off and use a soft toothbrush to clean the port. Doing so should take care of smaller pieces of dirt and debris.

If the debris proves stubborn to remove, use a sharp object like a toothpick. Be careful when handling it, or you may end up damaging the port. Once you dislodge the debris, use a can of compressed air to blow it out.

Another possibility is that your charging port is too damp to use. Of course, this only applies if you dropped your phone into the water recently. If you did, though, give the port a chance to dry out before using it.

Check for Physical Damage

If the problem persists, you’ll need to open the device to check the port from within. If you’re not comfortable with this step, have the pros do it for you.

For phones and tablets, the opening process is fairly similar. All you need to do is remove the back cover with a screwdriver and a pry tool. If you’ve ever had to replace a phone battery, you should have no issues here.

Next, take a look at the inner workings of your device. If you see any debris in or around the port, use a toothbrush to clean it. Ensure the wires are in the correct position, then put the cover back up and try charging the phone.

If this doesn’t help, you’ll likely need to replace the port itself. Take the back cover off and carefully disconnect the wires attached to the port. Use a soldering gun to remove solder joints on all four corners of the port.

The best way to do this is to put the tip of the gun over each solder joint and hold it. Once the solder starts flowing outward, use pliers to pry it up. Do it for each of the four solder joints, then replace the old port with a new one.

Assess the Laptop Port

On a laptop, replacing the charging port is a bit easier than on the phone. The real challenge of laptop repair lies in assessing the port.

First, switch the laptop off and find the screws that are holding the outer casing together. Remove them while noting where each screw came from. That way, you’ll know where to put them back once you’re done.

Now, look for electrical components close to the area where the port connects to the laptop. Disconnect them carefully and detach the port from the laptop. Check the port for any abnormalities or broken sections.

For example, if the middle part of the port is bent, try correcting it. If the metal plates around the port are loose, use a screwdriver to tighten them. Once you’re done, plug the power back in and see if the port is charging.

if the issue with the laptop not charging persists, you’ll need to replace the port. If you’re doing it yourself, use compressed air to remove any debris around it. Reconnect the wires attached to the port, then close the laptop.

This Is How to Fix a Charging Port

Learning how to fix a charging port may range from a simple task to a complex one. If you’re not comfortable with this level of technical expertise, take your device to a repair shop and have professionals fix it for you.

Looking for a repair shop offering high-quality parts and fast turnaround times? Fruit Fixed has got you covered! Click here to learn more about our low-price guarantee!

Justin Drake Carroll Gaming Systems

How to Fix Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Drift

Did you know that Joy Cons are incredibly versatile? They aren’t just controllers for your Nintendo Switch. They can also perform a variety of other functions.

For example, you can pair Joy Cons with your Android phone, Mac, or PC! It’s a simple way to take your gaming to the next level. You can also turn them into lightsabers, use them to make music, and more.

As useful as Joy Cons are, however, they’re still controllers. Like any analog video game controller, they’re prone to stick problems, such as Joy Con drift.

If you’re experiencing Joy Con drifting or similar problems with your Joy Cons, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll explain the possible causes of Joy Con drifting, methods you can try to fix it, and what to do if it doesn’t work.

What Is Joy Con Drift?

Joy Con drifting is one of the biggest issues that you will encounter when playing a Nintendo Switch. It’s been a problem since the console dropped in 2017, and will likely continue to be an issue for a long time.

Simply put, Joy Con drifting is when movement is detected by your Nintendo Switch without you using either of the thumbsticks. Sometimes it happens when absolutely nothing is touching the Joy Con. This problem can occur with either of your Joy Cons.

As you might have guessed, this is a major problem for one simple reason: it makes gaming harder. How are you supposed to play your best when the character starts running around without your direction? Or when the in-game camera angles change too fast for you to keep up with?

Gaming is supposed to relax you or improve your mood. Joy Con drifting is an annoying problem that will do the exact opposite. 

Luckily, Joy Con drifting isn’t impossible to fix. Once you figure out why your Joy Con is drifting, the potential reason might be simple enough that you can fix it on your own.

Possible Causes of Joy Con Drifting

There are a few reasons why your Joy Cons might be experiencing drifting issues. One of the biggest reasons is a problem within the hardware of that Joy Con. Fortunately, that’s not the only reason, so you don’t need to jump to replacing your Joy Cons.

If it’s not a hardware issue, the reasons why your Joy Cons aren’t working right get significantly easier to fix.

One big cause of Joy Con drifting is the buildup of dirt and grime. Over time, this grime will get into the inner workings of your Joy Cons. This causes problems with any kind of technology, let alone something that depends on being sensitive to touch.

Another cause of Joy Con drifting is pretty simple. If you’ve been using your Joy Cons for a while, the thumbsticks are probably worn out. They’re more prone to problems than they were when they were brand new.

It gets even more simple than that, though. The reason your Joy Cons are drifting could be as simple as needing to be updated. You should also check the last time you calibrated themthey might just be out of sync.

How to Fix Joy Con Drifting

Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can try if you want to fix Joy Con drifting.

The first thing you should do is check to see if your Joy Cons have updates. If they do, install the update. After that, all you need to do is re-calibrate the Joy Cons and see if that fixes the problem.

If you don’t have an update available, try re-calibrating your Joy Cons anyways. It only takes a few minutes and might easily fix your problem.

If it’s not a software update or a calibration issue, then the next most likely culprit is a buildup of dirt and grime. Fortunately, cleaning your Joy Cons isn’t a difficult thing to do.

You’ll need to use either contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip. Make sure it isn’t wet enough to damage your Joy Cons. Work the Q-tip in and around the thumbstick, and then wait fifteen to thirty minutes to see if that fixes it.

If none of these work, then the fix might be a little more complicated than you can do on your own.

What If You Can’t Fix Joy Con Drifting?

If the methods to repair your Joy Cons are more than you can handle, then you have a couple of options.

The first option is to send in a request to Nintendo. If your Switch is within the one-year warranty, then they should fix the problem for you. On occasion, they’ll fix Joy Con drifting past the warranty date, but that isn’t a guarantee.

If Nintendo refuses your request, then you should turn to local repair shops. These shops will offer you a quick fix that you can easily afford. Their repair times are typically much shorter than Nintendo’s.

If the problem with your Joy Cons can’t be repaired by a local shop, then you might have to spend the money to replace your Joy Cons. You can rest assured knowing you’ve tried all your options, though, and you know what to do next time.

Contact Us for Repairs Today

Now that you’ve learned how to fix Joy Con drift, you’re ready to try our simple fixes yourself. If none of those work, however, it might be time to call in the professionals.

Why not trust us at Fruit Fixed to repair your joy cons? We offer reliable and affordable services at a variety of locations throughout Virginia. 

Reach out to us for repairs to your Joy Cons today. With Fruit Fixed’s repairs, you’ll be gaming again before you know it!

Justin Drake Carroll Gaming Systems

How Can You Fix a Broken Xbox Controller?

The average gamer spends around 9 hours a week playing video games. Some more hardcore gamers will play significantly longer. If you’re using an Xbox controller, these hours can add up, resulting in significant wear and tear on your input device.

Not only can issues with your controller cause a frustrating gaming experience, but they could also result in sub-optimal gameplay. Thankfully, there are a lot of things you can try to fix a malfunctioning or broken Xbox controller.

This article lists some of the things you can try when fixing a controller that should hopefully get you back to playing Xbox as soon as possible.

Check for Loose Wires

First, ensure the Xbox controller is disconnected from any power source, then open up the controller. If you see any disconnected, loose, or frayed wiring, it could indicate a problem.

If you’re comfortable working with electronics, you could try fixing the problem yourself. Alternatively, you can bring the device to an electronics repair shop. Fixing broken wires is fairly trivial, so any good repair shop should be able to fix it.

Replace the Batteries

If your controller won’t turn on or if it turns off after a short amount of time, it could indicate that you have a dead or dying battery. Thankfully, the fix for this Xbox controller problem is fairly simple. You just need to replace the battery.

Typically Xbox batteries are standard AAs, but if you’re using a third-party controller, there’s a chance it will use a different kind of battery. You could also consider purchasing an Xbox rechargeable battery kit.

This will ensure you’re never left without batteries again. It can also save you a lot of money in the long run because you won’t need to keep buying batteries.

Clean the Controller

If you’re experiencing inconsistent inputs or button presses that are simply not registering at all, there might be a simple fix. Dust, dirt, and grime can build up on your controller over time, and this can interfere with the internal connections.

Often all you need to do is clean the controller to get it to work again. Using something like compressed air, you can get into all the tiny crevasses of your device and clean the connections. If you want to do a full deep clean of your controller, you might consider opening it up and cleaning the connections with isopropyl alcohol.

If you go down this route, make sure you wait long enough for the alcohol to evaporate before turning on your device. Switching the controller on to early could cause components to short circuit, causing more damage.

Reset the Controller

In many cases, Xbox controller problems are not caused by mechanical defects. Instead, there’s an issue with the connection between the controller and the console. Thankfully, there’s often a simple fix for this kind of issue.

Simply hold down the Xbox button and the sync button on your controller at the same time until the controller starts to vibrate. The vibrations signify that you’ve reset the controller.

If this doesn’t resolve your connectivity issue, it could indicate a problem with the device itself. In that case you may experience difficulties playing Xbox until you attempt a repair or replace the controller.

Replace the Analog Stick

Another significant problem that Xbox controllers tend to develop over time is issues with the analog stick. The analog stick gives you precise control over your character’s movement in games, but that precision comes at a cost. The sticks are vulnerable to wear and tear over time.

Thankfully, it’s viable to replace the stick. This is a somewhat more complex fix than the others on this list as it will require you to know your way around a soldering iron. If you don’t have much knowledge of electronics or if you lack good soldering skills, you should consider giving your controller to a professional for repairs.

Install New Firmware

If you’re experiencing bugs or other issues with your Xbox controller, there’s a chance it could be related to the firmware on your device. Thankfully, there’s a simple way to check this. All you need to do is install the latest firmware from Microsoft.

You should be able to easily find an option to do this in your console settings. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the update, check to see if your issue has been resolved. If it hasn’t, it could indicate a physical problem with the controller.

Replace the Controller

If all else fails, it might make sense to replace the controller entirely. While there are certain steps you can take to repair an Xbox controller, there are plenty of situations where the controller is simply broken, and no amount of troubleshooting or repairs will be able to revive it.

In this case, it probably makes sense to simply purchase a new Xbox controller. While Xbox controllers can certainly be expensive, you can save a significant amount of cash if you shop around and look for the best deals.

Consult a Professional

Xbox controllers are relatively complex electronic devices. If you don’t have experience with electronics, you might find it challenging to repair one yourself. Thankfully, you can enlist the help of repair professionals.

If you find a good electronics repair shop in your area, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to repair your controller for you. If a professional repair shop can’t fix it, your controller is almost certainly dead.

Now You Know How to Fix a Broken Xbox Controller

As you can see, having issues with your Xbox controller doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to take a break from gaming. There are plenty of viable troubleshooting and repair options for you to try.

With that said, if you want the best chance of successfully fixing a broken Xbox controller, it makes a lot of sense to enlist the help of a professional repair company. Contact us today and we can provide you with an estimate for repairs.

Justin Drake Carroll Laptops

6 Common Signs Your Computer Is Hacked

Cyber attacks are an unfortunate but prevalent problem in our society. A new attack happens every 39 seconds. You don’t know when and where a cyber attack can occur, making it challenging to prevent them from happening. 

Sometimes it can be obvious when your computer is hacked. However, hackers are becoming more sophisticated. They’ve developed ways to infiltrate your private data and computer systems without you realizing it. 

This guide will discuss the top six signs that your computer has gotten hacked. We’ll talk about how to stop and prevent hackers once they’ve invaded your computer. 

1. There Are Unusual Apps on Your Computer

There might be new files and programs on your computer that you don’t remember downloading. Some red flags to look for include:

  • A new toolbar that you didn’t install 
  • Files on your desktop
  • Weird names in your activity monitor or taskbar

These types of apps and programs that appear on your computer are called potentially unwanted applications (PUA). Another term for them is potentially unwanted programs (PUP). 

These programs and apps are designed for some of the following activities:

  • Display ads
  • Monitor your traffic
  • Deliver malware
  • Redirect your searches
  • Monitor your keystrokes

The most common way people get PUPs on their computers or phones is via software bundles, usually free ones. You must review the license agreement before you download the software. It’ll say whether the installer will download multiple programs. 

2. You Get a Ransomware Message

A ransomware message is a pop-up that takes over your entire computer screen. You can’t close it or click on anything else.

The message will tell you that your computer’s data is encrypted. It also says that you’ll have to pay a fine to unlock your computer. 

This is one of the most common types of cyber attacks. Hackers infect your PC with dangerous ransomware that’s hard to get rid of. 

Ransomware makes a lot of money for computer hackers. They target these types of people:

  • Businesses
  • Individuals
  • Police stations
  • Cities
  • Government entities
  • Hospitals

Around 32% of people affected by this infection pay the ransom. However, they usually get only 65% of their computer’s data back. Getting one of these messages is an obvious sign that you’ve been hacked. 

3. Your Contacts Receive Strange Messages

Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram have made it easier for hackers to compromise your devices and spread malware. They can also use your devices to infect everyone you’re connected with. Email is a slow way to infect others with malware, but it’s a method hackers still utilize. 

For example, hackers can use your Facebook account to send messages to people in your friends list. An example message would be a video link along with a message that said something like “is this you?”

When the recipient clicks on the link, they’re redirected to a fake Facebook page. The page asks them to confirm their account with their password. That’s how hackers can access your social media accounts and lock them down. 

If your friends and family are telling you that they’re getting strange messages from you, your computer might be hacked. Look in your sent folders to see if you find messages and emails you didn’t send. Make sure all of your accounts are secured with two-factor authentication. 

4. Your Antivirus Software Isn’t Working

Your security tools getting disabled is a huge red flag. You might also notice that they’re not working as they should. This can include:

  • Failing to run a scan 
  • Automatically shutting down 
  • Not starting 

Most people don’t notice that their antivirus software isn’t working if they don’t routinely run scans. You also shouldn’t ignore early signs that your software is notifying you of. This could include the program telling you there are suspicious files on your computer. 

You’ll also want to be mindful of pop-ups that occur that look like your antivirus software but isn’t. Fake programs and webpages will try to look like an antivirus program, telling you that you’re infected. 

One thing to keep in mind for your online security is that your antivirus software won’t use a webpage to tell you that your computer is compromised. The software has its way to notify you of hackers. 

5. Your Computer Is Running Slowly 

A computer that runs slowly and constantly crashes is a common sign that you’ve gotten hacked. Unfortunately, many people think that bad WiFi connections or old computers cause these issues. These types of issues take up a lot of your computer’s bandwidth:

  • Remote control software
  • Malicious scripts
  • Malware

Since they take up so much of your computer’s resources, there are not enough left to efficiently run your programs. You’ll experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Programs randomly crashing 
  • Slow software 
  • Online games and videos buffering 
  • Media freezing
  • Slow internet loading times 

You can use your Task Manager to see how many CPUs (central processing units) each program is using. For example, an idle computer with no programs running should utilize 10% of your CPUs. A video game can take up to 50% of CPUs. 

It’s a major red flag if your computer is using over 90% of CPUs. 

6. You Get Random Pop-Ups

Pop-ups can be very annoying, but they could signify a larger problem. You could notice notifications from services that you don’t normally. These services could include:

  • PayPal transactions
  • Amazon AWG tracking numbers 
  • Apple offers
  • Adult content 

PUPs and PUAs typically cause these types of pop-ups. Delete any problematic toolbars and ensure your computer virus software is active. 

Contact Professionals if Your Computer Is Hacked

You shouldn’t wait to fix the issue if you think your computer is hacked. A professional computer and device repair company will know how to restore your computer. Failing to act promptly if your computer is acting strange could result in catastrophic problems. 

Whether you need help preventing hackers or need game console repairs, Fruit Fixed is here to help. Contact us today to learn about our services in Carytown and the surrounding areas. 

Justin Drake Carroll Android Phone

How to Prevent Viruses: A Guide for Android Users

With over 2.5 billion active users, Android is the most popular OS in the world. There’s no denying how quickly Android phones have become a part of everyday life. What’s not to like?

You can do practically anything you can imagine! Stay in touch with friends and family, find recipes and restaurants, and make stuff. With that said, there can be a dark side to technology.

There are hackers, scammers, and bad actors in every corner of the internet. Viruses and malware are a part of the fabric of the internet.

Learning how to prevent viruses starts with you. It all comes down to how you choose to protect yourself (and it is a choice).

If it feels fishy it is. You don’t want to fall prey to scammers from poor judgment. First and foremost, use your common sense. If you need to think twice about something, don’t do it.

Many scammers will attempt to bait or phish you. Be on the lookout for odd-looking emails that try to steal your information or money.

Would you like to know how to prevent viruses on your Android devices? Stick around to find out how.

Update Android

Be sure to update your Android devices regularly. Whenever there is a system update, click okay and let the phone do its thing.

When you update to the latest version of Android, you are keeping up with security and bugs. You will be prompted to update every so often. You could also check for updates in your system settings.

Install Apps From the Play Store

When learning how to prevent viruses on your Android phone, one thing we’ll advise is to only install apps from the Google Play Store. Depending on where you look, there will be apps available elsewhere.

When you do so, you run the risk of harming your smartphone. These sideloaded files could contain malicious files that could steal your data. Stick to the Google Play Store to find everything you need.

Apps You Know

In addition to downloading apps from the Play Store, you only want to install apps you’re aware of.

Before you download anything, run some research on the app. Check reviews too. Don’t download anything below a rating of 4.

Update Apps

It is in your best interest to update your apps too. Over time these apps will require updates. Otherwise, you will experience bugs or viruses.

To update, just head to the Play Store and go to the hamburger menu. You can choose to update the apps you want or just tap update all. 

Restrict Downloads With a Password

Do you have kids who you let borrow your phone from time to time? When you get your phone back, you may find some apps that weren’t there before. Some of these apps may contain viruses!

What you can do is set a restriction for your downloads with a password. Your child won’t be able to download anything with the potential to harm your device.

App Permissions

Every time you download an app you’ll be prompted with its permissions. Unfortunately, the apps you download aren’t as safe as they might appear at first glance. Some app developers or hackers don’t have your best interest at heart.

You don’t need to accept these permissions if you don’t want to. Before you put an app on your phone, be sure to think twice if the permissions seem okay to you. If forever reason you’re uncomfortable, keep searching for what feels right.

Any apps where you don’t agree with their permissions can be deleted from your device. This is how to prevent viruses.

2FA

When learning how to prevent viruses, you’ll hear many people suggest turning on 2FA (2-factor authentication). Think of it as an extra layer of protection against the bad guys.

The way it works is via an app, text, or e-mail. When you want to perform an action like logging into your bank account, you’ll need to do a secondary action following.

You’ll get a code to enter that will only work for a set amount of time.

Antivirus App

Sometimes you’ll just want to scan the entire phone to see if any bugs are on it. An easy way to do this is with an antivirus app.

Just like on your personal computer, you can clean your phone internally. Hit “run” on the antivirus app and let it do its thing. 

Be on the Lookout

Check to see if there’s any funny business going on with your apps or your account. For example, check your Google account to see if you’ve been phished. Your Drive may have scammers inside already.

If this is the case, contact Google immediately. We also encourage you to change your passwords frequently.

Now You Know How to Prevent Viruses

Just like you, your phone wants to stay healthy. You will need to give your phone a checkup. As you learn how to prevent viruses from entering your smartphone, you’ll be that much wiser as a user.

Sometimes, the job is too big to handle individually. The good news is that we’re here to help.

At Fruit Fixed, we fix it all from cracks to internal issues. You shouldn’t have to live like that. Our phones have become an integral part of our lives and you deserve the very best.

Are you experiencing Android problems? Could your phone use a repair? Start a repair today and you’ll have your phone back healthy in no time!

Justin Drake Carroll Laptops

When Does Buying a New Computer Make Sense?

Over 4.9 billion people are using computers in everyday life; this forms part of a steady year-on-year 6.2 percent increase.

Computers are here to stay. When computers go wrong, they impact everything in our lives. So when should you consider buying a new computer?

Whether you just use your computer for sending the odd email, looking up a few videos, or you run your home business from it, you will have to consider replacing a computer at some point.

There are several reasons why you may be considering buying a new computer. Perhaps it’s slow, not powerful enough, or just based on old technology, you will want to upgrade your old device.

If you’ve not shopped for one for a while, then you’ll find there are so many types of computers on the market. But how do you know which computer replacement is best? Read on to find out. 

When Should You Buy a New Computer?

Your computer lifespan is only finite and as much as you might be putting off replacing your computer, it will get to the point where using it becomes more of a frustration and a hindrance than a useful tool. Below are some of the telltale signs that you need to upgrade your machine to something newer:

  • If your machine has poor performance and is slow, sluggish, or hangs mid-process
  • If your machine is overheating for no apparent reason
  • If your computer freezes or won’t boot up
  • If you have hardware issues

Poor Performance

If your computer is beginning to show signs of failure or has become slow and sluggish, first try to investigate the cause. It could be as simple as needing to run an update on a piece of software.

Other causes could be that your CPU may be overworking and burning out due to the increasingly higher demand for CPU power from new software and apps.

If you’re using lots of cloud-based software, this too may be pushing the limits if you’re using an older computer for these tasks. 

Before you look into purchasing a new computer, you can try and free up disk space. There are free programs like CCleaner that help to remove any unnecessary programs and files from your computer. 

These may help to improve your computer’s performance and efficiency. However, if you’re still not seeing much improvement in your computer’s performance after this, then it may be a key indicator that it’s time to upgrade.

Overheating

If your computer is constantly overheating, it could be time for an upgrade! An overheating machine is usually caused by your CPU being overloaded from running multiple programs.

You can help minimize this issue by running only one program at a time and limiting usage of CPU-intensive apps, but if you’re a heavy user and need to work with multiple programs at the same time, then this may not suit your needs. 

Another cause of overheating is down to poor maintenance. Make sure that your computer is in a well-ventilated area, never obstruct the cooling vents, and frequently dust the vents to prevent internal dust build-up. 

If you’ve already tried to repair your computer and move it to a better-ventilated area and it still continues to overheat, then you might want to consider buying a new one. 

Computer Freezing or Not Booting Up

The dreaded blank screen or spinning icon can be a sign of excessive CPU load or insufficient random access memory (RAM). 

It’s incredibly frustrating when this happens, especially if you’re in the middle of something important such as work or a college assignment. It often results in the computer freezing or locking up, requiring a reboot and any unsaved work being lost in the process.

To prevent this from happening, optimize your computer by running system cleaning software to help reduce the strain on your CPU and RAM by clearing any unnecessary and unwanted files. If this still isn’t helping, then you may want to upgrade your computer.

Hardware Issues

Software requirements are becoming ever more demanding, and if you’re currently using an old computer, the hardware on it may not be able to keep up. 

If you’re trying to avoid purchasing a new computer, you might want to consider replacing hardware components such as RAM or graphics cards. If you’re finding your computer is running slower than usual, RAM is the most logical piece of hardware to look at upgrading first. 

Most computers have free ports available to accept extra RAM, and this can help improve performance and speed up the system. Other components you could look at replacing are the sound or graphics card, upgrading the hard drive or processor, or adding additional memory. 

The cost and benefits of refurbishing an old machine should be considered when deciding whether to replace or upgrade it. When you purchase a new computer, it will come with the latest hardware and software. However, if you’re on a budget, you may want to try and refurbish your old machine first. 

Ultimately, you need to weigh up the costs and advantages of refurbishing an old machine or purchasing a new one.

Different Types of Computers

One of the things to consider when buying a new computer is what type you want. Here are the main categories of computers available:

Desktop Computers

These are the most commonly used computers and are found in homes, offices, and schools. They are typically the largest of all types of computers and are designed to be used in a stationary location.

Laptop Computers

Laptops are portable computers that are designed to be used while on the go. They are typically much smaller than desktop computers and are powered by rechargeable batteries.

Tablet Computers

Tablet computers are touchscreen-based devices that are designed to be used while on the go. They are typically much smaller than laptops and feature a much wider range of applications than traditional computers.

Need Help Buying a Computer?

If you’re undecided about repairing an existing machine or buying a new computer, then speak to Fruit Fixed. Our team of knowledgeable technicians will be able to answer any questions that you might have about your old computer. 

They will provide detailed information about whether it’s worth repairing your computer or if you should bite the bullet and purchase a new one. Speak to our knowledgeable staff today to get impartial advice.

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

The Main Reasons Why Your iPhone Is Not Charging

A few years back, Tech Republic reported that the average iPhone lifespan was four years and three months. While that lifespan may have changed slightly since then, it’s likely that most people aren’t hanging on to their iPhones for more than four years.

Why? For some, it’s the appeal of buying the latest model that leads them to make an upgrade. For others, it’s because the older their iPhone gets, the more glitchy it becomes.

A common complaint for iPhone users is that their iPhone is not charging. When you can’t charge your phone, you can’t exactly use it the way you want to—or at all.

Why does this happen? Read on to learn why iPhones stop charging and whether or not you need iPhone repairs to fix the problem.

The Charger Cable Is Damaged

Before you determine that the problem is with the phone, you should rule out cheaper, easy-to-fix possibilities. The biggest one involves the charger cable, itself.

iPhone charger cables are lightweight and, as a result, a little flimsy. Check the cable, especially near the USB-C connector, for signs of fraying. You can try to repair a fraying charger cable with electrical tape or invest in a new charging cable, altogether.

If there are no visible signs of damage to your charger cable, plug your phone into other cables to see if it begins to charge. If it doesn’t, then you know the issue is with the charging port and not the charging cable. (You may also want to test-run other charger adapters, as well.)

The Charging Port Is Dirty

We use our phones constantly and take them everywhere. Even if you have a phone case with a charging port protector, it’s still possible that there’s a buildup of gunk or debris that’s blocking the connection between your phone and the charging cable.

With the right tools and a little patience, you may be able to fix this problem on your own. First, shine a flashlight into your charging port to detect signs of lint or gunk. If you see any, turn off your phone, keep that flashlight handy, and grab a toothpick.

As gently as possible, use the toothpick to pull out the gunk and debris. Remember, the hardware inside a charging port is delicate, so go slow and don’t go digging around too much.

The Charging Port Is Loose or Bent

Speaking of that delicate hardware, there’s a distinct possibility that that hardware is loose or bent from typical wear and tear. Inserting and removing the charging cable can cause those little wires to get bent out of shape or dislodge the hardware completely.

This is an issue you’re not going to fix on your own unless you’re a total tech wiz. If you can see that the charging port hardware is damaged or you’ve ruled out other possibilities, it’s time to give us a call. We can often replace or restore that hardware so that your phone is capable of charging again.

The Charging Port Is Water-Damaged

If you recently dropped your iPhone in liquid or spilled liquid on it, we can only hope that you’re reading this guide before trying to plug it back in. If your iPhone was exposed to water or other liquids, the best thing that you can do is turn it off and give it at least 24 hours to dry out before you try to charge it again. (You can throw it in some rice if you want, but that doesn’t necessarily do much.)

Why is it important that your phone dries about before you plug it in? A small amount of liquid may not directly damage your charging port. However, when you try to charge it while that liquid is still in there, it can cause the hardware to short, which can create a slew of other problems for your phone and its battery. 

If you’ve already plugged it in while wet and suspect that it shorted, turn your phone off and give us a call. 

Your Phone Is in Optimized Battery Charging Mode

One thing iPhone users are noticing is that when they go to plug their phone in for a long, full charge, it often stops at 80%. What gives? Why won’t your phone consistently get to a 100% charge no matter how long you leave it plugged in?

This is actually something that Apple has done on purpose, and it’s meant to save your battery from damage. This function is called Optimized Battery Charging.

The health of your battery doesn’t correlate directly to the age of your phone, but instead the “age” of the battery, which can increase at a rapid rate if your battery is often getting too cold or hot. Using temperature sensors and machine learning, your iPhone will now go into Optimized Battery Charging mode to cut off the charge when your phone starts to overheat. If your phone stops charging at 80% just give it a couple of hours before plugging it back in and that should do the trick. 

Come to Fruit Fixed If Your iPhone Is Not Charging

Some iPhone issues indicate that it’s time to get a new phone. However, when your iPhone isn’t charging, it doesn’t always mean that the battery has gone kaput. Use this guide to do a little bit of troubleshooting and if you rule out the possibilities that you can address on your own, bring your phone to a professional.

Fruit Fixed can repair everything from iPhones to gaming consoles to watches. If your iPhone is showing signs of wear, tear, and broken hardware, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our locations to find the Fruit Fixed location nearest you. 

Think you may need a new phone? We may have one in store for you. Take a look at what we have for sale.

Justin Drake Carroll Gaming Systems

What Are the Most Common Xbox One Problems?

More than 51 million Xbox One consoles have been sold worldwide.

Since the first Xbox was released, it has been one of the most popular brands in gaming. Over the years, the consoles and the games have only improved, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Unfortunately, various problems can arise, and some unlucky gamers have learned about these the hard way.

Keep reading for a rundown of some of the most common Xbox One problems. 

Stuck on Splash Screen

Modern consoles have a lot more to process than older ones, and as such, they can take a while to fully boot up. When booting up your Xbox One from being fully powered off, you’ll be greeted by the Xbox logo, and after a few minutes, the UI will come up.

You might find yourself waiting longer than usual. If it reaches 10 minutes and nothing is happening, you’ll likely need to perform a hard reset.

Be aware that this will erase all accounts and data (including saved data), so you want to avoid this if possible. If you’re an Xbox Gold member, your save data might be backed up on the cloud.

Before performing a hard reset, try to sync your data. Do this by powering your Xbox One down, then holding the Xbox button for 10 seconds. Hopefully, you’ll now have access and be able to sync your data.

Another possible solution is to hold the Xbox button for 10 seconds to power down. Then hold the sync, eject, and the Xbox button on the console for about 10 seconds. You’ll hear two beeps and be taken to the factory reset menu when you release the buttons.

If an error code comes up then an offline update might be the solution. You can find a guide on how to do this on the Xbox website.

Grinding Sound From Disc Drive

Of all the Xbox One issues, this can seem like one of the most worrying. You’ll hear a grinding sound and see an error message that says “Sorry we can’t play that disc. Try an Xbox One game, music CD, or a movie on a Blu-ray or DVD”. Fortunately, it doesn’t tend to damage game discs.

Microsoft has confirmed that you can return your Xbox One to them and they’ll repair it. If your warranty has been voided for any reason, however, you may not be able to do this. In such a situation, you can get it fixed by a professional repair company.

Fruit Fixed offers Xbox One repairs (as well as other gaming systems). We can fix this issue, along with many others.

Won’t Update

This can happen during a mandatory update and may prevent you from using many other features of your Xbox One. It may be caused by an issue with your console, but it could also be something to do with your internet or even a problem at Microsoft.

The first thing you should do is check your internet connection. Any interruptions could stop updates from processing properly. You might also want to try using a wired connection rather than a wireless one to make it more reliable.

If it’s a problem on Microsoft’s end they’ll probably need some time to resolve it. Wait for a while and try again later – you may find that things go a lot more smoothly. Microsoft will likely have an update on its live status page if this is the case.

If none of these work, you can cycle your Xbox One. Hold the power button for 5 seconds, and once it turns off, unplug your Xbox One and wait for 30 seconds. This will reset the network card, so when you boot it back up and try again it might then work.

Won’t Power On

This is another common issue. Sometimes it will be because of a broken Xbox One, but in most cases, it’s when there’s something wrong with the power brick. There’s also a chance it’s down to an issue with the internal power supply.

Checking the internal power supply is relatively easy. Turn off your Xbox One and unplug it. Wait for at least 10 seconds, then try it again.

If everything is connected properly and you’re still having issues., start by checking the light on the power brick. A solid orange or solid white light means it’s working. If the light is off or flickering, however, then something is wrong and you may need to replace it.

Before looking for a new power brick, test it in another outlet. If it still has issues, you may be able to get a new one from Microsoft(if you registered your Xbox One). If it’s not the power supply, you’ll need to get your console repaired.

Make sure you try the power button on the console and not just the controller. Sometimes there can be syncing issues that prevent the controller from powering up the Xbox One.

In some cases, Xbox Live issues have led to come players getting black screens when they turn on their Xbox One. You might have to wait for Microsoft to resolve things, but you could also disconnect your internet and you may be able to play offline without any problems.

Fixing Xbox One Problems

/many Xbox One problems can occur which may prevent you from playing video games. This is never ideal, and when it happens, you might need a professional repair service to take a look at your console.

Fruit Fixed can repair Xbox One consoles, as well as various other devices such as laptops, phones, watches, and more. If your Xbox One is having issues, click here to get a free quote from us today.