Category: Repair

Everyone’s eyes are on the new Samsung S24 Ultra, but the S23 was still a massive success. It outsold its predecessor by 22%, in particular the Ultra.

The S23 Ultra continues to be an incredible phone in the current year with years of promised software updates. Swapping out things like the battery or the USB charger can extend its lifespan even more. But what about if you need a screen replacement for cracks or screen flickering?

A Samsung S23 Ultra screen replacement is something you can do at home-though we highly recommend going into a professional shop. We’ll walk you through the steps of swapping out the screen and adding screen protectors.

Samsung S23 Ultra Screen Replacement

Samsung screen replacement is one of the most involved, delicate repair processes. Samsung, like Apple and others, has been fighting against right-to-repair movements. Only recently has the tech giant made a self-repair program.

Even if experienced, you should exercise great caution during replacement. Screens are very delicate, just as they would be for an iPhone screen repair. Here are the tools you need:

• Heating pad or hair blow drier
• 1.5 mm Phillips screwdriver
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Plastic or metal pry tool

Make sure you have a clean, well-lit, non-static space to work on. Take your time and make sure not to lose anything. If you have any doubts, bring it to a professional.

It helps to place a clean piece of paper on the table where you are working. Divide the paper into sections and label them with specific parts, placing screws and components in these sections as needed. You’ll have to work backward at the end, so this will be immensely helpful.

Remove the Adhesive

Samsung, like other manufacturers, uses adhesive to put the components together to prevent water damage. First, remove that adhesive.

Put your phone on the heating pad and set the temperature to approximately 72 to 90°. Or, with a blow dryer, blow the phone’s sides on a high heat setting.

Use Isopropyl Alcohol

Squirt a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol around the back edge of the phone. This will further loosen the glue.

Use that plastic pry tool and push it into the gap. Drag it around the edge to slowly and carefully cut through and detach the adhesive. The back panel should come right off so you can set it aside.

Remove Screws and Components

Next, you’re going to remove all of the visible Phillips screws. There should be 12 in total.

Use your pry tool to pop off the connector for the wireless pad and NFC connection. This will be just to the right of the phone’s middle cameras. Remove the entire NFC/wireless adapter assembly, including the speaker assembly attached to the bottom, and set it aside.

Disconnect the battery and the two long, squiggly main flex cables that run from the motherboard down to the speaker config and charging board. Before you proceed, make sure to remove the Phillips screws holding down the charging board.

Final Main Disassembly Steps

Pop out the SIM tray, remove the S-Pen, and finally remove the charging port. Remove the antenna connector at the top of the phone. Then disconnect the flex connector for the S-Pen, the LCD (a long, flat connector with Samsung on it), and the camera.

The mainboard should now lift right out. With extreme care, pry out the selfie camera-but make sure to disconnect the connector first! Use isopropyl alcohol and heat to remove the battery, being careful not to bend or puncture the cells.

Install the Screen

Get your new screen and remove it from the packaging. You may notice that there is no separation between the screen and the internal structure holding the main components. This is because, with Samsung, the screen is very heavily integrated into the overall system.

Now, you can reverse the process using the steps above from end to beginning. 

Installing a Screen Protector

Installing a screen protector is much, much easier. 

Clean the screen very well with a microfiber cloth and a sticker for removing particulate matter. Double and triple-check the screen to ensure it is clean. Any leftover pieces of dirt or lint will remain under the protector for good!

Apply the screen protector and squeeze out any bubbles, pushing them toward the outsides, rather than the middle. Make sure it lines up perfectly and then let it set. Voila, your screen protector is ready to go!

Self-Repair vs. Professional Repair

As you can see, the process is quite complex and you are effectively disassembling the entire phone just to replace the screen. Samsung, unlike other companies out there, has not made the process easy. So the question is this: should you bite the bullet and try to repair yourself, or take it into a shop?

Pros and Cons of Self-Repair

The benefit of doing it alone is the satisfaction of having fixed your phone with your own two hands. You can save a bit of money and learn some things in the process.

That said, it will take a lot of time, and there’s a high risk you could break something expensive even if you’re careful. Plus, you may do everything just right, only for the phone and Samsung Ultra screen not to turn on-and never figure out what went wrong.

Pros and Cons of Professional Repair

Sending it to a repair shop will cost a bit more, sure, but that’s the only disadvantage. You get a repair from a professional who has done hundreds of screen replacements.

You get peace of mind and a guarantee that if something goes wrong, you’re covered. And since it’s a professional, you know they won’t make any phone-ruining rookie mistakes. They can also leverage better tools designed specifically for dealing with smartphones, and acquire cheaper, legitimate parts.

Visit Fruit Fixed

A Samsung S23 Ultra screen replacement is difficult, but doable. You’ll need to carefully disassemble and reassemble the whole phone. It’s better for your peace of mind to send it to the repair shop.

At Fruit Fixed, we provide expert repair for a wide range of devices. We can replace the screen, battery, or anything else on your Samsung device. Choose the one you have here to see our pricing.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

You likely check your phone within ten minutes, which a recent survey found that seven in ten folks do. Nearly half also said their smartphones are their most valuable possession. 

Considering how much we rely on our phones, it’s not surprising many feel stressed when battery levels drop. Indeed, a draining battery is a nightmare for half of Americans!

A loose charging port can be just as bad, though, as it likely won’t charge your gadgets.

But what exactly can make your charging port loose? Most importantly, what can you do to address this problem?

This guide discusses the top culprits and how to fix a loose charging port, so read on. 

Why Is Your Charging Port Loose?

Wear and tear, dust and debris build-up, water damage, and a damaged charging cable can all be to blame. However, accidents can also contribute to this problem.

Let’s take a closer look at how exactly these culprits can make your charging port loose. 

Wear and Tear

Nearly seven in ten people charge their devices at least twice daily. That’s despite today’s gadgets having larger and longer-lasting batteries.

Over time, all that plugging and unplugging can wear and tear your device’s charging port, causing it to loosen. This can happen sooner if you frequently tug at your device or charging cable instead of unplugging them gently. 

Debris and Lint Build-up

Dirt, dust, food crumbs, lint, and sand can enter your devices‘ charging ports. If the build-up becomes thick enough, it can block your cable connector. This can make your port or cable feel jiggly. 

Liquid Damage

Many of the latest phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles resist water but not corrosive liquids.

For instance, apple, orange, and pineapple juice contain acids that can damage metals. Acid rain and seawater exposure can also cause such damage.

Since charging ports are open, liquids, including acidic substances, can quickly enter them. When this happens, their metal parts can start to rust. This can affect the port’s physical integrity and structure, resulting in a loosened grip. 

Damaged Charging Cable

The problem may not be the charging port but the cable you’re trying to use. It could be defective, such as if it has a broken or missing connector (the metal end you plug into the port). The head where the connector is may also be dangling due to frayed wires.

Accidents

Not using a protective case is one of the worst gadget-destroying habits you should kick. Because if you don’t use them, your devices will likely develop dents and cracks due to drops and bumps.

Worse, if you drop unprotected electronics, the impact can be enough to knock loose their internal components.

So, if you dropped your phone, tablet, or gaming console and it didn’t have a case, chances are it now has a loose charging port.

How Do You Deal With a Loose Charging Port?

First, determine if it’s the port itself that’s loose or if it’s the charging cable.

Inspect the charging cable for any damage, including frayed sections or missing parts. If there’s any, use a different (but compatible) cable to check if you’ll experience the same issue. 

If the other cable fits perfectly and works correctly, the problem is the original cable. But if the port is still loose, here’s what you can do. 

Clean the Port 

Shine a flashlight into your devices’ charging ports to check if there’s debris or lint stuck inside. If there is, you can use cotton swabs, a toothpick, or a can of compressed air to remove the build-up. You can check out this guide on the proper and safe way to clean charging ports using these materials.

Gently Wiggle the Cable 

Have you tried two different charging cables, but your device’s port feels loose with either?

If so, something in the port may have gotten dislodged or out of place, such as the pins. In this case, gently and slowly move the charging cable’s head within the port. Once the connector “connects” with the port’s contacts, it should charge your device again.

This is only a temporary fix. The problem will likely occur again the next time you try charging your devices. 

Tighten Loose Screws

Inspect your device’s exterior, especially the tiny screws near the charging port. These can become loose due to regular use, wear and tear, and accidental bangs or drops. 

Any screw that juts out even slightly can already make your charging port loose. Use the appropriate screwdriver to tighten the loose screw carefully. Don’t drive it too deep, as this can cause the surrounding area to crack and sustain more expensive damage. 

Get a Pro to Check Your Device

If the issue persists after trying the above methods, it’s time to have an expert check your device.

Before you take your faulty gadget to a technician, confirm if it’s still under warranty.

If it is, check your owner’s manual to see how to file a covered repair. You may be able to get your loose charging port fixed for free if you take it to an authorized service center (ASC). You may have to ship it to the closest one if there’s none near you.

What if your device is no longer under warranty?

Then, your best bet is to bring it to a reputable, professional gadget repair service. They have all the tools and skills to repair most problems in 30 to 45 minutes or even less. 

Get That Loose Charging Port Fixed ASAP

Wear and tear, debris build-up, water damage, and accidental drops can all make your charging port loose. However, the charging cable, not the port, could also be faulty. So, if you’re having trouble getting the two to work together, check both for damage. 

If all else fails, our team here at Fruit Fixed is ready to help. We can fix most malfunctioning electronic gadgets in under an hour. 

So, get your repair started now! We’ll be happy to fix your device at a competitive price! 

Do you feel anxious when your phone’s battery level goes under 20%, maybe even 50%? If so, you’re not alone; anxiety due to a low phone battery is something that one in eight people in the U.S. experiences. Over half even regard low battery as a nightmare!

So, imagine how much more worried you could feel if your devices suddenly don’t want to charge.

But don’t panic yet, as you may only need a charger port repair. Depending on several factors, it can take 15 minutes to two hours to fix. Based on the same variables, it can cost you nothing to over a few hundred dollars.

Read on, as we’ll discuss what you need to know about fixing a charging port and its associated costs.

Dirty Charger Port: $0 to Fix

Dust, dirt, dander, lint, and other debris can get into and build up in your devices’ charging ports over time. With enough build-up, your charger’s connector may fail to make a solid connection. This can lead to the charger being unable to transfer power to your device and charge its battery.

If this is the sole cause of the problem, you can fix it for $0 within 15 minutes with a simple cleaning.

First, power off your device and unplug it from its charger. Next, grab a cotton ball, a toothpick, and, if you have one, a compressed air pump.

Take a tiny amount of the cotton and transfer it to the toothpick to make it fit into the port. Ensure you wrap the cotton securely on one end of the toothpick.

Now, hold your device so that the port’s opening faces downward. Then, gently insert the cotton-tipped toothpick and move it in a circular motion. Repeat this four to five times.

Remove the toothpick and switch to the compressed air pump. With your port still facing the floor, direct air into it with a few squeezes of your pump.

Try charging your device now. If the cleaning trick worked, its charging system should work again.

In-Warranty Product Defect: $0 to Fix

If your device is less than a year old or has an extended warranty, your charging port repair may be free. This applies to product defects, not accidental damage. An example is if there was a problem in the manufacturing that led to the port’s poor installation.

Unfortunately, most gadget damages are accidental and owner-caused, such as a drop. Indeed, according to a recent survey, 50% of U.S. respondents cited this as the reason they broke their phone. Others said it fell into a body of water, with the toilet being the most common.

In those situations, even if your device is still under warranty, it likely won’t cover the port repair. You’d have to pay for it out of pocket.

DIY Charger Port Repair: Starts From $15

If your device is out of warranty and you’re confident in your tech skills, you can fix a charging port the DIY way. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may only need a toolkit to open the device and clean the port. In this case, expect to spend at least $15 for the kit.

But if your charging port has broken parts, you may need to replace the entire thing. A charging port replacement kit can cost $15 or more, depending on the device it’s for. However, this method can take one to two hours, especially for a beginner.

As you can see, a DIY charging port repair job is cheap, but before you proceed, re-assess your skills. Remember, this method will require you to disassemble your device. And inside are fragile components, such as ribbons, chips, and wires, that can easily break.

When that happens, you’ll face even more repair bills or, worse, a completely broken device. For example, if you damage one or more of its ribbon connectors, you might end up with a non-working screen.

Apple Service Center: Hundreds of Dollars

We’ve mentioned Apple as it charges considerably more for repairs than other brands. If you go to them to have your out-of-warranty iPhone charging port fixed, you could pay up to $699.

That rate is for the Apple 15 Pro Max, but the price only dips a little for the slightly lower-tier or older models. For instance, fixing the iPhone 11 Pro Max through Apple will set you back $599, just $100 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

If your phone has AppleCare+ coverage, though, you’ll only pay $99 plus taxes and shipping for the repair.

Professional Gadget Repair: $50 Onward

Depending on your gadget’s specs, an expert technician can repair its charging port for $50 or more. Usually, older devices, as long as they still have replacement parts, are cheaper to fix. This is because they often have fewer, less complex components.

Also, expect smaller gadgets to cost less to repair than their bigger counterparts. For example, smartphones (except the latest iPhones) are cheaper to fix than laptops.

Note, too, that independent repair shops often charge less than brand-run ones. For example, you may only have to pay them $148 to replace or fix your iPhone 11 Pro Max charging port. That’s a $451 price difference from what you’d otherwise pay an Apple Service Center.

If you choose a well-established independent store, you can expect quality not to be an issue. Their expert technicians can also complete repair jobs in around half an hour.  

So, pick a repair center that’s been around for several years now, preferably over a decade. Their being in business for a long time often indicates credibility and reliability.

You should also look for service warranties, and as much as possible, go for a lifetime warranty. This is a sign of a service provider’s confidence in the quality of work they provide.

Get Your Charging Port Fixed Today

A charger port repair is usually one of the cheapest jobs you’d need for your devices. It may not even cost you anything if it’s only dirty; just clean it with a cotton-tipped toothpick. But if it needs fixing, prepare to spend $50 to $600+, depending on your chosen method.

If you choose Fruit Fixed, you can rest easy, as we charge reasonable rates.

So, head to our repair page now and select your device to find repair estimates. But if you need more details, drop us a line or ring us up!

As great as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is, it does have a few flaws. One that most of its owners will point to is the middling battery life.

To an extent, this isn’t a surprise. Galaxy Watches, other than the rugged Watch 5 Pro, never had a particularly big battery. Still, having to charge them a bit more often is a small price to pay for what they offer.

But what if your watch doesn’t charge at all? Well, a Samsung Galaxy Watch not charging could indicate a variety of issues. Some of them happen due to a faulty battery, but there could also be a problem with the watch itself.

Want to resolve your Galaxy Watch charging issue? This guide will let you know how to do it as quickly as possible!

Reboot the Watch

“Turning it off and on” is a cliche, but sometimes it does work. If the charging issue occurs due to a software bug, a simple reboot will fix it.

If your watch still has some battery left, try rebooting it before doing anything else. Swipe down from the watch face, then select Power > Turn Off. Wait 15 seconds, then hold the Power button to turn the watch back on.

If your watch is unresponsive, you’ll need to force-reboot it. You can do so by holding the Home and Power buttons for about 10 seconds. Release them as soon as you see the “Rebooting” message on the screen.

Once you’ve rebooted the watch, place it on the charger. If it’s still not charging, move on to the rest of this guide.

Use Another Charger

The next step you should try is to use another charger. If the new charger works, you’ll know that the issue doesn’t lie with your watch.

For best results, use the official Samsung wireless charger. Many third-party charging accessories aren’t compatible with Samsung watches. In the worst-case scenario, using them may even damage your battery.

While trying out the new charger, ensure it’s aligned with the watch. If you’re using a charging dock, the back of the watch must be in the center of it. Ensure you’re not using the wrong charging dock for your watch model.

While you’re at it, check the charging cable for damage as well. Many cables get frayed over time, particularly if you’re not careful about using them. If you notice any fraying or debris, try another USB-C cable.

Try a Different Power Source

If the new charger or cable doesn’t resolve the issue, use another power source. Fortunately, these watches come with a variety of charging options.

The easiest way to do this is to plug your charging cable into another outlet. You can use any laptop or phone with a USB-C port for this purpose. The watch won’t charge as fast as with the official charger, but it should work.

You can also try to charge your watch via Wireless PowerShare. To do this, you’ll need a WPC Qi-enabled phone. Keep in mind that this charging method will only work if your phone’s battery is over 30 percent.

To use PowerShare, go to your phone’s Settings and click on Battery and Device Care. Go to Battery > Wireless Power Sharing and enable it. Then, place the devices with their backs facing each other until they connect.

Give the Watch Time to Cool Down

All Galaxy Watches have a thermal protection system. If the battery gets too hot, the watch will stop charging, seemingly at random.

If your watch does seem a bit hot, give it time to cool down. Disconnect it from the charger, wait 15 minutes, then try charging it again. If you’re using third-party charging accessories, replace them with the original charger.

Of course, inconsistent charging is far from the only reason why overheating is bad news. If your Samsung Galaxy Watch battery gets hot often, take the device to a repair shop as soon as possible.

Update the Software

Rebooting your watch will deal with most minor software bugs. If your watch still seems buggy, there may be a new update that you need to install.

To get a new software update, first connect your watch to Wi-Fi. Then, head to Settings and select Software Update > Download and Install. Wait until the watch installs the update, then try charging it again.

Another way to update your watch is via the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone. This app is one of the biggest advantages Samsung has over Apple. Simply open it, then go to Watch Settings > Watch Software Update. 

Reset Your Watch

If none of the above methods work, the issue likely lies with your watch. The only question is whether it’s a software or hardware issue.

If it’s a software issue, you can resolve it by doing a factory reset. This will delete all the data on your watch and restore it to factory settings. To keep your data, use the Galaxy Wearable app to back it up in the Cloud.

To reset the Galaxy Watch, hold the Power and Back buttons until you see the Rebooting message. Press Home to get into the Reboot Mode menu, then head to Recovery and follow the on-screen instructions.

Once you’ve reset the watch, see if it can charge again. To restore your data, open Galaxy Wearable, then go to Settings > About Watch > Back up and Restore. Select the data you want to restore, then tap Restore Now.

Head to a Repair Shop

If resetting doesn’t work, you’re dealing with a major hardware issue. The only way to fix that is to take your watch to a repair shop.

For watches under warranty, your best bet is to head to the Samsung service center. Find the original invoice and take it to the nearest repair shop. You can also contact Samsung customer service to learn more about your issue.

Dealing With Samsung Galaxy Watch Not Charging

As you can see, a Samsung Galaxy Watch not charging can happen due to a variety of issues. Follow the above guide to learn how to make it work as intended again!

Is your Galaxy Watch out of warranty? If so, our experts at Fruit Fixed can fix it for you at the best available price! Click here to learn more about our low-price guarantee!

You have a choice of over 204,299 desktop computer repair technicians in the USA, reports Zippia. That is a vast amount of choice, and it is vital you pick the right technician for your computer repair work.

Without your desktop, productivity grinds to a halt. You stare in frustration at the oblong box that used to be your center of communication, entertainment, and management. You need to get back online fast.

So, how do you get the desktop computer repairs you need? You need to be clear about the work you need and the ideal type of technician.

Today, we’ll learn how to find the right tech for the job. Read on!

Desktop Computer Repair Certifications

Indeed reports that computer repair technicians need a high school diploma at the absolute minimum. This is for entry-level work, and they would also need to complete extensive on-the-job training. Most desktop computer technicians complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer hardware, IT, computer science, cybersecurity, or engineering.

Professional certifications come next. Technicians can gain CompTIA certifications to cement their right to work in the industry. CompTIA is the leading certifying body in the IT world, and certification shows a commitment to the industry.

Technicians can study system-specific certifications for major computer companies. Microsoft and Apple both offer training courses, and techs can gain Linux qualifications from several online schools.

Computer Repair Experience

You should ask which systems your desktop repairs technician has experience working on. Skilled techs can adapt their approach to various systems, but for tricky issues, they should specialize in your platform.

You should ask if they have experience with your specific problem. Broken screen repair can differ by brand, for example. Like with systems experience, this will save you time and help you get high-quality computer desktop repairs.

Time in the industry is also key. It can feel a bit rude to ask this but look on their website to see how long they have been in business. Subpar technicians tend to last a short time in the industry. Reputation is crucial, but we’ll look at that later!

Specialisms

The top desktop computer technicians tend to specialize in a subset of computer skills. This narrows their field of study but boosts their proficiency with specific desktop computer repairs.

Some desktop computers use legacy technology. For example, traditional banks use legacy systems written in COBOL, RPG, and Assembler. These languages are so specific that it is hard to find a technician versed in them; you may need to pay a premium for these computer repairs.

You may need a technician who specializes in physical repairs. CPU, hard drive, motherboard, and other hardware repairs need precise engineering to get right. The technician should have all the tools needed to complete the job fast.

Performance and Maintenance

You may only need to boost your system’s efficiency. Nothing may be physically wrong, but your computer has become so slow it is unworkable. This is frustrating but also costly to your productivity, as each extra minute could shave dollars from your work.

You could attempt to do this yourself, but freeing up RAM and hard drive space is risky. You may delete sensitive system files, making your problem 100 times worse. You could also lose access to essential business files.

You could think of RAM as your working short-term memory. It is like trying to recall a shopping list in your head, and eventually, you struggle to remember extra items. Your hard drive is like a huge filing cabinet, and the more clutter you have, the harder it is to find the right documents.

Your computer repair technician should offer cloud and backup services. These can be tricky to set up over large networks, so you may need a tech specialized in cloud and network engineering. You should automate your backups to ensure your files are there when you need them.

Security and Data Protection

Cybercrime cost the USA $6.9 billion in 2021! Your desktop computer technician should comply with data protection laws while they work on your system. Depending on your type of work, you could have sensitive personal information or client data on your hard drive.

They should back up your files before they start their computer repairs. This is elementary-level stuff in the industry, but mistakes can happen. Make sure they use a secure deletion system after they complete repairs.

Need cybersecurity computer repair work? You should look for technicians certified by CISSP, CISA, Security+, CEH, or CISM. These are the main cybersecurity certifications; some schools offer intensive courses to improve technicians’ security skills.

Find Your Desktop Computer Repair Technician

You know what to look for, now let’s find you a quality tech! Online search is the place to start, so try putting your specific problem into your favorite search engine. Location keywords help to localize your search, and you can input your system type to filter results.

Check some online reviews once you have a list of potential repair techs. Their reputation should be stellar, and reviews that talk about your specific issues are the most useful. If you have friends who have used a desktop computer repair tech, ask them for their advice.

Turnaround time is key to getting back online again. The best technicians should complete most desktop repairs in under 4 hours. If you need mobile device repair too, you can ask about how long this takes at the same time.

Get Back Online in No Time!

Fruit Fixed can solve your desktop computer repair woes. Our team of professional technicians can repair most desktops in 2 to 4 hours. Mobile device repairs take under 30 minutes in most cases – you can grab a coffee and be ready to go when you come back!

We only stock high-quality replacement parts, and we offer a lifetime warranty on all of our work. Find us at 6 locations in Virginia, easy to reach from most places. We operate on a walk-in basis, but you can use our web app to get extra information first.

Start your desktop repair today!

There’s a lot to be said for being capable when it comes to repairs in the digital age. We’re all reliant on our gizmos and gadgets in some form or another. They don’t come cheap either, so getting hands-on with technical problems can save you a pretty penny.

The question of when it’s a good idea to get stuck into a problem ourselves often isn’t as straightforward as we’d like. More often than not we might end up making the problem worse or causing additional damage during an attempt to fix an existing problem.

If you’re on the fence about how to proceed with necessary gadget repair, we’ve got you covered! Read on to find out more.

Getting Your Hands Dirty

For most of us, the internal workings of many of our technological gadgets are a complete mystery. Remembering to charge our phones and not drop them too often is as in-depth a maintenance schedule as we’re usually familiar with. Despite this kind of rigorous babying, the wear always begins to show eventually.

The odd scratch can be overlooked. Quirks of character are often acceptable despite requiring a clumsy workaround. The rub begins where issues can no longer be ignored, or the use of a particular facet of the gizmo fails completely. 

In this case, it’s not uncommon for the nonplussed owner to turn to Google or YouTube in the hopes of a quick fix. More often than not, the answer is going to involve some amateur sleuthing and some even more amateur surgery after the fact. The further your research takes you, the more complicated things become.

The Unfortunate Reality of DIY and Tech

As your research progresses, you may well find a likely culprit for your issue. If it’s a common problem, people will have discussed solutions in detail that you can follow yourself. The community that surrounds the right-to-repair movement is gaining in popularity and people are generally happy to share their expertise.

Diagnosing the issue once you have an idea of what you’re looking for is where problems start to arise. Step one is opening your device up, which in principle sounds like it ought to be simple enough, but in practice, it’s often a different story. It doesn’t take long before you realize most brands don’t want you tinkering in places where, in their eyes at least, you don’t belong.

The unfortunate reality of DIY when it comes to tech is that companies want you to buy new, not to repair. To this end, they take steps to make repair substantially more difficult than it needs to be. They have a few strategies in place to this end, each more frustrating than the last.

Some brands are worse offenders than others. Apple is particularly fervent when it comes to anti-consumer practices. If you’re looking into iPhone repair or replacing an iPad battery, for example, you may want to consult the professionals.

Specialized Tools

Due to many gadget repairs requiring specialized tools, you may find yourself unable to reach the problem area for repairs. Big brands want people to think of their tech as either functional or non-functional, and not something the layman could ever conceive of fixing themselves. To further this ideal, they like to use unusual fixings and fasteners so that common household tools are rendered useless.

If you’re feeling frustrated, you’re not alone! Don’t worry though, if you’d rather not pay for specialized tools to try to do the job yourself, the simple answer is to employ the time and expertise of the professionals. They already have the tools for the job and are well-versed in fixing all manner of tech-related grievances.

It’s perfectly understandable to want to fix the problem yourself, but this is only possible in a handful of cases. Fixing tech usually involves an exhaustive diagnostic process before you even get started. Even diagnosing the problem can require professional instruments such as voltage meters and vision magnifying equipment.

The Difference Between DIY and Professional Services

While it’s quite possible to purchase all of the tools the professionals use, using them is another matter entirely. If you’ve successfully diagnosed a common problem, like how to fix a charging port, you may need to delve into the murky waters of soldering. 

For most people, this is a process that can be learned with time and dedication. It’s by no means rocket science, but one misstep and all your work will be for naught. Even if you successfully install the new charging port with perfect soldering, how often are you going to need all the expensive equipment you bought?

A professional service will offer a quick turnaround time and even offer to price match quotes from their competition. You’ll even receive the peace of mind that’s only available from a solid guarantee that will cover your device if the repairs don’t hold up in the future.

Sourcing parts can be a real headache, too. You may find yourself searching far and wide online for a specific part, only to find yourself waiting weeks for it to arrive. Professional repair services keep high-quality parts in stock to ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible.

Laptop repair is costly in both time and money. The question of “How much to fix Macbook Pro screen?” is like asking how long a piece of string is. It’s best to leave such complexities to the professionals.

Professional and Reliable Gadget Repair

Ultimately if the problem is straightforward it’s always worth tackling yourself. The contentment from saving money and fixing something with your own two hands can’t be overstated, especially if you learn a thing or two along the way. For all the truly fiddly tasks that could easily go badly awry, it’s best to consult the professionals when it comes to gadget repair.

If you’re looking for more tech repair advice or have any questions, feel free to contact us. Or if you’d like to read more about tech repair in general, check out the rest of the blog today!

With more and more shiny new devices launching on the market every day, keeping up with tech trends can get expensive. On average, smartphones cost us a whopping $228 per year of use, with laptops not far behind. Video game consoles and smartwatches may cost us less than $100 per year of use, but that doesn’t make us want to protect them any less!

Getting the most out of your tech devices means knowing how to extend their lifespan. Unfortunately, a few bad habits can ruin your devices fast. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways people damage their favorite devices without even knowing. 

Charging Devices Overnight

When it comes to bad habits with tech, most people have heard the popular advice that charging your device overnight can be bad news for your battery.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a myth. Keeping your phone charging at 100% for long periods, whether it’s day or night, can strain a lithium-ion battery. This is because batteries grow warmer when plugged into a charger, and heat decreases your battery life.

However, if you do choose to charge a device overnight, know that some modern devices fare better than others.

Newer Apple devices, for example, support optimized battery charging. With this feature enabled, your iPhone will stop charging past 80% based on your charging schedule. Your phone then predicts what time you’ll unplug it, typically the time you wake in the morning, and schedules a rapid charge to 100% right before then.

Draining Your Battery Too Often

Another way to kill any lithium-ion battery is to drain it until it’s dead.

Modern batteries are strained the most when they’re low or empty as well as when they’re fully charged. In an ideal world, you’ll keep your device’s battery charged to a sweet spot of 30-80% at all times. (Note that taking your battery off a charger before it hits a 100% charge isn’t damaging; this common myth is a holdover from the days of nickel-cadmium batteries.)

If you haven’t plugged in your device before it hits 20%, be sure to turn on the battery saver mode, if it has one. Both iPhone and Android devices offer various power-saving settings that help preserve your battery life until you can find the nearest outlet.

Using Unofficial Chargers

It’s always a good idea to use the charger that came with your device. Barring that, you should replace broken or lost chargers with another model from the original manufacturer. You can also use chargers from brands that go through the trouble of getting certification from the original manufacturer, such as Apple’s MFi certification.

Unofficial chargers may not send the right current to your device. Some chargers may not stop delivering a charge when your device’s battery is full. Both of these things can wreak havoc on your battery life.

While it’s true that some unofficial chargers may offer the perfect charge, it can be hard to tell whether or not you’re getting a product tailored to your device. Instead, play it safe and reach for an official or certified product. 

Failing to Update

Whether you’re dealing with a phone, tablet, or computer, it’s important to update your device’s iOS when a new one is available. Sure, updates take time and may require a reboot, but they can also make your device more stable and usable while adding new features. 

Even better, software updates often patch known vulnerabilities in your iOS. These patches protect your sensitive data and even safeguard your device from malware and viruses that can affect the software in the long run.

Leaving Devices in the Sun

As we mentioned above, heat is a battery killer. Worse, too much heat can cause permanent damage to your phone, impacting your files, limiting processing power, or even making certain features inaccessible. You may end up needing to buy a new phone!

It’s tempting to keep your expensive tech by your side when you’re sunbathing or exercising outside, and you might not think twice about leaving it on the front dash of your car. However, these habits can cook your favorite devices if you aren’t careful! Just like you’d protect your own skin, stick to the shade where possible and try to keep your devices out of the sun for long periods.

Not Using a Case or Cover

This is one of those tech habits that may seem like a no-brainer, but we’ve had plenty of customers come in with a broken device that doesn’t have any kind of protective covering. Accidents happen to everyone, and the last thing you want is a costly mistake that damages your device in a split second!

From spills to accidental drops, a sturdy case or cover can help protect your device from harm. Even if you don’t want to add too much bulk, a sleek silicone phone case or a slim tablet screen protector can make a difference. You can even get cases and silicone keyboard covers for your laptop.

On that note, it’s also a good idea to get a protection plan or a warranty when you’re buying your device, if one is available to you. This way, if you do end up ruining your tech, you’re still protected! 

Get More Out of Your Tech Devices

Taking good care of your tech devices can preserve their battery life and improve their lifespan. Though you’ll have to put some thought into how you treat your phone, tablet, or computer, a bit of effort can help you enjoy your device for years to come!

Of course, we also understand that mistakes happen, no matter how careful you are. That’s why our team is here to offer fast and professional repairs with a lifetime warranty. Contact us today to repair everything from phones to digital watches to game consoles.