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.

Justin Drake Carroll Laptops

What Should You Do if Your Laptop Is Overheating?

You pick up your laptop . . . and it’s hot to the touch. Rest assured, this isn’t supposed to be happening. In fact, an overheating laptop is a massive cause for concern and requires immediate action. 

If you don’t take action against your laptop’s overheating, your laptop’s hard drive and other internal components could suffer irreparable damage. 

But what should you do if your laptop is overheating? We’re going to get into that below. Here’s how to deal with an overheating laptop. 

What Causes an Overheating Laptop?

In order to know how to fix an overheating laptop, you must first understand what causes a laptop to overheat in the first place. The most common causes of a laptop overheating include:

It’s Sitting in a Hot Location

A common cause of laptop overheating is that the laptop is sitting in a hot location. This could be in a vehicle, in a home that’s not air-conditioned, or next to a sunny window. 

This stands to reason, of course, as the heat in the room can easily transfer to the internal components of the laptop. This is why, if the laptop is going to be sitting in a hot location, you should shut it off while it’s doing so. Then, when it’s time to use it again, make sure that it’s cooled off a bit before turning it back on. 

Its Exhaust Vents Are Blocked

The internal components of a laptop must work hard in order to perform their respective functions. This causes them to build up heat over time. 

Fortunately, laptops are built with exhaust vents, allowing them to rid themselves of this heat with general ease. But if these vents are blocked (by dust, for example), they can’t release said heat, resulting in the overheating of the laptop. 

It’s Being Charged With an Incompatible Adapter

Another cause of laptop overheating is that the laptop’s being charged with an incompatible adapter. If the adapter is too strong for the laptop, it can pump too much electricity into it. This can cause the laptop to overheat. 

As such, it’s imperative that you use a compatible adapter when charging your laptop. 

How to Fix an Overheating Laptop

The fix for an overheating laptop is dependent on what’s causing the overheating. Let’s discuss some of the most common fixes below, shall we?

Removed Dust from the Vents

One of the first things you should do is remove dust from the vents of your laptop. You might be able to achieve this with a brush or piece of cloth. However, in some cases, it requires a canister of compressed air. 

Regardless, be careful not to make an impact on any of the laptop’s internal components. 

Shut Off Unnecessary Apps/Operating Processes

Our next tip is to shut off unnecessary apps/operating processes. Oftentimes, when a laptop turns on, these apps and processes will engage automatically. But when all of these are running at the same time, they put undue strain on the laptop’s internal components, causing them to heat up. 

Fortunately, you typically have the option to disable the autostart of these apps and processes. 

Assess Wear and Tear

Any number of broken components can cause a laptop to overheat. Therefore, if you’re dealing with an overheating laptop, you should set out to determine whether any of its components have incurred notable wear and tear. 

For instance, you might notice that your laptop’s charging cable is torn. Or, you might notice that one of the ports of your laptop has loosened up. You might even hear a loose component within your laptop. 

Each of these problems is alarming and demands further inspection by a seasoned computer repair technician. 

Utilize a Cooling Pad

Another option for combatting an overheating laptop is to utilize a cooling pad. This is an electricity-powered board that sits underneath a laptop. It provides cold to the laptop’s exterior, thereby cooling down its internal components in the process. 

Cooling pads aren’t permanent solutions. In fact, they’re designed more for gaming laptops, as gaming frequently causes a laptop to overheat. If the overheating is coming from another source, you’re strongly advised to repair that source as opposed to employing a cooling pad. 

Make Sure You’re Using the Standard Issue Charger

As was noted above, using too strong a charging adapter can cause a computer to overheat. In some cases, even using a charging adapter different from the one included with the computer can cause it to overheat. Therefore, if you’re using a different charging adapter to the standard issue one, you should switch back to the standard issue and see if it solves the problem. 

Take Your Laptop to a Computer Repair Shop

Our last piece of advice is to take your laptop to a computer repair shop. This is the solution in cases where other fixes aren’t working. If the other repairs aren’t getting the job done, there’s likely a deep issue at hand, the likes of which can only be handled by a seasoned repair tech. 

They’ll troubleshoot your broken laptop and determine exactly what the problem is. Once they’ve identified the problem, they’ll take all necessary action in order to fix it. 

Laptop Is Overheating?

Do you find your laptop is overheating, even after taking measures against the problem? If so, you would be wise to have your computer checked out by a professional computer repair technician. 

They’ll determine the source of the problem, and then take all necessary action in order to fix it. Are you looking for a computer repair tech in Charlottesville? Look no further than Fruit Fixed. 

Contact us today to discuss your computer issues! 

Justin Drake Carroll Apple, iPad

5 Common iPad Problems and Solutions

Do you know how many iPads have been sold since the popular tablet first hit the market in 2010?

According to one report, the number is more than 425 million. But that doesn’t mean the ultra-popular iPad isn’t subject to problems like any other tablet.

Are you having any issues with your iPad? Is it not functioning at full capacity?

Some specific iPad problems occur more than others. Continue reading to learn about five common issues and how to fix them. 

1. Frozen Screen

One of the most frustrating iPad problems is also one of the most common. It relates to the screen freezing and not responding to user input.

When the screen freezes, that’s often a result of too many apps operating and too much corrupted memory being left behind. While a frozen screen is one of the more frustrating iPad issues, it’s usually easy to fix this problem.

The first thing you need to do is turn off your iPad and then turn it back on. If this fixes the problem, great. But if it doesn’t, you’ll need to do a forced restart.

Press and hold the power and home buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds. You’ll know the forced restart has worked if the Apple logo appears on the screen.

What should you do if you have a more recent iPad model that doesn’t have the home button?

Press and release the up volume button, press and release the down volume button, and then press and hold the power button. Your iPad should start up.

If you still can’t start your iPad after doing all of the above, you may need to contact a company like Fruit Fixed to get to the bottom of the matter.

2. Won’t Charge

Have you ever plugged in your iPad overnight and found in the morning that the battery power didn’t increase at all? Few things can be as frustrating if you’re an iPad owner. How do you go about fixing an iPad with this problem?

One common cause of this issue is that many USB ports in older PCs and laptops cannot sufficiently power an iPad.

You can avoid this headache if you have a newer computer or laptop that can provide enough juice to your iPad.

But other than spending more money to get new hardware, how can you deal with a situation where your iPad won’t charge? Here are some tips:

Try to reboot your iPad and follow that up by plugging your tablet into a wall socket using an adapter and power cable.

If this doesn’t fix the problem, try replacing the potentially faulty adapter and power cable.

You may need to find a third party should none of the above help. A repair shop might find you need a new battery. But it will also check for any electrical hardware issues to see if iPad repairs are in order.

3. Battery Draining Too Fast

Is your iPad draining woefully fast? Are you frustrated by how little use you get from your tablet between charges? It’s not uncommon for iPads to experience battery-draining issues. And, fortunately, there are some easy potential fixes.

The problem could stem from a weak battery or apps that are simply taking up too much battery power.

Try the following recommendations to stop this sort of issue in its tracks:

Start by force shutting down your apps. After doing this, restart your iPad. You should also ensure you’re up to date on any updates for your iOS and apps, manage battery usage for apps, or reset settings on your tablet.

What can you do if none of these tips stops your battery from draining too quickly? You may have to contact a third party to look into the issue. Your iPad might have hardware damage that needs to be fixed.

4. Cracked Screen

Few things will detract from the aesthetic appeal of your iPad more than a cracked screen. Do you have a cracked iPad?

Even if it’s still functional, a broken iPad isn’t pleasant to look at. And the damage will get worse over time.

If you want your iPad to look as good as new, you’ll want to install a new screen.

It’ll cost you. But fixing the screen can make sense if you either want to hold onto your iPad for a few years or sell it for a better than a bargain-basement price.

If the warranty has expired on your iPad, contact a company like Fruit Fixed to learn about your options. We stand behind our work and will give you a warranty backing our services.

5. Won’t Turn On

What should you do if you can’t turn on your iPad? No one wants to see a black screen when they want to turn the iPad on and use it. If it doesn’t turn on, the chances are that the battery is completely depleted. 

Try doing a full reset. You can do this by pressing the up volume button, the down volume button, and the top button. The Apple logo should appear.

If the screen is still black and lifeless, plug the phone into the wall and leave it there for approximately half an hour. Do another complete reset. You’ll want to call a repair shop if none of these tips get your iPad up and running.

We Can Help With iPad Problems

As an iPad owner, you’ll want to avoid issues that make your tablet unusable. If you encounter iPad problems, check out the five tips above to resolve them. Chances are that you’ll be able to get back up and running soon.

But if you cannot fix the problem, we’re here to help. At Fruit Fixed, we employ skilled technicians and offer fast repairs and lifetime warranties.

With our professional technicians on the case, your damaged iPad won’t stay inoperable for long. No matter the problem, we can repair your device!

We have six locations in Carytown, Charlottesville, Chester, Colonial Heights, Midlothian Westchester Commons, and Short Pump, Virginia. Visit our website for details on contacting the location that’s most convenient for you.  

Justin Drake Carroll Repair

Bad Habits That Are Ruining Your Tech Devices

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.