Handing over your phone means trusting someone with an expensive device and a lot of personal information. A few minutes asking the right questions beforehand helps you compare repairers fairly, avoid surprises and know exactly what you're agreeing to.
Before you get in touch
Have this information ready. It makes any quote quicker and more accurate:
- The make and exact model. On iPhone, look in Settings, then General, then About. On Android, look in Settings under About phone.
- What's wrong, in as much detail as you can: what happens, what doesn't, and when.
- How it happened, if you know: a drop, a spill, a gradual decline.
- Whether it's been repaired before, and by whom.
Questions about the quote
- Is there a charge to diagnose the fault, and is it deducted if I go ahead with the repair?
- Is the price a fixed quote or an estimate?
- If you find another problem once you start, will you contact me before doing any extra work?
- What happens, and is there any charge, if the phone can't be repaired?
A reputable repairer should be happy to answer all of these and should never carry out work you haven't agreed to.
Questions about parts
Replacement parts vary. Some come from the phone's manufacturer, some are taken from other phones and refurbished, and some are made by third parties. Quality and price differ, for example in screen brightness, colour accuracy, touch response or battery capacity.
- What type of part will you use, and are there different options at different prices?
- Will my phone show a message about a non-genuine or unknown part after the repair? Some phones, including recent iPhones, display one.
- Could the repair affect any features, such as face or fingerprint unlock, water resistance or automatic screen colour adjustment?
Questions about your data
- Will this repair affect the data on my phone?
- Do you need my passcode, and if so, why? Can I unlock it in person for testing instead?
- Will anyone need to open my photos, messages or apps? (For most repairs, the answer should be no.)
- Where is my phone kept while it's with you?
Whatever the answers, back up your phone first if you can. Our guide on protecting your data before a phone repair explains how.
Questions about warranty
- Is there a warranty on the repair, and how long does it last?
- Does it cover the part, the workmanship, or both?
- What would void it? For example, a new drop or liquid damage usually isn't covered.
- Can I have the warranty terms in writing, on the receipt or job sheet?
It's also worth checking whether an independent repair could affect any remaining manufacturer warranty or insurance on your phone.
Questions about timing
- How long will the repair take once you've started?
- Do you have the part, or does it need ordering?
- How will you let me know when it's ready, and when can I collect it?
Timing depends on the phone, the fault and whether parts are in stock, so a repairer who gives a firm time only after seeing the phone is usually being realistic, not evasive.
Asking us
If you're looking at mobile phone repairs in High Wycombe, you're welcome to put these questions to us. Our office is at 122 Desborough Rd, High Wycombe HP11 2PU, open Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. We'll look at the phone, explain what we've found and what we recommend, and nothing goes ahead until you've agreed to it.
