Do-it-Yourself Smartphone Repair Part 1: CAN I Repair My Own Cell Phone?

Do-it-Yourself Smartphone Repair Part 1:

 CAN I Repair My Own Cell Phone?

 (Some advice from the professionals at MobileREMEDIES®)

 (If your real question is “SHOULD I Repair My Own Cell Phone?” then read Do-it-Yourself Smartphone Repair Part 2 first)

It happens to all of us at one time or another. We either damage our Smartphone or it just stops working. It is an expensive device so it’s also pretty expensive to replace or repair it. Even if you are due for an upgrade it is likely that you will have to pay an extra $200 or more for the model you want. If you have insurance, even though you have been paying on it monthly, chances are that you will also have to pay a deductible, sometimes $150 or more, so why not repair it yourself and save a bundle? You’ll still have to pay for the defective parts and any tools you’ll need to do the repair but you won’t have to pay for any deductibles, labor, packaging, warranties, etc.

So, CAN I repair my own cell phone?  The answer is “perhaps” but before you roll up your sleeves and get started there are a number of things to consider if you hope to have a realistic chance of success. Also, read Part 2 of this article so that you have all the relevant information before you make a final decision.

First, an overview of these devices is worthwhile. They are marvelous little hand-held computers that we still call our “cell phones” even though making a phone call has become one of the most unimpressive things they do. (If you are interested in how they came to exist, check out “From Telephone to Smartphone: a long way in a short time!”)  They are now truly sophisticated devices with a motherboard or mainboard surrounded by and connected to numerous functional modules such as a touchscreen (LCD & digitizer), front and back cameras, microphones, speakers, an earphone jack, a vibrator, a charge port and various buttons and sensors all miniaturized and distributed around a battery and an antenna system. Everything is packed into a molded case and held with screws, press-fit connectors and various kinds of adhesive backing with each different model having its own unique characteristics and idiosyncrasies.  If what you have read so far sounds like a “fun” challenge keep reading this article, if not skip the steps below and look into getting professional help by searching online for cellphone/electronic repair Hawaii or go directly to Do-it-Yourself Smartphone Repair Part 2.

1.- Take an honest look at your own capabilities, strengths and weaknesses, as well as your own past experience. If you have never opened and examined a small electronic device, your current smartphone is probably not the place to start. If you feel highly motivated however and have a basic understanding of how things work, dig out one of your old cell phones from a drawer and practice taking it apart and putting it back together first. If you are not the type of person who can keep countless tiny parts organized and either remember or clearly document the order in which you removed them, it is unlikely that you will be able to get your device back together again successfully. If the practice runs work, then keep going.

2.- You will need to make an accurate diagnosis of the problem. If your screen is cracked and everything is working perfectly, it may not be difficult but if it isn’t charging it could be anything from your charger to your battery to your charge port or even your motherboard. Though you might still wish to change your battery, be aware that it may not fix your problem and that in some of the newer phones it is a major undertaking with plenty of room to make things worse! Do some serious research online about problems that other people have encountered with your smartphone model. Chances are that you are not alone and that others have done some of the work for you. Remember that any money you put into it by buying the wrong parts or the wrong tools delays your repair and subtracts or erases your savings (or at least generates more hassle in returning them and ordering the right ones!).                                                              

3.- Find a video on the Internet that shows the step-by-step repair that you wish to accomplish in your EXACT model. Externally similar smartphones may be quite different on the inside.  Watch the video through several times and make sure you understand each step before you try to replicate them on your device. Check out videos from several sources and make sure the steps are similar.

4.- Special tools will be required and may have to be ordered. Hopefully your video will have detailed them for you.  If not, the video probably isn’t good enough to get you through the repair.  Any defective parts will also have to be purchased online with the associated delay so you will have to plan ahead. Also keep in mind that some parts such as flex cables are fragile and must be treated with extra care. A single loose connector or broken wire can sabotage your entire effort.

5.- Do your homework first then be meticulous in your handling of the device and its parts, be patient and methodical and don’t try to rush! If you get frustrated half way through it is too late to change your mind so take some slow, deep breaths and stick with it.

Repairing your own smartphone can be a gratifying and exhilarating experience but it definitely is not for everybody and certainly not for the faint-hearted! The difference between success and failure can be as subtle as a forgotten screw or a loose connector. If you fail but haven’t caused any permanent damage to your device it may still be possible to get it repaired for a fraction of the cost of a new smartphone and often for less than your insurance deductible. Call 1-800-867-5048 to speak with the professionals at MobileREMEDIES® or bring your smartphone to one of our stores on Oahu or Maui.  You can also find us online at www.mobileremedies.com or at Cell Phone Repair Hawaii.

Good Luck!