About Cell Phone Repair
Cell phone repair has become an increasingly popular option among consumers looking to save a little money. Cracked LCD screens, water damage and clogged headphone jacks are no longer reasons to simply replace a phone. These problems are all fixable, and usually for far less money than the cost of a replacement phone--often less than $50. So the next time you drop your phone in the sink, check out some of your options before heading to the nearest cell phone dealer.
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Manufacturer's Warranty
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Usually a manufacturer's warranty is good for 1 year on phones that are purchased new. The manufacturer will determine if the issue is covered by warranty before accepting it. Generally in this case you will be issued a new phone rather than having it repaired. Be careful that you are not signing a contract extension along with the replacement phone.
Dealer Repair
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AT&T, the nation's largest wireless provider, doesn't offer repair services in its stores. Other carriers, such as Sprint and Verizon, do provide some service. Not all locations have in-store service, though, so it's best to call and check the location nearest you.
Third-Party Repair
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Cell phone repair shops are becoming increasingly common. Franchises like CPR--Cell Phone Repair can be found in almost every state, and there are many local repair shops as well. Do your homework when choosing a location. Have the technicians had proper training, either by an experienced technician or through a cellular repair training center? How much experience do they have? Do they offer a warranty on their service? Answer all these questions to your satisfaction, and you'll have likely found a viable, cost-effective solution.
Do It Yourself
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Some breaks can be fixed at home, and some, like water damage, must be handled as soon as possible, making an at-home fix the most reasonable option. Websites such as Repair4MobilePhone.org offer a variety of cell phone repair tips. While some of these fixes are best left to professionals, knowing how to effectively dry out a cell phone is not hard, and in fact making the necessary repair immediately can be the difference between life and death for your cell phone. The key to salvaging a water-damaged cell phone is to remove the battery immediately and the SIM card if there is one. Even if the phone can't be saved, getting the SIM card out is critical for recovering your data. Shake the phone to remove as much water as possible. Use paper towels to get it as dry as possible. Then, let it sit somewhere to dry out--ideally someplace warm and dry. Give it a couple of days before replacing the battery. If the phone still doesn't work, it may still need to go in for repair, or replacement.
Why Repair?
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Even with more expensive cell phones becoming common, the average American still replaces his cell phone every 18 months. This is leading to an ever-growing problem with e-waste--electronic waste that is not recycled but sits in landfills or is shipped overseas. One solution to this problem is to hang onto your electronics a little longer, and cell phone repair is a great way to do this.
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