A cracked screen or a phone that won't hold charge is stressful, but a few sensible steps before and after repair make a real difference to the outcome.
✓ Do
- Back up your data before handing the device over for repair, where possible.
- Note down or photograph the device's condition before you leave it with a technician.
- Ask specifically whether original or compatible parts will be used, and the price difference.
- Power the device off if the battery is visibly swollen, and handle it carefully.
- Ask for the old part back, especially a swapped battery, as a basic trust check.
✕ Don't
- Don't keep using a phone with a visibly swollen battery — it's a real fire and injury risk.
- Don't attempt a screen or battery swap yourself without the right tools; it's easy to damage the ribbon cables underneath.
- Don't ignore water damage hoping it 'dries out fine' — get it checked promptly, powered off.
- Don't choose a repairer purely on the lowest price without asking about warranty on the part and the labour.
- Don't wait for a cracked screen to fully shatter before repairing — sharp edges are a real cut risk in the meantime.
Water damage: what actually helps
Power the device off immediately, don't try to charge or turn it on to 'check' it, and get it to a technician promptly for cleaning and drying rather than relying on rice or a heat source at home, both of which can do more harm than good.
Key takeaways
- Back up data and document condition before handing a device over.
- Never keep using a visibly swollen battery.
- Power off water-damaged devices immediately; don't try to check them first.
- Warranty on parts and labour matters more than the cheapest quote.
