Should you repair or replace your cell phone?

Your smartphone gets daily use and contains your most personal information. Since it’s likely you carry your cell phone everywhere you go, accidents are bound to happen. When your phone quits working, it’s imperative to find a fix fast.

Mobile phone tips to consider

Invest in a good phone case

A cell phone is an expensive investment that’s worth protecting. Invest in a quality cell phone case to keep it from breaking if you drop it. Check to see if the case comes with a warranty, which may pay for a new phone or repairs if your phone breaks while in the case.

Some cases are even waterproof, so you can breathe easier if your smartphone takes a tumble into the toilet or through the washer.

Buy a better phone if accident prone
A limited number of cell phones on the market are waterproof. If you’ve been known to take a swim with your smartphone, it may be time to invest in a cell phone model designed to withstand moisture.

What to do with a wet smartphone
Speaking of water, it’s critical to get it repaired immediately if you get your cell phone wet. Cell phone repair experts recommend shutting down the device and not charging or using it until the phone is completely dry.

Quickly locate a highly rated cell phone repairman so he or she can dry it out properly and remove any minerals or other corrosives that may damage the phone over time — even if it seems to be working fine. While most cell phone repair companies warranty their work for six months to a year, water damage usually isn’t covered because of the unreliable nature of the repair.

Back up data often
It’s good to get in the habit of regularly backing up all of your phone’s data, in case there’s an accident that completely kills the phone or a repair requires restoring the cell phone to factory settings, which will erase all of your data.

Don’t DIY
Finally, it’s a bad idea to attempt a DIY fix if you’re not a cell phone expert. Despite the numerous tutorials and parts available online, you could cause irreparable damage or void your phone’s warranty. Many cell phone models have a tamper seal that will prove you’ve messed with the insides of the phone.

Evaluate cell phone repair costs

It’s important to weigh the cost of a new cell phone against the cost of repairs. Prices for a new cell phone often exceed $500, while an iPhone screen replacement or other common cell phone repairs cost less than $100 on average.

Water damage repairs, which can be the most difficult, typically start between $80 and $100. While some major cell phone repairs, like a fried motherboard, make a repair economically unfeasible, most phone fixes cost only a fraction of a new cell phone’s price.

If you pay a monthly insurance policy through your cell phone carrier, consider the deductible amount and timeframe for repairs. You’re often limited to a certain number of claims you can file, so it’s worth considering an independent repair for minor fixes.

Get an estimate from an independent cell phone repair company or two to see how much they would charge, then compare that cost to your insurance deductible.

Even if you decide to sell your old, broken iPhone, Android, or Samsung phone, you can recoup some of your investment by fixing minor issues first. If the cost of a cell phone repair is too much, see if your local cell phone repair company will give you money for the broken phone, so they can use it as parts, or check with your cell phone carrier about getting a credit toward a new phone.

How to hire a cell phone repair company

Need an iPhone repair but don’t have a local cell phone repair company nearby? Many of these service providers offer mail-in services and online help.

It’s important to find a cell phone repair company that specializes in your phone’s make and model. You want someone with experience and expertise dealing with your type of cell phone, because they’ll have the parts and can fix it fast.

Oftentimes, electronic gadget repair companies with a storefront can turn repairs around within an hour. Many offer mail-in services as well.

When you get a repair estimate — or even get a couple of quotes, so you can compare prices — be sure the cost includes labor and parts. Also check to see how fast they can fix your phone. Repair fees vary based on make and model of the phone.

If you are looking for a very reputable repair service on Long Island, Cell Mechanic, Inc. does a fabulous job with all brands of smartphones, tablets, desktops and laptop repairs.