Repair advice
A little know-how goes a long way.
46 practical guides to common device problems, repair decisions and getting ready for your visit, written by the people who do the repairs.
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All repair advice
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Face ID not working on your iPhone? Start here
Face ID can stop working for simple reasons, like a smudge over the sensors, or because the TrueDepth camera was damaged in a drop. These checks help you tell which.
Why is my iPhone getting hot?
An iPhone that feels warm while charging or gaming is normal. One that gets hot while sitting idle, or shows a temperature warning, deserves a closer look.
iPhone stuck on the Apple logo: what to try first
An iPhone that restarts to the Apple logo and never gets further can be a software problem or a hardware one. Work through these steps before assuming the worst.
Why is my iPhone camera blurry?
Blurry photos can come from a dirty lens, a cracked lens cover or a camera that can no longer focus. Here is how to tell which one you are dealing with.
Is a cracked iPhone back glass worth fixing?
A cracked back might look cosmetic, but broken glass can cut fingers, let in moisture and weaken the phone. Here is how to decide whether to repair it now.
Dropped your iPhone in water? Do this, not that
Water resistance is not waterproofing, and seals weaken over time. What you do in the first hour after a spill can make a big difference to whether the phone survives.
Green line on a Samsung Galaxy screen: causes and fixes
A vertical green or pink line on a Galaxy screen is almost always a display panel fault. Here is what you can check and why a replacement is usually the lasting fix.
“Moisture detected” on a Samsung phone: what it means
The water-drop warning stops a Galaxy phone charging through its USB-C port. Sometimes it is real moisture, sometimes lint or corrosion. Here is how to clear it safely.
Swollen phone battery: warning signs and what to do
A lifting screen or bulging back cover can mean the battery inside is swelling. This is a safety issue, and it is worth acting on straight away.
Galaxy Z Fold and Flip screen problems explained
Foldable screens have quirks that normal phones do not. Here is what is normal, what is not, and why you should never peel the factory protector off the inner screen.
Why has my Samsung stopped fast charging?
If your Galaxy charges slowly and the fast charging message has gone, the cause is often the charger, the cable or a setting, not the phone. Check these first.
Samsung phone on but the screen is black
If your Galaxy vibrates, rings or plays sound but the screen stays black, the display has probably failed. Here is how to confirm it and protect your data.
Why is my phone battery draining so fast?
Fast battery drain can be settings, apps, weak signal or an ageing battery. These checks help you find the cause before paying for a replacement.
Muffled phone speaker? Common causes and fixes
Quiet, crackly or muffled sound is often caused by dust in the grille, but it can also be liquid damage or a failing speaker. Here is how to narrow it down.
People can’t hear me on calls: microphone faults
If callers say you sound distant, muffled or silent, the problem may be a blocked microphone, a Bluetooth connection or a failed part. Test it in minutes.
Are screen protectors worth it?
A good screen protector is cheap insurance against scratches and some cracks, but it is not magic. Here is what they do well, what they do not, and which type to choose.
Original vs aftermarket phone screens: the honest difference
Screen repairs often come with more than one price. The difference usually comes down to display technology, brightness, colour and battery use. Here is what you are choosing between.
“No SIM” error: is it the phone or the SIM card?
A phone that suddenly says No SIM could have a dirty card, a network issue or a damaged SIM reader. A few swaps will tell you which.
Why won’t my iPad charge?
iPads need more power than phones, so the wrong adapter, a tired cable or lint in the port can all stop charging. Try these checks before booking a repair.
iPad screen repair: is it the glass or the display?
Some iPads have a separate glass layer that can be replaced on its own, while others have a laminated display that must be replaced as one part. Here is why that changes the price.
Keeping kids’ tablets working: cases, screens and batteries
Children are hard on tablets. A few simple habits and the right accessories can prevent most of the damage we see, and save money on repairs.
Tablet touchscreen not responding? What to check
A touchscreen that ignores taps, registers ghost touches or works only in places can be a software glitch, a protector problem or a failed digitiser.
MacBook keys not working: dust, liquid or hardware?
Sticky, repeating or dead keys on a MacBook can be caused by debris, a spill or a failing keyboard. The model and the symptoms tell you which.
Laptop fan loud and running hot: what it usually means
A noisy fan and a hot laptop usually mean the cooling system is struggling, often because of dust. Left alone, heat slows the laptop down and can shorten its life.
Laptop plugged in but not charging
A laptop that says plugged in, not charging is not always faulty. Battery-care settings, the wrong charger or a worn port can all cause it.
Can an SSD upgrade save an old laptop?
Replacing an old hard drive with a solid-state drive is often the single biggest speed boost an older laptop can get. Here is when it helps and when it cannot.
Broken laptop hinge: repair it before it gets worse
A stiff, creaking or loose hinge can crack the case and damage the display cables. Fixing it early is usually far cheaper than waiting.
Spilled a drink on your laptop? The first ten minutes
What you do immediately after a spill matters more than anything else. Power off, unplug and resist the urge to check whether it still works.
Blue screen errors: software or hardware?
Windows blue screen crashes can be caused by drivers, updates, memory or a failing drive. The stop code and the pattern of crashes help point to the cause.
PS5 turning off by itself: overheating and power faults
A PS5 that shuts down mid-game is often too hot, but power supply faults and software issues can do the same. Here is how to narrow it down.
Controller stick drift: repair or replace?
Stick drift makes your character move or the camera turn on its own. It is caused by wear inside the thumbstick, and a repair is often cheaper than a new controller.
Xbox Series X or S no signal: checks before a repair
An Xbox that powers on but shows nothing on the TV may have a cable, input or display setting problem rather than a broken HDMI port. Rule those out first.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con drift explained
Joy-Con drift is common after heavy use. Calibration can help if the fault is mild, but a worn stick needs replacing. Here is how to tell.
PS5 not reading discs: what to check
Disc errors on a PS5 can be caused by the disc, the software or the drive. A few checks, including rebuilding the database, often clear it.
How to back up an iPhone or Android before a repair
Most repairs do not touch your data, but backing up first means you never have to worry. Here is how to do it on iPhone and Android, including the things people forget.What happens during a free repair diagnostic
Not sure what is wrong? A diagnostic tells you, before you commit to anything. Here is exactly what we check and what happens next.
Repair shop or insurance claim? How to decide
If your phone is insured, claiming is not always the best value. Compare the excess, the wait and the effect on future premiums with the cost of a repair.
Your rights when a repair goes wrong in the UK
UK consumer law expects repair services to be carried out with reasonable care and skill. Here is what that means, and how our warranty works alongside it.
Before you sell or recycle an old phone: a checklist
An old phone holds your accounts, photos and payment details. This checklist makes sure nothing goes with it, and that it does not end up in landfill.
Why is my laptop so slow?
A slow laptop can have several causes. Start with software, available storage and workload before deciding that a component needs replacing.
What to do before taking your phone in for repair
Back up your phone, note the fault and plan how you will stay in touch while it is being repaired. Keep account passwords and passcodes private.
Why is my PS5 HDMI port not working?
No picture does not prove the PS5 HDMI port is broken. Check the display input, cable and connection before booking a hardware repair.
Is it worth replacing an iPhone battery?
Battery replacement may be worthwhile when your iPhone otherwise meets your needs but no longer lasts long enough. Check battery health and usage before deciding.
Why is my phone not charging?
A charging problem may come from the cable, power adapter, socket, settings or the phone itself. Start with the external checks; do not assume the charging port needs replacing.
Should you repair or replace a cracked phone screen?
Compare a model-specific screen quote with the condition and usefulness of the whole phone. A cracked screen alone does not mean you need a replacement device.
Read it, then bring it in
A free diagnosis will tell you which of these actually applies to your device.
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