Local repair shop break your cell phone, computer, or iPad? It’s a scenario that no one wants. However, accidents can and do happen. Below we’ll explore some options if a repair shop broke your device.
Survey Findings: How Most Repair Shops Handle Accidental Device Damage
We conducted a survey of 20 third-party cell phone repair shops across the United States to see what they do if they accidentally break or damage a customer’s device. Fortunately, most electronics repair shops are honest and will find a solution if they break or damage your device.
- Be transparent: Seven out of twenty cell phone repair shops explicitly stated their commitment to transparency and honesty when accidentally damaging a customer’s device.
- Repair or replace: All 20 repair shops mentioned they would either repair or replace the customer’s device if they had broken or damaged it.
- Credit: Some repair shops may even offer credit or cash so you can replace your device.
Repair Shop Ruined My Phone
If a cell phone repair shop broke your phone it may be quite disappointing however there is usually a solution. Keep in mind that accidents happen and even professionals make mistakes. Here are some common components that a repair shop may break on your cell phone:
- Face-ID: Your Face-ID functionality may stop working if the front flex is damaged during screen replacement. Usually, Face-ID can be repaired but micro-soldering may be required.
- Battery health: Your battery health information may stop showing after a battery replacement at some 3rd party shops. It’s Apple’s way of showing the battery was replaced by a 3rd party.
- True Tone: The true tone option may cease to function if a tech forgets to transfer over the screen data. This is a quick simple fix.
- Auto brightness: Auto brightness may stop functioning if the ambient light sensor is damaged.
- Ambient light sensor: A phone repair shop may accidentally damage the ambient light sensor, resulting in your phone screen failing to automatically turn off when you place it near your ear during a call.
- Fingerprint sensor: Your fingerprint sensor may stop working if the repair shop has damaged it.
- Display message: When you have an iPhone repaired at a 3rd party repair shop it may show a “non-genuine display message.” This is just Apple’s way of showing it was repaired by a 3rd party.
Repair Shop Damaged My Laptop
Did a repair shop break your laptop or computer? This is not something out of the ordinary. Luckily most reputable computer repair shops will either repair or replace your device if they damage it. Below are some common symptoms your computer or laptop may experience if it is damaged by a repair shop.
- Boot loop: A boot loop is when a device continuously restarts itself without successfully loading the operating system, often due to software or hardware issues.
- Battery issues: Some battery issues may include no charge or not holding charge.
- Broken display: During some repairs, a repair shop may accidentally damage the display flex cable resulting in issues with the screen.
- No power: Another common symptom if a repair shop damages your computer may be no power at all.
What to Do if a Repair Shop Broke Your Device?
If an electronics repair shop breaks your cell phone, laptop, or tablet it’s important to communicate effectively. This will pave the way for a resolution.
- Remain calm and polite: Approach the repair shop in a calm and polite manner. Remember that maintaining a respectful tone can help get your device repaired or replaced quickly.
- Explain the situation: Respectfully explain that you believe the repair shop broke your device (phone, laptop, iPad, etc.)
- Seek a resolution: Request a repair or replacement of the damaged device. Alternatively, negotiate for a refund to cover the cost of repair or the value of the damaged device. Most reputable repair shops will work with you and get your device repaired or replaced.
Repair Shop Broke Your Device and Refuse to Repair
Most repair shops are cooperative and will usually help resolve any issues. If you find yourself in a situation where a repair shop breaks your device and refuses repair, you may need to take legal action.
- Talk to the owner: Ask to speak with the owner and explain the situation.
- Leave a review: Leaving a negative review can help open the conversation with the owner or manager to find a resolution.
- Take legal action: If your efforts to resolve the issue are unsuccessful, consider consulting with a legal professional to explore your options for legal action against the repair shop.
- Contact consumer protection agencies: If the repair shop is uncooperative or refuses to take responsibility for the damage, you can contact your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint.