Smartphones do a lot for people in the modern world. With them, you’re able to easily communicate with your loved ones whenever, wherever. Such devices can also be used for using social media platforms, which allow anyone to share their thoughts and talents and enjoy many forms of entertainment. What’s more, phone apps make it easier for you to do everything from navigating new roads to learning how to cook. However, despite all of that, smartphones are among the most fragile things on earth.
Some smartphones can stop functioning when submerged in water, dropped onto the floor by accident, or someone successfully hacks them. There are many things that can damage them, and sometimes you can remedy the issue or at least do something so it doesn’t hinder you from using your device. However, if the problem is too severe for you to handle, these are some of the things you should do before having your smartphone repaired:
1 Remove Your SIM Card
Your subscriber identity module, commonly referred to as your SIM card, is the chip you insert into your phone that stores data and enables you to connect to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. Most people have these cards in their phones.
The reason you should remove your SIM card is safety. When you hand your phone over for repairs, your SIM card could be taken and land in the wrong hands. Thereafter, it might be misused. If you’re worried about missing important calls, ask a friend to lend you a spare phone or get a cheap burner phone while your device is being fixed.
2 Back Up Your Phone Data
Smartphones store important emails, conversations, messages, passwords, photos, videos, and many other types of personal data you don’t want just anyone to gain access to. Backups are essential in ensuring that such pieces of information remain intact and private. Given that there are lots of ways to back up a mobile phone, you have to figure out the best method for the specific gadget you have.
Numerous applications and built-in functions can facilitate the process of copying any information you need to store elsewhere. Make sure you conduct a full backup for your smartphone prior to taking it for repairs. People tend to underestimate the extent of their phone damage and end up losing all their data. The same thing can happen if any mishaps occur during the repair process.
3 Disable Any Security Locks Or Passwords
The professional who’ll repair your phone may have to check from time to time whether they’re making any progress. If your phone’s locked, it may be difficult for them to ensure that everything has been restored properly.
That's why you have to disable any security locks or passwords for your phone. Those include fingerprints, number passwords, Face ID, and pattern locks, among others. You can accomplish the task by tweaking the settings on your smartphone. Once you’ve done that, the phone technician can continuously test if the repair process is going smoothly.
4 Write Your IMEI Down
Your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) refers to a serial number of fifteen digits that every smartphone has. This is unique to your phone and is ideal for phone identification purposes.
Phone repair companies have numerous people coming in to have their phone fixed, and there’s a big chance that someone has the exact same smartphone as you. The two of you might even ask for the same service, be it iPhone XR screen repair, data recovery for an Android phone, or diagnostic solutions. Writing down your IMEI could help ensure that you get the right smartphone and avoid a mix-up.
5 Remove Any External Storage
Some smartphones allow you to have external storage. This is usually added to your smartphone in the form of a secure digital (SD) card. Just like your SIM card, you should remove your SD card or any other form of external storage.
People store a lot of files in such cards, so it would be terrible for it to be misplaced during the repair process. Also, if you’re not careful, someone could steal it and not only use your media files for malicious purposes but also delete everything in the SD card.
Repair Your Phone
Usually, when people damage their phones, they run straight to the repair store and ask the technician to fix their gadget as quickly as possible. However, there are a few crucial steps you have to take even before you leave the house. Use your data management apps to ensure that all the necessary files in your phone have been backed up, remove all the cards in the device, and take note of all the important details about your phone. By following these tips, you can have peace of mind knowing that you won’t run into additional problems while your smartphone’s being fixed.
