Why You Shouldn't Fix Your Phone Yourself
- by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 6/22/2021
Cell phones are notoriously easy to damage. One simple drop is often all it takes to go from brand new to broken. If you're one of the unlucky ones currently using a busted phone, you may be tempted to try fixing it yourself. After all, how hard could it be? It turns out there are a lot of reasons why this is a bad idea. Here are some of the biggest myths concerning phone repair and why you should avoid them.
Do DIY Phone Repair Kits Work?
The internet is full of DIY phone solutions. These kits are available from a number of manufacturers and offer big promises about how simple it is to fix your phone yourself. Unfortunately, with most of these DIY kits you have no way of gauging the quality of the tools and parts that you're receiving.
Another big failing of DIY kits is that they don't teach you how to use the tools properly. You should never tinker with an electronic device if you don't know what you're doing and phones are no exception. Without the proper training, chances are you'll just end up making the problem worse.
Can You Repair a Phone Screen Yourself?
This is another area where you'll find plenty of online suggestions. Some of the common screen repair recommendations we've encountered involve using toothpaste or nail polish to seal up the screen. Neither of these are a good idea. Applying any substance to a cracked screen can cause it to leak through to your phone's screen assembly, causing further damage.
You can also damage your phone's touch screen sensitivity. Touch screens work like an electrical grid that senses where your finger is placed. Adding substances like toothpaste or nail polish to the screen can disrupt this grid, impairing its functionality.
If you're looking for a short-term solution for a shattered screen, try using packing tape. This will help prevent shards of glass from dropping out of the phone and keep you from cutting yourself on jagged edges. Keep in mind that like the methods mentioned above, tape can limit the functionality of your touch screen, so you'll want to bring it you nearest Batteries Plus and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Should You Clean Phone Ports and Jacks Yourself?
Over time, a phone's charging ports and headphone jacks can become clogged with lint or dirt, making it difficult to charge your battery, stream music or listen to podcasts. One simple fix you hear a lot online involves using metal objects like safety pins or knife blades to clean these areas out again.
Sounds logical enough right? Wrong. Inserting any metal object into these areas can scratch the phone's contact points and even short out your device. If you're wondering how to clean your phone's jack or port, bring it in to your nearest Batteries Plus location. Most of our stores offer a port cleaning service for only $9.99. It's a safe, affordable way to clean your phone without worrying about potential damage.
Trust the Phone Repair Experts at Batteries Plus
As with most things in life, you're better off trusting the experts. Batteries Plus offers fast, affordable device and cell phone repair service. Our technicians have been certified according to the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association's WISE certification program, so you know you're receiving the highest-quality repairs from qualified experts.
Our services include cell phone screen repair, battery replacement, plus fixes for malfunctioning ports, speakers, buttons, cameras and more. Book your repair appointment online for your Apple, Samsung, Google, LG or Motorola brand phone today. Want to learn more? Find out how much cell phone repair costs or find the best portable charger for your phone.