Should You Get Your Broken Smartphone Fixed? (2024)

Should You Get Your Broken Smartphone Fixed? (1)

A damaged or broken smartphone is a headache you might have encountered at least once. According to a 2019 survey by Ting Mobile, 64% of mobile phone users have experienced a cracked screen, while 51% have lost a phone to water or liquid damage, and 30% reported dropping a smartphone into a toilet.

Breaking your phone brings up an important question: Does it make more sense to repair it or replace it?

While the answer depends on various factors, like your personal financial situation or the enormity of the damage, these tips can help you decide when to fix a broken phone or invest in a new one.

Factors to Consider When Fixing a Smartphone

There are several factors that can influence whether you should attempt to repair a damaged smartphone, including:

  • Age of the phone
  • How extensively it's damaged
  • How long it may take to fix it
  • The cost of repairing it versus replacing it
  • Whether the damage is covered by a warranty or insurance

These factors can also play off one another in affecting your decision-making. For example, if you recently purchased a new phone, you may be more inclined to repair it. However, if you damaged an older phone, upgrading it to the newer model may be a better option.

In terms of the cost of repairing a cracked phone screen, the average person spends $113 to do so, according to Ting Mobile’s 2019 survey. Depending on your smartphone model, though, you could potentially spend less—or much more—to replace a cracked screen or make other repairs. According to warranty service provider SquareTrade, Americans spend $3.4 billion annually on repairing broken phone screens alone. Consider the pros and cons may help you decide before dishing out that kind of cash.

Cons

  • Depending on the smartphone, a repair could be more costly than a replacement

    Certain types of damage may not be repairable

    Your phone may not work as well as it did before, even after repairs


If you decide to repair a broken smartphone, check with your device manufacturer for a list of authorized repair partners that are experienced at fixing the type of phone you have.

When Should You Fix Your Smartphone?

For those who don’t have warranty protection or insurance on their smartphone, attempting to repair your device on your own might be worth a try when damage is relatively minor.

For example, if you're one of the millions of Americans who crack their screens every year, some tips include covering your device with clear tape or a screen protector, or even purchasing a replacement screen and swapping it out yourself. However, there are risks involved in all three options, such as overspending on tools or causing more damage than before.

In most cases, it is better to seek help from professionals, whether that be from your device manufacturer, like Apple or Samsung, or your local repair shop. Take the iPhone for instance: Repairs to an iPhone 4 or newer model could cost you anywhere from $149 to $599 (out of warranty).

Note

Before making repairs yourself check to see if doing so would void your manufacturer's warranty.

When Should You Replace Your Smartphone?

In some cases, replacing your damaged smartphone might be better than fixing it.For example, you may think about replacing your phone if:

  • Doing so would cost less money than repairing it
  • Your current phone is outdated and you want to upgrade to a newer model
  • You have multiple issues, such as a cracked screen, buttons that won't work, and a malfunctioning speaker

The factors for repair versus replacement vary per person, so thinking about what you as an individual need from a smartphone can help you decide which option makes more sense. Costs of replacement, say if your phone can’t be fixed or is stolen, can be pretty expensive too if you’re not covered by a warranty of some kind. For new models of the Galaxy or iPhone, for example, you could be paying anywhere from $240 to over $1,000 for a new phone.

Note

If you have a contract phone versus a prepaid one, check to see if upgrading to a newer model would require you to sign a new contract and pay any additional fees.

Fixing vs. Replacing Your Smartphone

FixingReplacing
Warranty or cellphone insurance may help cover some costsWarranty or cellphone insurance may help cover some costs
May be able to fix it on your ownMay be best to work with your device manufacturer or service provider
Could cost anywhere from $149 to over $500, depending on the modelCould cost anywhere from $240 to over $1,000, depending on the model
Might be able to keep your contract the sameMay need to sign a new contract if you upgrade to a newer model

Should You Get Smartphone Insurance?

If you're concerned about the cost of repairing a broken smartphone, having cellphone insurance and/or warranty protection can help.

According to Asurion, a company that offers cellphone insurance, warranties can offer protection for one to two years against device malfunctions. So, for example, if your smartphone's touch screen suddenly stops working without being caused by damage, your warranty may allow you to have the phone repaired or replaced at no extra cost. For Apple device owners, a warranty can be the difference between spending up to $600 on a new battery, as those with Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law receive service at no additional cost.

Cellphone insurance, on the other hand, is optional coverage you can purchase through your cellphone company. Typically, you pay a monthly premium as well as a deductible if you need to use your coverage. Cellphone insurance can cover things like:

  • Cracked screens
  • Water damage
  • Malfunctions that are not covered by your phone warranty
  • Theft
  • Loss
  • Other damages

There may be limits on the number of claims you can file against your cellphone insurance policy per year. It’s best to use a judgment call when deciding whether or not to purchase insurance. If you’ve managed to keep your smartphone safe for years on end, insurance may not be worth the investment for you, for example.

Key Takeaways

  • Repairing your smartphone could be a money-saving measure if you'd rather keep your current device versus upgrading.
  • Certain types of repairs may be covered by your manufacturer's warranty.
  • Cellphone insurance can cover damages or repairs that are not covered by a warranty, though you may be required to pay a premium and a deductible to use this coverage.
  • There are some repairs you may feel comfortable making on your own, but consider whether that would void your warranty or cause additional damage to your device.

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Sources

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Should You Get Your Broken Smartphone Fixed? (2024)

FAQs

Should You Get Your Broken Smartphone Fixed? ›

A repair could cost you more than a replacement if the damage is serious. Some types of damage cannot be repaired. Sometimes, the phone does not work as well as it worked before the repair.

Is it worth it to fix a broken phone? ›

Cost of Repair vs. Cost of Replacement

This is the most obvious thing most people think about when trying to make this decision. If replacing the phone is going to cost $800 and repairing it will only cost $300 then repair might be your best option. You should also consider the value of your phone.

Will I lose everything if I fix my phone? ›

Professionals will not delete your data or access it without your permission. However, just make sure you choose a reputable repair shop, and always create a backup of your data before performing any repairs if you are still worried.

Should you repair your own phone? ›

Unlike other electronics or items that may be simple to repair or replace such as swapping a car air filter, repairing a phone is more complex because there are many small, moving parts. Repairing a phone on your own will likely lead to more damages to your phone and create more financial burdens.

Can phone repair shops steal your photos? ›

Cell phone repair shops can easily take your data if they directly access your mobile device and view your whole data. They could even “plug” the storage into “some of their readers” and copy all the material – no screen lock or anything would prohibit them from doing so.

Is it better to fix a broken phone or buy a new one? ›

A: It depends on the severity of the damage and the cost of repair versus replacement. If the repair cost is significantly lower than buying a new phone, it may be more practical to repair the screen. However, if the repair is expensive and your phone is older, replace it.

Is it better to repair or replace a phone? ›

A good rule to follow: If repairing your phone costs half as much as buying a new one—or more—consider getting a new phone, especially if yours is more than a few years old. Remember, you can often trade in your old phone and apply that credit towards a new one, too.

Can phone repair shops steal your data? ›

Yes, They can steal your data. So better back up your data for your laptop or any other device and then delete all personal important data from your mobile. Then you can give your mobile to service center.

How long does it take to fix a broken phone? ›

If you take your phone into a store, it might take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. You'll need to make an appointment ahead of time to make sure they can accommodate you. Some service providers will need to keep your phone for some time. Usually, you'll have it back within a few days.

Is it bad to leave your phone cracked? ›

Does a cracked screen affect your phone? Yes, absolutely. You may be able to get away with using your phone if there's a tiny scratch in the corner, but cracks don't magically disappear. Whether there's a single scratch in the center of your screen or one big side-to-side crack, both can spread.

What should I do to my phone before a repair? ›

Backup and Reset

So, if you are sending your smartphone for repair, and you are afraid for the safety of your sensitive data, you should encrypt it, and then do a factory reset. For everybody else, it will be enough if you backup your data, and do a factory reset.

Why do people like to get their mobile phone repair? ›

Cost Savings:Repairing a mobile phone is often more cost-effective than buying a brand new one, especially if the issue is relatively minor. Environmental Consciousness:Repairing phones contributes to reducing electronic waste and promotes a more sustainable approach to technology consumption.

What to do when giving your phone for repair? ›

This article will explain all the essential things you should do to avoid any inconvenience while giving your phone to the service center for repair.
  1. Remove Security Locks. ...
  2. Remove the External storage. ...
  3. Create a complete backup.
Aug 1, 2022

Should you give your password to a phone repair shop? ›

Good Repair Shops should not wipe or access data / ask for passcode. You'll want to make sure that the repair shop you choose doesn't wipe or access your data without your permission or ask for your passcode. When handing over your Android phone to a repair shop, it's crucial to protect your personal data.

Do I need to wipe my phone before screen replacement? ›

Typically, performing a screen replacement on a device should not wipe your data. However, it is important to note that there is always a risk involved when performing any repairs or modifications on electronic devices. It is recommended to back up your data before getting a screen replacement, just to be safe.

Who owns a picture taken on a phone? ›

Generally speaking, the copyright belongs to the person who created the image – in the case of a photograph the person who took it (i.e. the photographer.)

Can a fully broken phone be repaired? ›

In most broken phone cases, where the phone isn't under warranty, or the warranty doesn't cover the repair, the manufacturer will fix the phone for you for a high price. Still, you can be assured that it will be a high-quality fix and usually comes with a warranty period on that part of the phone.

Should I throw away my broken phone? ›

Phones contain toxic chemicals that, when a phone is placed in a landfill, may ultimately leach into groundwater and poison the water in surrounding areas. Discarding of phones with the garbage also poses a danger to workers who crush trash. Instead, it is best to recycle your phone.

Can a broken phone be repaired? ›

Repairing your phone does not have to be a long, drawn out, expensive process. Many phone issues are caused by problems that do not take long to fix. Taking your phone into your service provider, however, does not always mean it will get fixed.

Can a badly cracked phone be fixed? ›

The best way to repair your cracked screen without risking further damage to the phone is to bring it to a professional repair service. The trained technicians at Cell Phone Repair can fix your screen quickly and safely. If you visit a local CPR store, common repairs can be completed on-site while you wait.

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