What Are the Most Common Phone Repair Issues? Explained

The most common repairs include screen replacements, battery repairs, and hardware troubleshooting. Addressing your phone  issues promptly can prevent further damage to your smartphone and improve performance.

If you’re new to phone repair, start with simple tasks like replacing the battery or headphone jack. These repairs require minimal disassembly and can help you build confidence in your repair skills.

Cracked or Broken Screen

A cracked or broken screen is one of the most common phone repair issues. It can range from small scratches, which are usually not worth repairing, to a shattered glass display that will render the device unusable. Regardless of the severity, it’s important to remember that a cracked screen could allow liquid substance or dust to reach internal components that are not shielded by the glass.

It’s also important to note that many modern phones combine the screen and glass into a single assembly, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two when the device is in need of a replacement. In any case, replacing a broken smartphone screen is generally an easy fix, provided you have the right tools on hand. For example, a precision screwdriver set and tweezers will come in handy for disassembling your phone’s casing without damaging the delicate interior parts. A heat gun or hairdryer can be useful for loosening stubborn adhesives as well.

In addition, a microfiber cloth can help you clean any residue before applying new glue or adhesives to your phone’s frame. If you are comfortable with DIY projects, you can purchase a phone screen replacement kit online that contains the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions. However, this is a process that requires technical skills and attention to detail. You should also carefully follow any provided guidelines to avoid damaging your device.

Besides these DIY options, you can protect your phone against damage by using a screen protector and a protective phone case. You can even find cases that offer extra padding for preventing accidental drops. Finally, try to develop good habits around your smartphone usage. For example, be careful not to leave it in your back pocket or place it on the edge of tables.

Another problem that could require a phone repair is a malfunctioning or non-responsive home button or power button. It is important to address these issues promptly so that they do not lead to other issues, such as a defective battery. In this case, a battery replacement may be necessary.

Battery Issues

Over time, phone batteries degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge. This can be exacerbated by extreme temperatures and excessive use, and it’s often necessary to replace the battery in these cases. If you’re worried about your phone overheating or draining quickly, try reducing the number of apps you have running at once (multitasking causes phones to heat up more) and keep it away from extreme temperatures.

Another common issue is trouble connecting to WiFi. This can be caused by a glitch in the WiFi integrated circuit, which is built into the phone’s motherboard. Water damage may also mess with this component and cause WiFi connectivity problems, so if your phone gets wet, take it to a professional right away.

If your phone won’t turn on, you might have a power button issue. Cellphone buttons can get clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. In addition, they can be damaged by physical abuse and accidental drops. A professional can clean out your power button and restore its functionality.

It’s important to note that attempting to perform these types of repairs yourself can void your warranty and result in further damage to your device. For these reasons, it’s recommended to leave the job to a reputable repair shop like uBreakiFix by Asurion. The experts at these stores will ensure your device is fixed correctly the first time, saving you money in the long run.

When you choose a repair service, be sure to ask what parts they’ll use. Some shops will only use original manufacturer parts, which are more durable and reliable than third-party components. Be wary of companies that refuse to disclose this information or use inferior replacement parts, as they may be compromising the quality and performance of your device.

Software Glitches

As essential as smartphones have become to modern life, they are not perfect. Every phone user runs into difficulties from time to time, and knowing what to do when these problems arise can save you money, headaches, and frustration.

A software glitch is when a piece of code gets messed up while it’s running. This can be as simple as saying 53 before 52 or it could be more serious, like a software bug that caused the Trans-Siberian gas pipeline to explode or a system error that allowed radiation to be delivered to patients at a nuclear power plant. Regardless of their severity, these issues can be extremely annoying and can cause your phone to act strangely.

The most common cause of a software glitch is an accidental or deliberate act that can damage your phone’s internal circuitry. For example, if you drop your phone in water or it’s slobbered on by the family dog, the resulting corrosive residue can cause significant problems with the device’s inner workings. These problems may not be immediately visible but will manifest themselves over time, such as when your phone starts to slow down or freeze up.

Luckily, many of these issues can be resolved with a few quick troubleshooting steps. In some cases, however, a software glitch may require the assistance of a professional.

One of the most frustrating problems that can affect your phone’s performance is a lack of WiFi connectivity. This issue usually results from a problem with the WiFi integrated circuit built into your phone’s motherboard. It can often be fixed with a quick troubleshooting step, such as turning airplane mode on and off or restarting the phone. In other cases, however, the only way to fix this problem is with a hardcore motherboard repair or replacement.

Whether you’re trying to repair your phone yourself or want to know more about the best smartphone brands to buy, you’ve come to the right place. The team at Electronics Hub has analyzed hundreds of repair guides for 228 different smartphones to determine which models are easiest and hardest to repair at home. Our rankings are based on each phone’s proportion of repairs that were rated as ‘easy’ and the average repair time.

Stuck Buttons

While smartphones connect us to the world and boost our productivity, they aren’t perfect. Most phone users run into issues ranging from software bugs to hardware problems. The good news is that most of these issues are easily fixable with professional phone repair.

A common problem with newer phones is a sticky power button. This issue can cause the phone to become unresponsive or even refuse to turn on. A seasoned technician can replace the power button and restore full functionality to the device.

Another common problem with modern smartphones is an overheated phone. Overheating can damage internal components and lead to performance issues. The best way to prevent overheating is by removing the case and ensuring that it doesn’t block airflow. However, if the problem persists, it is usually due to a hardware malfunction and requires professional repair.

Battery problems are also a frequent reason for phone repairs. Faulty batteries may be unable to charge or experience rapid draining. In some cases, the battery may even swell and pose a fire hazard. Professional phone repair technicians can replace the defective battery and resolve this problem.

Screen problems are also common, including dead pixels and LCD bleeding. Dead pixels are black spots on the display that do not respond to touch or light and can be caused by manufacturing defects or physical damage. LCD bleeding is a condition that causes uneven backlighting, resulting in patches of discoloration on the screen. Unlike screen cracks, this issue cannot be repaired with a new screen but must be addressed by a trained technician.

While it is possible to do some phone repairs yourself, this is often risky and can damage the device further. There are many do-it-yourself kits available for replacing components, but it is important to use the right tools. For example, using a screwdriver to remove a chip can damage the adjacent components and cause further problems. Additionally, doing a DIY repair can result in incorrect diagnosis and improper repairs, which can cost you more money. Leaving any complicated phone repairs to the professionals is a safe bet and will save you time, money and frustration.