We all rely on our smartphones to do everything from sending texts to keeping track of work. But when a phone malfunctions, it can be frustrating and even debilitating.
The good news is, most issues can be fixed at home if you know the right steps to take. Here are 7 signs your phone needs a professional repair: 1. Your Phone Is Overheating.
1. Your Phone Is Overheating
If your phone feels hot to the touch or displays a heat warning, there may be an issue with its internal functioning. It is not uncommon for phones to get warm while in use, but if yours is constantly getting hot or becoming unusable, there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
Overheating is typically caused by using a resource-intensive app or game for an extended period of time. This puts a strain on the CPU and causes it to overheat, so it’s important to take a break and close out any unnecessary apps when needed.
It’s also important to avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight. This will cause it to overheat quickly and can damage its internal components. Additionally, it’s a good idea to only charge your phone to 80% and to turn off power-hungry features like GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth when not in use.
Frequent overheating can damage the CPU, GPU and other chips housed in your system on chip (SoC), causing them to work less efficiently. This can lead to a decreased lifespan for your phone. Keeping your phone updated with the latest software and using antivirus apps that include device optimization tools can help keep your device cool.
2. Your Battery Is Dead
While it’d be nice if our phones were indestructible, the truth is they’re not. Even with proper care, they can experience damage from normal wear and tear, or internal issues that could render them unusable. This can come in the form of a cracked screen, shattered camera lens, or faulty hardware. Head to the nearest repairxpress location to have your phone looked at immediately.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s likely time to bring your phone in for professional repair. This will ensure that the problem doesn’t get worse and prevent your device from becoming irreparable in the future.
One of the most common signs that your phone is in need of repair is if it shuts down or reboots without reason. This can be a sign of a damaged battery or malware that’s causing it to shut down on its own.
Another common issue is a faulty charging port. This can cause your phone to charge slowly or not at all. It’s important to fix this as soon as possible to avoid more serious problems down the line. This problem can usually be fixed with a micro soldering process performed by a professional technician. It’s worth looking for a local shop that offers this service, as they’ll be able to fix your phone faster and more effectively.
3. Your Screen Is Cracked
If your phone screen is cracked, that’s a sign that you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. Cracked screens don’t just look bad, they can also let in dust and moisture, which can damage the internal components of your device.
When you’re dealing with a cracked screen, the first thing you should do is remove any case or screen protector and inspect it under good lighting conditions. If the screen is still functioning, and the cracks aren’t that big, you can try to seal them with packing tape or cyanoacrylate glue (super glue).
However, if the cracks are serious or the display doesn’t work at all, it’s probably time to find a professional to repair it. Remember to back up any important files and data on your phone before you give it to a repair shop.
If your smartphone is under warranty, you should check with the manufacturer to see if they offer a repair program or mail-in service. If you go with a third-party repair company, keep in mind that it could void your warranty. If your phone isn’t under warranty, it’s definitely worth getting the screen fixed by a professional.
4. Your Camera Is Broken
When your camera is acting up, it can be a pain. Thankfully, there are some easy fixes for this problem. First, try restarting your phone. While it may seem like a silly suggestion, it’s actually very effective at fixing many issues.
Another option is to update your software. Apple releases updates for iOS all the time, and it’s possible that your camera is having an issue because of a software bug. So be sure to check your settings and look for an update, especially if you’re running an older version of iOS.
If you’re still having trouble, you can try cleaning the lens barrel. This is a common problem for cameras that use a lens barrel, and it’s usually caused by dust particles that get stuck in the lens. You can clean the lens by gently wiping it with a cloth.
You can also try taking out the battery and memory card for a few minutes. This trick works for most devices, and it’s a good way to see if the problem is with the camera hardware or the software. If the problem persists, you should consult with a professional technician. They will have the tools and knowledge to handle your camera repair properly.
5. Your Speaker Is Cracked
If your speaker is cracked or damaged, it’s likely time for a professional repair. Cracked or damaged speakers produce distorted, muffled sounds and cannot perform to their full potential.
Physical failure can damage a phone’s speakers, especially when the parts can rub against each other or dislodge. This can cause the voice coil to overheat and burn the cone. A burned or charred cone is usually indicative of a broken voice coil, which requires replacement.
A damaged speaker can also sound fuzzy, hissing, buzzing or scraping as music plays. In severe cases, the speaker may stop producing any sound at all.
Another common problem with phone speakers is a software issue that can be fixed by a simple phone update or reinstall. You can check this by going to your settings and selecting “sound and vibration” or “do not disturb mode.” If there is no problem with the software, the audio signals are most likely being sent to another device or speaker. If this is the case, you will need to disconnect your Bluetooth device in order for the phone’s speakers to work properly again. This can be done by going to the bluetooth & device connection menu and clicking on the icon next to the devices you are connected to.
6. Your Speaker Is Broken
When a phone speaker is broken, it can be incredibly frustrating. You may not be able to hear anything at all when you try to play an audio file or make a call, or you might hear distorted or crackling sounds that don’t go away. If this happens, it’s likely that the voice coil is broken, which can be expensive to replace.
You can usually fix this problem yourself by removing any screen protectors or cases from your device, checking to see if the speaker opening is blocked or dirty, and disabling any audio enhancement features (on iPhone only). If this doesn’t work, you may need to get your hands on some replacement parts from a repair shop or online.
If your phone is still working but its speakers are broken, you can always sell it to a buyback program for cash. However, many of these programs will reduce your quote if you send in a device with a cracked screen or other hardware problems.
7. Your Battery Is Dead
There are a lot of things that can go wrong with your battery. You can prevent some of them by changing it every few years, checking its acid level regularly, and keeping the cables tied. However, no matter how well you take care of your battery, it will eventually die. One of the first signs that your battery is dying is the smell of sulfur, which is produced by leaking battery acid. You may also notice that the dome light, door chime, and radio aren’t working. This is because these devices require power from the battery to work.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your battery replaced.