Why Is It Compulsory to Go To an Authorized iPhone Repair Center? What are the Other Options?

You accidentally broke or damaged your iPhone. The screen or LCD is shattered, perhaps there are dents on the sides of your phone due to a fall or maybe your hardware is damaged.

Regardless, in situations like these, you might be in a dilemma of whether to repair your damaged iPhone or buy a new one.

Why you should choose repair over buying a new iPhone?

Before you grab your wallet and shop for some new cheap iPhones, you should remember to check if your device might be repairable. Here are some of the reasons why you should opt to repair your iPhone:

• Saves money. While there are stores where you can buy cheap iPhones, you will find that repairing is going to be a lot cheaper. So if your iPhone has a broken screen, charging problems, battery issues or liquid damages, it is best to have it repaired rather than spending a hundred pounds on getting a new smartphone.
  

• Saves time. If you plan on buying a new smartphone, you need to go through the hassle of backing up or retrieving your data from your old phone, then restoring the data to the new device. There's also the time you'll spend to look for what smartphone has the features you want and need. Sending your iPhone to get repaired will not take that much time, especially if the damage is minor.
  

• Save the environment. High amounts of carbon dioxide is released in manufacturing phones. Throwing your old smartphone, which will most likely end up in trash, will never be recycled, will add up to the ever-increasing e-waste. If you decide to go for repairing your iPhone, not only will you be saving your money and time, but also the environment.  
  

Why you should go to an authorized iPhone repair center?

So you finally made up your mind and decided to get your iPhone repaired rather than buying a new one. But where should you send it for repair?

It is better to have your iPhone repaired at an authorized repair center. Why?

• Trained technicians. You'll be assured that the people doing the repairs in authorized repair centers are trained technicians. You can get Apple-certified repairs and service at one of Apple's Authorized Service Providers. Every Apple certified repair technician receives training, which means they deliver the same high-quality service with genuine Apple parts. The repairs are backed by Apple.
  

• Authentic/Genuine parts. Genuine parts are critical to a quality repair. In authorized iPhone repair centers, it is a guarantee that the parts they will be using in repairing your iPhone are authentic and will increase the performance of your phone. 
  

• Customer care. The professionals working in authorized repair centers are skilled and have in-depth knowledge about the iPhone. You can call them at any given point of time for whatever query you have. They will provide you with a suitable answer and solution.

• Free of charge. If your iPhone issue is covered by the Apple warranty, you can have your device repaired in the Apple repair center without paying. However, if your iPhone was damaged, your repair fee will vary, depending on the repair.
  

• After service guarantee. Apple guarantees that their service, including replacement parts, for 90 days or remaining terms of your Apple warranty coverage, whichever is longer. This is offered whenever you get service from an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
  

What to do before sending your device in for repair?

Before you bring your device to an Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider or carrier, or send your iPhone in for repair, here's what you need to do first. 

• Backup your iOS device. You can either back up with iCloud or with your computer.
  To Back up with iCloud, just follow these steps:
  

1. First, connect your device to a WiFi network. 
2. You go to Settings > [your name], and tap iCloud.
3. Tap iCloud Backup.
4. After that, tap Back Up Now. You should stay connected to your WiFi network until the process completes.
   If you want to check the progress and confirm whether the backup is complete, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud Backup. There, you will see the date and time of your last backup.
   To back up with your computer, follow these steps: 

1. You should first connect your device to your computer. Then, open Finder or iTunes. 
2. You will see a message asking for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer. You should follow the onscreen steps. If you forgot your passcode, you can get help. 
3. Look for your iPhone on your computer. 
4. You need to encrypt your backup if you want to save Health and Activity data from your iPhone. How? First, select the box called Encrypt [device] backup and create a password. However, if you don't need to save your Health and Activity data, you can make a backup that is not encrypted. Then, just click Back Up Now. 
5. You can see if the backup finished successfully when the process ends. 

• Ready your Apple ID password. If you're taking your iPhone to an Apple Store or to the Apple customer service, you should have your Apple ID password ready. There are some repairs where you will need your Apple ID password to erase your device and turn off Find My iPhone.
  

• Remove your iOS device from your Apple ID device list. You tap the device to see its details then tap Remove from Account. You should review the message that appears, then tap again to confirm that you want to remove the device.
  

• Remove the SIM card from your iOS device. Before you send your device in for repair, you should remove the SIM card from your iOS device if it uses one. You should also keep it in a safe place. However, if your device doesn't use a SIM card, you should contact your wireless service provider to suspend service if necessary.  

If you're wondering how long the iPhone repair will take, know that many of Apple's Authorized Service Providers offer same-day service for some repairs, like screen repair. You will also be notified if your technician needs to send your device to an Apple Repair Center.

How to arrange repair service for your iPhone?

Before you visit the Get Support page of Apple, you should first check your warranty status. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Browse to Apple's iPhone support page and sign in with your Apple ID. You can also click the Enter the Serial Number of your Device link under the Sign In button. To get your iPhone's serial number, go to Settings > General > About > Serial Number. 
2. In the Repairs and Service Coverage section, click Set up a repair. 

Now that you're in the support topics window, if your iPhone has some type of physical damage, click Repairs & Physical Damage. Here's what you need to do next:

1. Select what best describes the type of physical damage you have. The choices include Cracked screen, Liquid or water damage, Back of Phone is cracked, Unable to update or restore, Buttons not working, Screen or display quality, Device slow or unresponsive, Cannot lock or unlock phone, Cables, headphones and adapters, and The topic is not listed. 
2. After that, you can pick if you want to send your iPhone for repair or to bring it in for repair.
3. 3.You just need to follow the next instructions. 

Where can you send your iPhone for repair?

Apart from Apple, there are other stores where you can get repair services for your iPhone. 

• QwikFone. If you bought your cheap iPhone from QwikFone, it means that the device you have has the 12-month warranty and the 30-day return period deals. You can have your device repaired at QwikFone for free. QwikFone's repair service is available for any issues that are caused due to misuse or accidental damage in the iPhone. 

• Best Buy. You won't pay more for Apple authorized service and repairs at Best Buy. Prices may vary depending on the model and type of repair you need. You can avail of Best Buy's same-day iPhone repair. Best Buy uses genuine Apple parts to deliver Apple-certified repairs. 

• iParts4U. You can have your broken iPhone repaired at iParts4U, a mobile and tablet repair service in the UK that offers multitude repairs across various models and brands of mobile devices. iParts4U has a no fix no fee ethos policy, this means that if they cannot repair your iPhone, they will send it back to you.   

You should take note that you have consumer-protection laws for some repair issues. If you're living in the UK , under the consumer laws, you are entitled to a free of charge repair and (depending on the circumstances) may be entitled to a replacement, discount or refund by the seller, of defective goods or goods which do not conform with the contract of sale. 

If you purchased your iPhone from Apple, you will also receive coverage from the Apple Limited Warranty. You can also obtain additional benefits by purchasing the optional AppleCare Protection Plan or AppleCare+.