According to a study by Recon Analytics in 2011, the average handset in the United States is upgraded or replaced every 21.7 months. Common wear and tear is often the source of a phone’s diminished usability.
But don’t be quick to shell out hundreds of dollars to replace your phone. Even for relatively affordable phones like the BlackBerry bold and HTC Touch Hero, it may be worth seeing if a DIY repair is a better solution than replacing your phone outright. Here are a few common problems that can be cheaply fixed yourself by using household items or tools that are easily available.
Before proceeding, it should be clear that many of these simple operations could void your phone’s warranty. You should check your coverage and be sure a DIY repair is right for your situation. It’s also important to note that repairing or modifying your phone can expose you to the device’s electrical current. Be sure your phone is switched off and adhere to basic precautions to avoid being in danger of electrical harm.
But don’t be quick to shell out hundreds of dollars to replace your phone. Even for relatively affordable phones like the BlackBerry bold and HTC Touch Hero, it may be worth seeing if a DIY repair is a better solution than replacing your phone outright. Here are a few common problems that can be cheaply fixed yourself by using household items or tools that are easily available.
Before proceeding, it should be clear that many of these simple operations could void your phone’s warranty. You should check your coverage and be sure a DIY repair is right for your situation. It’s also important to note that repairing or modifying your phone can expose you to the device’s electrical current. Be sure your phone is switched off and adhere to basic precautions to avoid being in danger of electrical harm.
1. Fix a scratched, cracked or shattered screen
It’s best to avoid minor scratches by preemptively using a screen protector (found for cheap online or in stores). But when it’s time to replace a damaged screen, you can do it yourself relatively easily. You can also grab the replacement parts as well as exact screwdrivers and tools you’ll need from online stores
2. Take care of your battery; replace when needed
You can prevent battery deterioration by making sure your battery regularly receives a full charge cycle (drained to 0 percent and then charged to 100 percent without interruption). You can also replace a worn battery by buying a replacement battery or kit from the websites listed above.
3. Fix a malfunctioning headphone jack
The headphone jack is subject to dirt, dust, lint and other gunk that can cause it to malfunction. Because the jack also detects the presence of headphones to switch off the phone’s speaker, it can be frustrating to have one that is problematic. You can easily clean out the jack by using a cue tip. Remove some of the cotton on the tip to create a thinner point that you can insert directly into the jack and twirl around gently to clean it.
4. Tighten up a loose micro USB connector
Most smartphones such as BlackBerry and Android devices use a micro USB as a charging and connection port. If you find your micro USB plug is not fitting snuggly you can use a sharpened thin toothpick to remove any gunk from inside the jack. This will help secure the jack’s grip and tighten up the connection.
5. Clean sticky buttons; replace broken ones
You can remedy sticky buttons with a cotton swab and a few drops of rubbing alcohol. Work the swab over the button by pressing and depressing the button to clean around the edges.
6. Save a phone that’s been soaked in water
Dropping your phone in water can sure be a brutal way to say goodbye to your handset but if you find yourself staring at a soaked device, there is hope! As quickly as possible, dry off as much of the liquid as possible and put your phone inside a bag or bowl of uncooked rice. If your phone has a removable battery, take it off beforehand. Leave your phone for a day or more to let the rice attract all the moisture.
If your budget is tight, avoid breaking the bank on a new device by trying out these simple DIY tricks first. If you are simply out of luck when it comes to repairing, there are plenty of mobile and tablet reviews online - while finding the funds may be difficult, finding a new device certainly will not be.
It’s best to avoid minor scratches by preemptively using a screen protector (found for cheap online or in stores). But when it’s time to replace a damaged screen, you can do it yourself relatively easily. You can also grab the replacement parts as well as exact screwdrivers and tools you’ll need from online stores
2. Take care of your battery; replace when needed
You can prevent battery deterioration by making sure your battery regularly receives a full charge cycle (drained to 0 percent and then charged to 100 percent without interruption). You can also replace a worn battery by buying a replacement battery or kit from the websites listed above.
3. Fix a malfunctioning headphone jack
The headphone jack is subject to dirt, dust, lint and other gunk that can cause it to malfunction. Because the jack also detects the presence of headphones to switch off the phone’s speaker, it can be frustrating to have one that is problematic. You can easily clean out the jack by using a cue tip. Remove some of the cotton on the tip to create a thinner point that you can insert directly into the jack and twirl around gently to clean it.4. Tighten up a loose micro USB connector
Most smartphones such as BlackBerry and Android devices use a micro USB as a charging and connection port. If you find your micro USB plug is not fitting snuggly you can use a sharpened thin toothpick to remove any gunk from inside the jack. This will help secure the jack’s grip and tighten up the connection.
5. Clean sticky buttons; replace broken ones
You can remedy sticky buttons with a cotton swab and a few drops of rubbing alcohol. Work the swab over the button by pressing and depressing the button to clean around the edges.
6. Save a phone that’s been soaked in water
Dropping your phone in water can sure be a brutal way to say goodbye to your handset but if you find yourself staring at a soaked device, there is hope! As quickly as possible, dry off as much of the liquid as possible and put your phone inside a bag or bowl of uncooked rice. If your phone has a removable battery, take it off beforehand. Leave your phone for a day or more to let the rice attract all the moisture.If your budget is tight, avoid breaking the bank on a new device by trying out these simple DIY tricks first. If you are simply out of luck when it comes to repairing, there are plenty of mobile and tablet reviews online - while finding the funds may be difficult, finding a new device certainly will not be.
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