Many faults have more than one possible cause. A phone that will not charge might need a cable, a port clean, a new port or a new battery. A diagnostic finds the actual cause, so you only pay for the repair you need.
What a repairer usually checks
- The fault you describe, reproduced where possible
- Physical condition, including hidden cracks, swelling and liquid indicators
- Power, charging and battery health
- Screen, touch, cameras, speakers, microphones and buttons
- Signal, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth where relevant
What you get
You should get a plain-language explanation of what was found, which repair fixes it, and the price. If there is more than one sensible option, such as different part grades, ask to see them side by side.
Ask about charges first
Some businesses do not charge for a diagnostic; others charge, particularly for board-level faults or data recovery. Ask before you leave the device, and ask what happens if you decide not to go ahead or the fault cannot be fixed.
How to prepare
- Back up the device if it still works
- Bring the charger for laptops and tablets
- Note when the fault started and anything that happened before it
