Phone repair myths: when should I go to a professional?

Many of us are confronted with all sorts of advice and myths about how to fix a broken phone yourself. However, most of this advice is misleading and can cause damage to your device.

Myth 1: You can dry a wet phone

The internet is full of advice on how to "save" a wet phone by putting it in a bowl of rice, drying it with a hairdryer or drying it on a radiator. But in reality, these tips are often ineffective. The best thing to do is to switch off your wet phone and leave it on a paper napkin to dry. It is important not to charge a wet device. If your phone no longer works as it used to, it is recommended that you contact a device service centre.

Myth 2: Phones can be submerged under water

Although the latest smartphones are usually waterproof, with IP68 or IP67 certification for dust and water resistance, that doesn't mean you can swim in the sea or dive in the bath with your phone. Water can get inside the device and damage the motherboard. In addition, getting your phone wet can void your warranty if it is physically damaged.

Myth 3: I can repair my phone myself

Often, people damage their smart devices by trying to fix them at home. Repairing phones requires a special laboratory environment with the right humidity level, which is available at authorised service centres. At home, dust or too much moisture can get into the internal parts of the phone, which can quickly damage the device.

Myth 4: Screen scratches can be repaired at home

There are myths about fixing screen scratches with baking soda, vegetable oil, toothpaste, sandpaper or car care cleaners. Experts do not recommend such repairs, as they can damage the screen. If the scratches are not pronounced, you can try a special silicone protective glass. If your phone is cracked, it may be best to replace the screen with a new one.

Myth 5: It's not worth replacing a cracked phone screen

Even a small crack in the screen can affect the performance of the device by allowing dust or moisture to enter through the crack. It is therefore recommended to replace such a screen immediately with a new one.

Before replacing the screen, it's a good idea to assess the value of the phone. If you have a high-end device that still works well, replacing the screen is worthwhile. However, if you have an economy device and replacing the screen is expensive, it is worth considering a new device.

Myth 6: It doesn't pay to insure your phone

There are two types of phone insurance: screen insurance and whole phone insurance. The former replaces only the front screen glass, while the latter repairs or replaces the phone regardless of what happened to it.

Myth 7: Phone repairs in the showroom are very expensive

Many people think that repairing phones in an official service centre is expensive. However, most of the costs are caused by original parts, which ensure reliable performance and longevity.

Myth 8: I can use non-original accessories with my smartphone

Using non-original accessories, especially chargers, can be risky. Non-original chargers can charge your phone unevenly or overheat, which can damage internal parts.

Based on these myths, it is clear that the maintenance and repair of phones requires professionalism and care. It is always better to go to trusted professionals than to risk even bigger breakdowns by trying to fix the device yourself.