Now more than ever, cellphones are a vital part of day-to-day life. They’re our computers, our gaming devices, and our means of communication.
They’re also ridiculously expensive.
This is an inconvenient combination, especially when your phone breaks. Depending on the level of damage, you might be tempted to give up, shout “My phone broke!”, and get a new one.
That shouldn’t be your first solution, though. Unless your phone is absolutely physically destroyed, there is always something quicker—and cheaper—to try first.
Here is our list of the five key things to do when your cellphone breaks.
Fix it Yourself
Like any tech issue, the cheapest solution is to fix your broken phone yourself. Busted cameras and ruined cases are easy to fix with the help of a good YouTube tutorial.
We recommend starting with the Fix Your Phone channel. Just follow the step-by-step instructions and see if it works!
Hire a Pro
Nowadays, phone repair shops are extremely common. That’s one of the infinite perks of increased cellphone popularity. In this case, the perk is that you’re probably within 5 to 10 miles of a cellphone repair expert.
Software issues are typically cheaper than hardware issues if you’re asking a pro for help. Cracked screens are easy to fix, for example, but the work required can cost between $15 to $250. There are tons of options for local screen replacement services, so be sure to check your options before you commit to buying an expensive repair job.
Either way, and no matter the issue, the cost to repair your phone will be much less than the $650+ you’ll have to shell out for a brand new one.
Don’t Buy! Lease or Finance Instead
Sometimes, you just can’t fix what’s broken. If you (or a professional) have exhausted all of the repair options for your cellphone, it might be time to bite the bullet and get a new one.
We don’t mean brand new, though. The best alternative is to lease a phone or have it financed.
Trade-In Time: Sell Your Cell
You might also have the option to trade-in your broken phone for a new one. All of the big-name service providers offer programs that allow customers to trade-in old or broken tech for new equipment, often at a discounted price. This is a great way to get rid of your old cellphone, get your hands on a new one, and save some money all in one go.
Get an Insurance Plan
No matter what you decide, the most important thing to do after your phone breaks is to get a cellphone insurance plan. Whether it’s for a repaired phone or a new one, buying cellphone insurance will keep you from breaking the bank next time you run into technical difficulties.
My Phone Broke! and Other Technical Issues Solved
“Broken” doesn’t have to mean “dead”. In other words, you don’t have to trash your phone, your tablet, your laptop, or your TV just because it glitched out. A simple solution might be a click away.
Check out the rest of our blog for more answers to your everyday tech questions!