Contractor Tips Blog

Feb
18

Pros and Cons of Smartphone Insurance

Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a premium, giving you protection if you break or lose your phone. While this may seem like a good idea, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before you buy.

Pros of Buying Smartphone Insurance

If you have experienced broken and stolen phones in the past, you may be a good candidate for smartphone insurance. Here are some of the pros of having protection for your smartphone.

  • Multiple repairs. If you tend to smash or drop your phone often, insurance may be a good option.
  • Lost phones. While extended warranties will not help if you lose your phone, phone insurance through your carrier often will replace your phone if lost or stolen.
  • Kid’s phone. Many parents opt for insurance for their kid’s phone, especially if they are irresponsible.

Cons of Buying Smartphone Insurance

When deciding to buy smartphone insurance, you need to make sure the cost is worth the benefits. Some of the cons of insurance include:

  • High deductibles. Maybe you only need to pay $10-15 a month but if you have to pay a few hundred dollar deductible to replace your phone, that is a high cost for insurance. The monthly premiums over two years and deductible can come close to the cost of a new phone.
  • Refurbished phones. Read the fine print – you may only receive a refurbished, not new, phone if you need a replacement.
  • Limited use. Many insurance plans have a limit on how many times you can have your phone repaired or replaced.

If you tend to be careful with your phone, you may want to skip the insurance. This can save you $100-$300 or more per year off insurance (plus deductibles) that you can put toward repairs at a local cell phone shop if needed.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Oct
16

Can I Replace My iPhone Battery Myself?

If you love your iPhone, there is a good chance you have put the battery to the test. When the time between charges gets shorter and shorter or your phone seems to be slowing down, it may be time to replace the battery. However, iPhone batteries do not just “pop out” like many other cell phones. Replacing the battery is a little more challenging and requires the right tools and expertise.

To replace an iPhone battery, it is more than just popping off the back of the case of the phone. You need a battery removal kit to have the right tools to do the job. iPhones are glued and screwed together. You will need to carefully remove adhesive and screws to take out the battery and inset the new one. The problem is that if done incorrectly, you can break the adhesive and even damage the battery. Plus, on newer iPhones, you can lose the waterproofing once the glue is removed.

Bring Your iPhone to a Pro

While you can buy the kits to replace your own iPhone battery, it is worth it to have a professional do this job for you. It is not worth the risk of damaging your device to save a few bucks off a battery replacement service. Find a quality cell phone repair shop that specializes in iPhone repairs and bring your phone in for a battery replacement. These pros have the training and tools to do the repair right – make sure to ask if they warranty their services.

Some tasks are best left to the professionals. If you iPhone battery needs replacement, bring it to a local cell phone repair shop versus doing it yourself.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Sep
3

Save Money by Maintaining and Keeping Your Cell Phone

Most technology becomes cheaper over time. It is less expensive to buy a big screen TV or computer now than it ever has been. But one device seems to only go up in price – the smartphone. A new iPhone or other top brand can cost a thousand dollars or more. While many people are willing to pay to have the latest and greatest phone, there are not as many new bells and whistles with each new model. If you are happy with your current phone, save money by maintaining instead of investing in a new phone.

Protective Gear

The simplest and cheapest way to make your phone last is with quality protective gear. A good screen protector and durable case can protect your phone from damage when it is dropped or put under pressure.

Replace the Battery

If your phone begins to lack in charging power, it is most likely a worn out battery. Invest in replacing your battery after a few years instead of buying a new phone.

Repair Your Phone

Even if your port needs replacement or the screen is cracked, you can still keep your phone. Bring it in for a repair at a quality cell phone repair shop. Most repairs cost a fraction of the cost of a new phone and can extend the life of your phone for another year or more.

Replacing your cell phone is not only expensive, it is a pain. Transferring your contacts, apps and media can be difficult and it can take weeks to get all your settings the way you prefer. Instead of buying a new cell phone at the end of two years, consider maintaining your existing phone and getting another few years from your phone.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Jun
5

Troubleshooting an Android Phone That Will Not Turn On

When you turn to your phone for answers and communication, but it is not responsive, it can send your heart into a panic. If you own a Samsung Galaxy or other type of android phone, you need to know how to troubleshoot the issue to bring it back to life. Here are a few tips to help you find the issue and restore function to your android phone.

Charge It

The most obvious answer to why a cell phone will not turn on is the battery. Even if you thought your phone was charged, plug it in for at least 15 minutes to see if it comes to life. If nothing comes on the screen when you press the power button, try charging it at a different outlet or with another charger to rule out a charging issue.

Reset the Computer

Smartphones are computers with hardware and software. Sometimes, like most computers, they can freeze and need a manual shutdown and reset to restore function. If you are sure your phone has a charge, but still will not turn on, try holding the power button for at least 10 seconds – in some cases, it may take up to 30 seconds. This should turn off the phone and reboot the system. You can also remove the battery to do this, but many android devices do not have a removeable battery.

Bring It for Diagnostic Testing

If neither of these options brings your phone back to life, make a trip to your local cell phone repair shop. Many will do free diagnostic testing to determine the problem, giving you the option to have it repaired or decide whether it is time to upgrade to a new device.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

May
9

Can Your Water Damaged Phone be Fixed?

Considering how much you use your cell phone, it is almost guaranteed that eventually it will come in contact with water. While a little sprinkle of rain is unlikely to damage your phone, if it lands in a pool or puddle, it may be at risk. The electronic components inside and the battery are easily damaged by water, but you can often minimize the risk of complete failure by acting fast when your cell phone is exposed to water.

Do’s and Don’t’s After Cell Phone Water Exposure

The first thing you want to do after a phone has been submerged in water is remove the battery, sim and memory card. Pat the phone dry with a soft cloth to remove excess water. Air drying with the removeable parts exposed can be the best way to mitigate any damage.

What you should not do is try to turn your phone on or push any buttons. This can push water into your phone. Also, limit moving your phone and do not try to use a hair dryer or heat to dry your phone; this can cause more damage. Wait for at least 24 hours before putting the parts back together and attempting to turn on your phone.

Fixing Water Damage

If your phone does not turn on after waiting for 24 hours, or if it turns on, but is not working correctly, bring it to a cell phone repair shop. It is possible that the phone can be fixed – it may just need a component repaired or replaced. A cell phone repair expert can determine the best options to salvage your phone, or at least the data inside, to minimize the inconvenience and cost of a cell phone water accident.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Apr
16

4 Reasons You Should Recycle Your Old Cell Phones

Most homes have a secret cache of old cell phones. It might be a drawer, or a bag stuffed in the closet, but those old cell phones are still hanging around. While it is not a bad idea to keep a recently retired phone as a backup, you do not need that iPhone from 2008 or the Samsung Galaxy that will not even turn on. It is time to bring those old cell phones in for recycling and here are four excellent reasons why.

  1. Stored information. Those old phones have information stored in them that could be detrimental. If someone takes those phones, they may have access to all your contacts and other information. Have them cleared and recycled to keep that personal info safe.
  2. Protect the environment. Cell phones should never be thrown away. They can be toxic to the environment and need to be recycled and properly disposed.
  3. Precious metals. Did you know cell phones are made with gold, silver and other precious metals? These metals need to be recycled so they can be used for making new electronics. This helps reduce the amount of metals that need to be mined, which is also good for the environment.
  4. Extra cash in your pocket. You do not need to recycle your cell phones for free; you can get paid for the effort. Bring them to a cell phone repair shop that buys old cell phones for parts and materials.

It is time to clean out those junk drawers and overflowing closets. Bring your old cell phones in for recycling and earn a few extra bucks in the process. It is good for your home, your wallet and for the environment.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Feb
26

4 Ways to Make Your Smartphone Last Longer

When you spend several hundred dollars on an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or other smartphone, you want to ensure it lasts until you are ready to replace it. Many smartphones have surpassed the cost of a new computer, making them an expensive luxury. On top of being costly, they are more likely to be damaged due to the amount of mobility and use they endure. Here are four ways to help increase the life of your smartphone to get the most from your investment.

  1. Buy a case and screen protector. Make sure your device is protected from accidents with a durable case and a screen protector. Do not even wait a day to head to your nearest retailer to outfit your new phone in protective gear.
  2. Avoid water. While some new smartphones claim to be waterproof, enough water can still cause damage. Do not use your phone when boating, laying by the pool or while soaking in the tub.
  3. Don’t walk and text. Driving and texting is outlawed in many states for safety but walking and texting can also be dangerous. Not only could you get hurt, but you are more likely to damage your phone if you trip or fall.
  4. Find a local repair shop. If an accident does occur, shattering the screen or causing other damage, consider repair versus replacement. Many times, the damage can be repaired the same day at a local cell phone repair shop.

A few precautions and preventive measures can ensure you get the most value from your new smartphone. Plus, it will help keep it in good condition so that you can get the most value when you sell it when it is time to upgrade, reducing the overall cost for owning the latest in mobile device technology.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Oct
4

How to Save Money with a Cell Phone Repair Service

Smartphones can cost several hundred dollars to replace at retail price. These incredible devices have so many features and possible applications, but they are expensive to buy and service. If you have a newer iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, you want to ensure it lasts. But, as expensive as these phones are, they are still vulnerable to damage. Should you sign up for phone insurance for protection? Before you do that, consider how a cell phone repair service can save you money and have other benefits.

Pay Only When You Need It

Unlike cell phone insurance, a repair service only costs you money when you use it. You could spend hundreds of dollars on phone insurance and never use it – even if you do, many plans require you to pay a deductible. Save money and choose a quality, affordable cell phone repair service instead.

Sign Up for Unlimited Screen Replacements

Are you active and constantly crack your cell phone screen? Some cell phone repair services offer plans to give you unlimited screen repairs for the life of your phone. This can save you plenty of money and extend the life of your phone.

Same-Day Repairs

Unlike insurance options, cell phone repair stores can fix your cell phone the same day. No need to switch your service or apps to another phone; many repair places can fix your cell phone while you wait.

Stop paying for expensive insurance and find a local cell phone repair service that can fix your phone if or when you need it. It can save you money and is much more convenient than mail-order phone repairs through insurance companies.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Sep
6

Wet Smartphone Basics

Everyone knows smart phones and moisture don’t mix. Yet, when your phone goes everywhere you do, it is bound to get wet eventually. A small spill on your phone or a little rain is usually not a problem; just wipe it off quickly and in most cases, no damage is done. However, if your smartphone takes a dunk in the toilet or lands in the pool, you may not be so lucky. Acting fast can save your phone from permanent damage. Here are some wet smartphone basics to help minimize damage if your phone gets soaked.

  • Dry off the exterior. First and foremost, turn off the phone and wipe away all moisture from the outside of the phone. If the phone is well-sealed, this can prevent damage in some cases. Make sure to dry all ports as much as possible and leave out plugs to allow drying.
  • Take apart your phone. Open the case and take out removable parts such as the battery, memory card and SIM card. Wipe all components dry with a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel.
  • Suction, not forced air, is best. If you want to try and remove water, do not use a hair dryer or forced air; it can force water further inside. A vacuum can be used, but do not put the hose too close to the phone.
  • Let the phone dry. Leaving the phone and components to air dry on an absorbent cloth for several hours or overnight can remove water. Another option is to put the phone in dry white rice that can pull water out and absorb it.
  • Try to turn on phone. Wait at least 24 hours; if all the components feel and look dry, assemble and try to turn on your phone; if it doesn’t turn on, try charging the battery.

If your phone doesn’t turn on or has functional issues after completing all these steps, all is not necessarily lost. Bring it to a local cell phone repair shop. Often, they can fix water damage, especially if you have removed as much water as possible first.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Aug
5

3 Tips for Cell Phone Owners

Cell phones has increased in price over the last few years, especially for popular options like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. It is more important than ever to take good care of your cell phone to ensure that it lasts, or you can face spending hundreds of dollars on replacement. Cell phone owners can protect their investment with a few basic tips that can ensure their devices last as long as possible.

  • Don’t overcharge your battery. For most cell phones, the manufacturer recommends not overcharging the battery. This is one of the most common causes of premature battery failure and low use times. Only put your phone on the charger until the battery reaches 100%, then unplug. It also reduces the risk of fire and other issues linked to leaving your cell phone on a charger.
  • Invest in cell phone protection. Don’t skip the screen protector and case when buying a new cell phone. It only takes a slip of the fingers for your cell phone to go crashing to the ground, often damaging the screen. Invest in a quality case when you purchase your phone and don’t use it without the case on.
  • Know where to bring your cell phone for service. Even if you do damage your phone, you don’t necessarily need to replace it. Find your local cell phone repair shop that offers fast repairs with a quality warranty on their services. This can extend the life of your phone and usually can cost a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Just a few precautions and words of tech-wisdom can help make sure your cell phone lasts until you are ready to upgrade. Follow these tips to extend the life of your cell phone and get the most out of your investment.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

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