Cell phones can be repaired at home with some basic know-how.
When electronic equipment breaks down, you may be tempted to just throw it away and buy new equipment. Not everyone, however, has the resources to replace damaged electronics. Mobile phones are no exception. Some phones run several hundreds of dollars, and replacing a damaged phone without warranty coverage can be expensive. It's a good idea to have some basic knowledge of cell phone repair, especially if there is only some minor damage.
Broken Display
A common problem with cell phones is a broken display faceplate. Many smartphones now come with crack-resistant covers, but this doesn't guarantee a shatter-free display. As long as the LCD display isn't damaged, replacing the glass cover is a relatively painless operation. Glass panels can be ordered online from cell phone companies. Open the cell phone and remove the battery, circuit board and aerial cover. In certain cases, a plastic cover is on top of the keyboard and display. Use your fingernail to remove this and the glass display panel; you can also use a credit card. Replace the broken glass faceplate with the new one, which should come with adhesive. Then replace the remaining parts.
Broken Hinge
If you haven't joined the world of smartphones yet, you may still be using a flip phone model. These cell phones rely on hinges to open and close the phone's display. If the hinge breaks or gets loose from wear and tear, replace it using a small T6 screwdriver and a pry tool, like a credit card. Remove LCD display screws and pry off the display, exposing more screws underneath. Remove those screws as well and lift the metal housing over the hinge pin. This pin can be removed and replaced with the screwdriver. Replace all parts and test for springiness.
Water Damage
Cell phones dropped into puddles or gutters can be salvaged.
One possible source of damage to your cell phone is nature's age-old enemy of electricity: water. If you happen to accidentally drop your phone into a gutter or puddle, it can be salvaged with some care. Turn off the inundated cell phone immediately and set it aside for a day to dry. Some cell phone batteries have a white strip attached on the back to gauge wetness. When the strip appears gray or off-white, the battery is still wet. As it dries, it becomes white again, which indicates that it is safe to turn the cell phone back on. If the phone has been submerged for a longer period of time, you may want to take the entire phone apart using a T6 screwdriver. Lay out each individual piece and let them dry for a day or two.
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