The popularity of “How to…” videos on YouTube has sparked a trend where individuals attempt to repair their own phones. These videos, often created by professionals or experienced individuals, make phone repair seem effortless. However, they can be misleading as they omit the complexities and potential mishaps of the process, like damaging the fingerprint cable. Many Android and iPhone users who have tried DIY repairs often bring their devices to professionals, showing clear signs of amateur repair attempts. Here are five reasons why it’s not advisable to repair your phone by yourself:
- Low-Quality Parts: Purchasing non-official replacement parts for Android or iPhone, like screens from eBay or unverified sellers in China, often results in receiving low-quality or non-functional components. Issues like phantom touch, dead or bright pixels, or completely non-working screens are common with these third-party parts. Additionally, unofficial batteries, camera modules, and chips can pose safety risks.
- No Warranty: DIY repairs come without any warranty. This means if the part fails after repair or if you make a mistake, you’ll incur additional costs. In contrast, professional Android and Apple repairs often come with warranties and ensure the phone works as expected.
- Lack of Tools: Most people lack the specialized tools required for phone repair. While attempting to save costs, individuals often buy low-quality toolkits, which can lead to poor repair quality and even personal injury due to tool failure.
- Risk of Further Damage: Smartphones are not designed for easy repairs, requiring skilled hands for tasks like opening screens and handling fragile components. DIY repairs often result in additional damage, such as ruining water resistance seals. The quality of a self-repair is typically subpar, with issues like rough edges, broken sensors, and visible glue.
- Overall Cost: Considering the cost of replacement parts and tools, self-repair often approaches or exceeds the cost of professional repair services. When factoring in the time, effort, and the risk of unsatisfactory results, the actual cost of DIY repair can be significantly higher. Poor DIY repairs can even render the phone unusable, leading to the necessity of purchasing a new phone.
