Our computers and smart devices are designed to make our lives easier… but a smashed screen, water damage or a busted speaker can be a giant pain in the you-know-where.

At TechRestore, we repair thousands of broken phones, tablets and computers every year. In our experience, most damage is 100% preventable with a few smart precautions. And since you look like a smart cookie (wink), be sure to follow these six tips to damage-proof your devices:

Tip #1: Don’t do stupid.

Not to be Captain Obvious but… treat your tech gently! Our devices are so integrated into our everyday lives that sometimes we forget how delicate and expensive they are. Simply reminding yourself (and your kids) to be careful goes a long way.

For example: Skip the cliff selfies. You might drop your phone to its death, or you might fall to your death and we’d miss you. (By the way, did you know that there have been at least 425 selfie-related deaths in the past decade? Don’t be that guy or gal!)

Also, don’t let your crazy ex-girlfriend get near your Macbook with a hammer. Don’t hand a drunk friend your phone for a group picture. Just don’t be a dum dum and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle.

While you’re at it, be sure to supervise young children’s tablet use! It’s safer for them and safer for the device too. Toddlers have a weird thing for dunking the iPad in the potty (don’t ask us how we know…) and it’s better to head them off before they do something wack.

Tip #2: Use a protective case, always.

The #1 repair issue we deal with? Cracked screens and backglass caused by drops. A good protective case is a no-brainer! 

There are TONS of available options that look fly, absorb the shock from impact, and fit every budget. We carry a range of cases from top brands like Speck and Nimbus9, along with bumper cases for the kiddos. Stop by our showroom to find your perfect fit! 

Tip #3: Cover your screen with tempered glass.

Continuing on with drop protection, do you have screen protectors on all your devices? If not, now’s the time to get on it before your slick new smartphone bites the dust. 

Tempered glass is a great solution for everyday phone and tablet protection. It adheres securely to your screen and you won’t notice it as long as it’s properly installed. (Psst, we can help with that!) Durable and scratch-resistant, it has a matte, glass-like finish and works well on flat screens. 

In the case of heavy impact, a tempered glass cover may crack and need to be replaced (but we’re talking $20 for the screen protector vs. $100+ for a whole new screen).

Tip #4: Consider a smart film for next-level coverage.

If your device gets handled roughly or dropped a lot, you may want to consider upgrading to the Grip 2.0 film. This is a $30 custom cut option that we can apply to any mobile phone or smart watch. It’s made of Elastomeric Polyurethane (EPU), a flexible, self-healing material that fits both flat curved screens. For ultimate, edge-to-edge protection that resists cracks and chips, Grip 2.0 is the GOAT!

Tip #5: Store and carry your tech correctly.

We know it’s tempting, but don’t chuck your laptop into your bag with your snacks and coffee! It’s just way too easy for it to get squashed or spilled on. TechRestore carries laptop backpacks and sleeves that look great and keep your valuable computer safe.

While we’re at it… don’t sit on your devices either! Your butt does not belong on top of your laptop, and neither does anyone else’s butt. A surprising number of personal tech devices die a premature death because someone sat on them. 

Tip #6: Baby your battery.

If you find yourself constantly reaching for the charger (even though you literally just charged your computer or phone two hours ago)… the battery is starting to age. It’s often the first thing to go in an older device. Just a few simple steps can extend the life of your battery and stave off repair or replacement costs.

First, minimize exposure to extreme temperatures as much as possible. Sometimes you have to take your phone outside in boiling-hot or bitterly cold temps. Just do the best you can, and avoid leaving your device in the car when the weather is weathering.

As much as possible, stick with original or certified chargers rather than random knockoffs. Using a third-party charger will often void your device’s manufacturer warranty.

Try to avoid letting your device’s battery die or get super low. It can shorten battery life, and it will probably give you an anxiety attack when you see the dreaded 1% on the indicator. However, it’s okay to leave your phone plugged in for long periods. Modern smartphones and tablets have built-in smart charging systems to cut off power and prevent overcharging. So unless your device is an absolute dinosaur, you’ll be fine.

Damaged Phone FAQs

Okay, so you didn’t follow ANY of the above tips and your phone (or tablet) is already busted! You might be wondering what to do next. Let us help you out.

Can a damaged phone be repaired?

In most cases, yes. It depends on the extent of the damage and whether it’s systemic (your whole phone is jacked up) or local (just one part, like the screen, needs to be replaced). The best way to find out if your damaged phone can be repaired is to get a free diagnostic. If you’re not local to Louisville, we offer secure mail-in repairs as well!

Can a water damaged phone be fixed?

Yes, depending on the type of water and how long your phone was submerged. Saltwater is corrosive and may damage the metal components inside your phone. However, all is not lost! Modern smartphones are designed to be water resistant and can often be salvaged after an unexpected dunk.

Here’s what to do if your phone gets wet: First, immediately turn it off. If it came into contact with chlorinated or salty ocean water, rinse it lightly with fresh water from the tap. Then pat it dry with a clean towel, paying special attention to the charging port. You may want to clean the port area with a cotton swab to remove any residual liquid.

Skip the bag of rice, which can leave dust inside your charging port, and simply place your phone in front of a fan to dry for 24 hours. At that point, you can turn it on and see if it’s working. If you notice any signs of water damage, like a glitchy screen or speaker issues, bring it in to us and we’ll help you out.

Is it worth it to repair a phone?

Well, just ask yourself this… would you rather pay a couple hundred bucks for a minor repair or a thousand bucks for a new high-end smartphone? Even with older phones, you’ll usually end up money ahead if you fix it rather than replace it. (Not to mention, repairing your old phone is better for the environment and reduces e-waste. Win-win!)