Avoid These Mistakes When Buying a New Computer

iPhones are remarkably capable devices that people depend on for communication, work, entertainment, and countless daily tasks. When something goes wrong with your iPhone, it disrupts far more than just phone calls. Understanding common iPhone problems and their solutions helps you make informed decisions about repair versus replacement, and recognize when professional help is the right choice.

Modern iPhones are sophisticated computers that happen to fit in your pocket. Their complexity means that repairs require specialized knowledge, tools, and parts. While some might attempt DIY repairs, professional service typically provides better results, proper parts, and warranty on the repair work. According to Apple's repair guidelines, proper repair by qualified technicians preserves device integrity and maintains optimal performance.

Cracked and Damaged Screens

Screen damage is the most common iPhone problem by far. The glass that makes the beautiful display possible is also vulnerable to impacts and drops. Even with cases and screen protectors, accidents happen, and cracks or shattering result.

The severity of screen damage varies widely. Hairline cracks might be cosmetic annoyances that do not affect functionality. Deeper cracks can interfere with touch sensitivity. Shattered screens may have areas that do not respond at all or may develop further problems over time as glass pieces shift.

Beyond appearance and functionality, damaged screens can cause secondary issues. Cracks can allow dust and moisture to enter the device. Sharp edges pose injury risk. Damaged screens also reduce resale value significantly.

Professional screen replacement restores full functionality with quality replacement parts. Our iPhone screen repair service uses high-quality displays and provides warranty on the repair work. Turnaround is typically same-day for most models.

Battery Problems

All batteries degrade over time, and iPhone batteries are no exception. After two to three years of regular use, noticeable capacity loss is normal. When your iPhone no longer makes it through a day on a charge, battery replacement may be the solution.

Signs of battery problems include rapid drainage even with minimal use, unexpected shutdowns especially when battery percentage seems adequate, very slow charging, or the phone becoming hot during use or charging.

iOS includes battery health information accessible through Settings > Battery > Battery Health. This shows your battery's maximum capacity relative to when it was new. When capacity drops below eighty percent, Apple considers the battery significantly degraded.

Battery replacement is straightforward for professionals with proper tools and genuine or high-quality replacement batteries. The process typically takes less than an hour and restores full-day battery life. Given that battery replacement costs a fraction of a new phone, it almost always makes economic sense.

Water and Liquid Damage

Despite water resistance ratings on newer models, liquid damage remains a common iPhone problem. Water resistance diminishes over time, and the ratings assume clean, still water under specific conditions. Real-world exposure to pool water, salt water, or immersion beyond rated depths can still cause damage.

If your iPhone gets wet, power it off immediately and do not attempt to charge it. Charging a wet device can cause shorts that worsen damage. Do not use heat sources like hair dryers; excessive heat causes its own damage. Rice is largely ineffective despite the popular myth.

Professional treatment for water damage involves opening the device, displacing moisture, cleaning corrosion, and assessing component damage. Success rates depend heavily on how much liquid entered, what type of liquid, and how quickly professional treatment begins. Prompt action dramatically improves outcomes.

Charging Problems

When your iPhone will not charge or charges unreliably, the cause might be simple or complex. Troubleshooting helps identify the issue.

Check the cable and power adapter first. Damaged cables are the most common cause of charging problems. Try a different cable and adapter if possible. Inspect the cable for visible damage and fraying near the connectors.

Examine the charging port for debris. Lint, dust, and pocket debris accumulate in the charging port and can prevent proper connection. Gentle cleaning with a wooden toothpick can remove visible debris; avoid metal tools that could damage contacts.

If cable and port seem fine but charging still fails, the issue may be internal: a damaged charging port, failed charging circuit, or battery problem. These require professional diagnosis and repair.

Performance and Software Issues

iPhones can develop software problems that affect performance, cause crashes, or produce strange behavior. Before assuming hardware failure, software troubleshooting is worthwhile.

Force restart often resolves temporary glitches. The method varies by model, but generally involves pressing and quickly releasing volume up, then volume down, then holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Software updates sometimes fix bugs causing problems. Check Settings > General > Software Update for available updates. However, be aware that very old devices may run slowly with the newest iOS versions.

If software troubleshooting fails to resolve issues, the problem may be hardware-related. Failing storage, memory problems, or logic board issues can manifest as software-like symptoms. Professional diagnosis determines the actual cause.

When to Repair vs. Replace

The repair-versus-replace decision depends on several factors: repair cost relative to device value, device age, overall condition, and your satisfaction with the device's capabilities.

For recent models with single issues like cracked screens or worn batteries, repair almost always makes sense. A two-hundred-dollar repair on a device worth eight hundred or more is clearly economical.

For older devices with multiple problems or models that no longer receive software updates, the calculation changes. If repair costs approach half the device's value, replacement may be wiser, especially if you would also appreciate the capabilities of a newer model.

We provide honest assessments to help you make the right decision. Sometimes the right advice is not to repair, and we will tell you when that is the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iPhone screen repair worth it?

Almost always yes for newer models. Screen repair costs a fraction of phone replacement and preserves all your data, settings, and familiarity with the device. For models still receiving software updates, repair almost always makes economic sense.

How long does iPhone repair take?

Most common repairs including screen replacement and battery replacement can be completed same-day, often within one to two hours. More complex repairs or those requiring parts ordering may take longer.

Will I lose my data during iPhone repair?

Most repairs do not affect your data. Screen replacement, battery replacement, and charging port repair typically leave data intact. However, some repairs require security protocols that may affect data, and we always recommend backup before any repair as a precaution.

Can water-damaged iPhones be repaired?

Often yes, especially if treated promptly. Success depends on the severity of damage and how quickly professional cleaning is performed. The sooner a water-damaged phone receives professional treatment, the better the chances of full recovery.

For professional iPhone repair in West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens, Fix My PC Store provides expert device repair. We also repair iPads and offer computer repair services.