Journal · 2026-10-16 · 4 min
What to do before the technician arrives
Before we arrive, charge the device if it still takes power, back it up, clear a table near an outlet, and put pets in another room. Do not hand over passwords. If the phone is in a case, leave the case on until we get there.
Backup
iPhone: iCloud or a computer backup. Samsung: Smart Switch or a Google backup. A screen repair rarely wipes data. A board repair sometimes has no choice. A backup is the difference between a hardware job and a bad week.
The table
We need about two feet of clear table, an outlet, and enough light to see a screw. Kitchen tables work. Couches do not. If the only outlet is behind a dresser, tell us and we will bring a cord.
Accounts
Stay signed in. Do not give us the passcode unless a test requires you to unlock the phone yourself while we watch the screen. We do not need your Apple ID, Google password, or bank apps open.
Consoles
Have the power supply and one HDMI cable ready. Know which TV input you use. If the console is in a tight entertainment center, pull it out before we arrive so we are not moving a whole wall unit.