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Before you send a phone or laptop for repair

Updated September 27, 2026

When you send a phone or laptop for repair, the biggest risk isn't the old fault but new ones: it comes back with a crackly speaker, no Face ID or a fresh scratch, and you can't prove it was fine before. Fifteen minutes of preparation with this guide keeps your data safe and gives you a record of the device's condition.

1. Back up your data

A repair may involve a factory reset or a new logic board, and your data can be lost for good.

  • iPhone, iPad: Settings › [your name] › iCloud › iCloud Backup › Back Up Now, or back up to a computer.
  • Android: Settings › Google › Backup; Samsung phones also have Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch.
  • Laptop: copy documents and photos to an external drive or the cloud. On a Mac, use Time Machine.
  • Check that chat apps (WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram…) have their own chat backup turned on; they back up separately.

2. Record the device's condition with Soi Máy

This is the step most people skip. Run the tests before you hand the device in, then save a PDF or create a report link on the Results page. Mark whatever is broken (the reason for the repair) as Fail and add a note.

Dead pixel, backlight bleed and burn-in testFind dead or stuck pixels, backlight bleed, burn-in and lines on a phone or laptop screen. Eight full-screen colours, free, no app to install.

The parts most often disturbed by a repair, worth testing first:

When you collect it, run the same tests and compare the two reports. See how to check a device after a repair.

3. Photograph the body and the IMEI

  • Photograph all four edges, the front and the back in good light, so existing scratches and dents are clear.
  • Dial *#06# or look in Settings › About and note the IMEI and serial number. Compare them when you collect the device, to be sure it (or its board) wasn't swapped.

4. Protect your accounts and personal data

Shops often ask for your passcode to test the device after the repair. If you have to give it:

  • Samsung: turn on Maintenance mode (Settings › Device care › Maintenance mode). The phone switches to an empty profile, so the technician can't see your photos, messages or accounts; turning it off brings everything back.
  • Other devices: sign out of banking and payment apps, remove cards from Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet, and change the passcode to a temporary one you change back later.
  • If you can, back up and factory reset before handing it in; that's the safest option.
  • Apple or Samsung service centers: follow their instructions about turning off Find My or signing out. An independent shop doesn't need Find My turned off, and never give anyone your Apple Account password.

5. Laptops: drive encryption keys

Many recent Windows laptops have BitLocker (device encryption) turned on. After a board replacement or BIOS update, the laptop may ask for the 48-digit BitLocker recovery key. Without it, all your data is lost.

  • Find the key at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey (signed in with the Microsoft account used on the laptop) and write it down or keep it on your phone.
  • MacBook: know your login password and Apple Account; the Mac may need to be reactivated after the repair.

6. Remove the SIM, memory card, case and accessories

Take out the SIM and memory card, and the case or screen protector if the shop asks; remove USB drives and mice from a laptop. Nothing gets lost, and you can still take calls on another phone while you wait.

7. The intake receipt

Ask for a receipt that lists:

  • The IMEI or serial number and the condition of the body at drop-off (scratches, dents).
  • The fault to fix, the quote, and when it will be ready.
  • What kind of parts will be used (original or aftermarket) and the warranty period.

When you collect it

Check it at the shop using how to check a device after a repair, compare with the Soi Máy report you saved, and only then pay.

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