Damage to your phone is frustrating, but it doesn’t need fixing. Network operators such as Bell, Rogers and Telus offer extended warranties for their new phones, covering the most common cell phone repairs. Whether you’re under warranty or not, there are numerous ways to fix your phone and get on with life.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to fix your phone under warranty, whether or not you should attempt your own repairs, and how to find a reliable repair shop if you’d rather leave it to the professionals. If you’re considering throwing away your broken device and finding something new, we also have tips on how to find the best cell phone deals in Canada.
Read on to learn how to get your phone repaired in Canada.
Repair your phone under warranty
If you’re looking to fix a broken phone, the first thing you should do is familiarize yourself with the options your warranty offers. Cell phones in Canada typically have two types of warranties: standard manufacturer limited warranties that come with new phones, and extended warranties that can be purchased through your cell service provider.
Manufacturer Warranties
Any new cell phone that you buy through a wireless carrier comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers repairs for up to a year or two from manufacturing defects. Manufacturing defects do not include damage caused by liquids, accidents or normal wear and tear.
If your phone has a manufacturer defect and you’re still under the manufacturer’s warranty, follow the warranty’s instructions for phone repair. If you have misplaced your copy of the warranty, most carriers will post the terms of the agreement on their websites.
In most cases, you will be asked to send your phone in to the carrier for repair. Some carriers, like Telus, allow you to bring it to a physical location for same-day repair.
Extended Warranties
When buying a new phone, we recommend signing up for your carrier’s extended warranty, which covers common issues like cracked screens, water damage, and theft. The specifics of these packages depend on the carrier, but most of them work like an insurance plan with monthly payments and deductibles.
The three major carriers offer comprehensive coverage with their extended warranties. Bell’s Smart/Phone Care offers four different levels of coverage ranging from $12/month to $21/month. Rogers premium device protection is $6.99/month, including AppleCare. Telus’ Device Care Complete costs $15/month and includes unlimited cracked screen repairs and same-day repairs through Mobile Klinik.
All of these warranties are also available across the Big Three flanker brands, meaning you can purchase extended warranties when activating phones through Virgin Plus, Fido, Koodo and more.
Repair your own phone
Sometimes a damaged phone can be repaired without professional help. Follow the steps below to find basic solutions to these common problems.
Damaged battery
If your phone can’t hold a charge, you probably need a new battery. How to replace your phone’s battery yourself.
- Locate your phone’s battery by finding the product specifications in our phone finder.
- Purchase a replacement from your phone’s manufacturer.
- Remove the back cover of your phone. Check your owner’s manual if there isn’t a clear way to access the battery.
- Replace the old battery with the new one.
- Charge your phone until it reaches 100%.
water damage
If you’ve ever dropped your phone in a sink, left it out in the rain, or spilled something on it, you know the best way to save your phone is to act fast. Here’s what you should do if your phone has been damaged by water.
- Remove your phone from the water as soon as possible.
- Don’t try to turn it off or on. This could cause further damage.
- Get a two-kilogram sack of uncooked rice and put your phone in it.
- Leave your phone in for three to five days. The rice will absorb the liquid from your phone.
broken screen
We do not recommend replacing a broken screen yourself. This requires you to disconnect the screen from the motherboard, which can further damage your phone if done incorrectly. We recommend replacing the display for professionals – it’s worth the repair costs.
Repair your phone in a shop
If you have a more serious problem or are not particularly skilled, you can take your damaged phone to a cell phone repair shop.
There are mom and pop repair shops across the country, but prices and quality vary. Mobile Clinic, a Telus-owned smartphone repair chain, offers reliable service, affordable rates for Telus and non-Telus customers, and has locations across the country.
Looking for a new phone?
If your phone is badly damaged, it might be time to find a replacement. We have compiled the best mobile phone deals in Canada along with the best iPhone deals and the best cheap phones. You can also check out the most popular phones in Canada below.
How to fix your phone in Canada: Frequently Asked Questions
It’s usually cheaper to repair your phone, but it depends on your phone and the damage. Typical repairs for cracked screens and damaged batteries cost less than $200. However, out-of-warranty repairs for more serious problems can cost up to several hundred dollars. If your phone is a few years old, buying a new phone is a better investment.
Yes, it is worth fixing a cracked phone. Cell phone repair shops like Mobile Klinik can replace cracked phone screens fairly quickly for $100 to $200 depending on the damage.
The most common cell phone repairs involve cracked screens, damaged batteries, and water damage.
We do not recommend trying to fix a cracked screen yourself as this requires you to disconnect the screen from the motherboard and can further damage your phone.
