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9 Common Myths About Phone Repair

Felix Nguyen
November 30, 2023

We've all been, at one point or another, frustrated by a dysfunctional phone — be it a bad charger, a defective microphone, a chip in the screen or a useless battery. Our smartphones are like our trusty sidekicks, keeping us on track and connected with the world. But when our trusty sidekick starts having problems, we can get emotional and can get tangled up in misconceptions about phone repair. Sometimes we can even get scammed or damage our phones even more. Fear not! This article is on a mission to bust 9 widespread myths, arming you with the know-how to make wise choices and get your phone fixed properly. Let's dive in and debunk the repair rumors!

Myth: Clear nail polish can fix a cracked camera lens.

Fact: Attempting to remedy a cracked camera lens with clear nail polish is ineffective and may worsen the situation, leading to issues like blurriness and focus problems. Typically, repairing a cracked phone camera lens is not feasible. The lens, being a fragile part integrated into the phone's structure, is not intended for replacement or repair.

Solution: When the lens is damaged, the sole resolution involves replacing the entire camera module.

Myth: Replacing your phone is always superior to repairing it. 

Fact: In the majority of cases, repairing your phone is more economical since generally repairs are cost-effective, while purchasing a new phone is now similar to buying a new computer, they are expensive. Also, once fixed, you can rest assured that the repaired part is in its best state, like new.

Myth: Toothpaste can fix a cracked screen.

Fact: Toothpaste is ineffective at repairing a cracked screen and can potentially worsen the damage.

Solution: The sole remedy for a cracked screen is to replace it.

Myth: Leaving Your Phone Plugged in Overnight is Harmless.

Fact: It depends on your phone make and model. Older phones use NiMH batteries, which are now supplanted by Lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries come equipped with safety features to prevent explosions when charged at full capacity. However, consistently keeping electronics plugged in at 100 percent charge can make them age faster. Moreover, iPhones for instance have battery-life hardware and software controllers to ensure that they don’t overcharge.

Myth: Clear nail polish can fix a cracked camera lens.

Fact: Attempting to remedy a cracked camera lens with clear nail polish is ineffective and may worsen the situation, leading to issues like blurriness and focus problems. Typically, repairing a cracked phone camera lens is not feasible. The lens, being a fragile part integrated into the phone's structure, is not intended for replacement or repair.

Solution: When the lens is damaged, the sole resolution involves replacing the entire camera module.

Myth: Freezing your phone can fix software issues.

Fact: Exposing your phone to freezing temperatures does not address software problems and may, in fact, cause harm to the internal components, worsening the situation.

Solution: Contact a software specialist if you are having trouble with your phone’s software. Every software issue is different and requires a different solution.

Myth: A wet phone can be saved by using a hair dryer.

Fact: Employing a hair dryer to dry a wet phone can actually spread water and increase damage to internal components. 

Solution: It is recommended to power off the phone and let it air dry for a few hours or even a day or two, depending on the soaking.

Myth: Piercing a swollen battery can revive it.

Fact: Puncturing a swollen battery poses serious risks, including the potential for explosions and severe injuries.

Solution: The safe and wise course of action is to have the battery replaced by a qualified professional.

Myth: Blowing into a malfunctioning microphone can fix it.

Fact: Blowing into a faulty microphone does not correct the problem; instead, it can worsen the situation by pushing debris further into the microphone's openings.

Solution: To replace the defective microphone, reach out to a phone repair specialist.

To avoid falling into the traps of these false beliefs, consider reaching out to trustworthy phone repair services or seeking guidance directly from the phone manufacturer for accurate advice. It's essential to highlight that opting for phone repairs is often a more budget decision than opting for a new replacement.