How to Prepare Your Phone Before a Repair
A few minutes of prep protects your data and makes your repair faster. Use this simple checklist.
Read More »Quick answer
To make your phone last longer, use a case with raised edges and a tempered glass protector, keep it out of heat, avoid draining it to 0%, use a quality charger, keep the charging port clean, keep it away from water, install updates, and back up regularly.
At our repair bench in Merced we see the same problems again and again. Most of them can be prevented with a few simple habits.
Protect the screen
1. Use a good case with raised edges. Edges that sit above the screen take the hit when the phone lands face down.
2. Add a tempered glass screen protector. It is much cheaper to replace a protector than a screen.
3. Do not keep keys and coins in the same pocket. They scratch glass and put pressure on it.
Take care of the battery
4. Avoid heat. Do not leave your phone on a car dashboard or in direct sun. Heat ages batteries fast, and Merced summers are hot.
5. Do not let it drain to 0% often. Charging before it gets very low is easier on the battery.
6. Use a quality charger and cable. Cheap chargers can deliver unstable power.
Keep the charging port clean
7. Watch for pocket lint. If the cable feels loose, the port may need a careful cleaning. Read more in our guide on phones that will not charge.
Watch out for water
8. Water resistance is not waterproof. Seals weaken over time and after drops. Keep your phone away from pools, bathtubs, and the beach.
Keep software healthy
9. Install updates. Updates fix bugs and security problems.
10. Back up regularly. If the worst happens, your photos and contacts are safe.
Small problems are cheaper to fix early
A small crack, a weak battery, or a loose charging port is usually a simpler repair if you fix it early. See all of our repair services.
Frequently asked questions
Does heat damage phone batteries?
Yes. Heat ages batteries faster. Do not leave your phone on a car dashboard or in direct sun, especially in hot Merced summers.
Is it bad to charge my phone to 100%?
Occasional full charges are fine. What hurts batteries most is heat and often draining to 0%.
Is my water-resistant phone waterproof?
No. Water resistance weakens over time and after drops, so keep your phone away from pools and bathtubs.
Phone repair in Merced at ART & FIX
ART & FIX repairs phones, tablets, laptops, and computers at 1034 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340. We are open every day, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, and every repair comes with a 30-day repair warranty.
Call or text (209) 446-7200 before you come, or send us your device model and problem for a free estimate.
