Ask about the warranty, which parts they use, whether diagnosis is free, what happens if they can't fix it, and whether your data will be kept. A trustworthy shop answers clearly, gives you the price before any work, and is upfront about parts and limitations.
The 10 questions
- Is the diagnosis free? A good shop checks the actual fault before quoting.
- Will I get the exact price before any work starts? No surprise add-ons.
- Which part will you use? Genuine, refurbished original or aftermarket, and which grade.
- Will a parts message appear in Settings? Good shops know and tell you.
- How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
- What happens if you can't fix it? Look for "no fix, no fee".
- Will my data be kept? Most repairs shouldn't touch it.
- How long will it take?
- Do you do board-level repair in-house? Or will you send it away?
- Do you need my passcode, and why? A good shop explains when it's needed and never bypasses security.
Green flags
- Clear, written prices and a clear warranty.
- They explain your part options and the trade-offs.
- They test the phone before and after the repair.
- Plenty of recent, detailed reviews that mention specific repairs.
- They're happy to say when a repair isn't worth it.
Red flags
- A price that's far lower than everyone else's, with no explanation of the part.
- A diagnosis fee that's only refunded if you choose them.
- Pressure to pay upfront or decide on the spot.
- No warranty, or a vague one.
- Offering to bypass passcodes or Activation Lock.
Board-level capability matters
Most shops handle screens and batteries well. Fewer can repair the logic board itself, which is what a phone that won't turn on, loops on the Apple logo or has lost service usually needs. If your problem might be on the board, choose a shop that does board-level repair in-house.
Reading reviews well
Look past the star rating. Recent reviews that mention the repair, the model and how problems were handled tell you far more than a high score with little detail.
What a good repair visit looks like
- You describe the problem, and the technician checks the phone, often while you wait.
- You get a clear diagnosis and a written price that names the part and the warranty.
- The repair only goes ahead once you approve it.
- The phone is tested afterwards: touch, display, cameras, speakers, microphones, charging and Face ID.
- You get a receipt that lists the repair, the part and the warranty.
If a step is skipped, especially the price before work or the testing afterwards, take note. It's also fair to ask for your old part back if you'd like to see what was replaced.
Find a shop near you
Enter your ZIP on Repair Near Me to see repair stores listed by distance, or book a repair and mail it to our lab. Every partner store agrees to free diagnosis and no fix, no fee.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay for a diagnosis?
Many good shops diagnose for free. If a shop charges, ask whether the fee is credited to the repair and what you get if you decide not to go ahead.
What's a reasonable warranty on an iPhone repair?
It varies, but you should always get one in writing. Ours is 90 days on parts and labor.
How do I know if a shop uses good parts?
Ask directly which part they'll use and whether it's covered by the warranty. A trustworthy shop gives a straight answer.
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