DIY Repair FAQ
The questions we field every day in our New Haven shop.
How do I know my exact phone model?
For iPhone: Settings → General → About — the "Model Name" line tells you. For Samsung: Settings → About phone. The number printed on the back near the FCC ID also works (e.g. A2848 = iPhone 14 Pro Max, A2890 = iPhone 15 Pro). If you're holding a broken phone, call us with the IMEI (you'll find it on the original box, the SIM tray, or in your carrier account) — we'll match it.
OEM vs Aftermarket — which should I buy?
For iPhones we recommend OEM Grade A as the sweet spot — genuine refurbished Apple parts, indistinguishable from new, biometrics work (Face ID / True Tone), 25–40% cheaper than brand-new service stock. For older devices (iPhone 8, X) where OEM Grade A is hard to find, aftermarket is fine and saves $30–60. Brand-new OEM Service is overkill unless you want exact factory specs.
Will the screen replacement disable Face ID or True Tone?
If you buy OEM Grade A or Service screens we sell, no — biometrics + True Tone keep working because the original Apple chips are intact. If you buy aftermarket, Face ID typically still works but True Tone may show a warning and lose auto-color. iPhone 12+ has stricter pairing — for those models stick to OEM if Face ID matters.
What's the 90-day warranty cover?
It's a manufacturer warranty against functional defects (e.g. dead pixels, screen ghosting, battery cell failure). What it does not cover:
- Brand-new cracks / drop damage
- Cosmetic damage (scratches, scrapes, bruising)
- Water damage
If your part arrived defective or fails within 90 days from non-physical causes, contact us — we replace at no cost. Read the full terms on /return-policy/.
How hard is each repair? Is this a DIY project?
We rate every part 1–5 wrenches: 🔧 (easy, 15–30 min) → 🔧🔧🔧🔧🔧 (expert, 60+ min, requires desoldering). Battery + charging port are typically 2–3 wrenches and beginner-friendly. Screen is 3 wrenches. Back glass is 4–5 wrenches because the glass is laser-welded — requires heat + sustained patience. Each product page shows the difficulty rating + a link to the manufacturer's official guide.
Do I need special tools?
For most repairs: pentalobe driver (P2 for iPhones), small Phillips, plastic spudgers, suction cup, and isopropyl alcohol. Every screen or battery order ships with a free basic kit. For full pro tools (anti-static mat, hot air station, etc.), see our Tools & Kits section.
What if I don't want to do it myself?
Call us at (203) 442-6070 — we do walk-in repairs at our New Haven, CT location (157 Church Street, 19th floor, by appointment only). Most common repairs are same-day. We'll buy the part, install it, and the labor warranty extends to 90 days.
