IS IT FIXABLE?
7 Things You Probably Didn't Know Could Be Repaired
Is it fixable? More often than you think. Many problems that seem final can be repaired, often by replacing one worn or damaged part.
Your game console turns on but shows no picture. Your laptop lid wobbles every time you open it. Your smartwatch barely makes it to lunch.
Time to buy a new one? Not necessarily. Many of the problems that make a device seem finished can be repaired by a local technician. Some are simpler than you'd expect.
International Repair Day is Saturday, October 17. It's the tenth edition of a yearly celebration created by the Open Repair Alliance, and you can learn more at repairday.org. To mark the week, here's how to tell whether your broken device is fixable, seven common problems that often are, and what to ask before you spend money on a replacement.
Is it fixable? The quick answer
Often, yes. Many breaks people treat as the end of a device are fixable, and a local technician can repair them. That includes dead charging ports, cracked tablet glass, worn batteries, and broken laptop hinges. A technician can usually give you an initial assessment quickly, though some problems need testing before a reliable quote is possible. Start with repair. Replace only when the facts say so.
Key takeaways
- Seven common "it's dead" problems are often fixable: console video ports, laptop hinges, smartwatch batteries, cracked tablet glass, charging problems, slow computers, and water-damaged phones.
- A quick first look is common. Some problems need disassembly and testing before anyone can quote a repair honestly.
- Stop using a device that's getting worse. A swelling battery, a wobbling hinge, or a wet phone can turn a small repair into a bigger one.
- Judge cost against the full cost of replacing, including the time and hassle of starting over.
- Ask three things before you hand over a device: the likely cost, any diagnostic fee, and the warranty on the repair.
At a glance: 7 problems that are often fixable
| Problem | Devices | What the fix usually involves | Do this first |
|---|---|---|---|
| No picture or "no signal" | Game consoles | HDMI port replacement (microsoldering) | Try another cable and TV input |
| Loose or broken hinge | Laptops | Hinge and mount replacement | Get it checked before the screen is stressed |
| Short battery life or a lifted screen | Smartwatches | Battery replacement and reseal | Stop charging if the battery is swelling |
| Cracked glass | Tablets | Glass or screen assembly replacement | Back up and avoid handling the glass |
| Won't charge | Phones, tablets, laptops, controllers | Port cleaning, port replacement, or battery check | Try another cable and adapter |
| Running slow | Laptops and desktops | SSD or memory upgrade, cleanup, OS reinstall | Back up your files |
| Liquid damage | Phones | Assessment, board cleaning, part replacement | Power off and skip the rice |
Why do people assume a broken device isn't fixable?
Because the break looks final. A cracked screen looks like a dead screen. A floppy laptop lid looks like a broken laptop. A computer that takes five minutes to open a browser feels worn out.
And the replacement is always one click away.
But how a problem looks and how big it actually is are two different things. Much of what feels like the end of a device is one worn, loose, or damaged part, and parts can often be replaced. That's the core idea behind our Repair or Replace guide: start with repair, and let the facts tell you when replacement makes more sense.
How to tell if your device is fixable: 7 common problems
1. Can a game console's HDMI port be repaired?
No picture on your console? It might not be the console at all.
Often, yes. This is one of the most common console repairs. If the console powers on but your TV says "no signal," the HDMI port may be bent, loose, or broken. The same goes for a picture that flickers when the cable moves.
What the repair involves: A technician removes the damaged port and solders a new one onto the main board. This precise board-level work is called microsoldering, and it belongs with a professional. Sometimes the fault sits in a chip behind the port, or in the cable or TV input, so a good technician tests before quoting.
Before you go: Try a different HDMI cable and a different TV input. If that doesn't fix it, stop forcing the cable in and out. Every attempt can make port damage worse.
2. Can a broken laptop hinge be repaired?
A floppy lid doesn't mean a finished laptop.
Yes, in most cases. Hinges loosen, stiffen, and snap with daily use. On many laptops, the mounts that hold the hinge crack along with it.
What the repair involves: The technician replaces the hinge and, if needed, the housing piece it screws into. Many hinge repairs are mechanical rather than electronic. Part availability varies by model, so ask what the shop can source.
Before you go: Get a creaking or wobbling lid checked early. A failing hinge strains the screen and the thin display cable that runs through it. An early repair may prevent more expensive damage.
3. Can a smartwatch battery be replaced?
A screen that popped off your watch is often a battery problem, not a dead watch.
Often, depending on the model. A battery that won't last the day is a common reason people replace an otherwise healthy watch. When a smartwatch battery swells, it can push the screen right off the case, sometimes leaving it hanging by a thin cable. That looks catastrophic, but the cause is frequently the battery, and the watch may well be fixable.
What the repair involves: The technician opens the watch, replaces the battery, and reseals the case. Not every model is practical to repair. Resealing also doesn't guarantee the original water resistance, so ask the shop how they reseal and what to expect.
Before you go: A swollen battery is a safety issue. Stop charging the watch and don't press the screen back down. Read our guide to swollen battery warning signs first.
4. Can cracked tablet glass be repaired?
Cracked glass is not the same as a broken tablet.
Yes, usually. Tablets live in backpacks, cars, and small hands, so cracked glass is extremely common. It's also one of the most fixable problems on this list.
What the repair involves: On some tablets, the glass and touch layer are separate from the display underneath, so a technician replaces only the glass. On others, the glass and display form one assembly and get replaced together. Screen repairs generally preserve your data, but back up first whenever possible.
Before you go: Handle damaged glass as little as possible and keep it away from kids. Don't pick out loose pieces. If the touchscreen still works, back up your photos and files.
5. Can a device that won't charge be repaired?
A device that won't charge may not be broken at all.
Often, yes, and sometimes it's not the device. First rule out a worn cable, a weak adapter, or a dead outlet. If those check out, look at the port. Charging ports on phones, tablets, controllers, and laptops collect lint that gets packed down every time you plug in.
What the repair involves: A technician checks whether the port needs a careful cleaning or a replacement. They can also test the battery and charging circuitry. On many phones, the port sits on a small replaceable part; on others, it's soldered to the board. Our guide to why your phone won't charge covers every possibility.
Before you go: Never dig inside the port with pins, paper clips, or anything metal. You can damage the contacts and turn a cleaning into a replacement.
6. Can a slow computer be repaired instead of replaced?
Slow doesn't always mean worn out.
Often, yes. A slow laptop or desktop usually means one part or one problem is holding everything else back.
What the repair involves: Common fixes include:
- Swapping an older hard drive for a solid-state drive (SSD)
- Adding memory (RAM)
- Cleaning out dust that causes overheating and slowdowns
- Removing malware
- Doing a clean reinstall of the operating system
Not every computer can take these upgrades. Some have memory and storage built into the board, and some can no longer run a supported operating system. A technician should check compatibility and hardware health first.
Before you go: Back up anything you care about. If the computer won't stay on long enough, ask about recovery. Our data recovery guide explains what's possible.
7. Can a water-damaged phone be repaired?
A wet phone isn't automatically a lost phone.
Sometimes. Water damage doesn't always mean the end of your phone. A repair professional may be able to restore it or recover important data. The outcome depends on what got in, how long it stayed, and whether the phone was powered on or charged afterward.
What the repair involves: A technician opens the phone, disconnects the battery, and assesses the damage. That can mean cleaning corrosion from the board and replacing parts that didn't survive. Some phones come back fully, some partially, and some can't be restored. Data recovery is sometimes possible even when the phone isn't, but it isn't guaranteed.
Before you go: Power it off. Don't charge it. Don't put it in rice. Rice doesn't dry the inside of a phone, grains and starch dust can end up in the ports, and the wait gives corrosion time to work. Skip the Rice. Save the Device. Our water damage guide covers what to do first. Acting quickly can improve your chances.
Not sure yours is on the list? Ask a technician before you replace it.
Independent repair shops work on phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, game consoles, and smartwatches every day. Search by ZIP code to find repair professionals near you.
Why does repairing the device you already own matter?
Every phone, laptop, tablet, and game console took materials and energy to make. Repairing a device that still meets your needs keeps it in use longer and puts off the need for a new one.
It's a practical way to get more from the technology you already paid for. It also keeps good devices out of the waste stream.
Is it fixable, and is it worth fixing? Use the Four Questions
Being fixable and being worth fixing are related but not identical. Our Repair or Replace guide uses the Four Questions to sort it out:
- Cost: Is the repair reasonable compared with the full cost of replacing, including setup and moving your data?
- Usefulness: Once it's fixed, will the device still do what you need?
- Parts and support: Can the shop get a quality part, and will the device keep getting the updates you depend on?
- Overall condition: Is this one broken part on a healthy device, or one of several problems?
For many of the seven problems above, the honest answers point toward repair. And if you simply like your device, that counts. "I like the one I have" is a perfectly good reason to fix it.
When should you replace instead of repair?
Sometimes the facts point the other way. Replacement may make sense when:
- The device no longer gets security updates
- Several parts are failing at once
- The repair quote approaches the price of something newer
A good technician will tell you that plainly rather than sell you a repair you don't need.
Weigh the replacement side honestly too. New devices come with the Hassle Factor: shopping, setup, moving your data, relearning where everything is, and paying full price for the privilege. Replace when the facts give you a good reason to, not simply because one part broke.
If a device truly is done, it still isn't trash. Here's what to do with old phones and electronics so they get reused or recycled the right way.
How do you find a technician who can tell you if it's fixable?
Look local. The US has an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 tech repair businesses, and the vast majority are independent. There is very likely one in your community.
These are the people who bring your devices back to life. Figuring out what's fixable is what they do all day.
The Tech Repair Pro-Finder on WhereToRepair.org is a product of the TCA. It lists real local repair businesses, not paid placements, so you can find a shop by ZIP code and ask before you buy. For what to look for once you've found one, read how to find a good tech repair shop near you.
What to ask a repair shop
- Is it fixable, and what's likely causing the problem?
- What is the likely repair cost?
- Is there a diagnostic fee, and does it apply toward the repair?
- What warranty or guarantee comes with the repair?
A diagnostic fee is normal for problems that take real testing time. It pays for a technician's expertise. A clear answer is worth having even if you decide not to repair.
Before you replace anything, do this
- Stop using the device if the problem is getting worse.
- Back up what you can.
- Find a local repair shop in the Tech Repair Pro-Finder and ask the questions above.
- Weigh the quote with the Four Questions.
- Replace only if the facts give you a good reason.
Is it fixable? Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my device is fixable?
Ask a technician to look at it. For common problems like charging ports, cracked glass, and batteries, a technician can often give you an initial assessment quickly. Water damage or a device that won't turn on usually needs disassembly and testing first. You can find a local repair shop by ZIP code at wheretorepair.org.
Is it worth repairing an older device?
Often, yes. Age alone isn't a reason to replace. Repair usually makes sense if the cost is reasonable compared with replacing, the device still meets your needs, parts are available, and it's otherwise in good shape. If it no longer gets security updates or has several problems at once, replacement may be the better call.
Can I fix it myself?
Some people can, and iFixit has helped many curious fixers learn how their devices work. But many modern repairs involve adhesives, tiny connectors, batteries that can be dangerous if punctured, and board-level soldering. A DIY attempt can turn a small problem into a bigger one. For most people, a professional is the safer first stop.
Will a repair erase my data?
Most repairs, like screens, batteries, ports, and hinges, generally don't affect your data. Still, back up whenever you can, because any failing device carries some risk. For water damage or a device that won't turn on, ask about data recovery first.
Is there a fee just to find out what's wrong?
It depends on the shop and the problem. Many shops will take a quick look at no charge, while problems that need disassembly and testing often carry a diagnostic fee. Ask up front, and ask whether the fee goes toward the repair.
What if my device can't be repaired?
Your files may still be recoverable, so ask about data recovery first. After that, the device can often be reused for parts or recycled responsibly. See our guide to what to do with old phones and electronics at wheretorepair.org.
Find out if it's fixable before you buy new.
Search by ZIP code to find repair professionals near you who work on devices like yours every day.
Replace when the facts give you a good reason to, not simply because one part broke.