Before you walk in to drop your phone off for repair, a few quick steps can protect your data, speed up the repair, and save you a headache on the other side. Most of these take under five minutes. Here's the checklist we'd recommend for every customer.
The Pre-Repair Checklist
Back up your phone
This is the single most important step. Most phone repairs don't touch your data — but in rare cases (software repairs, logic board issues, severe water damage), data loss is possible. A current backup means you're protected regardless. On iPhone, back up to iCloud or iTunes/Finder. On Android, back up via Google One or Samsung Smart Switch. It takes minutes and provides complete peace of mind.
Disable Find My / Google Find My Device
For iPhone, go to Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone and turn it off. For Android (Samsung in particular), disable Samsung Find My Mobile. These activation locks can prevent a technician from testing your phone fully, and in some scenarios can complicate the repair process. Turn them back on once you've collected your phone.
Note down your passcode
You'll need to provide your passcode so the technician can test the repaired components — particularly Face ID, Touch ID, and display touch response — after fitting. Make sure you know it. If you've forgotten your passcode, the repair can still go ahead, but post-repair testing will be limited until you unlock the phone yourself.
Remove your SIM card and memory card
It's good practice to remove your SIM before handing over the phone. Some repairs involve opening areas near the SIM tray. Removing it eliminates any risk of the SIM being misplaced during the repair. If your phone has a microSD card, remove that too for the same reason.
Remove your case and screen protector
Strip the phone back to bare hardware before you bring it in. This saves time at the counter, and more importantly it allows the technician to inspect the full extent of any damage — including the frame and edges — before giving you an accurate quote. Hidden frame damage or rear glass cracks can affect the repair approach and cost.
Optional but Helpful
Screenshot any important information on your screen
If your screen is cracked but still works, screenshot anything you might need while the phone is being repaired — delivery tracking, confirmation codes, information you're actively using. Once the phone is left for repair, you won't have access to it.
Know your phone model
Knowing your exact model helps the shop confirm parts availability before you arrive. For iPhone, go to Settings → General → About to find your exact model (e.g. iPhone 14 Pro, not just "iPhone"). For Samsung, go to Settings → About Phone. This takes 30 seconds and can save a wasted trip if a specific part needs to be ordered.
📋 At Mobex, we walk you through everything at the counter. If you haven't backed up or removed Find My, we'll let you know before you hand the phone over. We're not in a rush.
What to Bring With You
- Your phone (and your passcode in your head)
- Your phone model name or confirmation it's backed up
- A brief description of what's wrong — the more specific, the faster the assessment
You don't need to bring a charger, your original box, or any accessories — just the handset itself.
Walk-In Repairs — 824 High Road, North Finchley
We're open Mon–Sat 9:30am–7:30pm and Sunday 10:30am–6pm. Most screen repairs are done within the hour.