If you buy a cell phone through AT&T or Verizon, you'll have to make 36 months of payments before you technically own the phone. In T-Mobile's case, it's less than 24 months, but that's still a long time to pay before you actually own a phone. Naturally, you should protect your phone as much as possible with a case or screen protector. Even though there are plenty of high-quality cases out there, such as the best case for Galaxy S24 or the best case for Pixel 9, accidents can still happen.
Now, if you break your phone before paying it off, there are a few things you should double check before panicking. First, if you have a protection plan, repairs can be heavily discounted. Second, if you don't have a protection plan, you can have it repaired yourself, and it's likely to be much cheaper than simply buying a new phone.
New mobile phone payment plans are not rentals
The moment you open the box, it's yours
There are plenty of financing options for new phones designed to make the expensive prices of the latest flagships more affordable, but at the end of the day, you're still paying for the phone. So as far as your carrier is concerned, your phone is your responsibility.
One of the reasons carriers make these payments so thin is so you can keep your service plan payments in your pocket, so even if you get a good deal on a new device, you'll end up paying 36% less. Months are more likely to be billed credits.
If you want to upgrade early, you can with some phones and carriers, like T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan, but you'll need to return your old phone in good condition. However, you're not out of luck, especially if you're enrolled in a protection plan.
Do you have a protection plan or insurance for your phone?
Protection plans may include discounted repairs
Protection plans, or what many people call phone insurance, do not provide the coverage that many people expect. For example, you will have to pay for the repair of your phone even if the damage was caused by you.
In most cases, common repairs like screen or back glass replacements will be offered at a discount (usually around $29). If this is available, your best bet is to have it repaired, not only because you can be reasonably confident that a properly trained technician will do the job properly, but also because your coverage is still valid.
If you get a second-rate repair, your phone might still work fine, but it's important to know if all the proper adhesives are used, if the EMI shielding is in place, and if genuine parts are used. cannot be guaranteed. It is not uncommon for your claim to be denied if you are found to have made uncertified repairs. It may seem harsh, but if repairs are not done properly, moisture can get inside, causing oxidation and damaging many internal components.
related
Samsung users are finding themselves in an increasingly difficult situation when it comes to mobile phone repairs
Repairability options for Samsung phones diminished virtually overnight, but what now?
If you have a cell phone protection plan, check your repair options to avoid losing coverage due to unsupported repairs.
If your device is lost, stolen, or completely destroyed, these plans often provide a replacement as long as you pay a deductible, which can be quite high. If you are unable to get your phone back, be sure to fill out the appropriate paperwork to report it as lost. Failure to do so may result in your claim being denied. This information is provided by your coverage provider, such as Assurant.
Find your own repair options
Regular repairs using genuine parts are also possible.
Modern cell phones can be difficult to repair thanks to their sealed backs, expensive displays, and fragile ribbon cables, but trained technicians shouldn't have too many problems. Self-taught technicians can do cell phone repairs quite well, but if you want to keep your warranty intact and eligible for your protection plan, you'll need to find a certified repair option.
In some cases, this is within your carrier's store, but there are other options as well. Check your phone manufacturer's website for support options.
For example, in the United States, UBREAKIFIX is a nationally authorized repair center for Samsung and Google mobile phones. You may also find stores operated by these companies, such as Samsung Experience Store or Google Store. With the authorized repair option, not only will your warranty remain intact, but if you want to upgrade, you can trade in your phone for a new phone and get as much credit as possible.
If you're comfortable working on your smartphone and can accept the risk, you may be able to find official parts from stores like iFixit. iFixit has genuine parts for quite a few cell phones, including those made by Samsung, HMD, and Motorola. We also have parts for Google's latest Pixel smartphones.
However, note that Samsung and iFixit have ended their partnership, so finding parts for your new Samsung device may not be so easy. However, if you attempt to repair it yourself, be sure to get a good adhesive pack to make the repair as authentic as possible and to prevent moisture.
If your phone breaks, it's up to you to fix it
It's a bit annoying when your carrier won't repair your phone, but it's a reminder that even though your phone may seem free, without the help of bill credits, your phone is still worth it. That's a good thing. If you need to upgrade early. If you have a choice, buying the best Android smartphone unlocked rather than from a carrier will give you more flexibility, especially if you want to change carriers later.