There’s nothing like instant heartbreak when you accidentally drop your phone and the screen cracks. Only to pick it up and find that little drop has caused battery problems and a host of other phone issues. Do you, A, take it to Vodacom Repairs to get it fixed or B, attempt to repair it yourself? 

If you go with option B, you are essentially saving on costs, but also opening yourself up to risk and nullifying any warranties in place. This article serves as a handy guide to inform you of the repair options available to you irrespective of the cellular network you are on. 

Diagnosing Your Phone's Problem 

Take a good look at your phone, what seems to be broken or out of place? Software issues often manifest as frozen screens or malfunctioning apps, while hardware problems may include cracked or unresponsive screens, battery issues and faulty cameras.

Start with basic troubleshooting steps, such as restarting it and checking for any software updates. If the problems persist, it might be a hardware issue.   

Software Issues 

Glitches and crashes may result from outdated software, corrupted apps, or insufficient storage. Resolve software issues by updating your phone's operating system and apps to the latest versions. Clearing app caches and data can also help resolve glitches and improve performance. Approve software updates regularly to ensure you’re not missing out on the latest updates and always ensure that your apps are downloaded from a reliable source. To make this easier, visit any one of the tech bars or Vodacom shops to download the latest software for your device.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Repairs 

Now that your phone is back to normal and in tip-top shape, we strongly advise you to clean it regularly. Ensure you don’t leave it near water (unless you're brave and the phone has an IP69 waterproof rating) or without a phone or screen cover.  

 

When to Seek Professional Help 

Always seek professional help if software troubleshooting or resetting your phone doesn’t fix the problem. Professional phone repair services, such as Vodacom Repairs, offer manufacturer-accredited, comprehensive repair services across most phone brands and models like Samsung, Huawei, Apple, Honor, vivo, Oppo, Mobicel and more. Visit one of our 34 Vodacom repair centres nationwide for quality service no matter what network you’re on.

If you can't get it to a repair centre, simply drop it off at any one of Vodacom's 510 collection points ranging from your local Vodacom Shop to partner stores like Chatz Connect and 4U.

Also note that our services include onsite health checks and diagnostics, insurance claims, free in-warranty repairs and out-of-warranty repairs.

 

Defining In And Out Of Warranty

In Warranty  

An In Warranty repair means your device is within the manufacturer's warranty period and the repair is free to the customer. The manufacturer warranty applies to phones and accessories when handled correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer warranty.

It is valid for a fixed period, usually 12 or 24 months, from the date of purchase. However, your warranty will be voided when repairs have been made by unauthorised or non-accredited repair shops or accidental damage such as a cracked screen or liquid damage.  

Device warranties are provided by the relevant manufacturers and usually lasts between 6 to 36 months.  

Out of Warranty  

When the manufacturer's warranty has ended, any repair required after the warranty period is considered to be out of warranty and for your cost.  

A repair is also considered to be out of warranty if the device was damaged accidentally like screen or liquid damage. Your device may still be within the warranty period however, accidental damage is not covered under the manufacturer's warranty.  

If your device is out of the warranty period, trust us to provide a speedy repair using quality parts at the best price with a 90-day workmanship warranty. Expect only the best quality, and best pricing with a trusted Vodacom repair center.

Next time you’re in an unfortunate situation, locate your nearest Vodacom Shop and we’ll take care of the nitty-gritty repairs for you. Discover more about Vodacom's insurance repair policies here and familiarise yourself with the Vodacom Repairs Terms and Conditions here.