Is Your Laptop On The Fritz? Now Is The Time To Repair It Before School Starts

Posted on August 4, 2021 | by rliftadmin

Using a laptop for school? It’s time to check and see if you need to get something fixed before school work flows in. Read below to know what you should look out for, and what you should do when you spot an issue.

In today’s world, having a computer you can take anywhere and pop open with a single button is extremely convenient. Top that with useful features such as video calling, watching movies, playing music, and other heavy tasks such as developing applications and editing media — you already know you have a powerful electronic device the size of your backpack. It can be smaller or way bigger — and you know you can’t live without one especially if you’re a student or a professional. That’s your handy laptop for you, but what are you gonna do once it stops serving you the way it used to?

What are the most common laptop issues?

Electronics have been with us for so long that we forget that they don’t last forever. Their performance levels decrease over time, their parts deteriorate with use, and they encounter problems — some fixable, and some impossible to solve. Luckily, we have a big array of choices when it comes to portable computers — or laptops. There are consumer-favorite Apple MacBooks and there are high-performance and gaming laptops from Acer, Asus, Alienware, Dell, and many other manufacturers that are no strangers to the modern and digital world.

But no matter how expensive, powerful, and sturdy a laptop is, it’ll always get hiccups. It can even be rendered useless one day. To the average user, the sound of their reliable go-to laptop dying in the middle of schoolwork due in less than 24 hours sounds like a chilling nightmare. That’s why it’s always a good measure to observe your laptop’s health — see if it’ll live through another semester — to make sure it won’t die on you during your most grueling days as a student.

To help you see things through with your laptop, we’ve compiled a list of the most common issues laptops get. Some are due to the nature of how you use your laptop, some due to age, and some due to other factors such as the environment. Take a look:

Overheating

While basking in the comforting heat of summer is always a good thing, such is never the case for electronics. Most especially for laptops because they’re not equipped with high-performance cooling systems like desktop computers are. Owning a laptop means you can’t do much to help it cool down and maintain ideal temperatures.

Laptops are compact. Components are squeezed in to fit and work the same way desktop computers do, and that comes with sacrificing space for adequate airflow to cool down these components, which makes overheating a big problem. Overheating is always possible when:

You use your laptop in hot and dusty places
You use your laptop for prolonged periods
You use your laptop for heavy tasks such as photo and video editing and gaming

Other factors contribute to bad component airflow, but those three are the most common culprits. That’s why there are small solutions such as laptop stands with fans installed to help remove the hot air from the components. But if your laptop experiences high temperatures for prolonged periods, its components will degrade much faster and you’ll need to visit laptop repair shops more often for professional laptop repair services.

Short battery life

Remember when you got your laptop out of the box and it can last you more than a day’s worth of work? That’s because your laptop’s battery is at its peak health, and over years of use, bad charging habits, and overall maintenance, deterioration is unavoidable.

Even if you don’t use your laptop for a month, its battery life still shortens. They’re engineered to not last forever, hence the existence of replacement laptop batteries from manufacturers and laptop battery replacement services from computer repair shops.

When you notice that you can’t stay away from the wall socket while you’re doing school work, it’s best to get a new battery installed by a professional. Doing this prevents your laptop from shutting down in the middle of intense work and losing all the work you put in. A fresh battery also allows you time away from the wall socket — something very important when you’re in university and constantly switching spots.

Broken Keyboard

Imagine writing a term paper with some keys of your laptop’s keyboard not working. Just thinking about it stresses you out, right? While there are band-aid solutions such as your operating system’s native on-screen keyboard, it’s not a productive option. It slows you down and makes typing a hassle, especially when you’re at your peak and ideas are pouring out of your brain.

Sadly, laptop keyboards are prone to damage. It can be from spilled water, coffee, crumbs of your favorite snack while working, and dust. Even if you’re very careful about snacking and drinking close to your laptop, you can’t avoid it from getting worn out or dislodged from years of usage — even worse when you’re a heavy user and have sweaty hands. Your laptop’s keyboard legends will turn invisible in no time!

Luckily, manufacturers are very aware of this laptop keyboard phenomenon. Some of them produce replacements and include them in warranty policies for their laptops! If your laptop isn’t covered anymore, your best bet would be to drop by your go-to laptop repair shop and get their expert help.

Bad loading times

Almost every laptop that came out during the previous years came with hard disk drives (HDDs), which are thick, mechanical storage drives for computers. Although they come cheap compared to solid-state drives (SSDs), they’re not as reliable because:

They have a short lifespan
They’re much slower than slightly expensive SSDs

The number one cause of bad laptop loading times is an old HDD. If not, it’s your inadequate memory capacity doing its thing. Laptops today still come with HDDs, but there are always computer repair shops ready to help you upgrade to an SSD and a bigger memory capacity.

Slow laptops are annoying. But there are technicians out there who can solve your problem with a few hours of tinkering.

Malware

The bane of operating systems and storage devices is malware. They’re malicious software that works in different ways — all you and your computer wouldn’t like. Every laptop is prone to malware, which makes it important for you to be highly aware of the stuff you download from the internet or the devices you plug into your computer.

Each malware is made to do something malicious. Let’s say you downloaded a free Microsoft Office package from a website. Chances are high that the file came with malware, or is malware. It can be something created by someone’s brain to steal personal information, spy on you, and many others.

Your best protection against malware attacks is to refrain from downloading files from websites that aren’t reputable. Your anti-virus can’t always protect you, which further cements that prevention is better than cure. If it’s too late to prevent it, there’s always the option to install your operating system fresh — taking you back all the way to when you first booted up your laptop.

When is the time for a laptop repair?

Now that you know the most common laptop issues, or already encountered one or two, you’re now asking if it’s time to seek professional help. While this is always the case for people who aren’t or don’t have the time to tinker with laptops, some of us want to try and solve things on our own.

The time for a laptop repair depends on how bad the problem is. Is it causing your productivity to decrease? Are you failing to submit your work on time because of it? Or did your laptop stop booting up? If your answers to those questions are all yes, then it’s time to drop by a repair shop and ask them for assistance.

If you went “no” on one or two of those questions, then maybe you can push a visit to the repair shop a little later. If your laptop is slow but still gets the job done with you having to work much longer and earlier than usual, it’s fine to push a diagnostic check back.

But it’s important to keep in mind that problems, even the ones with your laptop, are always better off solved the moment you take notice they exist. If you wait longer and it starts getting more problems, you might end up losing your laptop totally and end up spending on a new one unprepared.

You can always call up laptop repair shops and bring your laptop in for a check-up, and they’ll gladly help you determine what’s wrong and if you can wait out on a laptop repair. If they tell you an issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible to prevent further damage, it’s best that you go with their advice. Since they’re the ones who work around laptops a lot and have experience with fixing them, they know when a problem is serious enough to warrant service or replacement as soon as possible or not.

3 laptop care tips to follow

If you’re lucky enough to have a fully functioning laptop that gets the job done when it should, we’re happy for you. But we won’t miss the chance to tell you how to take care of it and make sure it stays strong until it can’t anymore.

We’ve created a quick list of laptop care tips you should follow to ensure that your laptop stays with you during your studies’ sunny and rainy days. Read below:

1. Avoid drinking and eating while using it

If you like to drink and snack while working on your laptop, we highly advise that you lessen these occasions. While it’s good to sip on your morning latte while working on a research paper, there’s always the possibility of it spilling on your laptop! Cold or hot, it’ll do the same thing — damage your laptop and cost you money on repairs. Or worse, a replacement unit.

2. Stop downloading from untrusted websites

You know what it is — free movies, games, software, and many others. While some things you might need from school or work are expensive when you get them paid for the full features, they’re always worth the investment. Getting a paid version means you’re getting the real deal, which makes it impossible for it to be malware.

Aside from destroying your laptop and potentially getting your privacy invaded, there are piracy laws that will punish you for downloading and using pirated versions of movies, games, and other paid stuff you can find online for free.

3. Let it cool down

Because most of us use our laptops with our palms resting on their surface, it’s impossible to ignore that it gets hot that you can’t touch it for longer than a second. Whenever this happens, we highly advise that you shut it down properly and let it cool down! Just like you, your laptop needs a break. If it doesn’t get those breaks, it might end up leaving you for good, or costing you money.

Takeaways

When using a laptop, it’s important to keep in mind that while these electronics are made to mimic most of what a desktop computer does, it’s still not the same. It can’t work for prolonged periods and rely on good custom cooling systems for dear life, and it gets its power from batteries that don’t last forever.

Laptops are extremely convenient, especially for students who are constantly on the go and work in different spaces. Since school is just around the corner, why not check your laptop for issues or have a professional do it for you before you start using it every day? Some computer repair shops offer free diagnostic tests, which help you find out what’s wrong with your laptop and what can be done to fix the problem.

If your laptop is on the fritz, don’t wait until school starts to get it looked at. Now is the time for a free diagnostic run by one of our tech experts. We’ll fix anything wrong with it and ensure you are able to make it through this semester without a technical malfunction. Give us a call, come visit us, or fill out our online quote tool and we will reach out to you.

Is It Worth Repairing a Broken MacBook, or Should You Sell It?

Posted on July 8, 2021 | by rliftadmin

Whether we’re talking about the MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, one thing’s for sure — anyone who’s used any of them long enough has experienced a problem or two, such as a cracked LCD, a bad battery, or some other hardware issue.

MacBooks are expensive and generally perform better than other computers. It’s this reason that MacBooks are generally used more than PCs. In a recent study, a tech firm gathered information on the preference of 2,200 college students that year. They made these correspondents choose between Macs and PCs. The study revealed that 40% of the students prefer the MacBook, as they use them as daily drivers. 31% use PCs but actually prefer Macs, and 29% use PCs and prefer them as well.

Macs are indeed popular, but just like PCs, they are prone to wear and tear. This brings us down to the most common MacBook problems these users face. If you are a MacBook user, you’re probably all too familiar with the following list.

The most common MacBook problems

RAM – RAM becomes a problem for MacBook users today because of the increasing RAM power demand to run software. This is especially true for users who use their Macs for hardware-intensive software such as ones for video and photo editing.

Remember that RAM stores the information it needs to access and run things quickly. So if you don’t have enough, you’re probably in for extra hours on top of the work.

Charging Ports – As a MacBook user, it’s easy to accidentally misplug. Sometimes, it’s easy to unintentionally snag it out of the plug because you forgot that you’re still charging. These small mishaps always lead to faulty charging ports.

Dead Battery – The eventual result of a faulty charging port and an aging Mac is a dead battery. A dead MacBook battery means you’d have to constantly search for a place to plug in, which is not ideal for the busy on-the-go student or business professional.

Backlight – Backlight helps illuminate the screen, allowing you to see items in the Mac’s display better. A broken backlight means you won’t be able to distinguish things like text and icons from the background.

There are hundreds of MacBook issues experienced by everyone, but the big question is, are MacBooks worth getting repairs for?

Should I get my MacBook repaired or buy a replacement?

Now that you know the most common issues you’ll face, or have faced with MacBooks, you’re wondering how much you should expect to pay for getting a MacBook repaired. You’re probably even asking yourself if getting a repair is even worth it. We’re going to help you decide.

When considering a MacBook repair for any problem, one of the first few things to consider is the price. The price depends on the damage and the model of the MacBook. We do offer free repair quotes, so if you’re in trouble, please bring your MacBook in directly to us and we’ll give you a free quote.

Repair prices are always based on the service, labor prices, the area where you’re getting repairs from, and the model of your MacBook. But with AppleCare+, your repair may cost a little less — it’s like a discount you have to pay for.

We Have Both Options!

Fortunately, we have you covered no matter what you do. We do offer used and refurbished MacBooks, but before you browse our selection, bring in your old MacBook and we’ll give you a free repair quote. If it makes more sense to repair it, we can do that.

Before coming into our store, click here for an instant quote on MacBook repairs!

Top 5 Phone Accessories You Should Seriously Consider Purchasing

Posted on June 10, 2021 | by rliftadmin

High megapixel cameras, big touchscreens, thumping loudspeakers, and the likes aren’t just enough to satisfy the needs of today’s phone users. Some want more battery juice without the need for a wall socket, some need extra protection for their phones, while some love the convenience of wireless earphones and headphones.

There are so many phone accessories available in the market that it’s getting harder to pick the ones that we want and the ones that are of high quality. Feel the same? You can use our list of hand-picked phone accessories you should get:

1. Phone Cases

More often than not, when we get a new phone, the store selling it to us offers us a selection of phone cases. Some are fancy and over the top, while some are humble and do what they’re supposed to without being loud. If you’re prone to accidentally losing your grip on your phone, you know the necessity of having a sturdy phone case.

When in the market for a phone case or two, make sure to pick according to how you handle your phone. Is it always in your hand? Get a thick one that’ll protect its housing from falls. Always in your bag? Get a phone case that also covers the screen. The number of choices can be overwhelming, so make sure to gather a quick list of what you want your phone case to do for you.

2. Apple AirTags

In addition to the benefits of a phone case to protect your smartphone’s body, you have Apple’s new AirTags that help you keep track of your other personal property. Just like an iPhone, the tracking is done in the Find My app, but in the case of AirTags, they’re attached to things that aren’t iPhones. Those things can be your wallet, your car keys, and other items that are prone to be misplaced. Simply add an AirTag to your personal item, and let Apple keep track of its location for you.

AirTags lets you know about the last location of your AirTagged items through the Find My app. Misplaced the keys to your house? With the AirTag as a keychain, you won’t have to scramble through every place you’ve been in the last 24 hours to find your keys.

3. Wireless Earphones and Headphones

In the era of wireless tech, tangle-free earphones and headphones are seen as basics. Having them handy means you get more freedom when it comes to movement, especially when you listen to music, podcasts, or talk to people while on the move.

Fortunately, most smartphone manufacturers produce wireless earphones and headphones dedicated to maximize Bluetooth technology and make our lives more convenient. Depending on your phone, you can choose between Apple’s AirPods, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds, and other brands. You can use each with any phone, which is a good thing considering the price tag of some of the best wireless earphones and headphones in the market today.

4. External Storage

Most of today’s phones come with at least 32 gigabytes of storage. But to most people, that amount of storage isn’t enough. With high-quality media in their phones, it’s hard to contain one’s files in 32 gigabytes. That’s why external storage devices and cards are necessary.

Most Android phones allow users to purchase additional storage through memory cards, but this isn’t the case for iPhones. iPhone fans will need to purchase the storage they want right off the bat because they won’t have the chance to expand unless they buy another unit. However, you generally can purchase more iCloud storage, so consider this option.

5. Fast Charging Cables

Some cables that come with our phones upon purchase usually don’t last long and don’t cover enough distance. Thankfully, we’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to third-party charging cables that span up to at least 3 meters. That should be enough to let you comfortably use your phone away from the wall.

Finding cables with varying lengths isn’t a difficult search, but make sure you search different brands and test the cable on your unit before making the purchase. Some cheap ones heat up easily, or break, and some don’t even work as they should. As with most purchases, shop around on the reviews page to see how others rate the product.

While we hope this is helpful for your next device shopping trip, we understand it’s not an exhaustive list. If you’ve got a tech question or need help searching for the next best gear for your device, stop by our shop today and get some expert advice! We’re happy to talk through some good options for you and point you in the right direction. And as always, don’t hesitate to call iCare Repair if that device is in need of a repair!

Everything You Should Know About the Latest iOS Update

Posted on May 15, 2021 | by rliftadmin

From unlocking your iPhone with a face mask on to having more control in terms of app tracking, here’s everything you should know about the iOS 14.5 .

The 3rd of May 2021 saw Apple iPhone users scrambling to update their iOS versions to the tech giant’s newest firmware release. Regarded as the manufacturer’s most controversial iPhone operating system update yet, 14.5 packs new updates in user privacy, Face ID unlocking, the beloved emojis, Music app, and other security enhancements.

Why is it “controversial”?

Even before iOS 14.5 arrived on our iPhones, tabloids and news outlets left and right were already rushing to release pieces on how the new iOS firmware update will affect Facebook and other applications that rely on ads for revenue.

The part of the feature-packed update that made it controversial was the app tracking transparency (ATT) feature that gives iOS device users the option to allow or disallow applications from tracking their activities in exchange for more relevant advertisements.

Before the new Apple update, users weren’t explicitly informed about app tracking and how applications such as Facebook use their data. Most were unaware that applications can track their movements in other, non-relevant ways on their iPhone or smartphone.

The controversial part of this was Facebook and others using these divergent methods as a way to jack up their revenue. They don’t earn on subscriptions, and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had already expressed (when he appeared before Congress in 2018) that Facebook relies on ads to make money.

For other applications that make money the same way, iOS 14.5 can cost these companies a vast amount of money. The update even led to a publicized fallout between Apple CEO Tim Cook and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Users disabling apps from tracking means these applications won’t be able to get their usage data from the date on other applications, such as shopping apps. Advertisers, frustrated, know they wouldn’t pay the same price for less, or no data. Before the new iOS 14 update, users would generally notice that products they’d been eyeing on other applications show up on Facebook Ads – this is a specific product of app tracking.

More on the big features

Unlocking iPhone With Face Mask On

Another iOS 14.5 feature that made headlines was that users can now unlock their iPhones even with a face mask. This feature came to the rescue, albeit a bit late, of iPhone users struggling to put their masks down to unlock their iPhone using Face ID.

Some headlines, however, can be a tad misleading. What Apple might not tell you from the start is that this feature requires one to have an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch will let you bypass Face ID and unlock your phone. This requires both the iPhone and Watch to be close to each other, or else you’d have to put your mask down for a Face ID unlock or type your PIN.

Apple Maps crowdsourcing

iOS 14.5’s new Apple Maps adapts a key feature from Waze. The latter is the most popular one of its kind to allow real drivers to crowdsource accidents, speed traps, and other hazards on the road. The new iOS update saw Apple’s native map app allowing users to do the same.

You can now report accidents, hazards, and speed traps you encounter yourself with your voice and Siri, allowing you to report these things without having to take your eyes off the road.

Other feature updates

A lot came with the new iPhone update. Aside from the ATT updates and face mask unlocks, none of the updates were landscape-changing. But iPhone users did receive 200 new emojis, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, new Siri voices, battery health calibration, PS5 and Xbox controller support, dual-sim 5G support, and many others.

What do these features mean for consumers like me?

The ATT update would change your experience on the internet by a lot, and you probably won’t even notice it. You’ll see fewer ads that seem all too familiar, and if you’re one of those users who are heavily aware and conscious about their data, you’re probably happy about this ATT update.

Another thing, the face mask unlock feature would only benefit you if you own an Apple Watch and have it paired with your iPhone, which isn’t the case for every iPhone user enjoying the new update.

As for maintaining your iPhone’s performance, you can rely on this iOS update to patch a few things up for you software-wise, but if you have problems with your hardware, you’re better off reaching out to repair stores that specialize in iPhone repair. If this is where you’re at, call or visit us at iCare Repair today!

Sorting Through Old Photos and Contacts – Do You Need Them All?

Posted on March 19, 2021 | by rliftadmin

We’ve all been there before — taking multiple photos from different angles just to make sure you get the best shot possible (even though most of them aren’t worth sharing). Or taking a hundred selfies with a hundred different faces only to just post one on Instagram. And if you’ve really gotten into phone photography after reading our iPhone 12 camera blog, you probably have a camera roll full of test shots that you’ll never edit or upload. And remember adding that one “friend” into your contacts but then never messaging them? So what should you do with all of those photos and contacts you no longer need?

In this blog, we’ll cover a couple of reasons why you should consider sorting through your old photos and contacts. After all, 2021 could be your year of productivity and efficiency (check out our 2 cents on that topic)!

How Should You Clean Out Your Photos and Contacts?

1. Organization

If you’re anything like us, your phone’s camera roll is probably anything but organized. And you probably don’t want to waste a ton of space on photos and videos you will never use or upload to social media. But with our tips in hand, you’ll have an organized camera roll before you know it!

For your first step in the organization process, we recommend creating albums for your photos and categorizing them that way. You can organize by timeline, by people, by events, or any category you want! That way, the next time you’re looking for a specific photo, it will be at the tip of your fingers.

And if you’re overwhelmed by the mass of photos in your camera roll, you can select photos in bulk and transfer them to a specific album as well. It’s quick and organized!

2. Save on the Cloud

Not quite sure if you’re ready to part with all of those photos just yet? Upload them to the Cloud! This option is for iPhone users only, of course, but it allows you to store your images elsewhere and free up some space on your phone in the process. As long as you have internet access, you’ll be able to transfer your photos from your phone to the Cloud.

3. Delete, Delete!

This is the not-so-fun part — we know. But just remember that the best part of a moment captured in a photo is the moment itself. Just think about how many duplicate, blurry, and screenshotted images are just sitting on your phone! Delete any photos that just don’t stand out to you, because that probably means you’ll never use them for anything. And in the end, decluttering will feel good — trust us.

4. Establish a “Cleaning Out Routine”

Get into the habit of cleaning out your photos by setting a weekly or monthly reminder to do so. Or you could even set a weekly reminder to organize them and a monthly reminder to delete the ones you no longer need/want!

Don’t put it off any longer; now that you have the tips and tricks to sort through your phone’s photos and contacts, go ahead and go for it! And if you need any assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to give iCare Repair a call.

Productivity in 2021: Apps That Work on Mobile and PC

Posted on January 22, 2021 | by rliftadmin

Need to boost your productivity this year, but you’re not sure what tools to start with? We understand! There are seemingly endless productivity apps available, with almost all of them offering you the latest and greatest tools. If you’re already struggling with getting all of your work done, you definitely don’t have time to sift through each and every productivity app and find one that suits you.

Luckily, in this blog, we will cover what we consider to be some of the best workplace productivity apps out there! We’ll discuss the benefits of each app so you can quickly and efficiently decide which app(s) will assist you the most.

1. Slack

Function: Slack is a communication and messaging tool that allows both in-office teams and global, remote teams to communicate, collaborate, share files, and more all in one place. Slack is a wonderful alternative to emails because it allows real-time responses and conversations. If you’re looking for a productivity app that will bring your team together and produce successful outcomes more efficiently, then Slack is the way to go!

Benefits: Perhaps the largest benefit Slack offers is streamlined, simplified lines of communication. It offers three basic communication features: open channels (visible to everyone), private channels (visible to select team members), and direct messages (visible to one coworker). Another benefit is Slack’s ability to easily integrate with other apps (Google Drive, MailChimp, the list goes on). When you keep everything in sync with Slack, it becomes a one-stop platform for all of your productivity, communication, and sharing needs. You can also drop and share all kinds of files within your Slack conversations (images, PDFs, Word Docs, Google Docs, etc.).

Mobile vs. PC: Slack has released updated versions of both its desktop and mobile apps this year, and the apps complement each other quite well. The mobile app is simple, organized, and easy to navigate. It can also be downloaded on both iPhones and Androids. Like the desktop app, it offers a “Mentions & reactions” screen, where users can quickly find Slack messages that mention them and/or reactions to their messages.

2. Airtable

Function: Airtable is a platform that allows you and your team to create and share databases. You don’t have to be a database expert to use it, either! Other than creating databases, the platform also lets you store, organize, and collaborate/communicate on tasks within the database.

Benefits: Airtable is a lot like a spreadsheet, except simpler and more user-friendly. With Airtable, you can organize a large amount of information as well as the relationships between that information, which means you can better categorize your information as well. Additionally, Airtable has an Import feature, which allows you to upload existing data from other apps. The true beauty of Airtable lies in its flexibility—it will adapt to whatever organizational tasks you need it to.

Mobile vs. PC: Airtable’s mobile app has a few functionality limits. For example, you cannot create new fields in mobile; you can only view existing fields. You also can’t create or view Forms or Apps in mobile. That being said, navigating Airtable is equally as simple in mobile as it is in desktop.

3. Microsoft Teams

Function: Microsoft Teams is another collaboration platform that offers chat channels, document storage and sharing, online meetings and video calling, and more. These features make it quite similar to Slack, except Microsoft Teams is free with Microsoft365 and Office365.

Benefits: Because of its integration with Office365, Microsoft Teams makes it incredibly easy to collaborate on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. You can create the document in Microsoft Teams rather than having to open up a separate app. Another excellent feature is the user’s ability to follow channels that they are interested in/a participant in and hide whatever channels they do not what to see. This makes Microsoft Teams more customizable than other collaboration platforms.

Mobile vs. PC: With Microsoft Teams, you can stay connected anytime and anywhere by using the mobile smartphone app. With the app, you not only have access to all of your conversations and documents, but you can also respond to channels and join meetings as you would via desktop, PC, or laptop web browser.

There are many other productivity apps out there, of course. But we believe our top three choices will improve your overall workflow, help you get more done, and keep you self-motivated to accomplish more!

Benefits of a Battery Replacement

Posted on December 22, 2020 | by rliftadmin

You’ve probably noticed that your phone battery begins to drain more quickly as your phone ages. When you first purchase the phone, you hardly ever have to hook it up to its charger. But the more you use it and the older it gets, the shorter its battery lifespan becomes. As soon as this happens, many people choose to purchase a new phone without considering other options like phone battery replacement. At the right local cell phone repair shop, replacing the phone’s battery is a much cheaper solution than dumping your old phone and buying a new one. Stay tuned to learn why!

Fortunately, if you’re noticing any issues with your phone battery, we can quickly and affordably replace it for you here at iCare Repair. Our technicians will have your phone running optimally again in no time!

Here are a few reasons you should consider phone battery replacement:

1. Cost Efficiency

Smartphones are more expensive than ever, and as tempting as it is to simply purchase a new phone when your old phone’s battery is giving out, it will likely be a far more expensive purchase than a basic battery replacement. Plus, your phone’s battery life may start to give out before the performance of the phone itself slows down. This means everything except your battery is functioning perfectly, and it would be a bit of a waste to throw out a phone that is only experiencing one particular problem.

2. Time Efficiency

Another benefit to getting your phone battery replaced (especially at a local repair shop like ours) is the fact that it will save you a significant amount of time. Most local cell phone repair shops can replace your phone battery the same day you bring it in, or they can even replace the battery within the hour. So getting your phone battery replaced is both cheaper and faster than buying a new phone!

3. Security

Most cell phone repair shops offer some kind of warranty on their work as well. This means that if they replace your battery and it fails only weeks or months later, you’ll be covered. No time or money wasted!

4. Safety

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Hey, I can replace my battery myself and save even more money!” Although you might be a smartphone expert and capable of replacing the battery on your own, we highly recommend taking it to a professional. It’s the safest, easiest, and most reliable way to replace your phone’s battery. Here are a few things that could go wrong with DIY phone battery replacement:

There’s a strong possibility that you will break your phone. Opening your phone requires specific tools and specific skills like knowing how much pressure to use when opening up the phone.
You will have to purchase expensive tools and know how to use them. Most modern smartphones have embedded batteries, which means replacing them isn’t as simple as opening your phone and pulling out the battery. Removing the battery can entail heating, prying, and removing screws so you can access the internal components of the phone, all of which are time consuming and difficult tasks.
An exposed battery can release dangerous chemicals into the air if it’s broken or ruptured, meaning it could also start to swell and explode.

Your smartphone will be in good hands with the help of a local cell phone repair shop technician.

Perhaps the largest benefit of having your phone battery replaced by a professional repair shop is the comforting knowledge that it will be replaced with a battery of the highest quality, and it will be installed efficiently and correctly. So count on us for all of your smartphone or iPhone battery repair and replacement needs!

Sneak Peek: The Latest Apple iPhone Release

Posted on November 20, 2020 | by rliftadmin

It’s official! The iPhone 12 is here, and it has some incredible features for both Apple lovers and Apple newbies alike. Launched on October 23, the iPhone 12 has a family of four models: the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Mini, the iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. In this blog, we’ll cover the need-to-knows of each model. By the end of the blog, you’ll want to get your hands on one of these—trust us!

(Quick reminder before we get started: Our technicians are continuously trained on new Apple models as they are released. So if you ever experience any issues with your iPhone 12 or any other iPhone model, we’ve got you covered with our Apple iPhone repair experts!)

The iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 is a huge technological success, boasting a new design, exceptional dual-lens cameras, 5G connectivity, and a solid battery life. As far as iPhones go, it is the future! Its exciting new features include:

Design – Unlike the rounded edges of previous iPhones, the iPhone 12’s edges are flat, making it more comfortable to grip and hold. Perhaps the most exciting design aspect of the iPhone 12, however, is its color options—black, white, deep blue, light green, and red.

Display – The iPhone 12’s Super Retina XDR display makes colors intense and lifelike, transforming the viewing experience into something truly incomparable.

And more!

The iPhone 12 Mini

The iPhone 12 Mini is almost identical to the iPhone 12, holding all of the same features in a smaller, sleeker package. The iPhone 12 features a 6.1 inch display, while the Mini features a 5.4 inch display, making it the smallest iPhone since the iPhone SE. Its compact size is perfect for those who have been looking for a phone they can use one-handed. A couple of other features of the iPhone 12 Mini include:

Water Resistance – Less graceful iPhone users will be happy to discover that the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini can withstand up to six meters of water for up to thirty minutes. This means they can withstand rain, spills, and other common accidents with no problem! No one likes needing iPhone water damage repair, so this feature is a gamechanger.

Drop Protection – The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini have four times stronger drop protection than other iPhone models due to the “ceramic shield” material protecting them. Ceramic shield is known as one of the toughest, most durable smartphone glasses. With a ceramic shield, you will rarely be in need of iPhone screen repair!

The iPhone 12 Pro

Photographer lovers, this one is for you! The iPhone 12 Pro offers advanced triple-camera setups and other photography features such as:

Telephoto Lens – This third telephoto lens is only a feature of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models. This lens is designed for taking accurate, precise images of distant objects.

Night Mode – Although the Night Mode feature is on the iPhone 11, Night Mode on the iPhone 12 Pro is a part of the ultra-wide camera, standard wide camera, and the front camera. This allows you to take low-light photos that are crisper without having to use the flash.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers almost all of the same features as the iPhone 12 Pro, except it boasts a larger and better display, battery, and camera system. Other features include:

A Wider Wide Camera – You read that right! The iPhone 12 Pro Max’s wide camera is even more improved with a 47% larger sensor and pixels.

Sensor-Shift Stabilization – Yet another incredible camera feature, sensor-shift stabilization makes your pictures and videos steadier. Say goodbye to blurry photos!

Convinced yet that you want to upgrade to one of these beauties? Whether you’re looking for a new iPhone, looking for iPhone repair help, or just looking to learn more, iCare Repair is here to help!

The Scariest Tablet Repair Mistakes

Posted on October 16, 2020 | by rliftadmin

A broken tablet makes it impossible to work, stream, shop, or participate in social media, which quickly becomes inconvenient and frustrating for you. Even more inconvenient, though, is ignoring the problem with your tablet and allowing it to worsen before taking it to a professional.

The good news is—most tablet damage is repairable and affordable, especially if you come to iCare Repair! You can count on us for cheap iPad repair.

In this blog, we’ll discuss common issues with tablets and ways to prevent these issues from worsening.

Cracked Screen

The most common tablet or iPad repair issue we see is a cracked or shattered screen, typically from dropping the tablet. Time is of the essence with this issue; the longer you wait to have your screen repaired, the more it could crack and break. Eventually, it might even become unresponsive to touch. Fortunately, cracked screens are relatively simple to repair or replace, so as long as you get to a repair shop as soon as it breaks, your tablet will likely recover.

Broken Camera

Yes—tablet cameras take great photos too! That’s why it’s so frustrating when your tablet’s camera isn’t working. Whether your photos are coming out blurry or the camera is simply failing to start, the most efficient way to get it back up and running is by taking it to a professional tablet or iPad repair shop.

Sometimes turning the power on and off will do the trick, but if that doesn’t work, talking to a tablet repair expert is the most efficient next step.

Broken Home Button

If you own an older version of the iPad, you might run into the problem of a broken home button. If the home button is stuck, missing, or simply not working, it may be time to visit iCare Repair to get it replaced.

Before stopping by our store, make sure you thoroughly clean on or around the home button in case the problem is just dirt or dust stuck in the button. If the home button still doesn’t work after cleaning it, bring it to us for a quick and affordable replacement! Don’t worry about iPad repair prices. We pride ourselves on our budget-friendly services.

Water Damage

Did you accidentally spill your drink on your tablet? Or drop it in the sink? Water damage is another time-sensitive issue because the longer your tablet soaks in moisture, the more internal and external damage it will face because of that moisture. So don’t hesitate to take it to an iPad repair shop ASAP!

To prevent future water damage, just remember that just because your tablet is water-resistant, that doesn’t mean it is waterproof!

Broken Battery

Old or broken batteries can be detrimental to your device. If your tablet won’t hold a charge or gets extremely hot when you use it, the battery should be replaced before it ruptures. Again, don’t wait to get your battery replaced, not just because of the inconvenience that a broken battery causes, but also because of the potential dangers of the battery leaking chemicals either into your device or outside of it.

Thankfully, a broken battery is easy to detect and, in the right technician’s hands, fairly easy to replace.

Luckily for you, iCare Repair handles each of these common tablet issues and can have your device working like new in no time. So go ahead and google “iPad repair store near me” or “iPad repair near me” to find a professional technician today!

iCare Repair Opens New Corporate Store in Green Oak Township, MI

Posted on August 26, 2020 | by rliftadmin

Fast-growing mobile device repair brand, iCare Repair, opens newest corporate-owned store in Green Oak Township, MI.

GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP, Mich. – July 1, 2015 — iCare Repair delivers same-day repair of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The Michigan-based tech repair company specializes in repairing cracked screens, water damage, camera issues, and other software and hardware problems. Its newest corporate store, iCare Repair Green Oak Township, opened July 1 at 9416 Village Place Boulevard, making it the eighth iCare store since the company’s inception in 2012.

Daniel Peabody, iCare’s founder, stated, “Everyone at iCare is proud of the fast continued growth of our stores in Michigan. In three years, we have helped thousands of mobile users save hundreds of dollars because of our cost-effective repair prices and top-quality replacement parts. You can expect the same level of professional service and repairs from our highly trained technicians at the Green Oak Township store.”

Peabody also revealed plans to offer franchise opportunities to the public and is excited to open 10 more locations in Michigan within a 15-month period.

“We want to be more convenient to more people in the community; that’s why we are opening up more store locations in key areas in Michigan. Instead of buying more expensive carrier plans or brand new phones, people will now have an option to select a more affordable repair to their favorite device,” Regional Manager Brandon Mistry said.

iCare Repair’s newest corporate store is located in Green Oak Township, a charter township of Livingston County. Green Oak Township is home to Costco and Kohl’s off the Lee Road exit of U.S. Highway 23 in the northwest part of the township, and to Green Oak Village Place shopping complex. Besides the wide range of retail and consumer services in the area, Green Oak Township is also just 20 minutes away from the campus town of Ann Arbor.

“Our store location in Green Oak Township is very strategic as it is right next to the highway and there are many shopping and dining places in the area. We can provide quick and efficient repair services to their broken iPhone, smartphones, iPads, tablets, and other mobile devices, and customers can get them back in the shortest amount of time,” added Mistry.

iCare Repair of Green Oak Township is located at 9416 Village Place Boulevard, Brighton, MI 48916. For more information on our repair services and price quotes, call (810) 844-3285 or send a message on its Facebook page.

You can also follow this link to learn more about iCare Repair: icarerepair.com. If you’re interested in opening an iCare store in your area, request more information about franchising.