Repair and tech questions, answered

Often yes, if you act fast. Power it off, dry it, and get it to a repair shop quickly, since corrosion keeps spreading. Success depends on how long it was wet and whether it was salt water. Repairs usually run $50 to $300.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore phone repair questions →

Usually $80 to $350 at a repair shop, depending on the phone. Basic LCD models are cheapest, while newer flagship phones with OLED screens cost the most. Foldables can cost more.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore phone repair questions →

Often yes for a while, but it is not wise long term. Cracks can spread, cut your fingers, let in dust and moisture, and eventually kill touch response. Use a screen protector or tape as a short-term fix.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore phone repair questions →

It is almost always hardware. The phone cannot read one of its sensors, the system that watches temperature stops checking in, and the iPhone reboots after about 180 seconds. A damaged charging port cable, battery or button cable is the usual cause. Check the panic log to see which part.More phone repair questions →

Dial *#06# in the Phone app and the IMEI appears instantly. You can also check Settings > General > About on iPhone, Settings > About phone on Android, or the SIM tray and original box.Try: Free IMEI checkMore phone settings & how-to questions →

Open Settings, tap Display & Brightness, then switch on True Tone. You can also press and hold the brightness slider in Control Center and tap True Tone. It only appears on supported models.More phone settings & how-to questions →

On iPhones with Face ID, press the side button and volume up button together, then release. On models with a Home button, press the Home button and the side or top button together.More phone settings & how-to questions →

If Remote unlock was turned on with your Samsung account, sign in at Samsung Find on a computer and choose Unlock, which keeps your data. If not, the only fix is a factory reset with the buttons, and that erases everything on the phone.More phone settings & how-to questions →

Yes, in most cases. Many laptops have a battery you can swap after removing the bottom cover, while some thin models have it glued in and are better handled by a repair shop. A replacement usually costs $50 to $200 including parts.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore laptop repair questions →

It is a thin ribbon cable that carries the video signal from the laptop's motherboard through the hinge to the screen. If it wears out, you may see flickering, lines, a dim display or a black screen when the lid moves.Try: Laptop Screen FinderMore laptop repair questions →

Common signs are a screen that flickers or goes blank when you move the lid, colored lines, or a display that works only at certain angles. Plugging in an external monitor that works fine points to the cable or screen.Try: Laptop Screen FinderMore laptop repair questions →

Usually $80 to $250 at a repair shop, depending on the model and how hard it is to reach. The cable itself is cheap, but labor makes up most of the cost.Try: Laptop Screen FinderMore laptop repair questions →

Check the power cable, the wall outlet and the switch on the back of the power supply first. If those are fine, the cause is often a failed power supply, a loose front-panel power connector or a bad motherboard.More desktop pcs & monitors questions →

Make sure the monitor cable is plugged into the graphics card, not the motherboard, and the monitor input is correct. Then reseat the RAM and graphics card. Beep codes or motherboard debug lights can point to the failed part.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore desktop pcs & monitors questions →

Signs include random shutdowns, restarts under load, a burning smell, clicking or buzzing from the unit, or a PC that will not start at all. A power supply tester or swapping in a known good unit confirms it.More desktop pcs & monitors questions →

Common signs are screen artifacts, random colored dots or lines, driver crashes, black screens during games and fans spinning at full speed. Testing the card in another PC or using integrated graphics helps confirm.More desktop pcs & monitors questions →

Select the text or file, press Ctrl + C to copy, click where you want it, then press Ctrl + V to paste. To move instead of copy, use Ctrl + X to cut. You can also right-click and choose Copy or Paste.More windows how-to questions →

Press the Windows key + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool overlay and drag to capture an area. Press Print Screen (PrtScn) to copy the whole screen. Both copy the image so you can paste it.More windows how-to questions →

Press Windows key + Shift + S, choose a snip type at the top, and drag over the area. The image is copied and a notification lets you open it in Snipping Tool to save or edit.More windows how-to questions →

Press Windows key + Shift + S to snip part of the screen, or Windows key + PrtScn to save a full-screen image to your Pictures folder under Screenshots.More windows how-to questions →

Select the text or item, press Command + C to copy, click where you want it, then press Command + V to paste. To move instead of copy, use Command + X to cut. You can also use Edit in the menu bar.More mac how-to questions →

Press Shift + Command + 3 to capture the whole screen, or Shift + Command + 4 to drag a selection. Shift + Command + 5 opens a toolbar with more options, including screen recording. Files save to the Desktop by default.More mac how-to questions →

Click the trackpad with two fingers, or hold Control and click. If two-finger click does not work, turn on Secondary click under System Settings, Trackpad, Point & Click.More mac how-to questions →

Press Option + Command + Esc, pick the frozen app, and click Force Quit. You can also click the Apple menu and choose Force Quit. Unsaved work in that app may be lost.More mac how-to questions →

Error 4013 during an iPhone restore or update usually points to a connection or hardware problem. Try a different cable and USB port, update your computer software, and restart both devices. If it keeps happening, a failing logic board or storage chip may be the cause.More error codes questions →

Error 9 usually means the connection dropped during the restore. Swap the cable, use a port directly on the computer, close security software, and try again. Repeated failures can point to a hardware fault inside the phone.More error codes questions →

Error 4005 appears when a restore or update fails, often because of a hardware issue such as storage or logic board trouble. Try a different cable, computer and recovery mode restore. If it still fails, a repair shop can check the board.More error codes questions →

Error 14 usually means the update file was corrupted or the USB connection was unstable. Use a different cable and port, restart the computer, and try again. Updating the computer's software can also help.More error codes questions →

Keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy offsite. For example: your computer, an external drive at home, and a cloud backup. It protects against theft, fire and drive failure.More data recovery & backups questions →

Ideally daily, and automatically. If you only change files occasionally, weekly is the minimum. A good rule is to back up as often as you would be unhappy to redo the work since the last backup.More data recovery & backups questions →

Use two methods: an automatic cloud backup plus an external drive you keep at home. Automatic backups beat manual ones because people forget. Test a restore now and then to make sure it works.More data recovery & backups questions →

Not always. Sync services like iCloud Drive, OneDrive and Google Drive mirror changes, so a deleted or corrupted file can vanish everywhere. A true backup keeps older versions you can restore.More data recovery & backups questions →

Press the top button and the Volume Up button at the same time on iPads without a Home button. On iPads with a Home button, press the Home button and the top button together. Find the image in Photos.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore tablets, watches & earbuds questions →

On iPads without a Home button, press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. On iPads with a Home button, hold the Home and top buttons together.More tablets, watches & earbuds questions →

Usually it is a dirty charging port, a damaged cable or a weak power adapter. Clean the port gently with a wooden toothpick, try another cable and charger, and plug into a wall outlet instead of a computer.More tablets, watches & earbuds questions →

Usually $150 to $400 at a repair shop, depending on the model and whether the glass and display are fused together. Newer Pro models cost more. Ask for a quote before you agree.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore tablets, watches & earbuds questions →

Typically $100 to $200 at a repair shop, since the port is soldered to the motherboard and needs micro-soldering. Prices vary by shop and damage. If the port is only bent or dirty, a cheaper cleanup may work.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore game consoles questions →

Usually $80 to $200 at an independent repair shop. The port is soldered to the board, so the work needs a skilled technician. Check the cable and TV first, since those fail more often.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore game consoles questions →

Usually $80 to $150 at a repair shop for a standard Switch or Switch Lite screen. OLED models can cost more. A cracked screen on a docked-only unit may not matter if the TV output still works.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore game consoles questions →

Often $80 to $200 at a repair shop, depending on whether the drive needs cleaning, a new laser or a full replacement. Digital Edition consoles have no drive, but some can add one.Try: Repair cost estimatorMore game consoles questions →

Restart the Roku and your router, then re-enter the Wi-Fi password in Settings, Network. If it still fails, move the router closer or try the 2.4 GHz band, and check that the Roku software is up to date.More tvs, wi-fi & printers questions →

Go to Settings, System, Advanced system settings, Factory reset and follow the prompts. If you cannot reach the menu, hold the small reset button on the device for about 20 seconds until the light flashes.More tvs, wi-fi & printers questions →

Usually it is weak power, such as a USB port on the TV that does not supply enough. Use the included wall adapter, check the cable, and update the software. A failing device may need replacing.More tvs, wi-fi & printers questions →

A full storage, too many background apps or weak Wi-Fi are the usual causes. Clear app caches, uninstall apps you do not use, restart the stick, and plug it into the wall adapter instead of the TV's USB port.More tvs, wi-fi & printers questions →

Usually a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked or clogged drain hose, or a blocked standpipe. Unplug the washer, check the pump filter and hose, and clear any lint, coins or socks. If it still won't drain, the pump may have failed.More home appliances questions →

The load is probably unbalanced or the machine isn't level. Redistribute the clothes, avoid washing a single heavy item, and adjust the feet until it doesn't rock. If it still shakes, worn suspension parts may need replacing.More home appliances questions →

Moisture and detergent residue build up in the door gasket and drum. Wipe the gasket dry, leave the door ajar after use, use less detergent, and run a monthly tub clean cycle with a washer cleaner or hot water.More home appliances questions →

Common causes are a loose or cracked hose, a worn door seal, too much detergent, or a failed pump. Check the hose connections first, then the door gasket. Unplug the machine and shut off the water if the leak is steady.More home appliances questions →

Common causes are a dirty air filter, a frozen evaporator coil, low refrigerant or a dirty outdoor unit. Check the filter and make sure the outdoor unit is clear of debris first. If that does not help, call an HVAC technician.More heating & cooling questions →

Ice on the coil usually means restricted airflow from a dirty filter or blocked vents, or low refrigerant. Turn the AC off, run just the fan to thaw it, and replace the filter. If it freezes again, call a pro.More heating & cooling questions →

Check it monthly and replace it every 1 to 3 months for standard 1 inch filters. Thicker 4 to 5 inch filters often last 6 to 12 months. Pets, dust and allergies mean more frequent changes.More heating & cooling questions →

A full central AC replacement usually runs about $5,000 to $12,000 installed in the US, depending on size, efficiency and your ductwork. Getting two or three quotes is a good idea.More heating & cooling questions →

Brake pad replacement usually costs about $100 to $300 per axle at a repair shop, depending on the vehicle and parts. Luxury and heavy trucks can cost more, especially if rotors also need replacing.Try: Brake wear checkerMore car repair questions →

Common signs are a high-pitched squeal, a grinding sound, a longer stopping distance, or a brake pedal that vibrates. Pads thinner than about 3 mm (1/8 inch) generally need replacing.Try: Brake wear checkerMore car repair questions →

Squeaking is often caused by worn pads, dust, moisture or glazed rotors. A light squeal in the morning that fades is usually harmless, but constant squealing means the pads should be inspected.Try: Brake wear checkerMore car repair questions →

Grinding usually means the pads are worn down to metal and are damaging the rotors. Stop driving it soon and have the brakes inspected, since delay makes the repair more expensive and less safe.Try: Brake wear checkerMore car repair questions →

Most modern cars using synthetic oil need a change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or about once a year. Check your owner's manual, since the exact interval depends on your engine and driving habits.More car maintenance questions →

A conventional oil change usually runs $40 to $80, and a full synthetic change is often $70 to $130 at a shop. Prices vary by location, oil type and how much oil your engine holds.Try: Car repair cost estimatorMore car maintenance questions →

Only if your manual allows it and you use full synthetic oil. Short trips, towing, dusty roads and extreme weather call for shorter intervals. When unsure, follow the manual's severe service schedule.More car maintenance questions →

Old oil breaks down and turns into sludge, which causes extra wear, overheating and eventually engine failure. Repairs from neglected oil can cost thousands of dollars, so regular changes are far cheaper.More car maintenance questions →

Usually $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the model and battery size. Some newer packs can be repaired by module, which may cost less. Most batteries are covered by an 8 year warranty, so out-of-pocket replacement is uncommon.Try: Car repair cost estimatorMore evs & hybrids questions →

Typically $2,000 to $6,000 at a shop, depending on the model and whether the pack is new, refurbished or repaired. Hybrid batteries are usually covered by a long federal-minimum warranty, often 8 years or 100,000 miles.Try: Car repair cost estimatorMore evs & hybrids questions →

In the US, EV and hybrid batteries are generally covered for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. Some makers offer more, and some states such as California require longer coverage. Check your warranty booklet for exact terms and capacity guarantees.More evs & hybrids questions →

Many EVs show battery health in the settings or service menu. Otherwise, a dealer can run a diagnostic, or you can use a plug-in OBD reader with a compatible app. Compare estimated full-charge range against the original rated range.Try: Car repair cost estimatorMore evs & hybrids questions →

Yes, if you check a few things first. Confirm the IMEI is clean, Activation Lock is off, the battery health is decent, and every feature works. Buy from a seller with a return policy when possible.Try: Free IMEI checkMore buying & protection questions →

Get the IMEI from the seller (dial *#06#) and run it through a free IMEI checker or ask the carrier. A clean result means it is not reported lost, stolen or unpaid. Never buy without seeing the IMEI.Try: Free IMEI checkMore buying & protection questions →

It is a phone's unique ID that a carrier has flagged as lost, stolen or tied to unpaid balances. A blacklisted phone usually cannot get service on US carriers, even with a new SIM.Try: Free IMEI checkMore buying & protection questions →

Dial *#06# on the phone to see the IMEI, then enter it in a free IMEI check tool or ask your carrier to check it. Do this before paying, not after.Try: Free IMEI checkMore buying & protection questions →

Look for recent reviews that mention the same kind of repair you need, a clear written quote, a stated warranty, and a shop that explains the problem plainly. Visiting in person or calling with a few questions helps.More repair shops questions →

Check that it has a real street address, consistent reviews over time, and written terms for warranty and pricing. A trustworthy shop will explain the fault, show you the old part if asked, and not pressure you.More repair shops questions →

Ask for the total price, how long it will take, what warranty covers the repair, what type of parts they use, and what happens if they find another problem. Get the answers in writing if you can.More repair shops questions →

Repair is usually worth it when the fix costs less than about half the price of a comparable replacement and the phone still gets software updates. If it is old and the repair is costly, replacing often makes more sense.Try: Repair or replace calculatorMore repair shops questions →