Turn on your phone's own backup (Google on Android, iCloud on iPhone), back up WhatsApp separately, copy photos somewhere safe and check that the backup is recent before the phone goes in for repair.
Most phone repairs do not touch your data. Some, such as software repairs and resets, can. A backup takes a few minutes, and it means a repair, a lost phone or a failed update is an inconvenience instead of a disaster. The menu names below vary a little between phones and software versions, so treat them as a guide.
Back up the phone itself
On Android, open Settings and look for Backup, usually under Google or System. Turn on the backup to your Google account and use the option to back up now. This covers many settings, apps and contacts. Your photos and videos are backed up separately by Google Photos, so open that app and check that backup is switched on.
On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, and look for iCloud Backup. Turn it on and tap Back Up Now. You can also back up to a computer using Finder on a Mac, or Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows.
Back up WhatsApp separately
WhatsApp chats and media are not always included in the phone backup. Open WhatsApp, go to Settings, then Chats, then Chat backup, and create a backup now. Check the date shown afterwards. On Android it is stored in your Google account, and on iPhone in iCloud.
Save your photos and files
Photos and videos are usually the things people care most about. Make sure they are in your Google Photos or iCloud library, or copy them to a computer or an external drive. Do not delete anything from the phone until you have confirmed the copy opened properly somewhere else.
Check your contacts and accounts
- Confirm your contacts are saved to your Google or Apple account, not only to the SIM or the phone.
- Make sure you know your Google or Apple account email and password. You may need them if the phone is reset.
- Write down or take a note of any apps that rely on a code sent to this phone, such as banking or authenticator apps, so you can set them up again.
Before you hand it over
- Note your screen lock. Some repairs need the phone to be unlocked.
- Take out any memory card and your SIM if the technician does not need them.
- Charge the phone if you can.
If the screen is broken and you cannot back up
Bring the phone in anyway. A broken screen does not always mean lost data, and you can ask about your options before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Will a repair delete my data?
Many repairs, such as screens and batteries, do not touch your data. Software repairs and resets can. A backup protects you either way.
How do I know my backup worked?
Look for the date and time of the last backup in the backup settings, and check that it is recent. For photos, open the photo library on a different device or on the web and look for your latest pictures.
Do I need to back up if I only have a cracked screen?
It is still a good idea. It takes only a few minutes, and it protects you if something unexpected happens.
Having a phone or laptop problem? Bring it in: diagnostics are free and you get a quote before any work starts.
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