Repair Guides
iFix Memphis · Free repair guides
Fix it yourself first. We're right here if you can't.
No-nonsense troubleshooting from the bench that's fixed thousands of devices across Memphis & Germantown since 2011. Work through the fix step by step — and if it needs a real bench, your diagnostic is always free.
Phone Got Wet? Do This First
The first 15 minutes decide whether a wet phone lives. Move fast, keep it OFF, and skip the rice — here's what actually works.
⚠ Safety first — Do NOT charge a wet phone — pushing power through a wet board is the #1 way liquid damage becomes permanent. And rice does almost nothing; it can't pull moisture out of a sealed device.
Step by step
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1
Power it off — and leave it off
- If it's still on, shut it down now. If it's already off, don't turn it on to 'check' it.
- Every second of power on a wet board risks a short circuit (corrosion + electricity = dead components).
TipResisting the urge to test it is the single most important thing you can do.
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2
Get the liquid OUT and OFF
- Pull the case and SIM tray. Wipe the outside dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Gently tilt and tap ports downward so water drains — don't blow into it (that pushes water deeper).
- Skip the hair dryer: heat warps seals and drives moisture further in.
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3
Know which liquid it was
- Clean tap water: lowest risk if dried fast.
- Salt water, coffee, soda, pool water: high risk — these leave conductive, corrosive residue that keeps eating the board after it 'dries.'
- Any non-water liquid almost always needs a professional board cleaning.
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4
Let it dry — slowly, in open air
- Stand it upright in a dry, ventilated spot for 24–48 hours.
- Silica gel packets help; rice does not (and rice dust clogs ports).
- Do not charge until you're certain the port is bone-dry.
TipModern iPhones will warn 'Liquid detected in connector' — if you see that, the port is still wet.
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Get a free diagnostic — fast
- Even a phone that powers on can have corrosion quietly spreading inside.
- A bench tech can open it, flush the board with the right solvents, and stop the damage early.
- The sooner it's cleaned, the higher the survival rate — days matter.
When to bring it in to iFix Memphis
- It went in anything other than clean water (salt, soda, coffee, pool).
- It won't turn on, the screen is glitchy, or audio/cameras act up.
- You see 'Liquid detected' warnings that won't clear.
- It worked at first, then started misbehaving days later (classic corrosion).
Quick answers
- Does putting my phone in rice work?
- Not really. Rice can't pull moisture from inside a sealed phone, and rice dust can clog the charging port and speakers. Open-air drying plus a fast professional board cleaning is far more effective.
- My phone fell in water but still works — am I fine?
- Maybe not. Corrosion from liquid (especially salt water, soda, or coffee) can keep damaging the board for days after it 'dries.' A quick free diagnostic catches it before it spreads.
- How much does water damage repair cost in Memphis?
- It depends entirely on what the liquid reached, so we quote in-store after a free 15-minute diagnostic. Bring it in and we'll tell you straight whether it's a clean, an inexpensive part, or not worth fixing.
iPhone Won't Turn On
A black, unresponsive iPhone is usually a frozen system or a charging issue — not a dead phone. Run these checks before you assume the worst.
⚠ Safety first — If the phone is hot, swollen, or smells burnt, stop and bring it in — a swollen battery is a safety issue, not a DIY fix.
Step by step
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1
Force restart (the fix for most 'dead' iPhones)
- iPhone 8 and newer: press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then press and HOLD the Side button until the Apple logo appears (~10–20 sec).
- iPhone 7: hold Volume Down + Side button together.
- iPhone 6s / SE (1st gen): hold Home + Side button.
TipKeep holding past the 'it's not working' moment — the logo often appears at 15+ seconds.
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2
Rule out the charger, not the phone
- Plug into a wall outlet (not a computer) with a cable and brick you KNOW work.
- Leave it for 15–30 minutes — a fully drained battery shows nothing on screen at first.
- Look for the charging screen or a low-battery icon after a few minutes.
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3
Check the charging port
- Shine a light into the port — pocket lint packs in and blocks the connection.
- Gently clean with a wooden/plastic toothpick. Never use metal.
- Try a second cable; frayed cables are a top cause of 'it won't charge.'
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4
Look for signs of life
- Does it vibrate, make sounds, or get warm? That points to a screen/display issue, not a dead phone.
- Plug it into a computer — if it shows up in Finder/iTunes, the phone is alive and the screen may be the problem.
When to bring it in to iFix Memphis
- Force restart and a known-good charger both did nothing.
- It vibrates or chimes but the screen stays black (likely a display).
- The back or screen is warm/swollen (battery — bring it in promptly).
- It got wet or was dropped right before it died.
Quick answers
- Is my iPhone dead or is it just the screen?
- If it vibrates, makes sounds, gets warm, or shows up on a computer, the phone is alive and you're likely looking at a screen or backlight issue — an affordable fix. We confirm which it is during the free diagnostic.
- How long should I charge a dead iPhone before it turns on?
- Give it a solid 15–30 minutes on a known-good wall charger. A fully drained battery can show a black screen for several minutes before the charging icon appears.
Cracked iPhone Screen: What To Do Now
A cracked screen is mostly cosmetic at first — but glass dust and exposed digitizers get worse fast. Here's how to protect it until it's fixed.
⚠ Safety first — Don't run your finger over shattered glass, and don't ignore a cracked screen with exposed/leaking display — pressure spreads the damage and glass slivers cut fingers.
Step by step
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1
Stabilize the glass
- Lay a strip of clear packing tape or a screen protector over the crack to hold shards in place.
- This is temporary — it keeps glass out of your finger and pocket, nothing more.
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2
Check what's actually broken
- Cracked glass only, touch still works: lower urgency, but get it fixed before it spreads.
- Black spots, lines, rainbow blotches, or dead touch zones: the display under the glass is damaged — fix sooner.
- Screen lifting or a green/black line: often a sign of deeper display or battery pressure.
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3
Back up now, just in case
- Touch failures can spread — back up to iCloud or a computer while the screen still responds.
- Note your Apple ID password; you'll want it after any repair.
TipIf Face ID and the front camera still work, that's good news — those are easy to preserve during a screen swap.
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4
Know your repair options
- Screen + glass are one assembly on modern iPhones, so 'just the glass' usually means a full screen swap.
- Most iPhone screen repairs are done same-day, many in about 30 minutes at the bench.
- Ask about OEM-grade vs. premium aftermarket — we'll explain the trade-offs honestly.
When to bring it in to iFix Memphis
- Touch is glitchy, dead in spots, or the display has lines/blotches.
- Glass is lifting off the frame (possible battery swelling underneath).
- You want it done today — most screens are a 30-minute bench job.
Quick answers
- How long does iPhone screen repair take in Memphis?
- Most iPhone screen repairs are same-day, and many are finished in about 30 minutes while you grab a free coffee at the bench. We confirm timing when you walk in.
- Can you fix just the glass and not the whole screen?
- On modern iPhones the glass and display are fused into one assembly, so a glass-only fix usually isn't practical or cost-effective — a full screen swap is the reliable repair. We'll show you why during the free diagnostic.
- Will I lose my data during a screen repair?
- A standard screen swap doesn't touch your data, but we always recommend a backup before any repair, just in case. We can help you start one at the counter.
iPhone Battery Draining Too Fast
Most fast-draining iPhones are part settings, part worn battery. Tune the settings first, then check whether the battery itself is the problem.
⚠ Safety first — If the battery is swollen (screen lifting, phone rocking on a flat table, gaps in the frame) stop using it and bring it in — swollen batteries are a fire risk.
Step by step
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1
Check your Battery Health
- Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
- Maximum Capacity under ~80% means the battery is worn and a replacement will help a lot.
- 'Peak Performance Capability' messages about unexpected shutdowns also point to a tired battery.
TipUnder 80% is Apple's own threshold for 'consider servicing.'
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2
Find the battery hogs
- Settings → Battery → scroll to per-app usage.
- An app using huge 'background' battery is the culprit — turn off its Background App Refresh.
- Watch for a single app pinning the battery after an update.
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3
Tune the big drains
- Lower screen brightness / enable Auto-Brightness.
- Settings → General → Background App Refresh → off for apps you don't need live.
- Turn on Low Power Mode when you need the day to stretch.
- Disable always-on location for apps that don't need it.
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Decide: settings or hardware?
- Drains fast even after tuning + health is low → it's the battery, and a swap is a quick, affordable fix.
- Health is good (90%+) but it still dies → could be a rogue app, a bad charging habit, or a board issue worth a look.
When to bring it in to iFix Memphis
- Battery Health is under 80% or warns about service.
- It shuts off suddenly even with charge left.
- The battery looks swollen or the screen is lifting (urgent — stop using it).
- It still drains fast after you've tuned every setting.
Quick answers
- When should I replace my iPhone battery?
- Once Maximum Capacity drops under about 80%, or your phone shuts down unexpectedly, a replacement usually restores most of your day. We can read your battery health for free and quote the swap.
- How long does an iPhone battery replacement take?
- Most are same-day and often done in well under an hour at the bench. Bring it in and we'll confirm timing for your model.
Phone Won't Charge
Nine times out of ten, a phone that won't charge has a lint-packed port or a worn cable. Work from cheapest cause to most serious.
⚠ Safety first — Never poke a charging port with anything metal — you can short the pins. Use wood or plastic, and be gentle.
Step by step
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1
Swap the cable and brick
- Cables fail internally long before they look broken — test with a different known-good cable.
- Charge from a wall outlet, not a laptop USB or random power strip.
- Try a different outlet too, to rule out the wall.
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2
Clean the charging port
- Shine a flashlight in — a surprising amount of pocket lint compacts at the bottom.
- Power the phone off, then gently scrape lint out with a wooden/plastic toothpick.
- Re-test; a clean port fixes a huge share of 'won't charge' cases.
TipIf the cable used to only work at a certain angle, that's classic lint buildup.
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3
Rule out a frozen phone
- Do a force restart (see our 'iPhone Won't Turn On' guide).
- A locked-up phone can ignore the charger until it's restarted.
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4
Wireless test (if supported)
- Try a wireless charger. If wireless works but cable doesn't, the port is the problem — a common, affordable repair.
- If neither works, it may be the battery or board — worth a free diagnostic.
When to bring it in to iFix Memphis
- New cable + clean port + restart still won't charge.
- The cable only charges at a certain angle or wiggles loose (worn port).
- It charges wirelessly but not by cable (port repair).
- You see 'Liquid detected' or the port looks corroded.
Quick answers
- How much is a charging port repair in Memphis?
- It varies by model and whether the port is a module or soldered to the board, so we quote in-store after the free diagnostic. Often it's an affordable same-day fix once we confirm it's the port and not the battery.
- Why does my charger only work at a certain angle?
- That's the classic sign of lint packed in the port or a worn connector. Try a careful cleaning with a wooden toothpick first; if it persists, the port likely needs replacing.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Drift
Drift — your stick registering movement when you're not touching it — is usually a dirty or worn analog module. Clean it first, repair if it returns.
⚠ Safety first — Use 90%+ isopropyl alcohol only, and let it fully dry before powering on. Avoid water and household cleaners near the stick.
Step by step
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1
Recalibrate first
- System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Calibrate Control Sticks.
- Follow the prompts; sometimes a recalibration clears minor drift instantly.
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2
Update the controllers
- System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Update Controllers.
- Firmware updates occasionally resolve input glitches.
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3
Clean the analog stick
- Pull back the rubber skirt at the base of the stick with a fingertip.
- Spray a short burst of compressed air, or put a drop of 90%+ isopropyl on a swab and wipe around the base.
- Work the stick in full circles ~20 times to spread it, then let it dry completely.
TipThis 'cleans the contacts' and fixes a lot of early drift — but it's often temporary if the module is worn.
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4
Decide on a real fix
- Drift comes back after cleaning → the analog module is worn and should be replaced.
- A module swap is an inexpensive, same-day repair and lasts far longer than cleaning.
When to bring it in to iFix Memphis
- Cleaning and recalibration only helped for a few days.
- Multiple buttons or both Joy-Cons are affected.
- You'd rather not crack the Joy-Con open yourself (totally fair).
Quick answers
- Does cleaning fix Joy-Con drift for good?
- Sometimes — but if the analog module is physically worn, cleaning only buys a little time. A module replacement is the lasting fix and it's an affordable, same-day bench job.
- How much does Joy-Con drift repair cost in Memphis?
- It's one of our more affordable console repairs, but exact pricing depends on the model and how many sticks need work — we quote it in-store after a quick look.
PS5 / Xbox Overheating or Shutting Down
A console that gets loud, hot, or shuts itself off is almost always fighting dust and bad airflow. Fix the environment first; deep-clean if it persists.
⚠ Safety first — Don't open a sealed console (or peel warranty stickers) unless you know what you're doing — internal cleaning and thermal-paste jobs are better left to the bench.
Step by step
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1
Give it room to breathe
- Pull the console out of any enclosed cabinet or shelf — it needs open air on all sides.
- Leave several inches of clearance behind and above the vents.
- Stand it per the manufacturer's design and keep it off carpet.
TipMost 'overheating' consoles are simply boxed into a tight TV cabinet.
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2
Clear the dust
- Power off and unplug. Use short bursts of compressed air across the vents.
- Hold internal fans still with a finger if accessible, so air doesn't over-spin them.
- Wipe dust off the exterior vents and surrounding surfaces.
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3
Check the room and surface
- A hot room or direct sun makes any console struggle — cool the space.
- Put it on a hard, flat surface, never a rug or couch that blocks intake.
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4
Watch the behavior
- Still shutting down after cleaning + airflow → it likely needs an internal deep clean and fresh thermal paste.
- Specific error codes or fans roaring at idle → bring it in for a diagnostic.
When to bring it in to iFix Memphis
- It still overheats after dusting and improving airflow.
- It shuts down with an error code or won't stay on.
- Fans are extremely loud even at the menu (failing fan or caked dust inside).
- You'd rather a tech open it and replace thermal paste safely.
Quick answers
- Why does my PS5 keep shutting off?
- Usually heat — from dust buildup, a cramped cabinet, or dried-out thermal paste. Improve airflow and dust the vents first; if it continues, an internal clean and re-paste at the bench typically solves it.
- Do you clean and re-paste consoles in Memphis?
- Yes — internal deep cleaning and thermal-paste service is a common console repair for us. We quote it in-store after confirming the cause with a free diagnostic.
Laptop or MacBook Won't Turn On
A laptop that won't power on is often a drained battery, a stuck power state, or a display issue — not a dead machine. Work through these first.
⚠ Safety first — If you smell burning, see swelling, or the laptop is very hot, unplug it and bring it in — don't keep trying to power a damaged battery.
Step by step
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1
Confirm it's actually charging
- Plug in with the original charger and check for a charge light on the laptop or brick.
- No light? Try another outlet and inspect the cable for damage or a loose tip.
- Let it charge 15–30 minutes before testing — a dead battery needs a minute.
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2
Force a power cycle
- Windows: hold the power button 15–30 seconds to drain residual power, then plug in and start.
- If the battery is removable, take it out, hold power 30 seconds, reseat, and try.
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3
MacBook reset steps
- Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3+): just hold the power button ~10 seconds, release, then press again.
- Older Intel MacBooks: reset the SMC (hold Control + Option + Shift + power briefly), then power on.
- Listen/feel for fans, chimes, or the keyboard backlight — signs it's alive.
TipFans spin or keyboard lights up but screen is black? That's a display/backlight issue, not a dead laptop.
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4
Test the screen
- Shine a flashlight at the screen at an angle while it's 'on' — a faint image means the backlight failed, not the whole machine.
- If you have an external monitor, plug it in; a picture there confirms the laptop runs and the screen is the issue.
When to bring it in to iFix Memphis
- No charge light and a known-good charger — possible board or port issue.
- It powers on (fans/lights) but the screen stays black.
- Liquid spill, a drop, or any swelling/burning smell.
- It boots to an error, blue screen, or a folder/question-mark icon.
Quick answers
- My laptop has power but the screen is black — what is it?
- If fans spin or keys light up, the computer is running and you're likely looking at a screen, cable, or backlight problem — usually a fixable repair. We confirm which during the diagnostic.
- Do you recover data if my laptop won't boot?
- Often, yes. Even when a laptop won't start, the drive is frequently fine — we can recover your files and, in many cases, get the machine running again. Bring it in for a free diagnostic.
Rather we just handle it?
Walk into iFix Memphis — free 15-minute diagnostic, most repairs same-day, lifetime warranty on parts & labor. iPhone, iPad, Samsung, consoles, Mac & PC.