How to Safely Send Your iPhone for Repair

We started our mail-in service because of a woman in Inverness. Her nearest repair shop was 90 minutes away and wanted to keep her phone for a week. "Can I just post it to you?" she asked. That was 2019. Since then, we've shipped to every corner of the UK — Scottish islands, Welsh valleys, postcodes we had to Google.

The repair is identical to walking into our shop. Same technicians, same parts, same 27-month warranty. The only difference is Royal Mail does the legwork instead of you.

Pro Tip

How it works: We send you a free label. You drop it at any Post Office. We fix it the day it arrives and post it back. Most people have their phone back within 3-5 working days. And if we can't fix it? You pay nothing.

The Five-Step Process (It's Genuinely This Simple)

1. You tell us what's wrong

Fill in a quick form. "Cracked screen." "Battery dies at 40%." "Dropped in toilet." Whatever it is. We email you a prepaid Royal Mail label within a few minutes. Print it at home or show the barcode at the Post Office.

2. Drop it at any Post Office

Any Post Office, any Royal Mail collection point. Morning, lunchtime, after work — whenever works for you. Keep the receipt. The tracking updates automatically.

3. We diagnose it the day it arrives

Not tomorrow. Not "in the queue." The actual day. We check exactly what's wrong and contact you with a price. No surprises, no extra fees discovered later.

4. You approve (or don't)

Happy with the quote? We repair same-day. Changed your mind? We send it back free. Decided it's not worth fixing? We'll tell you honestly and return it — no charge.

5. Back on your doormat

Tracked Special Delivery, signature required. Your phone arrives fixed, cleaned, with a 27-month warranty that starts immediately. Most people have it back within 3-5 working days.

Did You Know?

Where your time actually goes: 1-2 days to reach us. Same-day repair. 1-2 days back. The phone spends more time travelling than waiting on our bench. We don't batch jobs — your phone gets worked on the moment it arrives.

What to Put in the Box (And What to Leave Out)

People overthink this. You're sending a phone, not a fragile artefact. Here's what we actually need:

Send:

• Your iPhone — Obviously
• A note saying what's wrong — "Screen cracked bottom left" or "dies at 30%"
• Your reference number — We email this when you book
• Charging cable — Only if that's what you're having fixed

Don't send:

• Your SIM card — Take it out. Put it somewhere safe. You'll want it when the phone comes back.
• Fancy cases — We don't need them and they just add bulk.
• The original Apple box — Absolutely not needed. Save the space.
• AirPods or other accessories — Keep them. We're fixing the phone, not the ecosystem.
• Money — We invoice online after the repair. Don't send cash or cheques.

Warning

Seriously, remove your SIM. It takes 10 seconds with a paperclip. Your SIM has your phone number — if the package somehow got lost (hasn't happened, but still), you'd want that at home, not in the postal system.

Important: Disable Find My iPhone

If your phone still turns on, disable Find My before posting:

1. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Find My
2. Turn off Find My iPhone
3. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted

If your phone won't turn on, don't worry - we can work with Apple's systems to proceed with the repair.

How to Package Your iPhone Safely

Your phone's safety during transit is critical. Here's how to pack properly:

Best Method: Use Our Packaging Kit

When you request a shipping label, we can include a free protective box with:

• Rigid cardboard enclosure
• Foam padding
• Pre-paid return label

DIY Packaging (If You Can't Wait)

1. Wrap the phone
   Bubble wrap - at least 2 layers. Or foam wrap. Tape securely but not on the phone itself.
2. Choose the right box
   Rigid cardboard (not a padded envelope). At least 2cm clearance all around. The box should not bend when squeezed.
3. Fill gaps
   Scrunched paper, packing peanuts, or more bubble wrap. Phone should not move when box is shaken.
4. Seal properly
   Packing tape on all seams. Label clearly: "FRAGILE - ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT"
5. Include your details
   Name, repair reference number, phone number, brief description of issue.

Pro Tip

Pro tip: Take a photo of your phone's condition before packing. This protects both of us - we can confirm any pre-existing damage wasn't caused in transit.

What NOT to Use:

• Padded envelopes (too flexible - phones can get bent)
• Newspaper (ink can transfer to your device)
• Excessive tape on the phone itself
• Original iPhone box without an outer box (too recognisable)

Tracking Your Repair

We believe in complete transparency. Here's how we keep you informed:

You'll Receive Updates When:

• Label created - Your shipping label is ready
• Package posted - Royal Mail confirms collection
• Received - We've got your phone
• Diagnosis complete - We know what's wrong and the cost
• Quote approved - You've given us the go-ahead
• Repair complete - Your phone is fixed
• Shipped back - On its way home with tracking number
• Delivered - Back in your hands

Updates come via email and text. You can also contact us anytime for a status update - we're happy to check exactly where your phone is in the process.

Did You Know?

Track your return: We use Royal Mail Special Delivery for returns, which includes tracking and requires a signature. You'll get the tracking number as soon as we post it back.

Realistic Turnaround Times

We don't make promises we can't keep. Here's what to realistically expect:

What Can Affect Timing:

• Parts availability - Rare repairs might need parts ordered
• Quote approval delay - We wait for your go-ahead
• Royal Mail delays - Occasionally happens, especially around holidays
• Complex repairs - Water damage or motherboard work takes longer

If anything will delay your repair, we'll tell you immediately. No surprises.

Is Mail-In Repair Safe?

We understand the concern about posting your phone. Here's how we protect you:

Insurance Coverage

• All shipments are insured through Royal Mail
• Coverage for loss or damage in transit
• We've shipped thousands of devices with minimal issues

Data Security

• We never access your personal data
• Repairs don't require your passcode (we work on hardware)
• Your photos, messages, and apps remain private
• We're happy to sign NDAs for business customers

Our Track Record

• Established repair business with years of experience
• Many successful mail-in repairs across the UK
• Rare shipping issues (all resolved quickly)
• Full transparency at every stage

Good News

Customer feedback: "I was nervous about posting my phone, but the process was seamless. Got updates at every stage, phone came back perfectly repaired in 4 days. Would definitely use again." - Sarah, Manchester

Our Guarantees

• No fix, no fee - If we can't repair it, you don't pay
• 27-month warranty - Same as our in-store repairs
• Free return shipping - Even if we can't fix it
• Price match - We'll match any like-for-like UK quote

Ready to Get Started?

Sending your phone for repair is easier than you might think. Here's what to do:

1. Get your free shipping label
   Fill in our quick booking form and we'll email you a prepaid label within minutes.
2. Package your phone
   Use our guide above or request our free packaging kit.
3. Drop it at any Post Office
   Or arrange collection from your home or workplace.

Questions before you send? Get in touch - we're happy to talk through the process and answer any concerns.

Pro Tip

Prefer local service? If you're near Birmingham, visit us at Byte, Dovehouse Parade, Solihull for same-day repairs while you wait.