Phone Repair for Seniors: A Gentle Guide

If you're reading this, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Your phone isn't working properly, and you're not sure what to do about it. Perhaps a family member suggested looking into repair, or maybe the screen cracked and you're wondering if it can be fixed.

First, take a deep breath. Phone repair is simpler than you might think, and you don't need to understand how phones work to get yours fixed. That's our job.

This guide explains everything in plain English—no technical jargon, no confusing terms. Just clear, honest information to help you make a decision.

Did You Know?

Helping Seniors with Phone Repair (2025)

• • 347 customers aged 60+ served this year
• • Most common issue: Cracked screens from drops (42%)
• • Second most common: Battery not lasting (31%)
• • Average repair time: 25 minutes while you wait
• • We explain everything - no jargon, no rushing
• • Data always preserved - your photos and contacts stay safe

Data from celltech repair logs, January-December 2025

Common Phone Problems Explained Simply

Here are the issues we fix most often, explained in straightforward terms:

Cracked or Broken Screen

If you've dropped your phone and the screen has cracks, or if part of the display has gone black, this can usually be fixed. We replace the damaged screen with a new one. Your photos, messages, and everything else stay exactly where they are.

Typical cost: £59-179 depending on your phone
Time needed: About 30 minutes while you wait

Battery Not Lasting

If your phone used to last all day but now needs charging by lunchtime, the battery has worn out. This is normal after 2-3 years. We can put in a new battery, and your phone will last like it did when it was new.

Typical cost: £49-99 depending on your phone
Time needed: About 20 minutes

Phone Won't Charge

If you plug in your phone and nothing happens, the charging socket might be dirty or damaged. Sometimes we can clean it out; other times we need to replace it. Either way, it's fixable.

Typical cost: £49-89
Time needed: 30-60 minutes

Phone Got Wet

If your phone fell in water, don't try to turn it on. Bring it to us as soon as possible. The faster we can clean it properly, the better chance we have of saving it and your photos.

Typical cost: £79-149
Time needed: 24-48 hours (this one takes longer)

What to Expect When You Visit

Walking into a phone repair shop can feel daunting if you haven't done it before. Here's exactly what will happen:

1. You'll be greeted — Just tell us your phone isn't working properly. You don't need to know the technical details.
2. We'll have a look — We'll examine your phone and explain what's wrong in plain English.
3. We'll tell you the price — Before we do anything, we'll tell you exactly what it will cost. No surprises.
4. You decide — You can say yes, or you can say "let me think about it." There's no pressure.
5. If you say yes — We'll fix it while you wait (for most repairs) or call you when it's ready.
6. You pay when it's done — Only after your phone is working again.

Pro Tip

Bring someone if you'd like: You're welcome to bring a family member or friend. Sometimes it helps to have someone with you, and we're happy to explain things to both of you.

Questions You Might Want to Ask

You're never bothering us by asking questions. Here are some good ones:

• "How much will this cost?" — We'll always tell you before starting.
• "Will I lose my photos?" — Almost never. We'll tell you if there's any risk.
• "How long will it take?" — Usually 30 minutes to an hour for common repairs.
• "Can I wait here?" — Yes, we have seating. Or you can pop out and come back.
• "What if it can't be fixed?" — You don't pay. No fix, no fee.
• "Is my data safe with you?" — Absolutely. We don't look at your personal information.

Keeping Your Photos and Contacts Safe

We understand that your phone contains precious things—photos of grandchildren, messages from loved ones, important phone numbers. We treat your phone with the same care we'd want for our own.

For most repairs, your photos and contacts are completely safe and won't be touched at all. The repair happens to the physical phone, not to what's stored inside it.

If there's ever a situation where your data might be at risk, we'll tell you before we start and discuss options with you.

Did You Know?

About privacy: We never look through your photos, read your messages, or access your personal information. When we test the phone after repair, we only check that everything is working properly—nothing more.

Why Repair Instead of Replace?

Many people assume they need a new phone when something goes wrong. But repair is almost always the better choice—it's cheaper, keeps your familiar phone, and is better for the environment.

Most phones are worth repairing if they're less than 4-5 years old. The repair cost is usually a fraction of buying new, and you don't have to learn a new phone or transfer everything over.

How to Book a Repair

You have three options:

Option 1: Just Walk In

You can come to our shop any time during opening hours. No appointment needed. We'll look at your phone straightaway.

Option 2: Phone Us First

If you'd prefer to talk to someone before visiting, give us a call on 07700 143573. We can answer your questions and let you know roughly what to expect.

Option 3: Send It to Us

If you're not nearby, we can send you a prepaid envelope. You post your phone to us, we fix it, and we post it back. You don't pay anything for the postage.

A family member can help you arrange this if the online booking seems complicated.

We're Here to Help

Phone repair doesn't have to be stressful. We've helped thousands of customers of all ages, and we're always happy to take our time and explain things clearly.

If you have any questions at all—even if they seem silly—just ask. There are no silly questions, and we genuinely want to help.