Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, honest answers about Smart Spot Tech mail-in iPhone & iPad repair so you know exactly what to expect.

Shipping, Packing & Turnaround Time

How long does a repair take? What is the turnaround time?

Most iPhone and iPad repairs are completed same-day once they arrive at our repair facility.

Typical total timeline (including shipping):

  • 4–6 business days round-trip for most mail-in repairs
  • Rush options may be available on request

Water damage, board work, or special-order parts may require more time — if that happens, we’ll always update you before moving forward.

Is shipping my device safe? Is my shipment insured?

Yes. We’ve been handling mail-in iPhone and iPad repairs nationwide for over 11 years.

When you start a mail-in repair, you’ll get:

  • A trackable shipping label with clear packing instructions
  • Step-by-step guidance to pack your device safely
  • Tracking both ways so you always know where your device is

Shipping insurance options depend on the carrier and service level selected. If you’d like extra insurance for a high-value device, let us know and we’ll help you choose the best option.

What happens if my device is damaged in the mail?

If your device arrives with new damage that clearly happened during shipping, we’ll document it with photos and contact you right away.

From there, we’ll help you:

  • Review any shipping insurance that was purchased
  • Open a claim with the carrier if needed
  • Decide whether you want us to proceed with repair, data recovery, or both

Proper packing dramatically reduces the chance of shipping damage, which is why we provide detailed packing instructions for every mail-in repair.

Do you provide shipping boxes to send in repairs?

In most cases, customers use their own box with our packing guidelines.

You can safely ship your device using:

  • A sturdy cardboard box (no thin envelopes or bubble mailers)
  • Plenty of padding around the device (bubble wrap, foam, or similar)

For schools, businesses, or larger batches, we can discuss pre-packed shipping kits or custom solutions. Just reach out if you need that.

Why do I have to pay to ship my device to you?

Shipping is a real, per-device cost, and charging separately for it keeps our actual repair prices lower and more transparent.

Instead of inflating repair pricing to hide shipping costs, we:

  • Let you see exactly what you’re paying for shipping
  • Use trusted carriers with tracking
  • Include return shipping as part of your diagnostic/repair process, so you’re not paying twice

This keeps Smart Spot Tech repairs competitive while still giving you safe, trackable mail-in service.

Can I send multiple devices or repairs in one box?

Yes — you can send multiple devices in one shipment.

Just make sure to:

  • Wrap and pad each device individually
  • Label each device clearly so we know which intake form it belongs to
  • Complete an intake form for every device you’re sending

Sending multiple devices together can save on shipping and is ideal for families, schools, and businesses.

What should I send with my broken device?

For most mail-in iPhone and iPad repairs, we recommend sending:

  • The device itself (with the case removed)
  • Any stylus or keyboard only if it’s part of the issue we’re diagnosing

Do not send: chargers, cables, boxes, or accessories unless the issue specifically involves them (for example, a charging issue we’re troubleshooting).

Keeping the package simple lowers the chance of lost accessories and speeds up check-in.

Why do I have to remove my iPad or iPhone case before shipping?

We ask that you remove any cases, covers, and accessories before shipping because:

  • Cases can hide damage we need to see during intake photos
  • Bulkier cases make devices harder to pack safely and add weight
  • Cases are more likely to crack or get damaged in transit

Sending just the bare device makes check-in faster, safer, and more accurate.

If the back housing of my iPad is slightly bent, can that be fixed?

In many cases, a slightly bent iPad housing can be improved enough to safely install a new screen and restore normal use.

However, severe bends, twists, or frame damage may:

  • Limit how perfectly the new glass sits
  • Increase the risk of future cracks if the device is dropped again

We’ll assess the frame during diagnostics, let you know what’s realistic, and go over any limitations before you decide to proceed.

Pricing, Quotes & Diagnostic Deposit

How does the $39 diagnostic deposit work?

The $39 diagnostic deposit is not an extra fee — it’s applied directly toward your repair.

It:

  • Reserves your place in our repair queue
  • Covers intake, full diagnostics, and a clear quote
  • Is applied to your final invoice when you approve the repair
What if you can’t fix my device?

If your device is truly non-repairable, the $39 covers:

  • Our technician’s diagnostic time
  • Parts sourcing and testing (if applicable)
  • Return shipping back to you

If the device is repairable but you decide not to go forward, the $39 is not refundable — it still covers the professional time we invested.

Can I see exact repair pricing before I pay the deposit?

We provide a pricing overview on our Pricing page with typical ranges for common iPhone and iPad repairs.

Exact pricing depends on your specific model and the type of damage. The diagnostic lets us inspect the device and give you a precise quote — with no surprises.

My device has multiple issues. Can you repair everything at once?

Yes. If your iPhone or iPad has multiple issues (for example, a cracked screen, weak battery, and charging port problem), we can quote and repair them together.

During diagnostics we’ll:

  • Identify each issue
  • Explain what must be fixed now vs. what’s optional
  • Give you a clear, itemized quote so you can choose how far to go

You’re always in control of which repairs we complete.

Devices We Repair & Types of Repairs

Which iPhone and iPad models does Smart Spot Tech repair?

We work on most modern and many older Apple devices, including:

  • iPhone 6 through the latest iPhone Pro and Pro Max models
  • Standard iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro
  • Many school- and business-managed iPads

If you have a rare or very old device, just ask — if we can’t help, we’ll tell you upfront and recommend the best next step.

What are the most common iPhone and iPad repairs you handle?

Our most common Apple device repairs include:

  • Cracked or non-responsive touchscreens
  • LCD / display replacements
  • Charging port and power issues
  • Battery replacements
  • Camera, microphone, and speaker problems
  • Board-level repairs for no-power or no-touch problems
Do you repair liquid-damaged iPhones and iPads?

Yes — Smart Spot Tech does repair liquid-damaged iPhones and iPads.

With liquid damage, every situation is different. In many cases we can:

  • Revive a “dead” or boot-looping device
  • Recover your photos, messages, and data
  • Restore normal daily use when the damage is caught early

Severe corrosion or long-term liquid exposure can limit what’s possible. We’ll inspect the device, show you what we find, and explain realistic options before you decide how to proceed.

Do you offer board-level and micro-soldering repairs?

Yes. We handle many advanced board-level repairs that other shops turn away, including:

  • No power / no image board issues
  • Charging IC, backlight, and other chip-level faults
  • Liquid damage board recovery when possible

These repairs are quoted case-by-case after diagnostics so you know exactly what you’re approving.

Data Safety, Privacy, Warranty & Repair Quality

Will I lose any data when you repair my device?

In almost all standard repairs, your data remains untouched. We do not erase or reset your device unless:

  • There is severe board or storage damage, or
  • You specifically request a factory reset

We always recommend backing up your device when possible — for your own peace of mind, just like any reputable iPhone or iPad repair shop would.

Is my data safe with you? Can I trust Smart Spot Tech with my device?

Yes. We treat your privacy and data security as seriously as the repair itself.

That means:

  • Your photos, messages, and accounts are never browsed through for curiosity.
  • We only access what we need to properly test the repair (for example, opening the camera app or placing a test call).
  • Devices stay inside our secure repair area — not out on public counters.

Smart Spot Tech has repaired thousands of devices over more than a decade. Our reputation depends on trust, and we protect that with every single repair.

Do your repairs come with a warranty?

Yes. We stand behind our parts and our work.

Our standard warranty is:

  • 1-year warranty on most parts and repairs
  • 90-day warranty on battery repairs

The warranty covers defects in parts and our workmanship. It does not cover new physical damage, liquid damage after the repair, or tampering with the device after it leaves our shop.

What if the issue comes back after the repair?

If a problem related to our repair shows up again within the warranty period, contact us. We’ll re-diagnose the device and make it right according to our warranty terms.

Who actually completes the repairs on my device?

All repairs are completed by trained technicians at Smart Spot Tech — we don’t ship your device off to a random third party.

Our team works on iPhones and iPads every day, from simple screen replacements to micro-soldering and liquid damage recovery.

When you mail your device to us, it goes directly into our repair workflow and stays in our hands until it’s on its way back to you.

Business, School & Bulk Device Repairs

Do you work with schools, teams, and businesses for bulk repairs?

Yes. We regularly repair devices for:

  • Schools and education programs
  • Restaurants and delivery services
  • Field service teams and small businesses

If you have a batch of devices, we can discuss bulk pricing and a recurring repair relationship that keeps your fleet up and running.

Can you handle ongoing repair needs for my organization?

Absolutely. We can set up a simple process for repeat mail-ins, priority handling, and clear communication so your team always knows where devices are in the repair pipeline.

To talk about a business or school account, call or text (267) 422-2122 or reach out through our contact page.

Getting Started & Contact

How do I start the mail-in repair process with Smart Spot Tech?

Starting is simple:

  • Checkout with the $39 Diagnostic Deposit on our website
  • Complete the quick Device Intake Form you’re redirected to
  • Use the provided label and packing instructions to ship your device in

Once it arrives, we diagnose it, send your official quote, and begin the repair after you approve.

Can I talk to someone before I mail my device in for repair?

Yes — and we encourage it if you’re unsure about anything.

You can call or text us at (267) 422-2122, or reach out through the chat on our website. You’ll be talking to an actual technician, not a call center script.

Why should I choose Smart Spot Tech for mail-in iPhone and iPad repair?

A few reasons our customers keep coming back:

  • 11+ years of professional device repair experience
  • Mail-in repairs are our specialty — not an afterthought
  • Honest, clear quoting with no surprise add-ons
  • Advanced repairs many shops don’t offer (board-level, liquid damage, etc.)

Our goal is simple: get your device working again quickly, safely, and with zero guesswork — so you can get back to using it, not worrying about it.

Ready to get your device fixed?

Start with the $39 Diagnostic Deposit. We’ll guide you step-by-step from checkout to shipping to repair — and keep you updated the whole way.

Start My Mail-In Repair