Common DIY Phone Repair Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
We get it — you’ve watched a few YouTube videos, ordered a tool kit online, and think “how hard can it be?”
The truth? A few millimetres can be the difference between a perfect repair and a $400 mistake.
Here are some of the most common DIY repair pitfalls we see in our Christchurch workshop — and how to avoid turning a simple fix into a costly one.
Using Cheap or Wrong Parts
Online marketplaces are full of “OEM quality” parts that… aren’t.
Poor-quality screens and batteries can cause flickering displays, short circuits, and even swelling.
We regularly see phones come in after “a quick DIY fix” using a part that failed within weeks.
💡 Tip: Always buy from a verified repair parts supplier — or better yet, let a trusted technician source it for you.
Tearing Cables and Connectors
Modern phones are a maze of tiny flex cables and fragile connectors.
It’s incredibly easy to tear a Face ID, speaker, or camera ribbon when prying open the screen.
Once that happens, you’re looking at another full repair — or sometimes, a permanently disabled feature.
Skipping Battery Safety Steps
Puncturing or bending a lithium battery can cause it to swell or even ignite.
A battery that looks fine on the outside can fail weeks later if it’s been stressed during installation.
That’s why professionals use insulated tools, protective mats, and temperature-safe adhesives.
Forgetting Dust, Adhesive, and Seals
That tiny speck of dust you didn’t notice during reassembly? It’ll show up forever under your new screen.
And missing or reusing waterproof seals can lead to moisture damage — especially in humid or rainy Canterbury weather.
Not Testing Before Closing Up
Many DIY repairs go smoothly… until the screen’s back on and you realise the camera or speaker no longer works.
Technicians always test every function before sealing the device — display, sound, touch, and sensors — to avoid surprises.
When It’s Worth Doing It Yourself
If it’s something external — like swapping a SIM tray, cleaning a charge port, or replacing a simple back cover — DIY can be fine.
But for anything involving heat, adhesives, or internal components, it’s safer (and often cheaper in the long run) to leave it to a professional.
At Phone Repair NZ
We see the aftermath of DIY gone wrong almost weekly — but we also help fix it.
If you’ve started a repair and hit a snag, bring it in.
We’ll diagnose the issue and finish it properly, usually within a few hours.