The Dangers of Fixing Your Apple Devices at Unauthorized Service Shops
You're walking down the street and you see a sign that reads "iPhone / MacBook Repair." The guy in the shop looks friendly enough, and he says he can fix your cracked screen for a fraction of the price that the Apple Store would charge. So, you hand over your phone and wait for him to do his magic. But what you don't realize is that this seemingly innocuous decision could have serious consequences for both your phone and your safety. Here's why you should never fix your iPhone at an unauthorized service shop.
KNOCK-OFF PARTS
These types of shops often use counterfeit or knock-off parts. Not only are these parts not up to Apple's standards, but they also void your warranty. In other words, if something goes wrong with your device after getting it repaired at an unauthorized shop, you're on your own.
NOT HAVING APPLE-CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS
They often hire unqualified technicians. Sure, anyone can replace a cracked iPhone screen. But if there's something wrong with the internal components of your device, you want to make sure it's being repaired by someone who knows what they're doing. Otherwise, you could end up causing more damage to your device—and having to pay even more money to get it fixed.
WRONG TOOLS
Unauthorized repair shops often don't have the proper tools and equipment to properly fix your device. This means that even if the technician does know what they're doing, they might not have access to the right tools and equipment to do the job properly.
YOUR PHONE COULD BE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR
When you take your Apple device to an unauthorized service shop, you are taking a very big risk. These shops are not held to the same standards as authorized Apple service providers, which means they often use subpar parts and tools. As a result, your phone could be damaged beyond repair. In some cases, the damage may be cosmetic, but in others, it could affect the performance of your phone or even render it unusable.
STOLEN PERSONAL DATA
Another reason to avoid unauthorized iPhone repair shops is that you could be putting your personal data at risk. When you hand over your phone to a stranger, you are essentially giving them access to all of your personal information—including your contacts, photos, emails, and more. Even if the person working on your phone is honest, there's no guarantee that their tools are safe from malware or other malicious software that could infect your device.
IT MIGHT BE A SCAM
There's always the possibility that you won't get your Apple device back at all. This is especially true if you leave it with an unlicensed repairman who operates out of a van or other temporary location. If something goes wrong or if the repair doesn't go as planned, you may never see your phone again—and good luck getting a refund!
MAY END UP PAYING MORE
If you take your Apple devices to an unauthorized service shop, chances are they'll overcharge you for the repairs. They know that you're not familiar with the going rates for repairs and they'll take advantage of that. On the other hand, if you go to an authorized Apple service center, you can be sure that you're being charged a fair price for the repairs.
FURTHER DAMAGE
When you take your device to an unauthorized service shop, there's no guarantee that the person repairing it knows what they're doing. As a result, they could end up doing more damage to your device than there was originally. If you take your device to an authorized Apple service center, you can rest assured that it will be repaired by a trained professional who knows what they're doing.
CONCLUSION
The next time your Apple device needs repairs, make sure to take it to an Apple Authorized Service Providers. While it might be tempting to save some money by going to an unauthorized service shop, it's simply not worth the risk. With so many dangers involved, it's better to play it safe and go with a trusted technicians who knows what they're doing.