Quick answer: Before any repair, back up photos, contacts, WhatsApp chats and important files to your Google account, iCloud, a computer or a memory card, and note your screen lock and account details. Most repairs do not erase data, but a backup protects you. Junaid Telecom & Repairing Lab, Chiniot: ask on WhatsApp 0345 7599995.
Why bother if the repair is only a screen or battery?
Screen and battery replacements usually leave data intact. But a backup is still wise because:
- Water-damaged or dropped phones may fail to start after repair.
- Software faults sometimes need a reset or reflash, which erases data.
- Phones can be lost, damaged or mixed up anywhere; a backup protects you in every case.
Think of backup as insurance that costs nothing if you do it at home.
The 10-minute backup checklist
| Item | How to back it up |
|---|---|
| Photos and videos | Google Photos, iCloud Photos, or copy to a computer or a USB OTG drive |
| Contacts | Sync with your Google or Apple account; check they appear online |
| WhatsApp chats | WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup, then confirm the last backup time |
| Files, PDFs, documents | Google Drive, iCloud Drive, or copy to a computer |
| Messages (SMS) | Use your phone’s own backup or a trusted backup app |
| App data and settings | Android: Google backup in Settings; iPhone: iCloud backup or a computer backup |
| Authenticator codes | Make sure two-factor codes can be recovered or moved to a new device |
| Banking and wallet apps | Know your login and recovery details |
Open the backup from another device (a computer, a second phone or a web browser) to confirm that photos and contacts really arrived.
What if my storage is full?
A full phone often cannot back up. Free some space first by deleting duplicate downloads, or copy videos to a computer. Our guide on fixing a full phone storage explains an easy way to do it.
What if I can’t back up because the phone barely works?
If the screen is dead but the phone vibrates or is detected by a computer, there may still be options. Tell the technician immediately that your data matters and do not attempt to reset the phone yourself. Do not let anyone factory reset it unless you have approved it.
Account details to write down
Repair shops often need to test the phone after the repair, and some phones lock to an account.
- Your screen lock (PIN, pattern or password), if the technician needs it. Share it only with the technician and change it after the repair if you want to.
- Your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPhone), so the phone can be set up again if it restarts.
- On iPhones, Find My may need to be turned off for certain repairs; ask beforehand.
- Your SIM PIN, if it is enabled.
Do not leave account passwords on a slip of paper with the shop. Know them, and change important ones afterward if you shared anything.
Privacy tips when handing over your phone
- Remove SIM and memory card unless the technician needs them. They hold contacts, bank links and files.
- Log out of sensitive apps such as banking or wallets, or hide them using the app lock.
- Turn off previews of messages on the lock screen.
- Ask the technician to test in front of you and to avoid opening your gallery or chats.
- Keep a note of the phone’s IMEI (dial *#06#).
- Ask for a receipt or written note of the fault and the agreed repair.
Things that are not necessary
- You rarely need to remove your Google or Apple account for a normal repair. Ask if it is needed.
- You do not need to give the technician personal passwords (for email or banking).
After the repair
- Switch on and test calls, mobile data, Wi-Fi, camera, speaker, microphone, charging and fingerprint or face unlock.
- Check that your photos and chats are still present.
- Change your phone lock or account passwords if you shared them.
- Take a fresh backup, so you are covered next time.
How do I choose a repair shop that respects my data?
Pick a shop where the technician explains the work, tests in front of you and speaks openly about what could go wrong. See our guide on choosing a trustworthy repair shop in Chiniot.
Visit Junaid Telecom
If you plan a repair, message first and describe the fault. The Repairing Lab can tell you what to bring and what to prepare.
Junaid Telecom & Repairing Lab, Madrasa Banat Road, Mohalla Garah, Dhol Sikandar, Chiniot. Open daily 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Repairing Lab WhatsApp: 0345 7599995
- Owner WhatsApp: 0345 7701965
- Staff WhatsApp: 0348 8651965