Unfortunately, we have all been there when it comes to accidentally dropping a phone, or settings just not working as they should. Keep reading to figure out how to get your Three device back up and running again!
Reset your phone
It is important to remember that phones are just like computers, and they require regular restarts. If your phone isn't behaving quite as it should, we recommend you try the below simple tips:
- Be careful of what apps you download, as many apps conflict directly with the operation of the phone, just like downloading programmes onto a computer. Regularly delete unused apps.
- Phones should be restarted every 48 hours or so, as they can't reset themselves.
- Regularly install manufacturer updates, as these help to resolve bugs.
- To save battery life, you should close apps that are not in use, as well as turning Wi-Fi or Bluetooth off.
- If none of the above help try resetting your device. Click here to access more information about resetting your device. Select your device for a step by step guide.
If the above steps don't help to get your phone back up and running, you'll need to send your phone away for repair. Before you do there are a few things you'll need to do to ensure that the repair goes smoothly, you'll need to back up your device, remove any security codes and switch off any find my phone features.
Back-up your device
Before looking into having your phone repaired, the most important thing to do is back up all of your phone data. This means you won’t run the risk of losing any of your photos or contacts. Cloud services like iCloud or backing up to your Google account will do the trick. Try connecting your phone to your PC or laptop using a USB cable if you can’t switch it on to complete the back-up. Also, if you have an iPhone, remember to switch off Find My iPhone before sending your phone for repair.
Remove your security code
Altering your security code can be done through your device's settings. Click here to access more information about removing your security code.
Switch off Find My iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name > Find My.
- Tap Find My [Device], then tap to turn it off.
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- Tap Turn Off.
Head to your nearest Three store
Once you have backed up your data, pop along to your nearest Three store by clicking here, and our Retail team will be happy to send your phone to our repair partner, Fonfix, where their certified engineers will assess and diagnose your phone within 10 working days. Wherever possible, we will try to provide you with a loan phone, if there is one available. A €100 deposit will be required for this service, which will be refunded to you upon return of the phone.
Premium Repair Service
We have a premium repair service available through our repair partner, Fonfix. Follow the steps below to sign up:
- Click here to visit the Fonfix website and perform a warranty check on your phone.
- Fonfix will then arrange to collect your phone from a location of your choosing.
- When it is time to return your phone to you, you can choose where it is delivered.
- The cost of this premium service is €10 for nationwide collection service, or if you require a same-day service and are based in the Dublin area, the cost is €15. All payments are made directly to Fonfix.
Tracking your repair
It’s very easy to track the status of your repair, visit this page and enter your IMEI, serial number, or customer reference number, which will be provided to you when you book in your phone repair in-store.
How much will my repair cost?
This depends on if your phone is within the manufacturer's guarantee period or not. Take a look below to see the various manufacturer guarantee periods:
12 months
- Apple – device damage
- Doro
- Motorola
- Mint Plus
- Huawei broadband routers/modems
24 months
- Alcatel
- HTC
- Huawei phones
- Nokia
- OnePlus
- Razer
- Samsung
- Sony TCL
- Xiaomi
If your phone is outside the manufacturer's guarantee period or if there is damage caused by water or physical damage, then our repair partner Fonfix will contact you with a quote for the repair. If you are happy to proceed with the quote, you can make the relevant payment to Fonfix and your phone will be repaired and returned to you. If not, your phone will be returned without any work being carried out.
Insured?
If you have your phone insured, then contact your insurance company ASAP, who will guide you through the necessary steps. If you want to protect your phone against potential future damage or theft, click here to read our blog about Three insurance.
Time for an upgrade?
Sometimes phones simply cannot be brought back from the dead, especially if they have been water damaged. Or, the cost associated with repairing the phone doesn’t seem worth it. Make sure to check your upgrade eligibility on My3 to see if it’s time to start browsing our online shop for a new phone.
If you still have a question, just leave a comment below and one of our 3Community Moderators will be happy to assist you! 😊