Motherboard Repair Policy:
Motherboard Repairs
When you leave your iPhone with us for a motherboard repair, you are trusting us to work on the phone’s main board, the part that controls everything in your device. Motherboard repairs fix major issues like your phone not turning on, not charging, or other serious problems. These repairs are very technical, and success is not guaranteed; sometimes the phone may not work even after the repair. A deposit is required, which goes toward the repair cost, but it is non-refundable. Most repairs are completed in 3–5 business days, though some may take up to 12 days or need to be done off-site. If you cancel, you must provide at least 3 business days’ notice, and the deposit cannot be returned. By leaving your phone, you understand and accept the risks, process, and limitations of motherboard repair and data recovery.
Data Recovery and Passcodes
Device access is only required for specific motherboard-level repairs where we must properly verify the issue and confirm the fix. Not every repair requires a passcode, but some problems do, such as checking if the phone stays on during a 30-minute YouTube video, making sure it charges correctly, confirming Wi-Fi or signal stability, testing Bluetooth, opening the cameras, verifying Face ID, or ensuring the device no longer freezes or restarts. These tests require temporary access to basic functions only. Your privacy is always protected: we never open, view, or save your personal data, messages, photos, or accounts.
For data recovery, providing the passcode is mandatory, as it is the only way to access and retrieve your information securely.
If the passcode is not provided, we will complete as much of the repair as possible, but certain functions cannot be fully tested. At best, we can only assume features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, signal strength, charging behavior, camera operation, or screen responsiveness are working; we cannot verify them without access. Hidden issues may remain, and additional charges may apply if the device must be returned for follow-up diagnostics or repair.
If you choose not to provide the passcode, and the device allows, it is recommended that you perform a factory reset after backing up all data before submitting it for repair. In this case, we can attempt the repair and properly test all functions with no issues.
Why a Motherboard Sometimes Can’t Be Repaired
The motherboard is like the brain of your phone. Some parts, like the CPU (the main processor), are very sensitive and permanently damaged if something goes wrong. If the CPU is damaged, the phone cannot function properly, and there’s no way to replace it. Other critical parts may also fail in a way that cannot be repaired, which means the phone may remain unusable even after a repair attempt. If the phone got very wet or dropped hard, and the CPU is fried. Even with a motherboard repair, the phone will not turn on or work correctly.
Additional or Unknown Issues
Some repairs, like motherboard repair or data recovery, may uncover other problems that weren’t obvious at first. We will contact you before doing any extra work.
Examples:
- Your phone doesn’t turn on. After a motherboard repair, it powers on, but the screen is broken.
- Battery doesn’t charge properly. After repair, the camera still doesn’t work.
If you want us to fix these extra issues, we may offer discounted rates for the additional repairs.
Warranty
A warranty covers standard repairs for defective parts under normal use. Motherboard repairs are covered by a 45-day warranty for the specific repair completed. For defective repairs covered by warranty, Big Time Phone Repair will cover return shipping for replacement or correction.
Warranty does not cover:
- Pre-existing or unrelated damage
- Mishandling or water damage
- Software-related defects
- Additional issues discovered after initial repair
- Water damage, damage, or cracks to the screen
Mail-in Policy and Shipping
Customers are responsible for securely packaging and shipping their device via UPS to Big Time Phone Repair, including a prepaid UPS return label. Big Time Phone Repair is not responsible for loss or damage during shipping. Please securely pack your device in sturdy packaging, using bubble wrap or other protective material to prevent damage. Include your prepaid UPS return shipping label inside the box. We recommend purchasing optional shipping insurance from UPS for your device’s value. Repair turnaround times (excluding shipping) are:
- Non-Motherboard Repairs: 2–3 business days.
- Motherboard, data recovery, or water damage repairs: 1–2 weeks.
Customers will be notified if additional time is required.
Part Quality
All repairs are completed using high-quality OEM or equivalent parts. Aftermarket parts are not used for mail-in repairs.
Mail-In Repair FAQ
1. How do I ship my device for repair?
Ship your device securely via UPS with a prepaid return label included. Ensure it’s well–packaged to prevent damage during transit.
2. How long will my repair take?
- Non-motherboard repairs: 1–2 business days
- Motherboard, water damage, or data recovery: 1–2 weeks
Shipping time is additional.
3. Are my data and files safe?
We are not responsible for lost data. Please back up all data before sending your device if possible. Certain repairs, like data recovery, require a passcode.
4. What parts do you use for repairs?
We use high-quality OEM or equivalent parts. Aftermarket parts are not used for mail-in repairs.
5. Is there a warranty on repairs?
Yes. Standard repairs have a limited warranty for defective parts under normal use. Motherboard repairs have a 45-day warranty. Warranty does not cover unrelated or pre-existing damage.
6. What if additional issues are found?
If new issues are discovered, we’ll contact you for approval before performing additional repairs. Discounted rates may apply for extra repairs.
7. Are deposits refundable?
No. Downpayments or diagnostic deposits are non-refundable but will be applied as credit toward the repair cost.
8. What if my motherboard cannot be repaired?
Motherboard repairs are complex and not guaranteed. If repair or data recovery is not possible, your device will be returned securely.
9. What happens if my device is damaged or lost during shipping?
Customers are responsible for shipping. We recommend using UPS with tracking. Big Time Phone Repair is not responsible for loss or damage in transit.