Every repair shop talks about a warranty, but they don't all mean the same thing. Knowing what is usually covered, and what your rights are under Australian law, helps you compare quotes properly.

What a repair warranty usually covers

The part that was replaced. For example, if a new screen develops lines, dead pixels or touch problems on its own, or a new battery won't hold charge.
The workmanship. For example, a connector that wasn't seated properly, or a screen that lifts because it wasn't sealed well.

What it usually doesn't cover

New accidental damage. If the phone is dropped and the new screen cracks, that's a new repair.
Liquid damage after the repair. A phone that has been opened shouldn't be treated as water-resistant, so keep it away from water.
Other parts. A screen warranty doesn't cover a battery that wears out, or a charging port that fails later.
Repairs by someone else. If another shop opens the phone afterwards, the original repairer usually can't cover it.

Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law

When you pay for a repair in Australia, the service must be provided with due care and skill, and the parts must be of acceptable quality. These are consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law, and they apply on top of any warranty the shop offers. A shop can't remove them with fine print.

If a repair has a major problem, you may be entitled to choose a refund or have it fixed again at no cost. For minor problems, the business can choose to fix it within a reasonable time. You can learn more from the ACCC or NSW Fair Trading.

Questions to ask before you book

How long is the warranty, and does it differ between part types (for example LCD and OLED screens)?
Does it cover the part, the labour, or both?
What do I need to do to make a claim? Do I need my receipt or reference number?
If the repair fails, how quickly can you fix it?

Keep your paperwork

Keep your receipt or booking reference, and note the date of the repair. If something goes wrong, contact the repairer straight away and avoid letting anyone else open the phone in the meantime.

Testing at handover

A good repairer tests the phone before handing it back, and you should too. Check touch across the whole screen, calls, speakers, cameras, Face ID or fingerprint, and charging before you leave. Reporting a problem straight away makes a warranty claim simple.

Common questions

Does a repair void my manufacturer's warranty?

A repair by an independent shop may affect what the manufacturer will cover afterwards. If your phone is still under the manufacturer's warranty and the fault isn't caused by damage, check with the manufacturer first. For accidental damage, which isn't covered by manufacturer warranties, an independent repair is often the faster and cheaper option.

Is a longer warranty always better?

Not on its own. A long warranty with lots of exclusions can be worth less than a shorter, clear one. Check what is covered, not just how long.

What counts as a "major failure" under consumer law?

Broadly, a problem is major if a reasonable person wouldn't have paid for the repair had they known about it, or if the repair is unsafe or doesn't do what it was meant to. The ACCC website has examples.

Do I need the original receipt?

Proof of purchase helps, such as a receipt, invoice, bank statement or booking reference. Keep whatever you were given.

What if the same fault comes back?

Contact the repairer as soon as you notice it, and don't let anyone else open the phone in the meantime. That keeps your warranty claim straightforward.

Is water damage ever covered?

Liquid damage after a repair isn't normally covered, because an opened phone is no longer reliably water-resistant. Treat any repaired phone as not water-resistant.

Can I get a refund instead of a second repair?

For major failures, the Australian Consumer Law may entitle you to choose a refund. For minor problems, the repairer can usually choose to fix it.

Our warranty

Read what's covered with us on our warranty page. If you have a question about a repair we did, contact us.

What Does a Phone Repair Warranty Cover?