Category Archives: phone repairing

5 Signs Your Samsung Battery Needs Replacing (Not Your Whole Phone)

Posted on by Fran
20 May

It’s one of the most common conversations we have at Phone Heroes. Someone comes in ready to buy a new Samsung, convinced their current phone is on its last legs. Nine times out of ten, the phone is perfectly fine — it’s just the battery that needs replacing.

Battery degradation is a normal part of owning a smartphone. Every lithium-ion battery has a finite number of charge cycles, and after a couple of years of daily use, performance starts to slip. The good news is that a battery replacement is one of the quickest and most affordable repairs you can have done — and it can make a phone that feels sluggish and unreliable feel brand new again.

Here are five clear signs that your Samsung battery needs replacing.

1. Your Phone Dies Long Before the End of the Day

If your Samsung used to easily last a full day on a single charge but is now dead by mid-afternoon — even with normal use — battery degradation is almost certainly the cause. As a battery ages, its capacity to hold a charge reduces. A battery that once had 4,000mAh of capacity might only be delivering 2,500mAh after two years of heavy use. No amount of turning off Background App Refresh or lowering screen brightness will fix a battery that can no longer hold a meaningful charge.

2. The Battery Percentage Drops Suddenly

Does your Samsung show 40% battery and then drop to 15% within minutes? Or does it shut down unexpectedly while still showing charge remaining? This is a classic sign of a degraded battery that can no longer accurately report its own charge level. The battery management system relies on the battery performing within expected parameters — when it can’t, the readings become unreliable and the phone shuts down to protect itself.

3. The Phone Gets Unusually Hot During Charging or Use

All phones produce some heat during charging and processor-intensive tasks. But if your Samsung is getting noticeably hot — not just warm — during normal use or while on the charger, the battery may be working harder than it should to compensate for reduced capacity. In some cases, excessive heat during charging can also indicate a problem with the charging dock rather than the battery itself, so it’s worth getting both checked.

4. The Phone Takes Much Longer to Charge Than It Used To

A significantly longer charging time — particularly if you’re using the same charger and cable as always — can indicate a deteriorating battery. As cells degrade, they can struggle to accept a charge at the normal rate. If you’ve already ruled out a faulty cable and the problem persists, the battery is the most likely culprit.

5. The Back of Your Phone Looks Slightly Raised or Bulging

This one is urgent. If the back of your Samsung has started to bow outwards or the screen is being pushed away from the body slightly, stop using the phone immediately and bring it in for repair. A swollen battery is a sign of internal gas build-up and poses a genuine safety risk. Do not attempt to charge a phone with a swollen battery. At Phone Heroes, we can safely remove and replace a swollen battery — but please do not delay if you notice this symptom.

How Long Does a Samsung Battery Replacement Take?

At Phone Heroes London, a Samsung battery replacement typically takes around 45 minutes. We carry stock for a wide range of Samsung models — from the Galaxy S-series through to the A-series and J-series — and we use quality replacement batteries that come with our standard One-Year Warranty.

It’s a fraction of the cost of a new phone, and in most cases, once the battery is replaced, the device performs just as well as it did when it was new.

Still Not Sure? Come In for a Free Diagnosis

If you’re not certain whether the issue is the battery or something else, bring your Samsung into our Earl’s Court store. Our technicians will carry out a free diagnosis and let you know exactly what’s wrong before recommending any repair. No hidden charges, no pressure — just honest, expert advice.

We’re open 7 days a week. Call us on 020 3397 7407 or use our online booking form to reserve a time that suits you.

Samsung Screen Cracked? Here’s What You Should Do Next (And What to Avoid)

Posted on by Fran
20 May

It happens faster than you’d expect. Your Samsung slips from your hand, bounces off the corner of a desk, and you pick it up to find a spider’s web of cracks spreading across the display. It’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a phone you rely on every single day.

Before you panic — or make the mistake of rushing to the nearest repair shop without thinking it through — here’s exactly what you should do, and what you should avoid, when your Samsung screen cracks.

Step 1: Don’t Keep Using It on a Cracked Screen

This sounds obvious, but most people carry on using their phone as normal after a crack appears. The problem is that a cracked screen isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Over time, pressure from normal use can cause the crack to spread, allow moisture to get in, and — in some cases — damage the AMOLED display beneath. What starts as a hairline crack can quickly turn into a full display replacement job.

If the crack is minor and the screen is still responding normally, try to minimise use until you can get it repaired. If the screen has gone dark, is flickering, or is unresponsive in places, get it looked at straight away.

Step 2: Back Up Your Data Immediately

Before you hand your Samsung to anyone for repair, back up your photos, contacts and important files. Most Samsung devices support backup via Samsung Cloud or Google Drive — you can set this up in Settings > Accounts and Backup. If the screen is badly damaged and you can’t navigate the menus, Samsung’s Smart Switch app (installed on a PC or Mac) can still access and back up the phone via USB even with a cracked screen.

This step is critical. A reputable repair shop will not touch your personal data, but it’s always sensible to have a backup in place before any repair work begins.

Step 3: Understand What You Actually Need — Screen, LCD, or Both?

There’s an important distinction between a cracked glass layer and a damaged AMOLED or LCD panel underneath. If your display still shows a clear image and responds to touch normally, it’s likely just the outer glass that’s cracked — and this is a relatively straightforward and affordable fix. If you’re seeing black patches, colour bleed, lines across the display, or areas that don’t respond to touch, the display panel itself is damaged.

At Phone Heroes London, our technicians will assess your Samsung screen in-store and give you a clear diagnosis before any work begins — so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Step 4: Avoid DIY Repair Kits

YouTube makes Samsung screen replacement look deceptively simple. In reality, modern Samsung devices — particularly the S-series and A-series — use high-quality AMOLED panels that are tightly integrated with the chassis. Getting the screen off without the right tools and experience frequently results in further damage to the display, the adhesive seal, or the waterproofing. A repair that started as a £80 job can turn into a £200 job very quickly.

Unless you’re experienced with phone repairs, leave it to a professional. You’ll almost certainly save money in the long run.

Step 5: Choose a Repair Shop That Offers a Warranty

Not all repair shops are equal. When choosing where to take your Samsung, always ask about the warranty on parts and labour. At Phone Heroes London, every Samsung screen repair comes with our One-Year Warranty as standard. We use quality replacement parts and our technicians are experienced across the full Samsung range — from the Galaxy S-series to the A-series and J-series.

Most Samsung screen repairs at Phone Heroes take around one hour, and we offer a walk-in service as well as a same-day courier option across London. You don’t need to be without your phone for days.

The Bottom Line

A cracked Samsung screen is stressful, but it’s one of the most common and fixable phone problems we see every day. The key is to act quickly, back up your data, and find a trusted repair shop that uses quality parts and offers a warranty. If you’re in or around London, bring your Samsung into Phone Heroes at Earl’s Court and one of our technicians will have it assessed in minutes.

Call us on 020 3397 7407 or book online — we’re open 7 days a week.

Dropped Your Phone in Water? Do These 5 Things in the Next 10 Minutes

Posted on by Fran
28 Apr

Dropped Your Phone in Water? Do These 5 Things in the Next 10 Minutes

It happens in an instant. One moment your phone is fine, the next it’s at the bottom of the toilet, the kitchen sink, a puddle, or — the classic — a glass of water on the nightstand. Your heart sinks. You fish it out and stare at it, hoping for a miracle.

Here’s the truth: water damage is one of the most recoverable phone problems — but only if you act fast and do the right things. The next 10 minutes are critical. Here’s exactly what to do.

Why the First 10 Minutes Matter So Much

Water itself doesn’t fry your phone — the electricity passing through wet components does. The moment water bridges a circuit, it causes short circuits that permanently damage the logic board, charging circuits, and cameras. The faster you act to stop that process, the better your chances of saving the device.

Modern phones have water-resistance ratings (like IP67 or IP68), but these degrade over time and don’t cover submersion beyond test conditions. Don’t rely on it.

5 Steps to Take Immediately

1. Power it off straight away

This is the single most important step. If your phone is still on, hold the power button and switch it off immediately. Do not plug it in to check if it charges. Do not try to unlock it. Every second it’s powered on with water inside increases the risk of short-circuit damage.

If the screen is unresponsive and you can’t turn it off, hold the power and volume buttons simultaneously to force a restart or shutdown.

2. Remove the SIM card, case, and any accessories

Pop the SIM tray out and set it aside. Remove your case. Unplug any accessories like headphones or charging cables. The goal is to expose as many openings as possible to allow drainage and airflow.

If you have a phone with a removable battery (older Android phones), remove it immediately.

3. Gently dry the exterior — but avoid heat

Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to blot (not rub) moisture from the surface. Pay attention to the charging port, speaker grilles, and SIM slot. Tilt the phone gently to encourage any pooled water to drain out of the ports.

Do NOT use a hairdryer, oven, microwave, or any heat source. Heat warps internal components and causes more damage than the water itself.

4. Do NOT put it in rice — here’s why

The rice trick is one of the most persistent myths in phone repair. Rice is a poor desiccant — it absorbs very little moisture and does so very slowly. Worse, rice dust and starch particles can get inside your phone through the ports and cause additional problems.

If you want to use a desiccant, silica gel packets (the ones you find in shoe boxes and packaging) are significantly more effective. But ideally, skip the DIY drying entirely and get to a repair shop as fast as possible.

5. Get to a repair shop as quickly as you can

The professional treatment for water damage involves ultrasonic cleaning of the logic board and internal components — something you cannot replicate at home. The sooner a technician can clean and assess the internals, the higher the chance of full recovery.

At Phone Heroes, we offer water damage treatment for iPhones, Samsung devices, iPads, and other smartphones. Walk in — no appointment needed.

What Our Technicians Do for Water-Damaged Phones

When you bring a water-damaged phone to us, here’s what happens:

  1. We open the device and visually assess the damage, looking for corrosion, burn marks, and saturated components.
  2. We use an ultrasonic cleaner — a device that uses high-frequency sound waves in a cleaning solution to remove mineral deposits, corrosion, and residue from the board at a microscopic level.
  3. The board and components are dried in a controlled environment.
  4. We reassemble and test all functions — screen, cameras, speakers, microphone, Touch ID/Face ID, and charging.
  5. If specific components are damaged beyond recovery, we’ll tell you clearly and give options.

Can All Water-Damaged Phones Be Saved?

Honestly — not always. The outcome depends on how long the phone was submerged, what type of liquid it was (salt water and sugary drinks are more corrosive than clean water), and how quickly you acted.

Phones brought in within a few hours have the best outcomes. Phones that were left wet for days, or that were powered on repeatedly after getting wet, are harder to recover. But we’ve successfully revived devices that seemed completely dead — it’s always worth bringing it in for assessment.

We always give you a free diagnosis before quoting for any repair. If we can’t fix it, we’ll tell you honestly.

How Much Does Water Damage Repair Cost in London?

Costs vary depending on the extent of the damage and which components need attention. A diagnostic clean for a recently dropped phone typically starts from a reasonable flat fee. More complex repairs — where the charging board or camera has been damaged — will cost more. We’ll always give you a clear quote before starting any paid work.

Dropped your phone in water? Don’t wait. Walk into Phone Heroes, Earl’s Court Station — we’ll assess it immediately. +44 20 3397 7407

Is Your iPhone Battery Draining Too Fast? 7 Signs You Need a Replacement (Not a New Phone)

Posted on by Fran
27 Apr

Is Your iPhone Battery Draining Too Fast? 7 Signs You Need a Replacement (Not a New Phone)

Your iPhone was working perfectly six months ago. Now it’s dead by 2pm, even after a full charge. You’ve turned off Background App Refresh, lowered the screen brightness, and still — nothing seems to help.

Before you convince yourself it’s time for a new phone, read this. In the majority of cases, a dying iPhone is a dying battery — and a battery replacement costs a fraction of a new handset. Here’s how to know for sure.

How to Check Your iPhone Battery Health in 30 Seconds

Apple gives you a built-in way to check your battery’s condition:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap Battery
  3. Tap Battery Health & Charging

You’ll see a percentage under ‘Maximum Capacity’. A brand-new battery is 100%. Apple considers anything below 80% to be ‘significantly degraded’. If you’re at 79% or below, your phone will almost certainly be struggling.

iPhone tip: if you see a message saying ‘Your battery’s health is significantly degraded’, Apple is effectively telling you a replacement is overdue.

7 Signs Your Battery Needs Replacing — Not Your Phone

1. Your battery health is below 80%

As mentioned above, this is the clearest indicator. Below 80%, your battery can no longer hold enough charge to power the phone efficiently. Performance throttling kicks in to prevent unexpected shutdowns — which means a slower phone on top of faster drain.

2. Your phone shuts off randomly — especially below 30%

A healthy battery can supply the peak current your phone needs for demanding tasks. A degraded battery can’t — so when your phone demands a burst of power (opening the camera, loading a heavy app), the battery voltage drops suddenly and the phone shuts itself off as a protection measure. This is a classic sign of a worn cell.

3. Charging takes much longer than it used to

A degraded battery charges more slowly because its internal resistance has increased. If your phone used to go from 20% to full in about 90 minutes and now takes three hours, the battery is the most likely culprit.

4. Your phone gets unusually warm during normal use

Some warmth during heavy use (gaming, video calls) is normal. But if your phone gets noticeably warm just browsing the web or scrolling through Instagram, the battery is working inefficiently and generating excess heat. This also accelerates further battery degradation — it’s a cycle worth breaking early.

5. The battery percentage jumps erratically

Goes from 45% to 20% in minutes, then holds steady, then drops again? This is your battery’s charge measurement becoming unreliable. The cells inside have degraded unevenly and can no longer accurately report remaining capacity. The software is essentially guessing.

6. Your phone is more than two years old

Li-ion batteries have a finite number of charge cycles — Apple rates iPhone batteries for approximately 500 full cycles before capacity drops below 80%. For most users, that’s roughly two years of daily charging. If your iPhone is 2.5 to 3 years old and you’ve never replaced the battery, there’s a very good chance the cell is at or below this threshold.

7. Low Power Mode is permanently on

If you find yourself switching on Low Power Mode before noon just to get through the day, that’s not a usage problem — that’s a battery problem. Low Power Mode is a useful emergency tool, but it shouldn’t be a permanent setting on a healthy phone.

Battery Replacement vs Buying a New Phone — Real Cost Comparison

Let’s be direct about the numbers. A battery replacement at Phone Heroes is a small fraction of the cost of a new handset. Consider:

  • iPhone 13 battery replacement: significantly less than £100 in most cases
  • iPhone 14 Pro battery replacement: still far below the cost of any new model
  • New iPhone 15: upwards of £799 — even the base model

In almost every case, if your phone is otherwise working well — good screen, decent camera, working Face ID — a battery replacement will return it to like-new performance for a fraction of the upgrade cost. It’s the single best-value repair you can make to an aging iPhone.

How Long Does a Battery Replacement Take at Phone Heroes?

For most iPhone models, a battery replacement takes under an hour. You can wait in-store while we do it. We use high-quality cells and test everything before handing your phone back — including running the phone through a charge cycle to confirm the battery health reading resets correctly.

Works for Samsung and Other Android Phones Too

Everything above applies equally to Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixels, OnePlus, and most other Android devices. Android phones show battery degradation in the same ways — random shutdowns, slow charging, excessive heat, erratic percentages.

We replace batteries across all major Android brands. If you’re not sure whether we cover your model, just walk in and ask — diagnosis is always free.

Walk in for a free battery health check — no appointment needed. Phone Heroes, Earl’s Court Station, SW5 9SY. Call: +44 20 3397 7407

Fixing Any Smartphone is Now More Convenient with Phone Heroes in London by Your Side!

Posted on by Fran
smartphone repair london
11 May

Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Apart from balancing our job lives, smartphones also perform minor tasks in our lives. Similarly, we use an alarm clock to wake up and check our social media accounts before going to bed. Because of cell phones, all of this is possible. By stating that when our smartphone malfunctions or suffers an accident as a result of mistreatment, it affects our way of life. Nonetheless, with the fast expansion of smartphone users, nearly all smartphone manufacturers have established service centers in as many convenient locations as feasible. Even in the United Kingdom, many people work in these service centers and use their services for repairs. So, if you’re in search of places for phone repair in London, Phone Heroes is the optimum place you can look for!

Phone Heroes London is an electronic gadget repairing shops c BHI Shain who are expertise in repairing phones in London. And appropriately so, because of the fivefold perks, they provide to their customers. Being a London-based firm, Phone Heroes has expertise in repairing a vast range of gadgets, from cell phones to tablets and laptops. The perks they provide to their customers include,

• They understand the precious value of your time. Therefore, Phone Heroes London usually tends to give your device back to you after repairs on the same day.
• Some parts of MacBooks or iPhones are expensive enough, so if you have to replace the whole device, it would cost you a lot. Therefore, they usually diagnose the device properly and fix that exact part that malfunctions. Sometimes replacing it.
• Moreover, they provide you with one year warranty on the repaired parts. Hence, you can come to us and get your servicing done free of cost if something happens to that part in between.
• The price they charge is also reasonable, compared to the market price. Therefore, no more crunch in your pocket when you fix your phone.

The best place for mobile repairs in London, Phone Heroes, has outlets all over the UK. Nonetheless, you can visit their website and book an appointment via call or email. Finally, get your smartphone servicing done with ease!