1. Back up while you still can

If the device switches on and works, make a backup before handing it over. Most repairs don't touch your stored data, but some faults and some repairs put it at risk.

Mac (MacBook, iMac, Mac mini)

Use Time Machine with an external drive, or make sure the files you need are synced to iCloud Drive or another cloud service and have finished uploading.

iPhone and iPad

Use iCloud Backup in Settings, or back up to a computer with Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app or iTunes (Windows). Check that the backup finished and shows today's date.

Apple Watch

Apple Watch content is backed up to its paired iPhone, so a current iPhone backup also protects the watch.

2. If it won't turn on

Resist the urge to keep trying. Repeated power attempts, different chargers and forced restarts can make some faults worse — and the device may hold the only copy of important files.

Don't reset, erase or reinstall the operating system to try to fix it. If the data matters, read our data recovery guide first.

3. After liquid damage

Act quickly, but carefully:

  • Switch the device off if it's still on, and don't switch it back on to test it
  • Unplug it and don't charge it
  • Don't use a hair dryer, heater or other heat source
  • Don't put it in rice — it doesn't remove liquid from inside the device
  • Note what the liquid was (water, tea, juice, seawater…) and roughly when it happened

Corrosion continues after the outside looks dry, so bring it in as soon as you can.

4. Passcodes, Find My and accounts

Never include a password or passcode in the booking form, an email or a chat message. Some tests need the device unlocked; if that applies to your repair, we'll explain why and agree how it's handled in person.

Ask us before turning off Find My. Whether it needs switching off depends on the repair. Don't erase your device to prepare for a repair unless you have a backup and we've asked you to.

5. What to bring

  • The device itself
  • The charger and cable, if the fault involves charging or power
  • A short note of the symptoms and when they started
  • Details of any earlier repair, including where it was done
  • Your receipt or warranty details, if the device is under any warranty

6. Business devices

For company devices, bring the asset tag or reference and the name of the person who can approve repairs. If the device is managed by your IT team, check access with them before drop-off. See corporate support.

Under Apple warranty or AppleCare? Check that cover before booking an independent repair, as independent repair may affect it. Genesis Board Fix is not affiliated with Apple Inc.