Before you drop a small fortune on a new phone, try this quick “Do I actually need a new phone?” test. Most “my phone is dying” moments come down to battery health, storage being almost full, or a charging port that’s packed with lint. A few simple checks can make your device feel brand new—without the new phone price tag.

If your phone “suddenly” won’t charge, sounds muffled, or overheats for no reason, it might not be broken at all. Tiny culprits like pocket lint, debris in speaker grilles, or a worn cable can cause big headaches. Here’s how to spot the small stuff early and avoid bigger repairs later.

Dropped your phone in water? The first 10 minutes can make the difference between a simple recovery and a bigger repair. Here’s what to do immediately, what to avoid, and when to bring it in for a proper check.

Not all phone parts are created equal. Here’s how we choose repair parts — and why it matters for your phone’s performance and resale value.