What a pain: you fix your phone, and when you pick it up, the problem returns or a different one appears. The question immediately arises: Do I have to pay again for the repair? Take a deep breath, because the answer, in the vast majority of situations protected by law, is no.
In Spain, the legal framework protects consumers when a repaired device begins to experience problems again. There are two guarantees that should be distinguished: both the phone itself and the one from the intervention. Understanding how they work, their deadlines, and who you should contact in each case is key to avoiding overspending and successfully filing a claim.
Consumer rights when a mobile phone fails after repair
When you take your smartphone to the workshop and the defect reappears, the first reference is the warranty. of the repair itselfBy law, every repair has its specific coverage that includes replaced parts and labor, with a validity minimum of one yearThis means that if the same problem recurs, the technical support team must fix it again without charging you.
In addition to the coverage of the intervention, your phone is still covered by the legal product warrantyFor technological devices sold in Spain, from January 1, 2022, the legal period is 3 years. This official warranty protects you against unrelated manufacturing defects with what was repaired, so if a different fault were to appear, you could process it free of charge while the deadline is still valid.
An important nuance: when the mobile phone is in the SAT, the calculation of the legal guarantee is suspendThat is, the days the phone remains in the repair shop are added to the end of the remaining warranty period; you don't lose them. This prevents the manufacturer from "consuming" coverage time while your device is out of your hands.
Phone warranty vs. repair warranty: What's the difference?
The legal warranty of the phone covers the complete product against defects or defects of origin. It is independent of subsequent actions. If after change screenIf, after a while, the camera fails unrelated to that change, you can use the device's warranty if you are still within the 3-year period.
Repair coverage, however, is limited to what was repaired: the parts replaced and the work carried outIf the same symptom reappears (for example, the screen fails again), you have the right to request further repairs free of charge within the minimum one-year repair warranty. This warranty is in addition to the product's statutory warranty.
What to do if the fault reappears or a different one arises
If the same problem recurs, it is best to return to the same technical service who performed the repair, present the invoice or receipt, and request warranty coverage for the repair. You shouldn't be charged for the diagnosis, labor, or parts affected by the same defect.
If what appears is a new fault, then the appropriate way is the original mobile warrantyContact the manufacturer or retailer to process the incident. The procedure may vary, but the criteria are clear: same fault, repair warranty; different problem, legal product warranty, always within the deadline.
Before taking your phone in for repair: backups and privacy
Although it may seem obvious, the first thing is to safeguard your data. Back up photos, videos, and documentsOn Android, Google Photos lets you keep your gallery safe in the cloud; for files, Google Drive is a simple option accessible from any device. On iPhone, the iCloud ecosystem makes it easy to sync key content.
Please note that many technical services return the device factory reset to ensure that no one has accessed your data. This is a privacy-oriented practice, but it involves complete deletion. Therefore, it's a good idea to back up everything before handing it over.
Repair Mode on Android: Extra protection without erasing your data
If you don't want to restore your phone, Android offers a repair mode which blocks access to your data while the device is in the shop. It's a kind of advanced "safe mode" that adds a layer of protection, keeping your files intact.
To activate it, make sure you have at least 2 GB free storage. Then, go to Settings > System & updates (the path may vary by manufacturer) and activate the mode. This doesn't replace normal security measures: keep your PIN, pattern, or password active.
Reset your phone: How to do it if the screen is unresponsive
If the screen works and you decide to erase the device, on Android go to Settings > System > Recovery Options and choose Return to factory stateOn iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset and select Erase All Content and Settings.
Touchscreen not responding? On Android, turn your phone off and on by pressing the power and volume down buttons at the same time to access the recovery menu. Using the volume and power buttons, select Wipe data and cache to perform a complete erase. On an iPhone, you can restore it by connecting it to a Mac (Finder) or a PC with iTunes and using the Restore iPhone option.
Recommended documentation and preparations
If you process the incident under warranty, take the printed purchase invoice (Some manufacturers accept the online sales receipt.) If your fault is related to charging or ignition, please also bring the charger and, if removable, the battery, so they can check the accessories.
In the case of iPhone, disable the option Search my Iphone (Find My). Without doing so, many services will not accept the equipment for repair, as the activation lock would prevent necessary testing.
Official SAT or unofficial store? Pros, cons, and original vs. compatible parts
The safest way is the official technical service of the manufacturer, as recent cases show on the Xiaomi warranty serviceTheir technicians are specialized in your brand and use original spare parts. This is usually the most expensive option, but it guarantees compatibility and reduces the risk of subsequent problems.
Unofficial stores, on the other hand, can be cheaper and faster, especially for common issues like screens or batteries. The quality of the spare parts and assembly will depend on the workshop: a chain with defined standards is not the same as a store with no references.
Regarding spare parts, sometimes the difference between “original” and “compatible” is tens of eurosThere are batteries and screens manufactured by the same supplier that supplies the brand, but without the label, which lowers the cost. Even so, always confirm the component's origin and warranty.
A real-world tip: Before agreeing to a screen repair, check to see if the visible crack is from the tempered glass protector or the screen itself. It's also a good idea to check the frame for splinters; if it's badly damaged, the screen may break when removed.
Usual services of large repair chains
Some chains have express repair centers where 80% of terminals are repaired on the spot. Operations such as screen replacements or software bug fixes can be resolved in about 20 minutes when stock is available and no additional damage is detected.
They usually offer logistical alternatives: you can leave your phone in a store to have it sent to your centralized technical service, or arrange home pickup if you can't travel. Many allow you to check the repair status online free of charge.
It is common for these chains to work with multiple brands (Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, OPPO, Sony, etc.) and have accredited technicians by manufacturers. If they cannot address a specific intervention, such as sensor failures, they send it directly to the manufacturer.
For out-of-warranty repairs, the customer can sometimes choose between original or compatible spare parts with different price levels. Read the terms and conditions carefully and request a written quote with a breakdown of parts and labor.
Guarantees and conditions that you should know
At a legal level, the assembly of spare parts is guaranteed, as a general rule, for a minimum period of three months If we talk about the installation itself when there is no manufacturer coverage (according to classic regulatory frameworks such as RD 58/1988). Some chains, however, extend the repair guarantee to 1 year when the intervention is carried out in their own technical service and with components supplied by them.
If the breakdown is covered by the manufacturer's guaranteeYou shouldn't have to pay anything, as long as you present the invoice and it's confirmed that the fault is covered. The prices you see advertised usually include VAT and labor and are usually not combinable with other offers.
Another practice you can find: the client leaves the used spare part so the workshop can manage its recycling at no extra cost. Furthermore, the agreed-upon estimate is usually limited to the described fault; if the diagnosis reveals another issue that requires intervention, they must notify you and adjust the estimate before proceeding.
There are also striking commercial guarantees, such as the return of the 110% of the difference If, within 7 days of the repair, you submit a lower quote from an authorized service center that offers on-site repairs using genuine parts, and that is properly stamped. These promotions are not usually valid for conditions offered by carriers.
Monitoring, mobile loans and other facilities
Many stores provide free information about the status of your repair via the web or SMS. This is a useful extra to know when to pick up the equipment or if any additional issues have been detected.
To ensure you are not left incommunicado, a loaner smartphoneIn certain cases, if you have insurance with the chain, a €20 deposit is sufficient, which you will receive when you return the phone. If you don't have insurance, the service can cost €10, with a €50 deposit, of which €40 will be returned when you return the phone, always subject to availability.
If you have insurance: how they usually proceed
If you have taken out insurance, it is normal that priority is given to the equipment repairIf repair is more expensive than replacement, you'll be offered a replacement device, ideally of the same make and model. If that's not possible, you'll be given an alternative with similar specifications, although details such as color or manufacturer may vary.
Remember that, once the claim has been settled, it is usual for the original device becomes the property of the insurer. In addition, the policy usually includes a deductible for repair or replacement, the amount of which depends on the contracted conditions.
What if it's not worth the repair? Buyback programs
If the mobile phone cannot be repaired or the cost is disproportionate to its age and range, you can value it at a buyback programMany chains will tell you how much you'll pay for your broken device right away, pick it up, and deposit the amount, which you can use as a discount on a new device.
Practical workshop tips to avoid scares
Before accepting a quote, ask questions: how did it break? Was there contact with liquids? Are there any dents on the frames or corners? This information helps detect hidden damage. A good workshop will keep a written record of any hidden damage, so there are no surprises.
If you are going to change a screen, it is ideal that it is battery is discharged as much as possible to minimize risks during heat removal. And remember: some screens with splinters on the edge are prone to splitting during removal; the technician should warn you of this risk before beginning.
Finally, don't confuse tempered glass with a mobile phone screen. Remove the protector to verify the actual damage; sometimes the break is only in the protective glass and the screen is intact, avoiding a costly repair.
Recommended chain of steps to avoid overpaying
Always keep the invoices and delivery notes Purchase and repair certificates. Providing them expedites any warranty claims, both for the product and the repair. If the problem persists, return to the same workshop; if a new one occurs, go under the phone's warranty if time permits.
Ask for written quotes, compare conditions (origin of parts, terms and guarantees), and check if they have policies such as 110% of the difference or loaner phones. Don't hesitate to request photos or diagnostic reports if they detect additional damage.
Remember to back up your data, activate the repair mode On Android, if you're not going to reset, or factory reset if you prefer maximum privacy. Disable Find My iPhone on Apple devices and bring accessories if the problem is charging or powering on.
Acting with clear information prevents unfair payments and speeds up resolution times. The law supports youThe repair guarantee covers the same fault at no cost, the legal product guarantee protects different defects within the deadline, and reputable technical services detail the conditions, prices, and coverage in writing so you don't get any surprises.
