Diagnostics and repairs – smartphones and tablets
It’s easier to run checks on smartphones and tablets than on laptops. If you have limited technical skills, we’d recommend only accepting these smaller devices. You’ll need to make sure that they have been factory reset, otherwise you will not be able to restore them for their new owners.
By the end of this step, you’ll be able to decide if you want to work with a commercial partner or manage the restoration process yourself.
Key insights
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Troubleshooting
Hardware issues for smartphones and tablets can often be identified by using a device’s internal diagnostic programmes. However, although the checks themselves are simpler, any issues can be just as difficult to fix!
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Commercial partners
Commercial partners who restore laptops will also be able to restore smartphones and tablets, e.g. Reconome or Restore. We recommend you use the same provider for all devices.
Managing the restoration process - smartphones and tablets
Option 1. Managing the process yourself
You can use your own technical skills to diagnose any issues using one of the following means:
- Android: using the inbuilt hardware diagnostic tools found on many devices (each manufacturer’s website has guidelines)
- Apple: Apple recommend that only IT professionals perform hardware diagnostics however you can download third party apps to help diagnose issues (this article gives more information)
- Third party apps: both Android and Apple app stores offer a range of diagnostic software apps
Pros
- It’s a cost-effective solution if you already have prior IT knowledge or access to IT skills
Cons
- Fixing issues requires technical skills and confidence
- Devices which require minor fixes could be mistakenly deemed unsuitable if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing
- You’ll need to partner with an E-waste disposal organisation to ensure that any unsuitable devices are safely and securely disposed of
Option 2. Working with a commercial partner
Asking a commercial partner to perform diagnostics and repairs will enable you to restore devices more quickly. They can also monetise faulty devices, so you won’t have to find an alternative means of safe disposal.
Pros
- They’ll have the skills and capacity needed to handle bulk repairs
- They can easily monetise unsuitable devices
- You can be less strict about your device requirements - but they must be factory reset!
Cons
- There will be a cost, so you may need funding support
Things to think about
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Monetising unsuitable devices (commercial partners)
Commercial partners are able to sell devices which aren’t suitable (e.g. due to damage or hardware errors), either as whole units or as parts. The profits they receive can be used to offset restoration costs. As well as lowering your spend, you’ll be able to promise donors that unsuitable devices will be securely recycled rather than sent to landfill.
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Monetising unsuitable devices (doing it yourself)
If you have the skills, infrastructure and time, you can sell unsuitable devices/parts on websites such as eBay. You’ll need to make sure that the devices are wiped clear of data, but we’ll explain more about that in a later step.
Next Step
Erasing any existing data - laptops
Our laptops contain vast amounts of personal data, including banking details, logins and photos of our loved ones. Wiping any legacy data from them is essential to safeguarding your donors’ data privacy and protecting your reputation! We provide more information about this in the Terms of Engagement.
