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If you are reading this, you are likely already experiencing an issue with your device. You’re not alone! More than 50 million Americans will break their smartphone this year. Luckily finding a reliable and trusted repair professional is as easy as searching a repair location near you in the WISE™ Certification Repair Store Directory.
But what should you do prior to handing your phone over to a repair technician? We are here to help!
First, review all your available warranty options.
Between the device manufacturers, carriers, and insurance providers, many people are unaware that they have options when it comes to fixing their broken device. It is always smart to check which warranty options you already have available before you visit a repair service provider.
Some warranty providers may ask for your sales receipt, invoice, or warranty paperwork. Please check that you have the necessary paperwork prior to going to your selected repair shop. Understanding your warranty options may save you money on your repair.
Do not worry, if your device is not currently covered by an existing warranty, repair shops can absolutely still help you!
Next, backup your smartphone.
Thankfully, most devices that are running the most current OS (operating systems) tend to backup automatically when plugged into power and when connected to a wireless network. This minimizes the risk of losing data on your device.
Remove SIM and Micro SD Cards.
This may seem silly to some and obvious to others, but it’s always smart to keep your SIM or SD Card in your possession while your device is under repair. If your SIM or SD card falls into the wrong hands by mistake, it is at risk of misuse. By keeping the SIM or SD cards in your possession, you can also use the existing card in other devices to ensure you don’t miss any important calls while your phone is under repair.
Temporarily remove security locks.
As a best practice, technicians should not require passcodes to perform repair services. If a technician requests your passcode and you are not comfortable sharing it, ask the technician to perform the required test under your supervision. If you feel comfortable allowing the technician to bypass the device’s security locks without your supervision, then you will want to disable any PINs, fingerprint or pattern locks prior to the repair. This will allow the repair technician to easily test the performance and functionality of your phone once they believe they have properly repaired your device.
Unlink personal accounts.
Be sure to unlink your phone from personal accounts and applications such as e-mail, messengers, social media accounts, or anywhere else your phone may have stored personal data. Many of these account types have an option to ‘log out all devices’ in the system settings. This ensures the repair technician does not have access to your personal data.
Remove any personal data.
This includes photos, videos, chats, memos, and any other personal content you may have created that you wish to keep private. This is as easy as deleting the content from your device until the phone is back in your possession.
You should know your IMEI number.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique fifteen-digit serial number that every device in world is assigned at the factory level. If your device is mistakenly given to the wrong person, lost or stolen, you can identify your device by referencing this unique IMEI number.
If you’re having trouble locating the IMEI, dial *#06# on the dial pad. Your phone’s IMEI number will appear on the screen.
To check if your device is lost or stolen, reference the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker at https://stolenphonechecker.org using your device’s unique IMEI number.
Remove cases and screen protectors.
The technician will need to remove your case and screen protector to properly triage and repair the device. By removing them yourself, you ensure they are not mishandled during the repair.
Find an industry-recognized and certified repair shop.
WISE™ Certification has already vetted more than 2,000 Repair Shops and 17,500 Repair Technicians in the US, Canada and Ireland. The Repair Shop Directory is a great way to find a trusted retailer with certified technicians near you!
Share details how the damage happened with the technician.
Now that you have found a quality repair shop near you, make sure to discuss all issues with the technician. A phone that went through your dryer will be serviced differently than a phone that was dropped on the sidewalk. Be open and honest about what happened so the technician can repair your phone as quickly and accurately as possible.
Tips to further secure your data.
For those who are more tech savvy we suggest encrypting your data. This is not a critical step for the majority of smartphone owners, but is useful for those with heightened privacy concerns.
Utilizing the “factory reset” feature will remove all your data from the phone. You should only factory reset the device after you have backed up the device to cloud storage, and have verified the data resides in the cloud. You may want to discuss with the technician if this is a necessary step for you.
If your phone does not have a SIM Card or SD card, you might consider contacting your network provider to deactivate service during the repair. This ensures your device is not used by unauthorized individuals while the device is with the repair shop for service, and not in your possession.
Lastly, always ask to review the repair shop’s privacy policy.
While this may seem like a lot of effort to prepare a device for repair, these are important steps that can facilitate a more confident repair experience for you. Should you need additional guidance, don’t hesitate to visit a WISE™ Certified Repair Shop. WISE technicians are professionally trained to simplify the repair process and get your device back up and running as soon as possible. When you see the WISE™ owl on the repair shop door, know that you have chosen your repair service provider wisely!
Raising the bar for customer choice in device repair. Have questions? We are here to help.
© CTIA Certification
If you are looking to obtain certification in your current field, seeking a new career, or looking at an entrepreneurial opportunity in device repair, WISE Certification provides the most comprehensive knowledge available in smartphone, tablet and Chromebook repair. Study materials are provided for Level 1 certification, it is self-guided and the test when you are ready, is taken online. For Level 2 certification, depending on your background and qualifications, we can provide you with the best guidance to obtain your Level 2 certification. This is a fast growing industry with exciting entry-level opportunities, learn more about WISE Certification today!
Download our ASC Policies & Procedures pdf here.
Step 1 Prerequisites for Authorization:
The ASC Program requires that the facility be ISO 9001 compliant, and their line managers be WISE Certified. Recyclers are also required to be R2v3 or compliant with e-Stewards.
Step 2 ASC Audit:
At your convenience, please reach out to programs@ctiacertification.org to coordinate with an approved and authorized auditor.
Before the day of the audit, you will need to provide the following:
WISE Authorized Service Centers (ASC) demonstrate a commitment to excellence that aligns with the standards set forth by the Policies and Procedures for WISE Authorized Service Centers. This document defines the facility requirements and processes to become a WISE ASC for the repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing of wireless devices.
Device Repair Retailers, Kiosks, On-Demand Vehicles, and more who meet the requirements outlined in the Authorized Service Provider Certification Program Document.
To differentiate your business and demonstrate your commitment to quality.
Click the Learn More button below for guidance on certification.
The fee is $400 per location or vehicle. Each location and/or vehicle will renew annually for $400.
The short answer – the wireless industry. WISE Certification is a collaborative effort across wireless carriers, device manufacturers, insurance companies, independent repair shops, and leaders in reverse logistics.
WISE stands for Wireless Industry Service Excellence. It is the industry recognized standard for retailers and technicians performing phone repair. As a WISE Certified service provider, we are committed to delivering a consistent and reliable repair experience.
The truth is repairing your phone is personal. You deserve a reliable and trusted professional to make sure your most valued asset is repaired with industry recognized standards. Our hope is that this WISE Certified Provider location gives you peace of mind as you hand over your phone for repair.
WISE Certification is proud to provide you with the highest quality of device repair service in the industry. Look for this sign on the repair store for the confidence you deserve with your most trusted possession. Thank you for trusting us with your phone today!
Smartphones continue to be the remote control to our lives keeping the world connected. When devices are not operating reliably, anxiety sets in quickly! When seeking repair services at a WISE Authorized Service Provider, consumers can be more confident their technician has met the requirements established by wireless industry subject matter experts. Consumers should rest assured data is handled with best practices, and basic safety protocols are followed. Certified repairs should be performed with the highest of quality industry recognized standards.
Chromebook Certification is recommended for technicians at retail, repair depots and on a school campus performing Chromebook repair services, IT professionals managing fleets of Chromebook for enterprise and educational institutions, and others engaged in repairs within a K-12 depot program. Anyone wanting to advance your skills, or add to your other WISE Certifications.
This comprehensive certification program aims to equip technicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-evolving world of Chromebook technology.
To pursue designation as a “WISE Specialist Level 1 for Chromebooks,” enroll in the WISE Level 1 Knowledge Exam for Chromebook Repair.
Anyone wanting to grow their technical skillset in device repair.
WISE Level 2 certification is a great way to advance your career in the industry. You will be qualified to repair common device issues and restore device to working condition.
The WISE Level 2 Test Out allows experienced technicians to bypass the program’s hands-on testing requirements by assessing a technician’s practical skills and knowledge, providing an opportunity for experienced technicians to demonstrate their proficiency without undergoing the full Level 2 hands-on training. Level 2 Certification is only available to technicians who have successfully passed the WISE Level 1 Knowledge Exam.
To enroll, please visit our WISE Platform, select Course Catalog, and click the course titled WISE Level 2 Certification Test Out.
Anyone wanting to grow their skills in device repair. You’ll get all the basic knowledge of best practices and device safety protocols for smartphones and tablets.
This certification is a great first step into device repair, a bonus for customer-facing, non-technical staff in repair shops, and more!
Level 1 WISE Certified Technicians are considered qualified to perform diagnostics or repair common device issues without opening the device.
Certification is valid for 2 years upon technician certification anniversary date. Re-certification fee for WISE Level 1 is $200.
