Frequently asked questions
Straight answers before you bring something in.
Repair and IT problems are easier when you know what to expect. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about diagnostics, timing, data recovery, warranties, and business support.
Before you visit
The basics.
Choose a question below. If your situation is unusual, send us a service request and describe what is happening.
Do I need an appointment?
Not for most walk-in repair needs. You can bring a computer, phone, tablet, drive, or supported game console to either location during business hours. For business IT visits or more involved service, contacting us first is the best way to coordinate timing.
How long does a repair usually take?
Most iPhone screen and battery repairs take about an hour when the part is in stock, so you can wait or come back the same day. If we need to order a part, we tell you when it will arrive. Liquid damage, board-level repairs, and data recovery take longer, and we give you a realistic time once we have looked at the device.
Do you charge for diagnostics?
When a device has to be opened up or tested to find the problem, there is a diagnostic fee: $50 for phones and iPads, $75 for laptops, and $95 for desktops. We tell you before we start, and if you go ahead with the repair, the fee comes off the repair price. Data recovery evaluations are free.
What kind of parts do you use?
We use high-quality aftermarket parts. Every repair that includes a replacement part comes with our 90-day limited warranty on the part and the work.
Should I bring my charger or accessories?
If the problem involves charging, power, a dock, an external display, or another accessory, bringing the item you normally use can help us reproduce the problem. Otherwise, the device itself is usually enough to get started.
Can I mail my device in instead?
Yes. We accept mail-in repairs and data recovery from anywhere in the US. Start a request, choose the mail-in option, and we text you the repair terms and our shipping address. You approve a quote before any repair, and return shipping is on us. See how mail-in repair works.
Repair and data recovery
When the device or the files matter.
Do you repair both Macs and PCs?
Yes. We work on many Mac and Windows computer problems, including no-power and startup faults, storage failures, screens, batteries, charging issues, liquid damage, upgrades, and selected board-level repairs.
How much does data recovery cost?
The evaluation is free. We find out why the data can't be reached, then give you a quote. You pay only if we recover your data. Some drives need to go to our partner lab for evaluation. In that case there is a $100 non-refundable fee for the shipping both ways and our time working with the lab, and it comes off the recovery price if you go ahead.
Can you recover data from a computer that will not start?
Often, yes. A computer can fail while the storage device or some of its data remains recoverable. We evaluate the device and storage condition first, then explain the safest recovery path and what level of work is appropriate.
Can you repair damaged charging, USB-C, or HDMI ports?
On many supported devices, yes. Port repairs may require microsoldering or board-level work, especially when the connector has been physically torn from the board or nearby circuitry was damaged.
Do repairs have a warranty?
Yes. Repairs that include a replacement part have a 90-day limited warranty on the part and the work for that repair. It does not cover new accidental, physical, or liquid damage. See our Warranty Policy for the full details.
Business IT
Help for offices and small teams.
Do you provide on-site business IT support?
Yes. We provide remote and on-site support for small businesses in the Bay Area, including computers, Microsoft 365, email, Wi-Fi, networking, backups, migrations, and troubleshooting.
Can you help even if we do not have an IT contract?
Yes. We can help with individual projects and problems as well as ongoing support. If the same issues keep coming back or your team needs a dependable point of contact, we can also talk through a more consistent support arrangement.
Can you help with Microsoft 365 and email?
Yes. We help small businesses with Microsoft 365 setup, mailbox and account issues, email configuration, migrations, security settings, and the everyday problems that keep people from working.
Which location should I contact?
For walk-in repairs, use whichever shop is more convenient. Oakland is at 6019 College Ave and Alameda is at 1305 High St. For business IT, start a service request or call either location and we will route the request appropriately.
Still have a question?
Tell us what is going on.
If you do not see your situation above, send us a short description and we will point you in the right direction.