Category: Repair Guides

Quick answer: A broken phone rarely means lost photos. Even when a device won’t turn on or has a shattered screen, your data can usually be recovered or transferred. Bring it to iValue and we’ll assess your options before you give up on those memories.

The screen is black, the phone won’t respond, and your photos are trapped inside. Take a breath — recovery is often possible. Here’s what to know.

When data can usually be recovered

• Cracked or dead screen: the storage is fine; we can often display, mirror, or extract it.
• Won’t power on: frequently a battery or board issue — fix the power problem and the data is there.
• Water damage: act fast; the sooner it’s cleaned, the better the odds for your files.

What to do (and not do)

Don’t keep trying to power a water-damaged phone on, and don’t factory-reset a glitchy phone hoping it’ll fix itself. Both can make recovery harder. Bring it in as-is. If it’s water-related, see water-damaged phone: what to do; if it won’t boot, see won’t turn on (the same logic applies to phones).

Back up going forward

Once we recover your data, we’ll help you set up iCloud or Google backup so a future mishap is just an inconvenience, not a heartbreak. Explore our phone repair services.

Frequently asked questions

Can you recover photos from a broken phone?

Often yes—even when a phone won’t turn on, data can frequently be recovered. Bring it in and we’ll assess it.

Does a cracked screen mean my data is lost?

No. A broken screen rarely means lost data; we can usually recover or transfer your files.

How long does data recovery take?

It depends on the device and damage; we’ll give you a timeline after we evaluate it.

Quick answer: iValue Protect is a device protection plan that helps cover the cost of repairs from everyday accidents — like a cracked screen — so one drop doesn’t turn into a painful bill. If you’ve ever shattered a screen, it can pay for itself in a single repair.

Phones are expensive, and accidents happen. A protection plan turns an unpredictable repair bill into peace of mind. Here’s how iValue Protect works.

Why a protection plan?

The average person cracks a screen more than once in a phone’s life, and on newer models those repairs aren’t cheap. A plan smooths that out — you pay a predictable amount and we help cover qualifying repairs.

What it can cover

• Accidental damage like cracked screens
• Common hardware failures
• Fast, local service — no mailing your phone away for weeks

Exact coverage and terms vary by plan, so we’ll walk you through what’s included before you enroll.

Is it worth it?

If you’re hard on your devices, have kids using them, or just want to avoid surprise costs, yes. Compare it to paying full price for a screen repair out of pocket — one covered fix often covers the plan. Ask us to look at your device and recommend the right option.

Frequently asked questions

What is iValue Protect?

It’s a device protection plan that helps cover repairs from accidents like cracked screens, so a drop doesn’t become a big bill.

Is a protection plan worth it?

If you’ve ever cracked a screen, yes—one covered repair can pay for the plan. Ask us how it works for your device.

What does it cover?

Coverage varies by plan; we’ll walk you through exactly what’s included before you sign up.

Quick answer: A quality refurbished phone is tested, restored, and warrantied — giving you the same everyday performance as new for a lot less money. For most people, refurbished is the smarter buy, especially for a model that’s a year or two old.

“New” feels safer, but it comes at a premium. Here’s an honest look at refurbished vs. new so you can decide what’s right for you.

What “refurbished” really means

A refurbished phone has been inspected, repaired as needed, cleaned, and tested to work like new. The good ones — like the devices we sell — come with a warranty, so you’re not gambling. That’s very different from buying a stranger’s used phone online.

Refurbished vs. new at a glance

• Price: refurbished saves you a significant chunk versus new.
• Performance: for everyday use, you won’t feel a difference.
• Warranty: ours are warrantied, so you’re protected.
• Value: let someone else absorb the new-phone depreciation.

When new makes sense

If you must have the latest model the week it launches, new is the only option. Otherwise, refurbished delivers nearly all the benefit for far less. Thinking about trading in your current phone toward one? We buy devices and can put that value toward your next one.

Want help choosing? We’ll point you to a solid refurbished option and back it with our warranty. And if your current phone just needs a fix, see repair or upgrade your phone?

Frequently asked questions

Are refurbished phones reliable?

A quality refurbished phone is tested and restored to full working order—and ours come with a warranty. It’s a smart way to save.

How much can I save buying refurbished?

Often a large fraction of the new price for the same model, with the same everyday performance.

Do your refurbished devices have a warranty?

Yes—devices we sell are backed by our warranty, so you can buy with confidence.

Quick answer: You can sell your old iPhone for cash at iValue in Terre Haute — any model, working or broken. Back it up, sign out of iCloud, and bring it in (or text a photo) for a fair, same-day offer.

Upgraded to a new iPhone? Don’t let the old one lose value in a drawer. Here’s how to sell it for cash the easy way.

Get it ready in 3 steps

1. Back up your photos and data to iCloud or your computer.
2. Sign out of iCloud and turn off Find My iPhone (Settings → your name → Find My).
3. Factory reset (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone). Include the charger if you have it.

Not sure how? Bring it in and we’ll help you wipe it safely before we buy it.

What affects your offer

Model, storage, and condition drive the price. A newer iPhone in clean shape brings the most, but even cracked or older models have value — see how much your phone is worth. If a small screen repair would boost the value, we’ll let you know.

Why iValue

Fair cash, same day, from a local shop you can actually walk into. We also sell quality refurbished iPhones if you’re after an upgrade — see refurbished vs. new phones and our sell-a-device page. Clearing out other items too? Our sister business buys diabetic test strips for cash at midwestdiabeticbuyer.com.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I sell my old iPhone in Terre Haute?

Right here at iValue—we buy iPhones in any condition, working or not, and pay fair cash.

Should I repair my iPhone before selling it?

Not necessarily. We buy as-is; sometimes a quick repair raises the value, and we’ll tell you if it’s worth it.

How do I get the best price?

Back up and factory-reset the phone, include the charger if you have it, and bring any working extras. We’ll quote you on the spot.

Quick answer: Yes — iValue buys broken phones in Terre Haute. Working or not, cracked, water-damaged, or won’t-power-on, we make fair cash offers on phones, tablets, and laptops. Text a photo or bring it in for a no-obligation quote.

That broken phone in your junk drawer has value to us. Here’s how selling it works and why it beats letting it collect dust.

How it works

1. Show us the device. Text a photo to (812) 577-9978 or bring it to our McKinley Blvd shop.
2. Get an offer. We assess the model and condition and quote you a fair price.
3. Get paid. Accept and walk away with cash — simple, no pressure.

We buy them in any condition

Cracked screens, bad batteries, water damage, or phones that won’t turn on — they all have parts or refurbishing value. Not sure what yours is worth? See how much your broken phone is worth, or just start a sale.

Why sell to a local shop

No shipping your phone to a faceless website and waiting for a check. You deal with a real Terre Haute technician, get a straight answer, and leave with cash the same day. And if you’d rather fix it, we do that too — browse our repair services.

Clearing out more than phones? Our sister business buys unused diabetic test strips for cash — midwestdiabeticbuyer.com.

Frequently asked questions

Do you really buy broken phones?

Yes—working or broken, we buy phones, tablets and laptops for fair cash at our Terre Haute shop.

How does selling my device work?

Text a photo or bring it in, we make an offer, and you get paid on the spot if you accept. Simple and no pressure.

What if my phone is cracked or water damaged?

We still want to see it—damaged devices have parts value, and you walk away with cash instead of clutter.

Quick answer: Even a cracked or dead phone is usually worth something — for parts, refurbishing, or resale. Value depends on the model, brand, and what’s wrong. The fastest way to find out is to text a photo to iValue for a free, no-obligation offer.

Don’t toss that broken phone in a drawer (or the trash). Here’s what actually determines its cash value and how to turn it into money in Terre Haute.

What makes a broken phone worth more

• Model and brand. Newer iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones hold the most value.
• What’s wrong. A phone with only a cracked screen is worth more than one with several issues.
• Condition of the rest. A clean body, working board, and good battery all add up.
• Completeness. Charger included and accounts logged out makes it more valuable.

Repair, then sell — or just sell?

Sometimes a quick, inexpensive repair raises a phone’s value by more than the repair costs; sometimes it’s better to sell as-is. We’ll tell you honestly which makes sense — see repair or upgrade your phone? Either way, we buy devices in any condition.

Turn clutter into cash

Got more than a phone gathering dust? Our sister business buys unused diabetic test strips and CGM supplies for cash too — see midwestdiabeticbuyer.com. Between the two, those drawers can become real money.

Frequently asked questions

Is my broken phone worth anything?

Usually yes—even cracked or non-working phones have value for parts or refurbishing. Text us a photo for a fast, no-obligation offer.

What makes a broken phone worth more?

Newer models, popular brands (iPhone, Samsung), and phones with only one issue (like a cracked screen) are worth the most.

Do you buy phones that won't turn on?

Often, yes. Bring it in or send a photo and we’ll tell you honestly what it’s worth.

Quick answer: iValue repairs both Macs and PCs — MacBooks, iMacs, and Windows laptops and desktops from every major brand. Mac parts can run higher, but many repairs are comparable, and we quote either platform up front after a diagnosis.

Wondering whether your Mac or PC can be fixed locally — and what to expect? Here’s a straight comparison for Terre Haute computer owners.

We handle both platforms

Whether you’re on macOS or Windows, our technicians repair the same core issues: cracked screens, dead batteries, failing drives, slow performance, virus infections, broken keyboards and ports, and data recovery. You don’t have to ship a MacBook off to an Apple Store two cities away.

Cost differences to expect

• Mac: Apple parts and assemblies can cost more, and some components are integrated, which affects certain repairs.
• PC: Wider parts availability often means lower-cost fixes and easy upgrades like SSDs and RAM.
• Both: We diagnose first and quote second — you always approve the price before we start.

Common repairs on either

Slow machine? An SSD/RAM upgrade helps both platforms. Won’t boot? See laptop won’t turn on. Need files back? Ask about data recovery for Mac or PC. Browse our computer repair services — all with brand-name parts and a 90-day warranty.

Frequently asked questions

Do you repair both Macs and PCs?

Yes—we service MacBooks, iMacs, and Windows laptops and desktops from every major brand.

Is Mac repair more expensive than PC?

Mac parts can cost more, but many repairs are comparable. We quote both up front after a diagnosis.

Can you recover data from a Mac or PC?

Yes, in most cases—ask about our data recovery service for either platform.

Quick answer: Most slow computers don’t need replacing — they need a tune-up. Startup bloat, low memory, malware, or an old spinning hard drive are usually to blame, and an SSD or RAM upgrade often makes an aging machine feel brand new for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Before you spend hundreds on a new computer because yours “got slow,” let us take a look. The fix is often cheap and dramatic.

Why computers slow down

• Too many startup programs loading in the background
• Not enough RAM for today’s browsers and apps
• An old hard drive (HDD) instead of a fast SSD
• Viruses or malware hogging resources
• A full or failing drive

The upgrade that changes everything

Swapping an old hard drive for an SSD — often paired with a RAM bump — is the single biggest speed boost for most older laptops and desktops. It’s affordable and usually turns a frustrating machine into a snappy one. We’ll diagnose the real bottleneck before recommending anything.

Repair or replace?

If the hardware is fundamentally sound, a tune-up or upgrade beats buying new almost every time — and you keep your files and programs. We’ll give you an honest assessment; if a machine truly isn’t worth saving, we’ll say so. Explore our computer repair services, and if it won’t even start, see laptop won’t turn on. Mac or PC? We do both.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my computer so slow?

Usually startup bloat, low memory, malware, or an aging hard drive. A tune-up or SSD upgrade often makes an old computer feel new.

Should I repair or replace a slow computer?

If the hardware is sound, a tune-up or SSD/RAM upgrade is far cheaper than a new machine. We’ll advise honestly.

Do you remove viruses?

Yes—virus and malware removal is one of our common computer services.

Quick answer: A laptop that won’t turn on usually has a power problem — a dead battery or charger, a failed power button or board, or stuck firmware. Try a different charger and a hard reset first; if it’s still dead, bring it in. Even a laptop that won’t boot can usually have its files recovered.

A laptop that won’t power on is alarming, but it’s often a simple, affordable fix — and your data is usually safe. Here’s how to troubleshoot and when to bring it to our Terre Haute shop.

Try these first

1. Check the charger. Test a different cable/adapter and confirm the charging light comes on.
2. Hard reset. Hold the power button 15–30 seconds to drain residual power, then try again.
3. Look and listen. Any lights, fans, or beeps? That tells us whether it’s getting power at all.
4. Disconnect extras. Unplug USB drives and accessories that can block startup.

Common causes we fix

• Failed battery or charging port
• Bad power button or power board
• Faulty RAM or a dead hard drive
• Corrupted firmware or a stuck update

We diagnose first and quote second, so you always approve the cost before we start.

Worried about your files?

Even when a laptop won’t boot, your data can usually be recovered. Ask about data recovery when you drop off. See our computer & laptop repair services — Windows and Mac, with a 90-day warranty. Deciding whether it’s worth fixing? Read slow computer: repair or replace?

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my laptop turn on?

Common causes include a dead battery or charger, a failed power button or board, or a drained CMOS. We diagnose before quoting.

Can you recover my files if the laptop is dead?

Often yes—even when a laptop won’t boot, your data can usually be recovered. Ask about data recovery.

How much does laptop repair cost?

We diagnose first and quote second, so you always approve the cost before we start.

Quick answer: iPad screen repair cost depends on the model and size — base iPads are the most affordable, while iPad Air and Pro models cost more because of their laminated displays. For most iPads, repair is still well worth it versus buying a new one, and iValue quotes yours up front.

A cracked iPad is very fixable, and for the pricier Air and Pro models, repairing instead of replacing can save you a lot. Here’s what affects the cost.

What affects iPad repair cost

• Model. A standard iPad costs less to repair than an iPad Air, Mini, or Pro.
• Laminated display. Newer iPads fuse the glass and LCD together, which makes the part pricier than a phone screen.
• Size. Larger Pro models use bigger, more expensive panels.

Because iPad parts vary widely, we’ll confirm your price after identifying the exact model — just text a photo or use our instant quote tool.

Is iPad screen repair worth it?

For most iPads — especially Air and Pro models — repair is far cheaper than replacement, and you keep your apps, files, and Apple Pencil pairing. If your iPad is very old, we can also help you weigh an upgrade and even buy the old one.

Beyond cracked screens

We also fix iPad batteries, charging ports, and buttons. Browse our iPad repair services and other tablet repairs — all with brand-name parts and a 90-day warranty. Cracked your phone too? See iPhone screen repair cost.

Frequently asked questions

How much does iPad screen repair cost?

It depends on the iPad model and size; Pro and Air models cost more than base iPads. We’ll quote yours up front.

Is iPad screen repair worth it?

For most iPads, yes—repair is far cheaper than replacing, especially for Pro and Air models.

How long does iPad repair take?

Turnaround varies by model and part availability; we’ll give you a timeline at drop-off.