Should I give my phone passcode to shop for repair?

SiliconChip

GDB2222 said:

Can I ask what data is stored on the sim? Two people suggested removing it.

SIMs tend not to have much data on them any more, removing it is so that the repairer can't run up a bill on your account by phoning his auntie in New Zealand!

anmarj

flaneurs_lobster said:

anmarj said:

i just changed mine to a genric code for them doing the work, and then changed back once it had been repaired.

How does this protect your data?

every thing else had face id on it

baser999

anmarj said:

flaneurs_lobster said:

anmarj said:

i just changed mine to a genric code for them doing the work, and then changed back once it had been repaired.

How does this protect your data?

every thing else had face id on it

So wear a bag over your head 😂

PHK

Vectis said:

Newcad said:

How else do you think the technician can test if the the new screen works properly or not following the repair?

By switching the phone on?

You don't need access to the data on the phone to test if the screen works or not. That will be obvious when you start the phone up.

Simply tapping on the locked screen will show if everything has been connected up ok and the screen is responsive. There's absolutely no need for someone to delve into files, folders, photos etc to check if the screen works.

I've replaced batteries and screens for myself and family and friends, and also had it done by iFixit type people over the years, and never had to ask or be asked for the PIN code. Personally, I'd be suspicious if someone wanted to snoop around my phone. Like I said, you can see that the screen works and is touch sensitive at the lock screen stage.

But - if the place you take it insist on having the PIN code, give them a false one. They won't know it's wrong until the new screen is fitted and they try tapping in numbers to unlock it. The fact that they can type in (the wrong) numbers will show the screen is working ok. Job done.

That may have been the case a while ago but nowadays Apple phones require you to connect to their servers to match the screen to the phone.

Most Android manufacturers require you either enter maintenance mode, connect to their system and enter passcode or treat a repair as triggering FRP which requires the password/code.

victor2

I would assume my phone was going to be factory reset anyway, so would do that (having backed everything up) before handing it over, assuming I was able to do so with whatever damage the phone had.

ShellBob

Many thanks for your comments. I have just returned from the repair shop (they are open Sundays!). The owner, who wanted my passcode was not there but the technician was. He said he did not need the passcode for the screen repair - so great news all round!! On the basis of (most) of your comments which I am ever so grateful of, I was ready to speak to the owner with some confidence about not providing my passcode. I am sure there are many 'non-technical' people like me who may have reluctantly provided it  - even my 30year old son said he would have done. But now armed with this knowledge, he and I certainly would not.  I can't thank you all enough - hopefully this thread has and will help other people too in a similar, and unfortunate, situation. Thank you again. 

PHK

Just to add, before having a phone repaired (make sure it's backed up) remove your account from the phone then factory reset. (Or use maintenance mode if your phone has it)

flaneurs_lobster

PHK said:

Just to add, before having a phone repaired (make sure it's backed up) remove your account from the phone then factory reset. (Or use maintenance mode if your phone has it)

...and take the SIM out (although my Samsung is eSIM, I wonder if Maintenance Mode restricts access, I'd hope so).

Username03725

When I had mine repaired the first thing the repair guy did was to take out the SIM and memory cards and hand them to me for safekeeping and presumably for my own peace of mind. 20 minutes later (coffee round the corner) the repair was done and the 2 cards went back in after I'd left his shop. 

nottsphil

SiliconChip said:

GDB2222 said:

Can I ask what data is stored on the sim? Two people suggested removing it.

SIMs tend not to have much data on them any more, removing it is so that the repairer can't run up a bill on your account by phoning his auntie in New Zealand!

Or worse, lengthy connection to a premium rate number where the fraudster gets most of the revenue.