Smart Watch Repair Near Me

by James · Published October 25, 2023 · Updated October 25, 2023

So you are cool enough to own the latest tech, but it seems that no one has invented an unbreakable smart watch yet. There are various problems with smart watches including issues with batteries, voice control, the crown, lost data, missing apps, Bluetooth not syncing etc. Most smartwatches, regardless of brand, have the exact same issues. Below, I’ll discuss where to find your local smart watch repair shop, common issues, warranty advice, and how the smart watch repair near me works.

Map of Smart Watch Repair Near Me

If you are looking for “Smart Watch Repair Near Me”, use the map below to find your locations…

You may notice that many of the smart watch repair near me shops are cell phone stores. Since many smart watch brands are smart phone manufacturers it makes sense that they provide service through their cell phone centers. The technology inside your smart watch is pretty much the same as your smart phone, the biggest difference of course being the size. Generally, though the tools to repair them are the same as smart phones. So traditional repair shops aren’t an option.

How to Select The Right Smart Watch Repair Near Me?

Selecting the right repair shop for your smart watch is important. It will determine if you can get a warranty to cover the issue and possibly how fast they repair services can resolve it for you. Here are your best options for getting your broken smart watch fixed.

First Option: Check Locally for a Shop

Use the Google Map above to try and find a shop local to you. It is best to find a shop that is the same as your carrier. So for example, if you have a Garmin Smart Watch then ideally you want a Garmin retailer. Same with Apple, have an Apple smart watch, then find an Apple Store. Certain brands like Samsung are best to find a cell phone store or big box brands like Target or Best Buy who sell their products.

Going to the store of your watch brand will help determine if you are covered by warranty and if you are then they can honor your warranty with a free or partially covered fix depending on the policy.

It’s possible they may not fix it in-store, it may need to be sent away to be repaired. If your issue is simple, some stores have a technician on site who can walk in and perform the fix.

Second Option: Find Your Brands Authorized Service Center

If a manufacturer’s store isn’t located near you, my best advice would be to find an authorized service center and send your watch in. This is a good option again because of the potential for warranty coverage. If you think your watch is covered then you want the manufacturer to check the watch out for you to determine if its covered. Things like a cracked screen are not gonna be covered.

While there are many brands of smart watches here are some of the authorized service centers for a few popular brands:

To send your watch in you will need to send:

Smart watch
Original receipt with date of purchase (if you are looking for warranty coverage)
Your name, address, etc
A detail of the specific issue with your watch

Some of the service centers have online submission forms, which makes the repair process much easier. Also, consider insuring the package for the value of your watch. Make sure you pack the watch carefully so more damage isn’t caused in transit.

After you send in your smart watch to a service center they will contact you back once they have a technician determine what is the issue. They will either tell you that repairing it is covered under warranty or you will need to pay a fee to get smart watch fixed. In the event you don’t want to spend the money for the repair, they will send the watch back to you as is.

Third Option: Find a Watch Repair Shop or General Cell Phone Store

Not all watch repair shops can handle smart watches. The technology inside a smart watch is vastly different than the tech inside a traditional wristwatch. The downside to visiting your local watch repair shop is that many of them won’t be able to fix it. Secondly, it will not be covered under warranty. Lastly, even if it is under warranty, it will completely void your warranty by having them work on it.

The same goes for Generic cell phone stores. Some will be able to help while others can’t and the price of having them work on it will certainly void your warranty if you still have coverage. If the screen is cracked, a cell phone store that fixes cracked screens, could potentially fix your smart watch.

I feel its always best to try and stick with your manufacturer. Who knows your smart watch technology better than the people who made it right?

Fourth Option: Do it Yourself

If you are a brave soul and want to tinker with your smart watch, just know the risks. You can certainly do more damage and end up having issues that you didn’t previously have and obviously, if you open it up, you automatically void the warranty to replace it. You can find smart watch replacement parts here.

There are of course a handful of simple fixes that you can do on your own for basic software issues such as:

Restart the device
Unpair the Bluetooth from your smart phone and then re-sync

Chance though you are smart and you tried those things already. Your problems are much bigger such as a battery issue, a cracked or scratched screen, and/or a broken crown.

There’s No Smart Watch Repair Near Me, Now What?

As I mentioned above, if you can’t find smart watch repair near me, your next best bet is to find an authorized service center of your brand and send in your timepiece. I know it sucks to have to go through the hassle of mailing in your watch and being without it the same day, but it’s the better option for serious issues.

Getting a Smart Watched Fixed at an Authorized Service Center

While I will speak generically about smart watch authorized service centers, the experience is generally the same.

A typical service center is going to take 3 to 5 weeks to get your repair done. You likely will not talk to a technician in person. Communication will be done via email or a customer service person. if you issue is covered under the warranty, the repairs will be completed for free. If not covered under warranty, they will contact you and estimate the cost of repair. You can choose to have the watch sent back to you if you don’t want to pay for the repair.

Common Problems With Smart Watches According to a Repair Shop

No smart watch comes without issues. Whether it’s a battery problem, a glitch in the screen, or wear and tear-related damage like a cracked or scratched screen. According to expert technicians out to the smart watch repair near me, these are the 2 most common issues among smart watch technology that they see.

Battery Life

No smartwatch on the market holds a charge very well. Think about the fact your cell phone has the same problem and that has a substantially bigger and stronger battery. The more you are on your watch and touching the interface the more the battery drains. Interestingly enough not only does it drain your watch battery, but it also drains your cellphone battery if you have it paired with Bluetooth. The Pebble watch for example is said to drain the total battery life of your phone by as much as 30-40% each per day when it’s connected via Bluetooth.

Additionally, many people report that over time with continual charging the battery starts to die faster and never quite gets the same charge it used to.

Cracked or Scratched Screen

Your smartwatch is wearable tech, which means it’s going to get banged around. On a typical watch, this is called the crystal, but on these watches, it is the screen. Cracked and scratched screens are amongst the most common issues seen at the smartwatch repair near me. There are solutions to fix a cracked screen yourself, but the complexity of doing so will vary greatly on the type of watch you have.

You can find various videos on how to replace a smart watch screen here.

Is My Smart Watch Repair Covered Under Warranty?

All the warranties on the smartwatches are slightly different and vary by brand. Likely you feel you have a manufacturer’s defect then you will be covered under the warranty provided you are still within the time frame to make a claim. Things like a cracked or scratched screen will not be covered.

To claim a warranty on your smartwatch you will need the original receipt which will show the date or purchase.

What is most common on all smart watches though is the rules about who is authorized to work on them. The warranties are very specific and anyone who is not authorized, by that particular brand to perform work on the watch will void the warranty. That basically means if you have an Apple watch if anyone other than an Apple technician works on it, the warranty is voided. So that also includes you trying to fix it yourself.

Can I Buy Smart Watch Replacement Parts and Fix It Myself?

Yes, you can, depending on the brand and what replacement parts are available. You can check this link for various replacement parts for popular smartwatch brands. Do keep in mind if you are performing a repair yourself, you might do more damage opening up the watch and you will void your warranty.

Cost of Smartwatch Repair

When it comes to smartwatch repair, several factors can influence the overall cost. Understanding these can help users make informed decisions about whether to repair or replace their device.

Type of Damage: The nature and extent of the damage play a significant role in determining the cost. For instance, a broken screen might be more expensive to fix than software issues. Similarly, smartwatch water damage repair might incur additional costs due to the complexity involved in restoring the device’s functionality.
Model and Brand: Different smartwatches come with varying repair costs. An Apple watch repair, especially for issues like Apple watch screen repair or Apple watch glass repair, might be priced differently than a Samsung smartwatch repair or repairs for other brands.
Official Repair Services vs. Third-Party Services: Official repair services, such as those offered by Apple for the Apple watch or Samsung for the Samsung galaxy watch, might offer repairs at a premium. In contrast, third-party repair services might offer competitive prices but vary in terms of quality repairs.
Warranty and Coverage: If the smartwatch is still under warranty, some repairs might be covered, reducing the out-of-pocket cost. However, not all issues, especially those resulting from accidental damage, are covered.

To provide a clearer picture, consider these examples:

Apple watch screen repair might cost around $200, while battery replacements, such as Apple watch battery replacement, could be around $80.
A Samsung watch, especially the Samsung galaxy watch, might have a screen repair cost of $150 and a battery replacement cost of $70.

Lastly, when comparing the cost of repair to purchasing a new smartwatch, it’s essential to consider the device’s age, the severity of the damage, and the sentimental value attached to it. In some cases, especially for older models or severely malfunctioning smartwatches, buying a new device might be more cost-effective in the long run.

DIY Smartwatch Repair

Repairing a smartwatch at home is an option many consider, especially when faced with minor issues. With the right tools and guidance, some common smartwatch repairs can be tackled DIY-style.

Step-by-Step Guide for Common Repairs:

Screen Replacements:
- Turn off the smartwatch.
- Using a precision screwdriver, remove the back cover.
- Carefully disconnect the old screen and replace it with a new one.
- Reassemble the watch.
Battery Replacements:
- Open the back cover using the appropriate tool.
- Disconnect the old smartwatch battery and replace it with a new one.
- Ensure all connections are secure before reassembling.

Pros of DIY Repair:

Cost: DIY can be more affordable than professional services.
Convenience: No need to visit a store or wait for an appointment.

Cons of DIY Repair:

Risk of Further Damage: Without the right tools or expertise, there’s a risk of causing more harm.
Warranty Void: DIY repairs can void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Tips:

Always use the right tools and follow trusted guides.
For complex issues like firmware issues, software updates, or OLED replacement, it’s best to seek professional technicians.
If unsure, always opt for expert technicians to ensure top quality repairs and maintain the smartwatch’s functionality.

Preventing Smartwatch Damage

Smartwatches, like any other electronic device, are susceptible to wear and tear over time. However, with proper care and attention, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage and extend the lifespan of your device.

Smartwatch Issues Prevention:

One of the most common issues with smartwatches is battery degradation. To ensure a longer battery life, consider a regular smartwatch battery replacement. Avoid exposing your smartwatch to extreme temperatures, as this can affect the smartwatch batteries and lead to a malfunctioning smartwatch.

Maintenance Tips:

Always ensure your smartwatch software is updated. This not only provides new features but also fixes potential software issues that can cause glitches. Regularly clean the smartwatch glass and strap to prevent dirt accumulation. If you notice any connectivity issues, such as problems with making calls or syncing, visit the nearest store with experienced technicians to have your smartwatch repaired.

Protective Accessories:

Using protective accessories like screen protectors can prevent scratches and cracks, ensuring your screen remains pristine. If you ever need the screen repaired, it’s always best to seek skilled technicians. Additionally, protective cases can shield your smartwatch from accidental drops, reducing the risk of internal damage. If you’re using Samsung smartwatches, ensure you get accessories compatible with your model.

Lastly, if you ever face issues with your smartwatch strap, such as wear and tear, consider getting a replacement strap. Many stores offer band replacement at an affordable price and in a timely manner, ensuring a hassle-free experience for users.

Smart Watch Resources For Help With Repairs and Guidance

Finding the right advice for smart watch repair near me is difficult. It is best to connect with other people who own the same smart watch. Likely many others in the community have experienced the same type of issues that you have. Here are some resources for smartwatch repair services for watches:

Smart Watch Repair Near Me – Wrap Up

If you are in need of a smartwatch repair shop, then you should carefully consider the options noted above. Finding the best smartwatch repair near me for your needs is critical to getting your watch fixed.

Smart watches are awesome pieces of tech and look real savvy on your wrist, but there still needs to be some major improvement across the industry as a whole in order to reduce these frustrating issues. This is what I have learned from the top smartwatch repairs and watch repair near me.

Smart Watch Repair Near Me

Map of Smart Watch Repair Near Me