Mobile phone with lots of apps
By Lindsay Burnham / Mobile Phone Repairs / • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Why apps won’t download on an android phone

Using an android phone provides access to the Google Play Store and with it a wide selection of apps available to download. But what happens when you experience app download issues? It is frustrating when you want to read the latest book, listen to a podcast or play that popular game and you are waiting for the app to download. There can be many reasons why an app fails to download. In this blog, we outline the steps to take to resolve the issue of why apps won't download on an android phone.

Step 1 – Clear the cache

Clearing the cache on the Google Play Store app can solve many problems. By doing this, it can reset the pending settings and ensures you use the latest version of each of your apps. To clear the cache, go to settings and then apps. We would advise you to clear the cache regularly in the play store as this is good practice.

Step 2 – Check your connection

An app will only download when there is a strong connection with either WI-FI or mobile data. Check the connection icon on the screen to ensure it is visible. You can also check the connection in settings. If you are trying to download via WI-FI, you may want to try mobile data connection only. Disable the WI-FI in settings and use your data to download instead. Sometimes, the mobile data connection process works better for downloads on android phones.

Step 3 – Reset the App Store

If you are looking at a blank screen waiting for the app to download, force stop Google Play Store. If your connection is strong and the cache has been cleared, there could be a problem with the app itself. To close the Google Play Store app, visit settings and then apps and notifications. At app info, force stop the app. This acts like a reset and will when re-opened should then operate normally.

Step 4 – Check your permissions

Sometimes the Google Play store prevents downloads for security. To check your permissions, visit settings and then apps. Next, visit reset app preferences or permissions. This allows for unrestricted downloads of apps onto your android device.

Step 5 – Turning the phone off and then on

If the above fails, then you may have to power the phone down and restart the device. Although a cliché, a restart can solve many issues with your phone as it spends a long time on and in use.

We hope the above has fixed the issues you are experiencing, but if not contact us. We can offer advice over the phone and make an appointment for one of our technicians to review why apps won't download on an android phone.

How to cool an overheating laptop
By Lindsay Burnham / Laptop Repairs / • • • • • • / 0 Comments

How to cool an overheating laptop

Laptops by their nature can generate a lot of heat. This is especially true when in use for long periods of time on your lap or an environment that's not cooled to optimise performance. But when your device starts to overheat, it can impact the performance of your machine. In this blog post, we outline the causes, and offer a few solutions of how to cool an overheating laptop.

 

What happens when the temperature gets too high?

A certain level of heat is to be expected and is normal for your hardworking device. Being a laptop, there is less space for the components compared to a PC and heat can build up quickly. However, when heat intensifies it can result in a slowing down of functionality which can lead to data loss. Longer term this can severely impact your machine.

Your laptop suffers a lot, you move it from a desk to your bag, onto a train or plane and then back again. This means dirt, dust and bacteria makes its way into the cooling device which is exposed on the base. This dirt builds up and can eventually affect the performance of the cooling fan.

 

How to prevent an overheating laptop

The temperature of your machine should not exceed 35 degrees celsius. To keep it within the guidelines we advise the following:

• Keep the vents free
• Make sure your laptop is on a flat surface so that air can circulate
• Remove any objects such as dust or hair from the vents
• Operate your machine in a cooler room
• Use a laptop stand which will allow heat to move round your machine
• Put a cooling mat underneath your laptop

To clear the vents, we recommend you use a compressed air spray. This should dislodge any dust or build of dirt and create a clear path for the air to move round.

 

What causes an overheating laptop?

Running lots of applications at the same time or streaming video games or films can contribute to the problem. They affect the temperature levels of your laptop. Over time your battery will deteriorate as will the thermal paste which cools your device. Monitor the number of applications you have open at once and close any that are resource intensive.

The CPU Turbo boost maintains the efficiency of the processing core of your machine – but only when it is operating within normal temperature levels. If your device is overheating, disable this function. Disabling the function may see a slight slowing in processing but it should also see a reduction in the temperature of your machine.

If following the tips above hasn’t solved the problem, and you still need to know how to cool an overheating laptop, then contact us. One of our technicians will be happy to review your laptop, make an appointment for the repair and provide you with a quote.

Gadget Rehab - how we manage your repair
By Lindsay Burnham / Apple iMac Repairs • Apple iPad Repairs • Apple iPhone Repairs • Apple Macbook Repairs • Business News • Data Destruction • Data Recovery • DJ Equipment Repairs • Drone Repairs • Game Console Repairs • Gaming PC Repairs • Google Pixel Repairs • Headphone Repairs • Huawei Repairs • Laptop Repairs • Liquid Damage Repairs • Microsoft Surface Repairs • Microsoldering • Mobile Phone Repairs • Mobile Phone Trade In • Mobile Phone Unlocking • Other Repairs • PC Builds • PC Repairs • Quick Guide Price List • Samsung Galaxy Repairs • Software Support • Sony Xperia Repairs • Tablet Repairs • Tablets • Team • training / • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Repair management software – we have the best!

The Best Repair Management Software

We know how important your tech is to you and how quickly you need to have it back. That’s why we offer many same-day repairs where possible. Whatever you need in terms of repair, we always keep you up to date using dedicated software called RepairDesk. In this blog, we explain how we manage your repair with our repair management software.

How we manage your repair

RepairDesk*is designed specifically for tech repair specialists to enable professionals like us to keep our customers up to date. The advanced capability means that your updates are also in real-time. At Gadget Rehab, we have been operating this repair management software for eight years. This is key to how we manage your repair.

As a customer, your first experience with this software is when we book your repair. The ticketing system means you receive a unique ticket number. This allows us to allocate the right time, technician and completion date for your repair. We can also take a photo of your device before we start any work as a record for us and you. Which is saved to the software.

 

Creating a Repair Checklist

The next step is to create your repair checklist, which we also complete using the RepairDesk repair software. This checklist allows us and you to see the progress and status of your repair. The status changes as we go through the repair process. We will even email you at key stages of the process, so you know where we are.
Once the repair has been completed, you will receive a notification by email of its completion. This will be updated on your ticket and reflected on the job status. We also provide you with the option to sign digitally creating a record for both you and for us. This allows us to build a full history of our customer experience and a reference point for future appointments and repairs. At Gadget Rehab, how we manage your repair is the first step to building a positive customer experience.

 

Real-time reporting with RepairDesk

Internally the customer management software enables our team to view all our current work schedules and the allocation to technicians. By having this transparency of service, it means any one of our team members can let you know the status of your order. All information is stored securely, and notes are added if additional parts or work is required. For us, it is an essential part of our business. We use the software to manage all of our workflows and ensure we offer the very best levels of customer service.

This repair shop software was initially designed for those working in the mobile phone repair industry and so is the perfect fit for our business. Now, the software has grown in popularity and is used by repair professionals across many industries. Trade professionals using this software in addition to tech repair specialists include plumbers and electricians.

Try the software today!

Repair Managment Software

 

 

Do you work in a field that you feel would benefit RepairDesk?

In our opinion, the best repair management software is RepairDesk. Click here to give it a try today*.

Need a repair?

If you need a repair to your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, PC, Mac, drone or DJ equipment contact us to book your appointment or use our quote form.

 

*Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, whereby we may receive a commission on referring products and services. There is no extra cost to you but does help support our site and could entitle you to exclusive offers. We only recommend products and services we would use ourselves. All opinions expressed here are our own.

Macbook - where are my missing files
By Lindsay Burnham / Apple iMac Repairs • Apple iPad Repairs • Apple iPhone Repairs • Apple Macbook Repairs • Laptop Repairs / • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Macbook – where have my files gone?

At Gadget Rehab, we carry out many repairs to Macbook and Macbook Pro machines. We often see the same problems affecting many of our customers. For this blog, we review the problem of the disappearing act – where have my files gone?

 

Back it up

We always recommend the regular backing up of files on your device. Whether this is with Timemachine or via cloud storage or an external hard drive, this is good practice and allows you to reset your device to a previous version should you encounter any issues following an update. Updates to the machine can often be the trigger for your files to vanish from your machine so it is always advisable to have a back up prior to carrying this out.

 

Check your settings

As there are lots of useful features within Macbook and to be helpful many sort and arrange your files. This assistance may not be needed, and it is a good idea to check the settings on Terminal and Stack as they may have moved your files to declutter your desktop and other folders.

 

Trash folder

If your files are no longer visible, carry out the basic checks first such as looking in your trash folder. Items will be stored for 30 days on the standard setting which should buy you some time. If this doesn’t locate them, we would suggest carry out a search.

 

Conduct a search

To carry out a search, hold the command and space to open the spotlight functionality. Once opened, type the name of the file you are looking for and search. This should bring up a list of files which you can inspect further by holding down the command key and clicking on the file directory. This will take you directly to the file’s location. If the file you are looking for doesn’t appear in the list, then a broader search is necessary.

Conducting a broader search also known as a text search is by typing relevant or subject content into spotlight. This can be part of a sentence or a phrase you know is within the content of the document. If found, this will also appear within a list which can be investigated further by following the filepath.

If you are still struggling to find your files, another option is to purchase data recovery software. This of course has a cost associated with it and if you are not confident in applying the software can leave you confused. We would recommend that before you do this, call into one of our two sites, and book an appointment with one of our engineers. We offer competitive rates and an efficient service. Contact us to find out more.

The best gaming accessories
By Lindsay Burnham / Business News • Game Console Repairs • Gaming PC Repairs • Headphone Repairs • Other Repairs / • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Best gaming accessories to enhance your experience

Gaming is no longer the reserve of kids playing against themselves to pass the time. The genre has evolved significantly in recent years and now boasts a global online community. With this expansion in popularity and time spent playing, gaming accessories have also developed. The best gaming accessories will enhance your experience and provide you with the very best ergonomic tools of the trade.

1. Gaming Headset

A comfortable headset is a must to allow you to immerse yourself in the game and concentrate on your play. We would recommend one that supports stereo sound, so you are able to connect sound with the visual. A headset which has a high-quality microphone is also a must to communicate with other players. Options include both wireless and cable connected.

2. Gaming Chair

If you are spending a lot of time gaming, then a supportive chair is an essential item to enhance your experience. When choosing a gaming chair, look for one which has a high back to support both your back and neck and if it has additional supports even better. Your gaming chair should also have adjustable arm rests and seat height as a minimum but many also have the ability to tilt the seat position.

3. Graphics friendly Monitor

Playing the game is only half the enjoyment. Many games now pride themselves on sharp and technically advanced graphics which are best viewed on a high quality monitor. Many companies have developed monitors specifically for this purpose and come in a range of sizes.

4. Gaming Controller

Using a suitable gaming controller will allow greater dexterity and an overall more comfortable experience. There are many options including Bluetooth available and come with rechargeable batteries for hours of play. Choose one which is most responsive to the types of games that you play.

5. Gaming Desk

A suitable gaming desk, like a gaming chair, will enhance your playing experience and ensure that your posture remains healthy. Being hunched over a table that is the wrong height or size can cause neck and back pain. Gaming desks can be adjusted to suit the player and often come with storage or hooks for your other gaming equipment.

We have the knowledge and skill to make sure your gaming machines remain working correctly and efficiently. If your machine or system is in need of repair, contact us and will be make an appointment. We offer repairs to all makes and models and carry out all our work on site.

DJ equipment what you need to get started
By Lindsay Burnham / DJ Equipment Repairs • Headphone Repairs • Other Repairs / • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

DJ Equipment – What you need to get started

There is a vast choice when it comes to DJ equipment but when you are looking to take the first leap, where do you start?

With lots of choice and little knowledge, there’s a lot of scope to spend money on items that are unnecessary or just won’t fit your needs. There are lots of options ranging from budget friendly buys to state of the art megabucks kits and the task of choosing can seem daunting. To help point you in the right direction, we outline our guide to getting it right when you are digital DJ beginner.

Step 1 – what do you need the DJ equipment for?

It is always advisable prior to any purchase is to keep in mind what you need the DJ equipment for. If this is purely your hobby, then there is no need to level up to professional grade kit. However, if this is a hobby that you hope to develop into a side hustle, and then a full-time career, your kit will need to be flexible and adaptive to reflect this.

Step 2 – The right foundation

Most people regardless of whether the equipment is for their hobby or with a longer-term career goal in mind will need a DJ Controller. This basic piece connects with your laptop, speakers and headphones to control your DJ software. The set-up of a DJ controller is a simple and quick process and is beginner friendly. This means it is a great place to start when you are getting to grips with all elements. Prices start at around £250 for a good quality DJ controller which has several features.

In terms of the DJ software, there are some great options which allow you to mix several decks and provide you with the ability to add real creative flair to your work. There are options for Mac and PC as well as IOS and Android. We would advise you to do your research but some great options for beginners are Rekordbox DJ, Serato DJ Pro, Ableton Live and Traktor Pro.

Step 3 – Adapting to your needs

If you think you will need a little more flexibility with your equipment, then a CDJ and mixer combination would be a great purchase. Despite the name, a CDJ will play all music formats allowing you to use different sources to create your mix. A CDJ and mixer allows you to add to your kit and upgrade, when necessary, when your needs change. Using two pieces of kit will of course cost you more initially however this does give you some future protection. Alongside these pieces of kit, you will also need a laptop, speakers, headphones and DJ software or apps.

If you are looking for any advice on purchasing DJ equipment, then contact us. If you have DJ equipment that is need of repair or upgrading, then book an appointment with one of our skilled technicians here.

Which tablet is right for you?
By Lindsay Burnham / Business News • Other Repairs • Tablet Repairs • Tablets / • • / 0 Comments

Which tablet is right for you?

Tablets have grown in popularity over recent years with some preferring the larger screen size over a smartphone, but which tablet is right for you?

Apple has dominated the tablet market for many years as the iPad was the fastest selling and most recognised brand for the sector. However, if you are not a fan or don’t have the budget, there are some great alternatives. Choosing the right one for you is more important than the name on the front.

When choosing a tablet, you should consider the following:

How will you use it?

This is the most important factor when choosing a tablet. How, where and when you will use it should shape the operating system, look and feel and features. If it is mainly for browsing the internet and replying to emails, then you have a greater scope of options. But if you are looking for a tablet to stream movies and play online games then this will require a more channeled approach.

It is also a good idea to consider if the tablet is for personal or business use and if it is to work alongside your other devices such as laptop and phone or replace either of the those.

Do you need built in storage?

If you know you are going to use the tablet for images, apps and other downloads then storage could be a factor. All tablets regardless of make or model will have a degree of built-in storage. This typically ranges from 8GB which equates to approximately 2500 images to 64GB which would provide space for about 20,000 images.

To supplement this, most will have memory card options (although not iPad) which you can use to transport or store files. If storage is still an issue, you can move files from your tablet to any cloud storage such as OneDrive or Google Drive.

Do I need to understand the operating system?

The short answer is not really, however, familiarity can play its part. For example, if you have an apple phone then you will recognise the icons, names and text style on an iPad. If you have an android phone, then an android operating system seen on a Samsung will be familiar. Each operating system works, it is just a case of understanding how. If your tablet is for business use, then a windows operating system would be advisable as word and excel are simple to use.

Which features do I need?

This question all depends on what you will use the tablet for. If you are using it for videos and images, then the camera is something you will want to check. If it is for children, then make sure it is robust enough to withstand it being dropped. Key features to consider are:

• Screen size
• Battery life
• Camera quality
• Memory
• Look and feel

What do I have to spend?

The last element is to consider the budget you have. If you follow the advice above, you should now have a clear idea of what you need in a tablet. If the tablet you want now is above your budget, then you could consider a refurbished tablet. Our sister company, GR Phones have some great options.

If you have a tablet in need of repair, then contact us. One of our team can arrange a repair appointment for you.

Happy Christmas from Gadget Rehab
By Lindsay Burnham / Business News • Other Repairs / • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Christmas Opening times at Gadget Rehab

Hopefully your preparations for Christmas are well underway and you are getting ready for some festive fun. Our team is – and after another challenging year we hope you can celebrate in style.

At Gadget Rehab, we have enjoyed several new achievements this year. We launched our training programme which was something we had wanted to do but was delayed due to the pandemic. The successful course also led to us expanding our team further by appointing one of the students.

Another highlight for us was the launch of our sister company GR Phones Ltd. This e-commerce platform sells the highest quality reconditioned phones and tablets. All tech undergoes our strict quality and testing procedures, so you know you are receiving the highest value handset or device. It’s also a great place to grab a last-minute gift for someone!

We know tech forms an important part of your holiday celebrations not only for entertainment but for keeping in touch with family and friends. New mobile phones, tablets, laptops and PCs are often bought for as presents for Christmas. With a wealth of winter and festive games, online films and shows to take advantage of, your tech gadgets need to be up to scratch.

Christmas Opening Times

To support you during the break we are open as usual in the run up to Christmas closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve, 24th December 2021. We will then be closed on the following days:

• Saturday 25th December 2021
• Sunday 26th December 2021
• Monday 27th December 2021
• Tuesday 28th December 2021

You can also email us or message us via Facebook during these times and we will respond when we are open again. It is important to us that we can support you as much as possible even when we are closed.

If you have a phone or tech gadget in need of repair before Christmas, then get in touch – our pre-Christmas break appointments are filling up! We can also give advice over the phone or using a direct message on social media.

So, all that is left for us to do now is wish you a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you when we re-open on Wednesday 29th December.

Is a cracked screen really that bad
By Lindsay Burnham / Apple iPhone Repairs • Data Recovery • Mobile Phone Repairs • Mobile Phone Trade In • Other Repairs • Tablet Repairs / • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Is a cracked screen really that bad?

So, you have cracked the screen on your phone, but is it really that bad? The simple answer is, it could be. In this blog, we look at the issues surrounding a cracked screen.

Visible Damage

When you have a cracked screen, even if the damage looks small, the phone is at risk of further harm as the cracks can move further across your screen. The break will not repair itself and so will only get worse over time. Most at risk is the touch screen function which will stop responding. This is a sensitive area of the phone and may also indicate the damage has gone beyond the casing. Another indicator of internal damage are groups of pixels which are “dead” and look like misty blurs on the display. They can also look like dark or white patches. This will need specialist repair and should not be used until rectified by a qualified engineer.

The screen contains elements which are also responsible for the colours that you can see on your device. Cracks affect this functionality and so the overall look of the device will be changed and make some elements difficult to read. This is not the ideal situation when browsing, selecting images or looking at social media.

Screen Cracks

The cracks also create gaps within the surface of your phone which leaves the device at risk of bacteria and dirt developing within them. Not only is this unhealthy for you but can cause damage inside the phone or within the small elements such as wires. Moisture from the air or on your hands can create all sorts of problems with the navigation functions of your phone or can cause your phone to cut out completely.

Cracks on part of the screen can spread and splinter quickly creating a “web” across the device. This will make the phone unusable as well as increasing the possibility that some shards may come loose and cause scratches or cuts on your hands. If your phone has cracked in this pattern, then it needs to be repaired as soon as possible as the device and you are at risk of serious harm.

Our Advice

Overall, a cracked screen impacts on the enjoyment of your phone, making it difficult to read and communicate which not only slows your interaction but makes the phone more frustrating to use. This can cause eye strain as you try to de-code what you are trying to look at.

At Gadget Rehab, we have repaired many cracked mobile screens and work on all makes and models. We would advise you to get a cracked screen fixed as soon as possible, the process is simple and cost effective. Contact us to book your repair here.

Common iPad Problems
By Lindsay Burnham / Apple iPad Repairs • Other Repairs / • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Common iPad Problems

Apple does a great job of developing market leading products so much so that people refer to iPad as a general term for all tablets. But buying the market leader doesn’t guarantee an issue free experience. In this blog we outline the most common iPad problems.

Frozen Screen

A frozen screen can be very frustrating and hide a problem beneath, however, it could also be related to the device memory or an app or software issue. The simplest fix is to restart the machine by carrying out a force restart. This allows the machine to revert to a previous state and removes the problem conflicts.

If this doesn’t work, we recommend a system restore. We always recommend you regularly back up your device so that in the event of a system restore, you do not lose any data.

If the problem continues then it could be a hardware problem and that will need a technical repair.

Apps that Crash

Apps are continually being developed to ensure they meet the needs of the user and depending on your settings will be automatically updated when new versions are released. However, some updates can cause conflicts and can crash or freeze when opened. If a device restart doesn’t solve the problem, we would advise you to force stop the app and try and re-open it. If the app still crashes, then the only solution is to uninstall and re-install the app from the app store.

 

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Charging Problems

If your iPad is failing to charge, then there is a process of checks you can do to find the source of the problem. Firstly, check if the charging icon is visible when the charger is plugged in to a socket. If the icon is visible, then there is an issue with the battery itself.

Try a different charger although always make sure it is an appropriate charger for the device. If a different charger doesn’t work, then it is best to bring the device to a qualified tech repair centre.

Slow Running Device

If your iPad is beginning to run slower than usual, check how many applications you have running. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and close the apps that are open or running.

We would also recommend you check the storage in your settings. You will need at least 2GB of free space for your iPad to operate efficiently. To create more storage space, delete files you longer need, clear your cache and browsing history and uninstall apps that you no longer use or need.

If the problem persists then a system reset could also solve the problems, but like before any reset, you will need to make sure all data is backed up.

If you need help with any iPad problem, then contact the team at Gadget Rehab, we can offer advice over the phone or alternatively make an appointment for one of our engineers to review your device.

 

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