FAQ's
Frequently asked questions!
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General Questions
At Megatronic, we diagnose and repair a wide range of issues affecting mobile phones and tablets, restoring them to full working condition quickly and reliably.
In addition, we provide professional phone unlocking services for SIM-based devices, allowing them to be used with different carriers.
We also offer a selection of new and refurbished smartphones, including both advanced and basic models, giving customers flexible and affordable options.
Moreover, our store carries a complete range of mobile accessories such as chargers (wall, car, and USB), headphones and headsets, protective cases, screen protectors, and holsters.
For added convenience, we supply SIM cards, including USA travel SIMs, prepaid top-up options, and long-distance calling credit.
For remote and mail-in services, simply browse our website and add the required service(s) to your cart. Once you are ready, click on “View Cart” to proceed to checkout securely via PayPal.
For in-store services, payment can be made conveniently at the time of your visit.
We offer flexible payment options for your convenience. Online payments are securely processed through PayPal, allowing you to pay using either a PayPal account or a credit card.
For mail-in repairs, money orders are accepted, although this may result in slightly longer processing and return times.
Please note that personal cheques are not accepted.
In-store, we accept cash payments as well as card transactions processed through PayPal.
Select the services you need and add them to your shopping cart. When finished, open the “View Cart” tab and complete your order securely through PayPal.
Select the services you need and add them to your shopping cart. When finished, open the “View Cart” section to review your order details.
For multiple devices, kindly use the “Additional Shipping” option to ensure all shipping costs are included.
Once your order is complete, proceed to secure checkout via PayPal.
Megatronic Cell Phone Services is fully licensed by the British Columbia Ministry of Finance and the City of Vancouver. With thousands of successful repairs completed, we are trusted by customers across the region.
We invite you to view our “Reviews” section at the bottom of the homepage to see real feedback from satisfied clients.
At Megatronic, we recognize that mobile devices are both essential and costly to replace. When issues occur, many manufacturers and insurance providers offer limited support, often leading to unnecessary upgrades.
That’s why we are committed to extending the life of your current device through professional repair and unlocking services. This approach helps reduce electronic waste while keeping costs manageable for our customers.
By choosing repair over replacement, you not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Remove the battery from your phone to locate the model number inside the device. For iPhones, the model information can usually be found on the back of the phone.
The “make” refers to the manufacturer, such as Sony Ericsson or BlackBerry, while the “model” is typically a number or an alphanumeric code (for example, W580i or 8100).
For instance, Sony Ericsson W580i and BlackBerry 8100 each include both the make and model details needed for identification.
To find your IMEI number, simply dial *#06# on your phone and it will appear on the screen.
For some BlackBerry devices, you may need to go to Options > Status to view the IMEI number. On Sidekick/Hiptop phones, it can sometimes be found behind the screen or within the device settings.
For unlocking purposes, it is always recommended to retrieve the IMEI number through the phone’s software rather than checking under the battery, as this method is more accurate and reliable.
Phone Repair Questions & Answers
We repair most GSM and CDMA cell phones and fix a wide range of hardware and software issues. Our technicians regularly repair:
- Cracked or damaged LCD screens
- Broken lenses and flex cables
- Faulty speakers and microphones
- Unresponsive keypads and trackballs
- Damaged charging ports
- Software problems and system errors
- Phones that won’t power on
- Water-damaged devices
If you’re not sure whether we can fix your phone, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Repair costs vary depending on your phone model, the parts required, and the type of repair. We keep our pricing competitive and transparent.
You can view pricing for common repairs on our Repairs page under your phone’s manufacturer. If you don’t see the repair you need, contact us for a custom quote.
Not sure what’s wrong with your phone? Select our Diagnostic service and mail your device to us. We’ll identify the issue and recommend the best repair option.
Yes. All repair prices and quotes include both parts and labor unless stated otherwise.
Submit a quote request through the Contact Us page and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
You can mail your device to us or drop it off at our Surrey shop in person. Visit our Contact page for directions, store hours, and drop-off and pickup information.
Most phone repairs are completed and shipped within 1–2 business days. If we need to order parts, repairs can take up to 2 weeks. Some complex repairs may take longer.
If your repair is expected to take more time than usual, we’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
Yes. We stock select LCD screens and lens covers for while-you-wait repairs at our Vancouver location and same-day service for many mail-in repairs.
If we don’t have your screen in stock, we can usually order it within 1–2 weeks.
Yes. We can repair BlackBerry trackball issues, including problems where it won’t scroll up or down or register selections. We also handle related keypad and software malfunctions.
Yes. We repair damaged charging ports, including ports that are loose, unresponsive, or no longer charging properly.
Yes. We repair keypads with sticking, unresponsive, or malfunctioning keys and restore proper button function.
Yes. We repair phones that freeze, crash, or experience other software malfunctions.
Yes. We fix SIM card detection issues, including phones that don’t recognize the SIM card or show “no service” errors when the SIM is properly inserted.
Yes. We repair water-damaged phones, and success depends on how quickly the device is brought in after exposure.
The best chance of recovery is when the phone is powered off immediately and not charged afterward, since charging a wet device can cause a short circuit on the motherboard. If possible, remove the battery (if your model allows it) and avoid turning the phone back on.
Bring it in or mail it to us as soon as possible so we can assess and begin treatment right away.
If your phone can’t be repaired, we’ll let you know after a full diagnosis. We only proceed with repairs once you approve the work, so you won’t be charged for anything unnecessary.
In cases where repair isn’t possible or isn’t cost-effective, we’ll clearly explain the issue and why. Whenever possible, we can also advise on next steps, including replacement options or data recovery if your information is still accessible.
Yes. We offer a 30-day limited warranty on most repairs. If the same issue comes back within that period, we’ll take care of it according to our warranty terms.
Check our repair prices and compare them with the cost of a new phone to decide what makes the most sense for you.
Repairing your device is often a more affordable option and helps reduce electronic waste by keeping phones out of landfills whenever possible.
Device Unlocking Help & Information
GSM and AWS carriers lock phones so they only work on their own networks. Unlocking removes this restriction and lets you use your GSM or AWS phone with other compatible service providers.
Once unlocked, you can switch carriers by simply inserting a new active SIM card. Unlocked AWS phones can also work with other AWS providers such as Wind Mobile and Mobilicity. This gives you the freedom to use prepaid plans and international SIM cards when travelling.
If you plan to travel with your phone, please also refer to Question 5 for additional information.
GSM & AWS Phone Unlocking
We unlock GSM and AWS cell phones that use SIM-card technology. You can unlock GSM phones from around the world, giving you the freedom to switch carriers easily.
Supported Carriers in North America
GSM networks in North America include Rogers, Fido, SpeakOut, Chatr, Virgin, Solo, AT&T, and T-Mobile, among others. Some devices from Telus, Bell, and Verizon—especially select BlackBerry and Android models—also use GSM technology and can be unlocked.
Wind & Mobilicity Devices
We also unlock Wind and Mobilicity phones. After unlocking, these devices can work on GSM networks. However, GSM-unlocked phones will not work on AWS-only networks.
We do not unlock CDMA mobile phones, including CDMA-only devices from Telus, Bell, Verizon, Sprint, or Nextel. These phones do not use SIM-card technology, so they cannot be unlocked for use with other networks.
A GSM or AWS phone includes a slot for a removable SIM card. To check, remove the battery cover and take out the battery. Look for a SIM card slot or SIM holder inside the device.
You can also confirm with your current mobile provider whether your phone uses GSM or AWS technology. GSM providers include Rogers, Fido, SpeakOut, Chatr, Virgin, Solo, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Cingular. AWS providers include Wind Mobile and Mobilicity.
Insert an active SIM card from a different wireless provider than your current one. If your phone can make and receive calls with the new SIM card, your phone is already unlocked.
If you see an error message or the phone does not work with the new SIM, it is still locked and needs unlocking.
If your phone is unlocked but still does not work with the new SIM, check whether the device supports the correct network frequencies (see next question).
It depends on the frequency bands your phone supports. GSM networks operate on different frequency bands around the world, including 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz.
A quad-band phone works in most countries where GSM service is available—over 200 countries worldwide. A tri-band phone works in many countries, while a dual-band phone has more limited international compatibility.
If you plan to travel, you can search online for your phone’s supported frequencies and compare them with the network bands used in your destination country.
Only unlocked AWS cell phones—such as devices from Wind Mobile, Mobilicity, and some T-Mobile USA models—will work with other AWS providers.
After unlocking, these phones can also be used on GSM networks, giving you more flexibility to switch carriers.
Yes, of course. Simply keep using the same SIM card, and you won’t notice any difference in how your phone works.
GSM phones can be unlocked using a unique code generated from the phone’s IMEI number and its original carrier.
To process an unlock, we need three details:
- The exact make and model of your phone (usually found under the battery or in the device settings)
- The current carrier your phone is locked to (not the one you plan to use)
- The IMEI number (you can find it by dialing *#06# on your phone)
Once we receive this information, we send your unlock code by email along with simple step-by-step instructions. Entering the code into your phone permanently unlocks it.
In the rare case that we cannot locate the unlock code for your mobile phone, you will have two options. You may request a full refund at that time, or we can attempt to obtain the unlock code through another provider (this may involve an additional charge).
We always provide a full refund if we are unable to find the unlock code for your device.
An unlock code is unique to your phone’s IMEI number and original carrier. Once entered correctly, it will permanently unlock your phone.
However, if you or someone else has already tried the wrong unlock code too many times, the phone may become blocked from accepting further codes. If you think this has happened, contact us first before ordering our remote unlocking service, as your device may require flashing (software repair) first.
Please note that we cannot offer a refund for a remote unlock service once your phone’s unique unlock code has been successfully provided.
In most cases, we email your phone’s unlock code within 1–3 business days, often the same day.
In rare situations, the process can take 1–3 weeks (for example, certain models like Sidekick). If an estimated time is not listed for your device, it usually falls within the standard 1–3 business days.
You can also click on the image of your phone on the Fast Unlocks page to view the estimated unlock time for your specific model.
You can bring your mobile phone to our drop-off location, where we unlock it using professional software and hardware tools. Most unlocks are completed within 5–30 minutes.
Before coming in, we recommend backing up your data and contacts to your computer or SIM card. While we usually preserve your information during the process, it’s always safer to have a backup in case anything is erased.
Phone unlocking refers mainly to removing carrier restrictions so your device can be used with other mobile networks. Once unlocked, your phone can accept SIM cards from different carriers, both locally and internationally, allowing greater flexibility and travel use. In some cases, unlocking may also enable full access to features restricted by a carrier, such as network settings or hotspot use.
It’s important to note that network compatibility (frequency bands) is based on the phone’s hardware and is not changed by unlocking. Some older CDMA-only devices cannot be unlocked for use on other networks.
We guarantee all our unlocking services with a 100% money-back policy if the unlock is not successful.
For in-shop unlocks, we test the device using SIM cards from different carriers to ensure it works properly, and we recommend customers do the same for verification.
Please note that unlocking is permanent for most devices; however, iPhones are an exception in certain cases. For more details, refer to Question 11 regarding remote unlocks, Question 6 for frequency requirements, and Question 11 for flashing requirements.
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