Information
Repair Terms & Conditions
These terms apply to all repairs carried out by the Micro Wire lab, whether you drop your device off in store or send it by courier. We have written them plainly because a repair involves technical risks you should know about before you decide. By approving a quote, you accept these terms.
1. Check-in and diagnosis
Condition on arrival
When we receive your device, we record its condition — visible damage, scratches, dents, signs of liquid or previous repairs — and, where possible, test its main functions. We may photograph the device for our records.
This check records the condition on arrival. Not finding a fault at this stage does not guarantee that the device is free of hidden problems.
Diagnosis
For most faults, diagnosis is free. Where it requires significant technical work (e.g. board-level faults, liquid-damaged devices, intermittent faults), we tell you the cost before starting and only proceed with your agreement.
Diagnosis is done by testing and swapping components. Some faults only show up once the first one is fixed — in that case, we ask for your approval again.
Passcodes and locks
To test the device before and after the repair, we need the unlock passcode. If you prefer not to share it, testing will be limited and checking any functions that require unlocking will be up to you at collection.
Origin of the device
We do not remove activation locks (iCloud, Google account/FRP or similar) or carrier-unlock devices without the owner's authorisation. We may refuse devices of doubtful origin and cooperate with the authorities where required by law.
Accessories
Remove SIM cards, memory cards, cases and screen protectors before handing in your device. We are only responsible for accessories listed on the check-in ticket.
2. Quote and approval
- No repair is carried out without an approved quote. You can approve it in writing, by email, by text message or in your account area.
- The quote states the work, the part quality grade, the final price including VAT and the estimated turnaround. It is valid for 30 days.
- If another fault or cost comes up during the repair, we stop and ask for fresh approval. We never go over the approved amount without your agreement.
- If you decline the quote, we return the device reassembled, free of charge — unless a paid diagnosis was agreed beforehand. Adhesives and seals removed for diagnosis may not be replaced.
3. Parts used
Not all parts are equal, and you have the right to know what goes into your device. The quote always states the quality grade chosen:
Service Pack
New, official part from the brand's service channel.
Pulled
Genuine brand part taken from another device (used).
Rebuilt
Original main component (e.g. display panel) with the damaged parts replaced.
Micro Wire Selected
New third-party part from batches selected and validated in our lab.
Premium
New high-end third-party part, close to the original.
Compatible
New, budget alternative. May differ in brightness, colour, power use or thickness.
Each quality grade is described in Component Quality.
Replaced parts
If you want the removed parts back, ask before the repair. Batteries and hazardous components are not returned and go to certified recycling, as do any other unclaimed parts.
Customer-supplied parts
We can fit them, but with no warranty on the part or the result. If the part turns out to be faulty or incompatible, labour is still charged.
4. Risks and technical limitations
Risks of opening a device
Opening an electronic device carries risks. Components already weakened (drops, bending, liquid, previous repairs) may fail during disassembly, even when the correct procedure is followed.
We work on the reported fault. We are not liable for faults in components we did not work on that appear later — unless they result from our work.
Cosmetic marks
Glued devices need heat and controlled force to open. Light marks may remain around the opening area without affecting operation. Visible cosmetic damage caused by us is our responsibility.
Previous repairs
If the device has already been opened or repaired by a third party, we are not liable for earlier parts or work, or for failures they cause during our repair.
Liquid-damaged devices
Corrosion keeps progressing after cleaning. Even when the repair succeeds, new faults can appear at any time. These repairs carry no guarantee of outcome and the warranty is limited to the parts replaced.
Micro-soldering and board repair
Component-level repairs are carried out by a specialist technician, but success is not always possible. If we cannot repair it, you only pay the agreed diagnosis fee. The device may be returned in the same condition it arrived in (not working).
Batteries and charging circuits
A new battery may not fix poor battery life if the problem lies in the board (e.g. charging IC), the software or app power use — common with uncertified cables and chargers.
Swollen batteries
A swollen battery is a fire hazard. For safety, we may remove it immediately and not refit it, even if you decline the quote. We do not power on or return devices with batteries in this condition.
Warning: water resistance
Any work that involves opening the device voids its water and dust resistance rating (IP67/IP68), even with new seals. After repair, the device must not be submerged or exposed to liquids.
5. Paired parts, biometrics and software
Several manufacturers link parts to each device's serial number. This is a restriction imposed by the manufacturer, not by the repair, and it affects every independent repairer.
"Unknown part" messages
After replacing the screen, battery or camera, some devices show alerts such as "unknown part" or "unable to verify". Features such as True Tone, battery health percentage or auto-brightness may become unavailable. Where a tool exists, we transfer or calibrate the original part's data; where it does not, we tell you in the quote.
Face ID, Touch ID and biometric sensors
Biometric sensors are paired to the logic board and cannot be replaced outside the manufacturer. Damage from a drop or liquid may only be found during the repair — we are not liable for their loss when they were already damaged or when the loss results from pairing.
Future updates
System updates released after the repair may change how non-original parts behave (touch, brightness, charging). We do not control these updates; if this happens within the warranty period, we check it free of charge and apply the available fix, which may mean replacing the part.
Manufacturer's warranty
Work by an independent repairer may affect the manufacturer's commercial warranty or insurance and extended-warranty plans. If the device is still under factory warranty, consider using it first. Your statutory rights against the seller do not depend on this.
Directive (EU) 2024/1799 (right to repair) limits manufacturers' ability to block parts through software. We will update these terms as these rules take effect.
6. Data and privacy
Always back up first
Protecting your data is your responsibility. Back up your device before handing it in.
Work on the logic board or memory, or a software restore, can erase all data with no possibility of recovery — on encrypted devices, the loss is permanent. Micro Wire is not liable for data loss, except in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence.
Confidentiality
We only access what is strictly necessary to test the repaired functions. We do not open photos, messages, emails or personal apps, and we do not copy data.
Uncollected devices sent for recycling have their memory wiped or destroyed first. More details in our Privacy Policy.
7. Turnaround times
Stated turnaround times are estimates under normal conditions. Supplier delays, out-of-stock or discontinued parts and additional faults may change them — we keep you informed and, if the delay is significant, you can cancel and collect the device with no repair charge. We are not liable for indirect losses (e.g. loss of earnings) arising from delays not attributable to us.
8. Repair warranty
| Repair | Consumers | Business customers |
|---|---|---|
| New parts fitted (including fitting) | 3 years (Portuguese Decree-Law No. 84/2021) | 6 months |
| Pulled or Rebuilt parts fitted | 18 months, where stated in the quote | 6 months |
| Micro-soldering / board repair | 6 months on the repaired circuit | 3 months |
| Liquid-damaged devices | Replaced parts only | |
Fix guarantee — 14 days
If the original problem persists, you have 14 days from collection to let us know. We re-examine it free of charge and, if it cannot be fixed, we reverse the repair and refund what you paid.
Condition: the new parts fitted by Micro Wire are returned to the lab and the device is restored to its original configuration. This commercial guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights.
Batteries
The warranty covers battery defects, not normal chemical wear. A battery loses capacity with charge cycles — our benchmark is at least 80% of rated capacity up to 500 full cycles. Below that, or in case of faults (sudden shutdowns with charge remaining, swelling with no external cause), the battery is replaced.
The warranty does not cover
The warranty covers defects in the part and in our workmanship. It does not cover damage from other causes, in particular:
- Physical damage: cracked glass, impact or pressure marks on the screen, bent chassis — even on the repaired part.
- Liquids and moisture after the repair.
- Opening by third parties or by the customer after our repair (warranty seals broken).
- Software: system, app or virus issues unrelated to the part.
- Uncertified chargers and cables that damage the part or circuit.
- Manufacturer restrictions described in section 5 (pairing, part alerts).
9. Unforeseen events and compensation
If the device, while in our care, is lost (theft), accidentally damaged (fire, flood) or rendered unusable by a technical error on our part, we will compensate you in one of the following ways, in this order of preference:
Full repair
Restoring the device to its previous working condition, free of charge.
Replacement
A device with equal or better specifications (same model or successor), new or refurbished in equivalent condition, within 30 days at most.
Compensation
Purchase value on the invoice, depreciated by 25% for each year of the device's age, with a guaranteed minimum of 20% of that value. Without an invoice, the model's launch price is used.
These limits do not apply to damage caused by Micro Wire's wilful misconduct or gross negligence, nor do they exclude any other rights you have under the law.
10. Shipping and collection
Collection arranged by Micro Wire
- Includes insurance against loss and transit damage up to €1,000 per device. For higher values, we recommend handing it in person.
- If something goes wrong, we handle the claim with the courier and compensate you up to that limit. We need the purchase invoice or other proof of the device's value.
- Packaging is your responsibility: a rigid box, padding and a protected device. Damage caused by inadequate packaging is not covered by the insurance.
Sending it yourself
- Shipping to us is your responsibility and at your own cost and risk. Use a tracked and insured service.
- Include a note in the parcel with your name, contact details, unlock passcode (optional) and a description of the fault.
- If the parcel arrives damaged, we record and photograph it before opening and let you know straight away.
11. Payment, collection and uncollected devices
Payment
Payment is due on collection or before the device is shipped back. Until payment, Micro Wire may retain the device (right of retention, art. 754 of the Portuguese Civil Code).
Collection
We hand the device over to whoever presents the repair ticket or identifies themselves as the owner. Third parties need the owner's written authorisation. Check the device when you collect it.
Remote orders
If you book online, you have a 14-day cancellation right. By approving the quote, you expressly ask us to start straight away: if you cancel part-way, you pay for the work done and, once the repair is complete, you lose that right (arts. 15 and 17 of Portuguese Decree-Law No. 24/2014, implementing Directive 2011/83/EU).
Uncollected devices
When the repair is complete (or the quote is declined), we notify you by email or text message. After 30 days without collection, a storage fee may be charged according to the rates in force at the lab.
After 90 days, we send a final notice by registered letter, giving you 30 more days to collect. If there is no reply within that period, the device is considered abandoned: its memory is wiped or destroyed and it is sent to certified recycling, and any amount owed may be retained.
Nothing in these terms limits the rights the law grants to consumers. Last updated: October 2026.