When you rely on a Mobile phone repair to hold your life in your hand, you need it to function. Unfortunately, bugs and crashes are unavoidable, and your phone may need repairs or even a complete overhaul. While you can take it to a professional repair shop or (gasp) upgrade to a newer model, some issues are easy enough to fix yourself.

To start, a quick search of your make and model’s forum or web site should reveal some helpful advice from others who have had the same problem as you. You can also try calling your carrier or internet service provider, which may know more about the specific issues with your particular device.

If you are ready to try a repair yourself, a good pair of suction cup pliers is a must. These are a great tool for prying open a mobile phone, and will save you time versus using a fingernail or screwdriver to separate the screen from the rest of the device. If you don’t already have a pair, iFixit sells a handy kit for this exact purpose.

The Most Common Mobile Phone Repairs and How to Avoid Them

The first step is removing the back panel. You will probably need a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold it in place, depending on your make and model. Next, disconnect the screen from the motherboard. Usually, these two are just connected with plug-in-type connectors that should easily be released. Once you have the replacement screen, install it and replace the back panel. Before you close up your smartphone, test it to make sure everything is working correctly. Try shaking it and listening for parts rattling, then tighten any loose connections that aren’t holding firmly in place.