How to Back Up Your Data Before a Repair
Most repairs don't put your data at risk — but the golden rule of technology is to never rely on a single copy of anything you'd hate to lose. A few minutes spent backing up before you hand over a device gives you complete peace of mind, whatever happens. Here's how to do it properly.
The 3-2-1 rule
Professionals follow a simple principle: keep 3 copies of important data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy kept off-site (for example, in the cloud). You don't need anything fancy at home — the aim is simply to make sure that no single failure, theft or accident can wipe out everything at once. (More on this in our business backup guide.)
Backing up a computer
- Cloud storage. On Windows, OneDrive is built in; on a Mac, iCloud Drive does the same. Both sync your key folders automatically.
- An external drive. Copy your Documents, Pictures and Desktop folders to a USB drive. Windows has File History and Macs have Time Machine for a full, automatic backup.
- Don't forget the extras. Browser bookmarks, saved passwords, email and software licence keys are easy to overlook — most sync to your account, but check before you assume.
Backing up a phone or tablet
On iPhone and iPad, iCloud Backup saves your photos, messages and apps; on Android, Google One and Google Photos do the same. Plug in, connect to Wi-Fi and let it finish before any repair. If a screen is cracked but still responds, back up now — before it stops responding altogether.
Quickly check the backup actually worked
A backup you've never checked is just a hope. Take 30 seconds to confirm the date of the last backup and that recent photos and files are actually in it — for example, open the cloud app and look for today's photos. It's a tiny step that saves the heartbreak of discovering, too late, that the backup quietly stopped working months ago.
What if my device won't turn on?
Don't panic — and don't keep trying to power on a water-damaged device, as that can do more harm. In most cases data can still be recovered from a drive or phone that won't boot. That's exactly the kind of thing to leave to us rather than risk making it worse with DIY attempts.
How we protect your data
Whether it's a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet repair, we take care to safeguard your files throughout — and we'll always talk you through any work that could affect your data before we start. A good backup just means you're covered no matter what.