When electronic gadgets break, what should you do?

Have you ever been there? You've just gotten a new electronic gadget and you're so excited to start using it. You plug in your new Yi 4K action camera and start shooting your new GoPro killer movie. But then disaster strikes… the Yi 4K action camera doesn't turn on! What do you do?

The right steps to take will depend on the type of gadget you have, but here's what you shouldn't do when an electronic device breaks down.

If your device is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer to see if a repair is possible.

When electronic gadgets break, what should you do? If your device is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer to see if a repair is possible. This can be an expensive option, but it may save you money in the long run. If your gadget isn't covered by a warranty, consider first trying to fix it yourself with YouTube tutorials and other resources on the Internet.

If that doesn't work, you can always take it to a repair shop or buy a new one. If the problem is severe enough that you need to replace your gadget entirely, ask yourself whether there's another piece of technology out there that will meet all of your needs at once.

For example: If your smartphone stops working properly because of water damage, but replacing it would cost $400 or more, it might be worth considering getting an iPad instead — even if it doesn't offer mobile service or make calls like a smartphone does.

Be aware that some warranties don't cover accidental damage.

When electronic gadgets break, what should you do? When your smartphone or laptop breaks, it can be a huge headache. If it's still under warranty, you may be able to get it fixed for free. But if your warranty has expired and you don't have the money to repair or replace it, what can you do? Here are some options: Replace the device yourself.

You can often save money by replacing parts on your own. For example, if your smartphone screen is broken, you might be able to buy a replacement screen from Amazon — but make sure that it's compatible with your phone first! If you're not comfortable with doing repairs yourself, check out sites like iFixit for step-by-step instructions on how to fix various devices.

Contact the manufacturer directly. If your gadget is still under warranty (or if its manufacturer offers an extended warranty), contact them directly so they know about the problem and can help resolve it. Even if they don't offer any direct repairs or replacements (like Amazon), they may be able to refer you to a third party who does offer them.

Broken screens are usually not covered by warranties.

When your phone, tablet or laptop breaks, what should you do? Broken screens are usually not covered by warranties. Before you throw away an expensive device, consider these tips for getting your money’s worth out of it. If your screen is cracked and the device otherwise works, try to find a local repair shop that offers screen replacements.

Many of them will replace just the screen instead of the entire device — at a fraction of the cost. If they can’t fix it, they may be able to sell you a replacement part or tell you where to buy one online. If there’s water damage or corrosion inside your device, it can be more complicated to fix.

Take your broken gadget over to a local electronics store and see if they can identify any repairs that might be worth doing — or if that device is beyond saving. You might also want to see if they have any parts available for sale that could help you get back up and running quickly.

If there's no warranty, or you decide it's not worth the effort, you can repair it yourself, or choose from an array of services such as geek squad and ifixit.

If you've ever broken an electronic gadget, you know the feeling. You see a friend's phone or laptop and think, "I wish I could afford that," or "I'd really like to have that." But you don't want to throw away your money on a new product that may be no better than the one you already have.

In fact, sometimes it's actually worse — especially if it's a cheap knock-off. So when electronic gadgets break, what should you do? First of all, if there's no warranty, or you decide it's not worth the effort, you can repair it yourself, or choose from an array of services such as geek squad and ifixit.

You can also check out sites like eBay and Amazon where people sell used electronics at great prices.

Check out online sites that offer refurbished electronics at a discount.

Electronics are expensive. And when they break, you're going to want a replacement as quickly as possible. But how do you know if you should buy a new one or try to repair the old one? Here are some tips for deciding what course of action is best for your broken gadget: Check out online sites that offer refurbished electronics at a discount.

Many electronics companies now offer refurbished products for sale through their websites. These items have been tested and repaired, but may have minor cosmetic flaws or blemishes (such as scratches). If your gadget's case is cracked but the rest of it is in good condition, this could be an option worth considering.

Contact the manufacturer directly. If you bought your device directly from the manufacturer or carrier, they may offer customer service options other than just buying a new one outright — especially if it's still under warranty. For example, Apple offers repairs on most products within three years of their purchase date and can even replace faulty parts without having to send in the entire device first (if it has a major defect).

Look for third-party repair shops near you that can fix broken devices cheaply and quickly.

In a nutshell

What do you do when an important electronic gadget breaks? You may be tempted to throw it away and buy a new one. However, before you do that, you should contact the manufacturer's customer service number before doing so. Most likely, they will repair it for you at no cost, or for a low price.

Plus, it is more environmentally friendly to repair old gadgets than it is to dispose of them and buy new ones!