Accidents happen! If your device has taken a tumble or come into contact with liquid, acting quickly and carefully can help minimize the impact. This guide outlines the immediate steps you should take, explains your warranty, and lists the parts available for repair.

In this article:

Liquid and moisture damage

Fall and impact damage

Repairs and warranty information

DIY repair: available spare parts

Phone issues that cannot be fixed with spare part replacement (DIY)

DIY Repair guides

Liquid and moisture damage

Exposure to liquids or moisture is one of the most common causes of device failure because it can cause rapid oxidation in electronic components. If your device gets wet, follow these steps immediately:

1. Switch off the device: Make sure the device is completely powered down. Do not plug it in or attempt to charge it for at least a few hours, just in case moisture has entered the USB-C port.
2. Don't blow, shake, or heat the device: Avoid the urge to blow into the ports or shake the device, as this can force water deeper into other components and make the damage worse. Never try to speed up the drying process with a heating appliance (like a hairdryer), as excessive heat can cause permanent internal trouble later on.
3. Remove residue: Use a clean, dry cloth to carefully wipe the outside of the device. Remove any removable parts (such as the back cover, battery, and SIM card) and gently wipe each part individually.
4. Store and dry: Leave the device and its disassembled parts in a cool, dry place. Position the device so gravity can help moisture escape (for example, with the USB-C port facing down).
   • If liquid did not enter the internal components, store it like this for a couple of hours.
   • If liquid did enter the device, leave it alone for several days (no less than 2 to 3 days) before attempting to turn it back on.

Fall and impact damage

Physical impacts can cause obvious cosmetic damage, but the real concern is what happens inside the casing. If you drop your device, here is what you should do:

1. Check for safety first: Inspect the device for shattered glass to avoid injury. Look closely at the battery compartment—if the battery appears swollen, bent, or is emitting an unusual odor, do not turn the device on or plug it in, as this is a fire hazard.
2. Back up your data: If the device still powers on and the screen works, immediately back up your important files, photos, and contacts. Devices that have suffered a severe impact can sometimes fail hours or days after the initial drop.
3. Assess the functions: Carefully test the basic functions to see what is impacted. Check the touch screen responsiveness, cameras, speakers, and charging capability.

Repairs and warranty information

Even after following the steps above, there is a chance your device may not work, or may only partially work. Please keep the following in mind:

• Professional Assessment: A severe drop or liquid spill often impacts more than one internal component. Replacing a single visibly broken spare part (like a cracked display) might not solve the root issue. We strongly recommend having a professional assess the full scope of the damage first.

• Using Our Repair Center: If you would like to send your device to our official repair center for assessment and repair, you can initiate a request online. After selecting your device, please select "My issue is not listed". Use the description box to describe your issue in detail—please tell us exactly what happened (e.g., dropped on concrete, spilled coffee) and list all the specific symptoms you are experiencing. For an estimate of out-of-warranty costs, please check our Phones Repair Price List and Audio Devices Repair Price List.

• Warranty Coverage: Standard user damage—including liquid exposure and physical impacts—is not covered by the manufacturing warranty.
• Beware of Hidden Damage: Symptoms of internal damage can be unpredictable. Oxidation from water damage is often intermittent. Similarly, fixing only the screen after a heavy drop does not guarantee that other weakened internal parts won't fail later. Subsequent issues related to initial accidental damage will not be covered by the warranty.

DIY repair: available spare parts

If you've had the damage assessed or feel confident diagnosing it yourself, our modular design makes DIY repairs easy. All of the parts below can be found directly on the Fairphone Spare Parts Online Shop.

Please note: if your device did not suffer user damage (like a fall or liquid exposure) and you choose to purchase a spare part yourself, this purchase cannot be claimed under warranty later on, and we will not be able to refund you.

Phone spare parts

Phone issues that cannot be fixed with spare part replacement (DIY)

While our phones are highly modular, certain components are integrated directly into the core of the device and cannot be resolved by purchasing a spare part. If you experience issues with the following, your smartphone will need to be sent to our Repair Center:

• Microphones: Any microphone problem (such as people not being able to hear you on calls) cannot be addressed with a DIY spare part, as the microphones are directly integrated into the main board.

• Connectivity & Network: Issues with Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, or general cellular call connectivity are tied to components on the motherboard and cannot be fixed with external modules.

• Sensors: Problems with the fingerprint reader, gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor (excluding Fairphone 3), or ambient light sensor require professional repair, as these are not replaceable DIY parts.

• Physical Buttons: The volume and power buttons are integrated into the core of the device and cannot be replaced as standalone DIY spare parts.

• SIM and Micro SD Card Readers: For most models, the internal card readers are integrated into the core of the phone and cannot be replaced.

  • Exception - Fairphone 5: The SIM and Micro SD card slots are located in the Top Unit, which can be purchased and replaced.

  • Exception - Fairphone (Gen. 6): The physical SIM and Micro SD card tray is available to purchase. However, if your device suffered an impact or liquid damage, replacing just the tray may not resolve the issue if the internal reader is damaged.

Audio spare parts

Fairbuds (True Wireless Earbuds):

• Earbud Battery (Left or Right)
• Charging Case Battery & Outer Shell
• Charging Case Core
• Replacement Earbud (If you lose or permanently damage just one side)

Fairbuds XL (Over-Ear Headphones):

• Battery
• Ear Cushions (Textile or PU Leather)
• Left Speaker & Right Speaker
• Speaker Covers, Headband, Headband Base, and Cables

DIY Repair guides:

• The Fairphone (Gen. 6): Replace a Spare Part
• Fairphone 5: Replace a spare part
• Fairphone 4: Replace a spare part
• Fairphone 3(+): Replace a module
• Fairbuds spare parts replacement guide
• Fairbuds XL spare parts replacement guide