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Repair Times

How Long Does a Phone Repair Actually Take? (By Repair Type)

3 min read By Voltrex Repair Team · Clapham Junction

One of the most common questions we get at our Clapham Junction counter is: "How long will it take?" It's a fair question — you need your phone, and you don't want to be without it longer than necessary.

The honest answer depends on the type of repair. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what to expect for each one.

Repair Time at a Glance

Repair TypeTypical Time
Screen Replacement15–20 minutes
Battery Replacement15–20 minutes
Charging Port Repair20–40 minutes
Back Glass Repair30–45 minutes
Camera Repair20–40 minutes
Software Issues30–60 minutes
Water Damage AssessmentSame day – 24 hours
Data RecoverySame day – 48 hours

Screen Replacement — 15–20 Minutes

Screen repairs are the most common job we do, and we've got the process down. For most iPhone and Samsung models, a screen replacement takes 15–20 minutes from start to finish.

More complex models — particularly newer iPhones with Face ID components embedded in the display — can take slightly longer, but rarely more than 30 minutes. You can wait at our counter while we work.

Battery Replacement — 15–20 Minutes

Battery replacements are quick on most modern phones. We remove the back (or front, depending on the model), disconnect the old battery, fit the new one, and test the phone before handing it back — usually in about 15–20 minutes.

Older phones with sealed backs or additional adhesive can add 10 minutes to this. We'll tell you upfront if your model is one of them.

Charging Port Repair — 20–40 Minutes

Charging port repairs are a bit more involved because the port is often soldered to the board rather than being a plug-in connector. Depending on the model, this can take 20–40 minutes. It's still a same-day job in almost every case.

Before replacing the port, we'll check whether it's simply dirty or clogged with lint — which is very common and takes 5 minutes to fix with no cost to you.

Back Glass Repair — 30–45 Minutes

Cracked rear glass is more common on iPhone models (from the iPhone 8 onward) which use glass backs. Replacing the glass requires heating the phone to loosen the adhesive and carefully removing the old glass without damaging the internals. Most jobs take 30–45 minutes.

Water Damage — Same Day to 24 Hours

Water damage repairs are the exception to our quick-turnaround rule. After cleaning the board and components, the phone needs to be fully dry before it's safe to power on and test. In most cases we can assess and clean the phone on the same day, but we may need to keep it overnight if extensive drying or component-level work is needed.

We'll always give you a clear timeline when you bring it in.

No appointment needed. Walk in and we'll start immediately. For most repairs you can wait at our counter inside Clapham Junction Discount Store — no need to leave your phone and come back.

What Affects Repair Time?

A few things can affect how long your specific repair takes:

Walk In — No Booking Required

At Voltrex in Clapham Junction, walk-ins are always welcome. Come straight to our counter inside Clapham Junction Discount Store, 248–250 Lavender Hill, SW11 1LJ. We'll take a look at your phone, give you a free diagnosis and a firm quote, and if you're happy to go ahead — most repairs are finished before you've finished a coffee.

If you'd prefer to reserve a time, you can book a slot online and we'll be ready for you.

The Short Answer

Screen or battery? You'll be done in 15–20 minutes. Charging port or back glass? 20–45 minutes. Water damage? Same day in most cases. We're open 7 days — just walk in.

Need a repair today?

Open Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 9:30am–7pm. Walk in — no appointment needed. Free diagnosis before we start.

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