Signs of Motherboard Failure in Mobile Phones
The motherboard is the heart of your mobile phone, housing all the critical components that keep your device running smoothly. When it fails, it can lead to many issues that render your smartphone unusable. At Dr Boom Communications, we’ve seen many cases of motherboard failure. So, we’re here to share the common signs of motherboard failure in mobile phones and possible solutions.
First, What Causes Motherboard Failure in a Phone?
Here are the most common causes of motherboard failure in smartphones:
- Physical Damage from Drops: Frequent or hard drops are one of the primary causes of motherboard damage. Even if the screen remains intact, the impact can dislodge or damage internal components on the motherboard.
- Water Damage: Liquid exposure, especially when the phone’s screen is already cracked, can quickly lead to corrosion and short circuits on the motherboard. So, never underestimate water damage to a phone.
- Overheating: Excessive heat can ruin sensitive components on the motherboard. This can be caused by prolonged device use, exposure to direct sunlight, or running resource-intensive apps for extended periods.
- Power Issues: You might think you’re saving money by buying low-quality chargers, but using them can lead to voltage fluctuations that damage the motherboard. Overcharging or using a faulty battery can also cause issues.
- Manufacturing Defects: Sometimes, smartphones may have inherent flaws in their motherboard design or manufacturing process, leading to premature failure. If you suspect such defects, report them immediately to the seller.
- Software Issues: While less common, persistent software problems or failed updates can sometimes lead to motherboard issues, especially if they repeatedly cause the phone to overheat.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, normal usage can lead to the degradation of motherboard components, especially in older devices.
- Improper Repairs: Phone repairs attempted by unskilled technicians can sometimes cause more harm than good, leading to motherboard damage.
While these are common causes, motherboard issues can be complex and require professional diagnosis and repair. If you suspect a motherboard problem, it’s best to consult with a certified phone technician for an accurate assessment and expert motherboard repairs. But how do you know when to bring your phone to a repair shop? Let’s talk about the telltale signs of a failing motherboard below.
How to Tell If Motherboard is Faulty
1. Phone Won’t Turn On
Being non-responsive is one of the common signs of motherboard failure in mobile phones. Even when you press the power button repeatedly or plug your phone into a charger, it won’t turn on or remain unresponsive if it has a damaged board.
Here are some things you can do when you face this issue:
- Check the Battery: Ensure the battery is not completely drained. Try charging the phone for at least 30 minutes before turning it on again.
- Test with a Different Charger: Sometimes, the issue might be with the charger or cable. Use a different charger to rule out this possibility.
- Do a Hard Reset: A hard reset might help for some models. Press and hold the power and volume down button simultaneously for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Get Professional Diagnosis: If the phone still doesn’t turn on, it might be a motherboard issue. Go to a certified technician for a thorough inspection and necessary board-related repair services.
2. Screen Malfunctions
Does your phone turn on, but the screen remains blank, flickers, or displays distorted images? Screen malfunctions can indicate a problem in the phone’s motherboard.
Here are some quick fixes you can do before bringing your phone for repairs:
- Restart the Phone: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve screen issues. So, do this before thinking of getting screen repair or motherboard services.
- Boot into Safe Mode: Doing so helps you check if a third-party app is causing the problem. If the screen works fine in Safe Mode, uninstall recently installed apps.
- Check for Physical Damage: Inspect the screen for cracks or damage that might be affecting its functionality.
3. Frequent Restarts
If your phone randomly restarts or gets stuck in a boot loop, that’s worth checking. That could indicate a serious motherboard issue, but it also pays to perform quick fixes to rule out other causes. For instance, ensure your phone’s software is up-to-date. Go to Settings > System > Software Update. If software updates don’t help, consider performing a factory reset (just make sure to back up your data first!)
Overheating can also cause random restarts. So, if you’re using your phone while charging, stop it for a moment and see if the issue is resolved. You can also try closing unnecessary apps running in the background to fix possible overheating.
If all else fails, seek expert help. Frequent restarts can indicate a failing motherboard. A technician can do a detailed diagnosis and suggest the best course of action.
4. Hardware Malfunctions
Components like the camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or charging port that stop working or behave erratically can be signs of motherboard failure in mobile phones. But to be sure that you’re facing a motherboard repair issue, restart your phone first. Restarting can sometimes fix hardware glitches. You should also ensure the hardware components are enabled in the settings. Go to your settings and check if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is toggled on. Some hardware issues can also be resolved by updating the device drivers. Check for updates in Settings > System > Software Update.
When to bring your phone to a motherboard repair shop? It’s when the hardware issues persist after doing all the tips above. An experienced technician can identify and repair (or replace) the faulty components to restore your phone’s functionality.
5. Overheating
Does your phone get unusually hot, even with minimal use? Or does it overheat even when you’re not charging it? It could be a sign of a failing motherboard.
Here’s what to do to rule out other culprits and pinpoint a board-related issue:
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your phone out of direct sunlight and avoid using it in hot environments to check if it’s overheating due to other causes.
- Close Background Apps: Running multiple apps can cause your phone to overheat. Shut down unnecessary apps to reduce the load on the processor and see if that resolves the issue.
- Check for Malware: Malware can cause your phone to overheat. Run a malware scan using a trusted antivirus app to rule out that cause.
Continuous overheating can damage the motherboard over time. So, if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help to prevent further damage.
Wrapping Up
Motherboard failure can manifest in various ways, from unresponsive screens to frequent restarts and hardware malfunctions. By recognising these signs early and taking appropriate action, you can prevent further damage and extend the life of your phone. Feel free to consult a certified technician for a thorough diagnosis and repair. For instance, Dr Boom Communications is here to offer professional help.
Find the nearest Dr Boom store and bring your smartphone in. Our seasoned technicians are ready to diagnose the issue and provide necessary motherboard repairs. If the problem isn’t severe, you can expect same-day service from us.
