Guides · Repairs

What is micro-soldering, and when does your phone need it?

The repair behind phones that other shops say can't be fixed.

Oct 22, 2026 · 4 min read

Micro-soldering is repairing the phone's main board under a microscope. Instead of swapping a whole part like a screen or battery, a technician replaces the tiny chip, connector or component that failed.

When you need it. The phone has no power even with a new battery. It won't charge even with a new port. There's no sound on calls, no signal after a drop, or the camera won't open. A connector got torn during a past repair. Or the phone went in water and corrosion damaged the board.

Why many shops can't do it. Swapping screens and batteries needs a few hand tools. Board repair needs a microscope, hot air and soldering stations, a power supply to trace shorts, and a lot of practice. Many shops send these phones out or tell you to buy a new one.

What it costs. It depends on the fault, so a fair shop quotes after looking at the board. It's often far less than a new phone, and it keeps your data on the device.

Is it worth it? If your phone is still getting updates, or it has photos you can't lose, usually yes. If it's very old and backed up, a replacement may make more sense. We'll tell you honestly which one we'd pick.

We do micro-soldering in store at Keswick, Newmarket and Cobourg, with a free assessment first.