How to Start a Phone Repair Business in the UK (2026 Guide)
Why phone repair is a smart business to start
People keep their phones for years now, and a new flagship can cost over £1,000. When a screen cracks or a battery fades, a repair at a fraction of the price is the obvious choice. That steady demand is why phone repair is one of the most practical small businesses you can start in the UK.
Better still, you don't need a degree or a big loan. You need hands-on skill, the right tools and a reliable way to find customers. This guide walks through exactly what that looks like, so you can decide if it's right for you.
Who your customers are
Everyone with a smartphone is a potential customer, but some groups bring the most repeat work:
Students and young professionals who need a same-day fix
Parents replacing cracked screens on family phones and tablets
Small businesses that depend on phones and laptops and can't afford downtime
Anyone with a water-damaged or battery-drained phone who doesn't want to pay for a replacement
The best repair businesses win on speed, trust and quality. A fast turnaround, a clear price and a warranty on the work keep customers coming back and recommending you.
Skills and tools you need
Learn the common repairs first, because they make up most of the work:
Screen replacements on popular iPhone and Android models
Battery replacements
Charging port repairs
Water damage diagnosis and cleaning
Micro soldering, the skill that lets you fix motherboard faults other shops turn away
You'll also need a basic toolkit: precision screwdrivers, opening tools, a heat station, a soldering station, a multimeter, a microscope and quality spare parts from a trusted supplier.
The most valuable skill is diagnosis. Knowing why a phone failed saves you time and stops you replacing parts you didn't need to.
Four ways to get started
Working from home: the lowest start-up cost. Plan for tools, parts stock and how customers will find you.
Mobile repairs (you travel): ideal for convenience-led customers and businesses. Plan for travel time and carrying parts and tools.
Market stall or kiosk: steady footfall. Plan for pitch fees, stock and opening hours.
Repair shop: the best route to long-term growth. Plan for rent, business rates, insurance and staff.
Many successful repairers start small, from home or on the move, and open a shop once the customers are there. Whichever route you choose, register your business with HMRC and get the right insurance. Check current requirements on GOV.UK before you start.
Mistakes beginners make
Learning from videos alone. Watching isn't the same as doing, and a damaged board is expensive.
Buying the cheapest parts. Poor-quality screens and batteries lead to returns and bad reviews.
Skipping a warranty. Offering one builds trust and sets you apart.
Pricing too low. Cheap prices attract customers but leave no room for growth.
Ignoring Google. Most customers search online first, so a Google Business Profile and a simple website matter.
Learn from people who run repair shops
Knowing how to fix a phone is only half of running a repair business. The other half is pricing your repairs, finding good parts suppliers, winning customers and setting the business up properly.
At the London School of Mobile Technology, your teachers run their own repair shops in central London. We teach the repair skills and also show you how to build a business around them, based on what works in our own shops every day:
How to price your repairs so you stay competitive and profitable
Where and how to source quality parts from trusted suppliers
How to find customers and get them coming back
How to set up your business, whether from home, on the move or in a shop
And we don't stop when the course ends. You get unlimited support after the course, so you can ask for advice when you hit a tricky repair or a business question.
The fastest way to get job-ready
The quickest route to confident, professional repairs is hands-on training with an experienced teacher. At the London School of Mobile Technology, we've spent 15 years teaching phone, tablet and laptop repair in central London. Classes are limited to 6 students, so you get real practice on real devices, a certificate on completion and unlimited support after the course.
Our students have rated us 4.9 stars on Google and Facebook.
Ready to start? Browse our phone repair courses or call us on 020 7101 4446.
FAQ
Do I need experience to start a phone repair business?
No. Beginners can learn the core repairs with good training and practice.
How long does it take to learn phone repair?
Basic repairs such as screens and batteries can be learned quickly, while micro soldering takes more practice.
Is phone repair still worth it in the UK?
Yes. Phones are expensive and people keep them longer, so repairs remain in steady demand.
What is the most profitable repair skill?
Micro soldering. Fewer repairers offer it, so you can take on faults other shops turn away.
Will you help me start my own phone repair business?
Yes. Our teachers run their own repair shops in central London, so we teach pricing, sourcing parts, finding customers and setting up your business, and we support you after the course.
Where can I learn phone repair in London?
The London School of Mobile Technology runs hands-on courses in central London for beginners and experienced repairers.