Bringing a phone, computer, tablet, or any electronic device to repair or troubleshoot can get expensive. In many cases, do you know you can repair devices yourself? You just need a little guidance. You can try to repair your devices with FixBot before paying hundreds for a professional.
What is FixBot?
FixBot is an AI repair helper. It works with thousands of devices, including computers, gaming systems, appliances, gardening and lawn tools, and more. It’s designed by iFixIt, which is already well-known for its extensive repair manuals and teardowns of the latest gadgets and appliances.
Now, you can access all their expertise via their helpful AI chatbot. Whether it’s a hardware or software issue, it’s well worth asking FixBot for help.
It’s available on the web and mobile. Even if your mobile device breaks, you can still use the web version to troubleshoot it. The iOS version of the app does have glitches based on user-feedback. I use the web and Android versions myself.
Currently, all features are free, but a premium Enthusiast tier is planned. The premium tier, which doesn’t list pricing, adds voice guidance and chat, visual diagnostics, and advanced diagnostics. The free version still gives you text-based chat for over 72,000 devices.
It works better than using ChatGPT, Gemini, or other more generic chatbots. Yes, they can be helpful, but FixBot pulls directly from PDF manuals, confirmed questions and answers in the iFixIt forum, and thousands of expert repair guides.
Get Started With FixBot
Like most services, you have to create a free account to start using the service. You can use the iFixIt portion of the site and app, such as searching through manuals yourself, without an account. You only need an account to use the AI portion.
Once logged in, the interface looks much like ChatGPT or other AI providers. Enter your query to get started.
Even though my phone’s battery is fine, I tried a question about my Samsung Galaxy S23+ battery draining too quickly. The chatbot gave me a variety of solutions, including:
- A troubleshooting guide
- Link to a replacement battery
- Steps to determine if it was a software or hardware issue
- Link to a repair kit for hardware issues
- Repair guide and difficulty level
- List of sources to verify information
As with other AI chatbots, follow up with questions to help you find the right answers.
Chat by Device
To make it easier to repair devices with FixBot, there’s a handy device drop-down box in the chat textbox. Click it to bring up a list of main device categories. Each category has sub-categories, leading you to specific devices.
This isn’t a requirement, but it’s helpful to give the chatbot the exact device model. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get the correct troubleshooting and repair guides to repair devices yourself.
You’re not limited to just devices. Ask questions about software and apps as well. For instance, you can get help with troubleshooting Windows.
Add Images to Show FixBot the Issue
Does your device have physical damage or there’s an error message on the screen? Take a picture. Upload the image in the chat to show rather than just describe an issue.
For instance, if your lawnmower has a damaged blade, take a picture of it. Upload it along with providing the exact model of mower to get details on what to do next. It might seem simple enough to just replace the blade, but FixBot may notice other damage as well and guide you through how to fix it. This helps you save money.
Another way to use images is to let the chatbot identify your device. Use the Select Your Device drop down to choose a main category and then select ID My Device type. Then, upload an image of your device.
Use Your Voice to Chat
All users have access to voice chat for now. When the premium tier releases, it’ll be exclusive to paying users. For now, consider using the voice option to chat. This is particularly helpful if you’re trying to actively work on a device and don’t have any free hands.
Tap the Voice icon to start the voice chat. In this mode, the chat also reads the results to you. It doesn’t read any linked guides, but you can ask questions about the guide once you open it.
A Few Warnings Before Repairing Devices Yourself
I know it’s exciting to think of saving hundreds or more when you repair devices with FixBot all on your own. But, there are some risks to think about first.
As with all AI, it can make mistakes. There’s even a warning below the chat textbox saying: FixBot can make mistakes. Verify critical details from reliable sources.
While it is built on expert repair guides, mistakes do happen. It’s also easy enough to click the wrong device or type in the wrong model, resulting in an incorrect answer/solution.
Another problem is repairing devices yourself may void the warranty. Changing settings usually isn’t an issue, unless it’s something like rooting your phone. Opening up your device typically voids the warranty. It wasn’t until the last few years that Apple even allowed third parties to repair broken screens.
So if you think an issue may be covered under your warranty, contact the manufacturer first. If it’s not covered or the warranty is expired, proceed with the repairs yourself.
As a final note, only perform repair tasks you’re comfortable with. If cracking open your phone or disassembling your lawnmower seems too complicated, that’s okay. It’s better to still seek out a professional than risk breaking your device any further.
