What Photos Should I Upload for a Repair Quote?

The best repair photos show the whole device, the damaged or affected area, the model or serial label, any error message on the screen and the charger or docking station if the issue involves power or display output. Clear, well-lit photos taken in normal room light are enough — they do not need to be professional quality.

For laptop and desktop repairs, a small set of clear photos can make a significant difference to how quickly a quote can be prepared.

Full device photo: A photo showing the whole laptop or computer from the front. This helps confirm the model and condition.

Screen or damaged area: A close-up of the cracked screen, damaged hinge, broken key, liquid stain or other visible fault. If the screen has lines, discolouration or a dead area, try to capture that with the device turned on if it is safe to do so.

Model label: The label on the bottom of the laptop usually has the model number, serial number and sometimes part numbers. A clear photo of this label is one of the most useful things you can send. For desktop computers, the label is often on the side or back panel.

Error message: If the device shows a specific error, BSOD screen, recovery prompt or POST message, photograph it. These messages often give technicians a faster starting point.

Charger and ports: If the issue involves charging, power or display output, photograph the charger, the charging port area, any docking station and the cable type being used.

For phones and tablets, the most useful photos focus on the damage and the device identity.

Front glass: A photo showing any cracks, chips, black spots, dead zones or display issues on the front screen. Take this with the screen turned on if possible, so any display faults are visible.

Back panel: A photo of the back of the device. This helps confirm the model and shows any back glass damage.

Damaged area: A close-up of the main damage — whether that is a cracked corner, a shattered screen zone, a bent frame or a damaged port.

Charging port: If the issue involves charging, a photo of the port area can help the technician check for obvious damage, debris or corrosion before inspection.

Model information: If you can access Settings > About on the device, a screenshot showing the model name and number is useful. If the device is non-functional, a photo of the back label or box is a good alternative.

For printer and Wi-Fi issues, the most useful photos are often about the equipment identity and the error being shown — not physical damage.

Printer model label: Found on the front panel, top panel or side of the printer. A clear photo of this label helps the technician identify the correct drivers, parts and settings.

Printer error screen: If the printer is showing an error code or warning light pattern, photograph the display. If there is no screen, describe the light pattern in the notes.

Router location: For Wi-Fi drop-out issues, a photo of where the router or modem is placed in the home or office can help the technician understand potential signal path issues.

Computer or phone message: If the device is showing a specific Wi-Fi error, network not found message or IP conflict warning, a screenshot or photo of that message is useful.

For business Wi-Fi and network support, also mention how many devices are affected, whether the problem is new or ongoing and whether any new equipment was recently added to the network.

Quick Help is designed to collect useful repair details. There are some things that should never be uploaded, regardless of the repair type.

• Passwords or account credentials
• Banking codes, one-time PINs or authentication codes
• Device lock screen PINs or passcodes
• Account recovery codes
• Credit card or banking account details
• Sensitive identity documents such as passports, licences or tax file number letters
• Private business documents not related to the repair

If any of your repair photos happen to show sensitive information in the background — a sticky note with a password, a banking screen visible behind a crack — crop or edit the photo before uploading. If a technician needs access to a device or account as part of the repair, they will guide you through a safe method at the right stage. See the guide on what to do before contacting a technician for scam or hacked account support for more on keeping sensitive information safe.