Mail-In Device Repair Across Canada: How to Ship Your Device Safely

Not every town has a repair shop that does board-level work, fixes game console HDMI ports or repairs drones. That's where mail-in device repair in Canada comes in. Fix Revolution is based in the capital region, but our mail-in service is available nationwide and worldwide. Here's how it works and, just as important, how to ship your device so it arrives in one piece.

When mail-in repair makes sense

• You live outside Ottawa and Gatineau, where our pickup and drop-off service doesn't reach.
• Local shops have told you your device "can't be fixed" and you want a second opinion, especially for charging, power or data issues that need micro soldering.
• You need a specialised repair, like a PS5 HDMI port, a Nintendo Switch that won't charge, or a DJI drone after a crash.

If you're local, you don't need to ship anything: we'll simply pick it up from you.

Step 1: Contact us before you ship

Start with a free quote. Tell us the exact model and what's wrong, and mention any drops or liquid exposure. This lets us confirm the repair is possible, check parts, and give you shipping instructions. Please don't send a device without contacting us first: an unexpected package with no note is much harder to process quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the device

1. Back up your data. Repairs normally don't affect your files, but shipping and repairs both carry some risk, and we're not responsible for data loss. Our guide on how to back up before a repair walks you through it.
2. Remove the SIM card and memory cards unless we ask you to leave them in.
3. Remove cases, stickers and loose accessories. Only include a charger or controller if we've asked for it to test the problem.
4. Write a note with your name, phone number, email, the model and a short description of the problem. Put it inside the box.

Step 3: Pack it properly

Most shipping damage happens because a device moves around inside the box. A few simple rules prevent that:

• Use a sturdy box, not a padded envelope. Envelopes don't protect against crushing.
• Wrap the device in bubble wrap or a soft cloth, then surround it with at least a few centimetres of padding on all sides.
• Do the shake test. Close the box and shake it gently. If you feel anything shift, add more padding.
• Protect screens. For laptops, close the lid gently with nothing between the screen and keyboard. For tablets and phones, don't let anything hard press on the glass.
• Consoles: remove any disc, and wrap the console separately from any accessories so they can't knock against each other.

Step 4: Ship with tracking

Choose a shipping option with tracking, and consider adding insurance or declared value coverage for expensive devices. Keep your receipt and tracking number until the device is back in your hands.

Special cases: swollen batteries and liquid damage

If your device has a swollen battery (a screen lifting, a back panel bulging, or a laptop that rocks on the table), stop using it, don't charge it, and contact us before shipping. Carriers have rules about damaged lithium batteries, and we'll advise you on the safest option.

For liquid damage, power the device off and don't try to charge it. Skip the rice: it doesn't dry the inside of a device and can leave residue. Contact us so we can tell you how to proceed. Keep in mind that repairs on liquid-damaged devices carry no warranty.

What happens when it arrives

We diagnose the device and confirm the repair with you before going ahead. Diagnostics are free if you proceed; if you decide not to, or the device can't be repaired, the standard $29 diagnostic fee applies. Repairs come with our 90-day warranty on parts and labour. Visit our mail-in repair service page for full details.

In Ottawa or Gatineau? We come to you

If you're local, skip the shipping. We pick up your device at home or work in Ottawa and Gatineau, repair it, and drop it back off. Most repairs are done the same day (MacBooks usually take 1–2 business days), with a 90-day warranty. Get a free quote or call 613-265-4349.

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