MacExperience is closing. Here is where you get your broken Apple products fixed
Whether a person cracks their computer's retina display, can't charge their phone or needs to recover lost data, a broken device is a stressful burden.
With local repair shop MacExperience closing, residents may feel at a loss when they need their Apple devices fixed. But, Bloomington still has local and quick options for those in need of tech help.
MacExperience is closing?
The local Apple authorized repair and service shop permanently closed its doors July 15 after 20 years of service. Mac computers, iPhones, iPads and most other Apple products could be brought in for repair at the store in the 1000 N. Walnut St. strip mall.
"We've loved serving the community down there," sales and marketing director Joshua Read said. "It's really fun working down here. The people are just a little more laid back and are really good to work with and work for."
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The financial stress of the pandemic still weighed heavy on the Bloomington location. With the pandemic keeping students largely off campus, Read said their local following was not enough to keep the store open.
"It's just been just slowly bleeding and bleeding," he said. "The strain that COVID put on that location just made it hard to keep it afloat."
MacExperience still has a location in Indianapolis. Read said they plan to shift the business to more in-home technology services, such as setting up a home firewall or connecting devices to each other.
Though it will no longer have a storefront, Read said MacExperience is not turning away Bloomington business or striking down the potential to one day reopen.
What does it mean for a repair store to be an Apple-authorized service provider?
This status means the business works with Apple to repair products. It can mail devices in for Apple technicians to work on or have genuine parts sent to their location.
This status is important if you plan to use AppleCare or other Apple warranties. Non-affiliated companies cannot honor a warranty.
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Those providers are required to have Apple Certified Technicians work on products. The technicians must pass online courses and update their certification on each product annually. When a business applies to be certified, the tech company also checks to make sure the company fits their requirements.
Apple users can go through an online sequence choosing what device is broken and what the problem is. They will be prompted to log in and given option of service. The closest service locations that can address the issue will be listed.
Where can I take my device to be repaired?
The big box tech store is an Apple authorized service provider. They cover almost any Apple device and an array of repairs, including cracked screens, battery issues and camera replacements.
They offer same-day repair if the parts are in stock and the device isn't severely damaged. Appointments are required.
The store, located at 102 N. Grant St., repairs Microsoft and Apple devices, including phones, tablets, computers and consoles. They offer their own free, limited lifetime warranty if a repair fails. Free estimates can be assessed online.
Customers can walk in or book an appointment. The store, located at 413 S. Walnut St., repairs phones, tablets, computers, drones, consoles and other gadgets. They too offer a lifetime guarantee for their repairs, and same day service.
Apple and Android products can be taken to Mr. Fix It, located at 2510 W. Third St. To ask a question about a repair or to set up an appointment, they recommend calling ahead.
The location at 879 S. College Mall Rd. offers free diagnostics, a quick turnaround and a one-year warranty.
Cate Charron is an intern at The Herald-Times. You can reach her over email at ccharron@heraldt.com or on Twitter at @CateCharron.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington Indiana locations to get broken Apple products fixed
