Broke your phone in Amsterdam? What to do in the next hour

Your phone is your map, your ticket, your bank card and your camera. When it breaks halfway through a trip, it feels like everything stops. The good news: most damage can be fixed the same day, often while you wait. Here is what to do in the first hour.

1. Check what still works

Before you panic, find out what is actually broken. Can you still see the screen? Does touch work? Does it charge? Does it make calls? A cracked screen that still responds is a different problem from a black screen, and both are different from a phone that will not switch on at all.

• Cracked glass, screen still works: put a strip of clear tape over sharp edges so you do not cut your finger, and keep using it carefully.
• Black screen, phone still vibrates or rings: the display is usually damaged, but your data is often fine.
• Phone does not turn on: charge it for 15 minutes with a cable you trust before you decide it is dead.

2. Protect your data first

If the phone still works, back it up now, before anything gets worse. On an iPhone, go to Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup. On Android, use Settings → Google → Backup. Use hotel or café Wi-Fi if you can. Also write down your passcode somewhere safe: the technician may need it to test the phone after the repair.

3. Save your travel essentials elsewhere

Take screenshots of tickets, boarding passes and hotel bookings while you still can, or forward them to a travel companion. If the screen dies completely, you will be glad they are on another device.

4. Do not make it worse

• Do not keep pressing on a cracked screen: glass splinters can spread.
• If the phone got wet, do not charge it. Read our guide on water damage first aid.
• Avoid cheap street chargers and cables: a bad charger can damage the charging chip.

5. Get it fixed today

PhonePlus is at Binnen Bantammerstraat 4, near the Nieuwmarkt and about ten minutes' walk from Amsterdam Centraal. You can walk in without an appointment. Many repairs are done in 30 to 60 minutes, and screen and battery replacements are often ready in 20 to 30 minutes, so you can grab a coffee nearby and pick it up.

Opening hours:

• Monday: 10:00–19:00
• Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00–21:00
• Sunday: 12:00–21:00

• Fixed price upfront – you see the price before we start.
• Free diagnosis – not sure what is wrong? We check it first.
• No cure, no pay – you only pay if the repair succeeds.
• 1 year warranty on the part we replace.
• Pay by card, contactless or cash.

Find your model and the fixed price on our repairs page, or just walk in.

Quick checklist

1. Check what still works.
2. Back up your phone and note your passcode.
3. Screenshot tickets and bookings.
4. Do not charge a wet phone.
5. Walk in at Binnen Bantammerstraat 4 – no appointment needed.