I've still got Applecare coverage and it keeps stating that I need to service my Macbook Air battery. However, I was just wondering if I need to do a full backup before I send it in? Also, does anyone know how long it usually takes for them to replace the battery? Thanks
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What happens to your data when you service your battery?
- Thread starter dominicdiep
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It is always recommended to do a full backup of your device before sending it in for service (if it is possible to do so). I would also personally recommend to delete any personal data(after you do backup of course) before getting it in for service (who knows, your personal stuf might end up in the internet).
Just my 2 cents. Ciao.
Do you think this would still apply if you were sending it to the Apple Store rather than a third-party?
Apple explicitly deny any accountability for data loss during service. Not to mention that you should always have full backups available your computer could fail at any time.
Apple Store or not, you should still backup your data before sending it in and it would be wise to delete any personal data as well. Apple or any store cannot vouch for every Geniuses'/techs integrity and honesty - there is always that human factor of curiosity.
A lot of random, unpredictable things can potentially happen when you have someone else service your Mac (or even if you were to service it yourself). It can get dropped, they could accidently snip a wire they shouldn't have, the new battery might not work, the logic board and components could get fried, etc. These are all risks that could result in Apple replacing more than just a battery, and your data could have to go with it as well.
Or it could be as simple as, the store doesn't have the parts, and might prefer to replace the whole laptop with a new or refurbished model instead. From the Apple Genius point of view, they'd be doing you a solid, but if you dont' have your data backed up...
This is why it always makes sense to do a backup of your data, even for minor repairs. Most of the time, your data will not be touched unless the drive itself is the focus of a repair, but there are outlier, freak-accident or spur-of-the-moment things that could happen, which is what a backup is supposed to guard against.
Just use encryption and save yourself a lot of hassle. I don't understand people who don't encrypt their data in the first place, especially with a mobile device.
Who cares? Just back up your data already. It shouldn't matter if you're sending your laptop somewhere or not. The software to do backups comes with OS X, it couldn't be easier to use, and small external hard drives are almost free these days.
And I will second the idea of encrypting your data, again, regardless of whether or not you're sending the laptop somewhere. It couldn't be easier to turn on FileVault.
Back up as already suggested, and if you make an appointment, they maybe able to do it on the spot. Drop off, spend an hour wandering the mall, pick up.
If you don't have a backup scheme in place currently, define one and get it implemented TODAY. I've got 3 copies of my valuable data - one via Time Machine, one via monthly Carbon Copy Cloner bootable images and the 3rd via rcp to my raid device.
With that said, definitely back up your data prior to taking the system for any service. Technicians are human and do make mistakes, it'd be a shame to lose data via someone making one of those mistakes...
With that said, definitely back up your data prior to taking the system for any service. Technicians are human and do make mistakes, it'd be a shame to lose data via someone making one of those mistakes...