Your smartphone suddenly stops charging. Your laptop battery barely lasts an hour. Your tractor displays an error code that only an authorized technician can clear. In many cases, fixing these problems isn’t as simple as replacing a worn-out part. You may face expensive repairs, long wait times, or software restrictions that make independent repairs difficult or impossible.
This is where the right to repair comes in. As more devices become connected, software-driven and difficult to service, the movement has gained attention from consumers, repair professionals, environmental advocates and lawmakers. Understanding what the right to repair means can help you make smarter purchasing decisions and extend the life of the technology you already own.
The right to repair is the idea that you should be able to repair the products you own or choose who repairs them. This includes access to replacement parts, repair manuals, diagnostic software, firmware updates and specialized tools that manufacturers often reserve for their own repair networks.
Right-to-repair laws aim to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent independent repair shops and consumers from fixing products. While the movement first gained momentum around electronics, it now covers everything from smartphones and laptops to medical equipment, home appliances, farm machinery and electric vehicles.
The goal isn’t to require you to repair your own devices. Instead, it gives you more choices about where and how your products are serviced.
Years ago, many electronic devices were designed with repair in mind. Batteries could be replaced, storage drives were easy to upgrade and service manuals were widely available.
Today’s products are often much more complex. Manufacturers may glue components together, use proprietary screws, pair replacement parts with software or require online authentication before a repair can be completed. Even a simple battery replacement may require specialized equipment or manufacturer approval.
These design choices can improve performance, durability or security, but they can also make repairs more expensive and less accessible for consumers.
The right to repair affects more than just your repair bill. It has far-reaching implications for consumers, businesses and the environment. As devices are replaced more frequently, the cost of disposing of them continues to grow.
In 2022 alone, the world scrapped about 31 million metric tons of valuable metals contained in e-waste, representing an estimated $91 billion in lost resources. These challenges highlight why improving access to repairs has become an increasingly important issue and why the right to repair offers benefits that extend well beyond fixing a broken device.
Manufacturer repairs can sometimes cost nearly as much as replacing the entire device. When independent repair shops have access to genuine parts and diagnostic tools, increased competition can help lower repair costs and give you more affordable options. You can also replace worn components, such as batteries or screens, instead of buying a brand-new device.
Electronic waste is one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams. Millions of phones, computers, tablets and other devices are discarded each year, even when many could still function with relatively simple repairs. Extending the lifespan of products reduces demand for new manufacturing, conserves raw materials and helps keep electronics out of landfills.
Independent repair shops often provide faster service, competitive pricing and personalized customer support. Giving these businesses access to official repair resources allows them to compete more fairly while creating jobs within local communities. More repair options also mean shorter wait times when your device needs servicing.
When you purchase a product, many people believe ownership should include the freedom to maintain and repair it. The right to repair supports that idea by allowing you to decide whether to use the manufacturer, an independent repair provider or perform certain repairs yourself. Having more options makes it easier to choose the solution that best fits your budget, schedule and comfort level.
Although smartphones often receive the most attention, the right to repair applies to many types of products, including:
As software becomes integrated into more products, repair restrictions can affect devices that many people don’t normally think of as computers.
Some manufacturers have expressed concerns about expanding access to repairs.
One concern is security. Companies argue that unrestricted access to diagnostic software or firmware could pose cybersecurity risks if not properly managed. Another concern involves safety. Improper repairs, especially involving batteries or high-voltage systems, could increase the risk of accidents or equipment damage.
Manufacturers also point to quality control. Authorized repair networks follow standardized procedures designed to maintain product performance and reliability.
Supporters of the right to repair generally agree that safety and security are important. However, they argue these goals can coexist with broader access to repair information, replacement parts and qualified independent repair services.
The right-to-repair movement has shifted from advocacy to policy in recent years. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has consistently supported expanding repair access. Its Nixing the Fix report found scant evidence that manufacturers’ repair restrictions are necessary to protect consumers’ safety or data security, challenging two of the most common arguments against independent repairs.
The FTC has continued backing state right-to-repair legislation and enforcement actions. In 2026, the agency reached a settlement with Deere & Company requiring it to provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same software capabilities, diagnostic tools and technical resources available to authorized dealers for the next 10 years. The agreement gives owners greater ability to diagnose, maintain and repair their equipment without relying exclusively on manufacturer service networks.
As more governments and regulators push for repair-friendly policies, manufacturers are increasingly expanding access to official replacement parts, repair manuals and self-service programs. While requirements still vary by product and jurisdiction, the overall trend points toward greater repairability, increased competition and more choices for consumers.
Even if you rarely repair your own electronics, you can encourage more repairable products through your purchasing decisions. Before buying a new device, consider questions like:
Products designed with long-term maintenance in mind often deliver better value over their lifetime.
The right to repair gives you more control over the products you own by making repairs more accessible and affordable. As technology evolves, repairability is becoming an essential part of product ownership, helping you make informed buying decisions while supporting longer-lasting devices and reducing electronic waste.
