DIY repair; Repairing your devices means avoiding electronic waste and saving you money. Take a look at these official self-repair programs. Repairing your own device has many advantages. This extends the life of your technology, reduces e-waste, and promotes a more sustainable consumer culture, not to mention cost savings! The problem has always been that tech companies refuse to offer replacement parts or even information on how to perform a repair. But not anymore. Here are five leading tech companies that are launching self-repair programs to help you fix your devices at home.

Freely Repair Your Tech

After strong pushback from big tech companies, the tide is turning in favor of the right to self-repair electronics. This is in part a result of government action and public concern about the problem of e-waste in the environment.

What to expect from self-healing programs

Until then, we can take full advantage of what is offered in the self-repair programs. Every show is different, but here are some things you can expect:

Advantage

• Now you can buy original spare parts.
• The companies will offer the most common spare parts such as screens, batteries and cameras.
• Repair programs will include guides on how to repair the broken part.

drawbacks

• Repair programs may not cover a wide range of devices; In particular, older models can be skipped.
• For example, you may not be able to find replacement cards or chips.
• Although these companies operate worldwide, the initial launch of self-repair programs is limited to certain countries and regions.

1.Apple

This would include refunded manuals, a new Apple self-service repair online store, and a used parts recycling process in exchange for credit towards future purchases.

Although initially limited to common repairs for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, many DIYers are happy to learn about Apple’s self-service repair program. Parts for the M1 Mac would also be available at a later date. The release date has been set for early 2022; however, no further announcements were made until March 2022. With other major tech companies launching similar programs, it would be disappointing if Apple went back on its word.

There are a few things to note about this new self-service repair program.

• First, it’s only designed for people who are comfortable enough to fix their own iPhone (because it’s possible to get even more damaged).
• Second, it’s not free and probably won’t save you as much money if you choose to repair your iPhone yourself instead of taking it to a professional. However, the credit Apple gives you for returning broken packages is the real benefit. (You’ll need to use this credit when you buy something from Apple, though.)
• Third, the self-service repair program is only designed to repair iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models, so it won’t allow you to repair an older iPhone.

• Of course, if you think you can fix your iPhone yourself and don’t want to go through Apple, you can always order a repair kit through a third-party source like iFixit, which is probably more affordable. And you can do it right now. That is, if you manage to get spare parts, if you need them.

2.Google

Starting in late 2022, Google will make genuine replacement parts available for Pixel 2 through Pixel 6 Pro. Parts will also be available for future Pixel products as the company focuses on meeting its sustainability goals. Once released, the parts will be available for purchase through the iFixit Tech Repair website.

Along with the Pixel line, there’s also a Chromebook Self Repair Program for Schools to help IT administrators, and even students, learn how to fix Chromebooks. The Chromebook Self Repair website has information on models that have replaceable parts, such as the keyboard, screen, and palm rest. You can also find out where to buy parts and explore training resources. If you work in a school, there’s even a guide on how to create a Chromebook repair program that can work with input from staff and students.

3. Samsung

A Samsung auto repair program in summer 2022 will begin offering replacement parts for the Galaxy S20 and S21 series, as well as the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus. However, the models that will be compatible are limited, leaving out the older and cheaper models, as well as the new S22 range. Samsung says that may change as the program expands over time.

For now, your aftermarket options will include screens, rear glass, and charging ports. Batteries weren’t mentioned, and some people suspect it’s because of the way they’re glued to the screens. You can learn more about this announcement in our coverage of the Samsung Galaxy Self Repair Program.

4. Microsoft

The Microsoft Surface line of products is extremely difficult to repair, so making tools for third-party repair professionals will give people more options on where to get their device repaired.

Three tools are now available to help safely open Surface devices for repair: a Surface Screen Link Frame, a Surface Battery Cover, and a Surface Screen Peel Tool. Microsoft’s partnership with iFixit means that you can purchase these tools from the iFixit website.

Signs that you have encountered the Windows Automatic Repair loop:

Your device displays a simple black screen with an error message that says

“Diagnosing your PC” or “Preparing for automatic repair” “Preparing Automatic Repair” message appears on a black screen, but no progress indication.

5. Valve

It’s great to see new products being released with repairability in mind, like Valve’s Steam Deck.

Few details are given on what parts will be available, with some people speculating that the screen might not be included as it’s one of the more difficult components to remove. Much to the delight, Valve also made the decision to release the 3D CAD files for the Steam Deck, giving some people the ability to 3D print their own accessories. Stay tuned as the repair program is expected to launch in the summer of 2022.

DIY Repairing will be Easier in future

Now that you know which big tech companies offer an auto repair program, DIY repairs just got a whole lot easier. While device repair isn’t for everyone, it’s a welcome change for many hobby electronics manufacturers. In addition to extending the life of your device, the right to repair the movement will also help save the planet.