The US right to repair movement is helping Americans fix everyday items without depending on expensive manufacturer services.
The right to repair movement in the United States is gaining momentum. More states are passing laws to give consumers the power to fix their own products, and the movement is changing the way we think about ownership.
Instead of tossing out broken gadgets and machines, people are demanding the legal right to fix their stuff—or at least have someone else do it for a fair price. From smartphones and laptops to tractors and toasters, momentum is building across the country to make repairs easier, cheaper, and better for the environment.
In the past, many manufacturers limited access to repair information and tools. They claimed it was to protect intellectual property. But critics say it was really about controlling the repair market and keeping profits in-house.
Now, that control is slipping. As of March 2025, right-to-repair bills have been introduced in all 50 states, and 20 of those are actively debating legislation. Six states—California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, New York, and Oregon—have already passed laws protecting the US right to repair.
These laws vary in scope. Some focus only on cars, while others apply to all electronics. Oregon’s law, passed in 2024 and going into effect in January, is one of the broadest yet.
These laws aim to make it easier and cheaper for you to fix your stuff. That means fewer trips to overpriced repair centers or worse, buying replacements for minor issues. Think of it like this: replacing a cracked iPhone screen at an Apple store might cost over $300. With open access to parts and manuals, an independent shop might do it for half the price, or you could fix it yourself for even less.
The US right to repair doesn’t just save money. It also helps the environment. Americans throw away over 6.9 million tons of electronics every year, roughly the weight of 19 Empire State Buildings. When we repair instead of replace, we cut down on this massive stream of electronic waste, known as e-waste, which often ends up in landfills or is shipped overseas.
You might be surprised by how many everyday items are impacted by restrictive repair policies. Here’s a quick list of some of the most common:
- Smartphones and tablets – Screens, batteries, and charging ports are common repair issues.
- Laptops and desktops – Memory upgrades or fan replacements shouldn’t need manufacturer permission.
- Appliances – Washing machines, dryers, microwaves, and fridges often have simple fixes.
- Farm equipment – Many tractors now come with locked software, preventing farmers from doing their own repairs.
- Cars – Diagnostic tools and software updates are sometimes only available at dealerships.
- Medical devices – Wheelchairs and mobility aids can become expensive or unsafe to use without repair options.
The right aims to unlock these tools and allow regular people or independent shops to do the job.
The modern right-to-repair movement started gaining steam in 2012 when Massachusetts passed a law requiring carmakers to share diagnostic data. In 2014, phone unlocking became legal, letting people take their devices to other carriers. Later, the Library of Congress granted exemptions allowing tablet and smart TV repairs.
Public interest surged again in 2022 when customers asked why McDonald’s McFlurry machines always seemed broken. The manufacturer, Taylor Company, restricted who could fix them. A repair startup challenged this, and the U.S. Copyright Office stepped in, allowing outside repairs.
Digital rights groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have helped lead the charge. They argue that laws like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) are outdated and hurt consumers. Section 1201 of the DMCA makes it illegal to bypass certain software protections—even for repair purposes. While courts haven’t struck down the rule, small exemptions have created workarounds for products like electric wheelchairs.
The Right to Repair Coalition, led by Gay Gordon-Byrne, has spent 15 years fighting for consumer rights. She says opposition from big-name companies like Apple and General Motors once totalled more than $10 trillion in market value.
But things are changing. Some companies, like Microsoft and Motorola, are now working with repair advocates. Consumer pressure is a big part of that shift. “Even legislators are getting on board,” Gordon-Byrne said. “They hold up their phones and ask if these laws will help them fix a cracked screen. That’s when they say, ‘Sign me up.’”
Fixit Clinic, started by Peter Mui, has hosted more than 1,300 events around the U.S. Attendees bring everything from toasters to jeans and learn how to repair them alongside skilled volunteers. Mui says interest has skyrocketed. “The role of coach and participant really blurs. Everyone helps everyone.”
Repair Cafe, another grassroots group, has over 2,500 chapters globally. The Pasadena chapter, founded in 2012, meets monthly and attracts people from all backgrounds. Volunteers fix electronics, clothes, and more. Even during the recent Eaton Fire, members stepped up to help neighbours repair generators and recover from the loss.
“There’s no money exchanged,” said volunteer Ginko Lee. “Just people helping each other.”
Want to support the US right to repair? Here are a few simple ways to take action:
- Check your state laws. The Right to Repair Coalition offers a “know-your-rights” tool on its website. Use it to find out what laws apply in your state.
- Report violations. If a manufacturer refuses to comply, you can file a complaint directly to your state attorney general through an online form.
- Join or start a repair group. Local events like Fixit Clinic and Repair Cafe offer hands-on help and build community at the same time.
The US right to repair isn’t just about fixing things but changing our mindset. Instead of throwing items away or waiting weeks for expensive service, we’re learning to repair, reuse, and share knowledge.
It’s a small shift with big results: less waste, more savings, and stronger communities. And it’s happening right now, in states across the country, one screwdriver at a time.
