Samsung teams with iFixit to launch self-repair program for Galaxy devices

[Shawn Knight]

What just happened? Samsung is now allowing select Galaxy device owners to repair their devices through a partnership with teardown specialist iFixit. The new self-repair program will allow DIYers to purchase genuine repair parts and easy-to-use tools from iFixit, Samsung retail and service locations and at Samsung 837, the company's flagship store in New York City.

The program encompasses the Galaxy S20 and S21 family of products, as well as the Galaxy Tab S7+. These users will be able to replace their phone screen, back glass and charging ports. Newer flagships like the Galaxy S22 and Samsung's line of foldables aren't included.

New display kits will come with a return label to ship discarded components back to Samsung for recycling at no cost to the consumer.

Users will also have free access to iFixit's extensive library of online repair guides that provide both visual and written step-by-step instructions. Should you run into a question, just hop over to the iFixit community forum to ask for help.

"Samsung Self-Repair is another way for customers to prolong the life of their devices, before they are recycled," said Mark Williams, VP of customer care at Samsung Electronics America.

iFixit has been investing heavily in the DIY repair sector lately. Late last year, iFixit teamed with Microsoft to make it easier for consumers to repair Surface devices and in April, Google signed on to offer genuine repair parts for its Pixel phones. iFixit also sells replacement Steam Deck components including batteries, fans, thumbsticks and replacement displays.

Those who would rather let someone else do the dirty work can take their devices to more than 2,000 repair centers across the country where a typical job takes two hours or less. Samsung also has over 550 "We Come To You" vans that offer in-person service within a 30-60 minute drive. There's even a mail-in service option should you want to send your device directly to Samsung for repair.

Sammy is further experimenting with a new feature called "repair mode" that protects sensitive data from nosy repair technicians. Given how useful this feature could be, we're a but surprised it doesn't already come baked in at the OS level.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/95501-samsung-teams-ifixit-launch-self-repair-program-galaxy.html

 

[yRaz]

What about battery replacements? If I'm going to replace my screen I'm going to replace my battery while I'm in there.

My s21+ is the best phone I've ever owned, I'm in no hurry to replace it. Already had it for well over a year

 

[pmshah]

What about the lower end phones? I have had to buy new phones only because I could not get replacement batteries. Not because anything was wrong. With the cheap *** trick of fixed battery it has gotten worse. So if the manuals for lower end phones are available I would buy and keep a spare battery right along with the phone to install as and when needed, like in 2 - 3 years time.

 

[Sathi43]

I hear Apple is enthusiastic about this idea too.

 

[p51d007]

Here's an idea...screw the IP rating, just slap a plastic cover on the back, make the battery replaceable. Oh, we can't do that! Everyone wants a water resistant (notice I didn't say water proof) phone with a solid glass back panel in cool colors because no one ever uses a protective case. LOL

 

[bleepit84]

What about battery replacements? If I'm going to replace my screen I'm going to replace my battery while I'm in there.

My s21+ is the best phone I've ever owned, I'm in no hurry to replace it. Already had it for well over a year

I work in a repair shop and we receive genuine samsung parts. The battery is included with screen repairs. We replace the entire body of the device (minus the back) and a battery is already pre-installed in each screen we replace.

I can't confirm that this is the same way you will receive parts from ifixit but this is how we get them.

 

[JCChua]

I sincerely hope that other manufacturers of electronic products will follow suit and more electronic devices will become more repairable as well. I am sick and tired of this ****ing trend of disposable electronic products and numerous restrictions for making DIY Repairs.