California / smartphone/Samsung
Samsung smartphone owners in California.
6 statutory rights, plus Samsung's own self-service repair channels and known controversies.
PIRG ’26
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Samsung · “Failing the Fix”
Figure 01 — Samsung repair channels
Self-service availableSamsung repair channels
Self-service portal
www.samsung.comSamsung Self-Repair launched in the US in August 2022 in partnership with iFixit, providing genuine parts, tools, and step-by-step repair guides. Expanded to UK and several EU countries through 2023-2024. Coverage focuses on recent Galaxy S series, Galaxy Book laptops, and selected tablets.
Authorized providers
www.samsung.comSample spare parts
- Galaxy S23 display assemblysee source
- Galaxy S23 batterysee source
- Galaxy S23 charging port assemblysee source
- Galaxy Book 2 Pro batterysee source
Known repair issues
- Independent Repair Provider contract terms (2022 leak). Leaked contracts reported by 404 Media / Vice showed Samsung required some independent repair providers to share customer data and dismantle devices repaired with non-Samsung parts, drawing criticism from right-to-repair advocates.
- Self-Repair program scope limitations. Critics including iFixit and PIRG have noted the program initially excluded foldables and older devices, and that some part bundles force consumers to buy more than they need.
Figure 02 — Statutory rights in California
Statutory rights in California
- 01
Right to spare parts, tools, and documentation
Manufacturers of electronics and appliances sold in California for $50 or more must make the parts, tools, and documentation needed for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair available to product owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms.
California SB 244 — Right to Repair Act, Civil Code Section 1632.5 - 02
Fair and reasonable pricing for repair materials
Manufacturers must offer parts, tools, and documentation at the lowest actual cost they charge any authorised repair provider, without requiring substantial obligations beyond the cost of the materials.
California SB 244 — Civil Code Section 1632.5(c) - 03
No requirement to disclose trade secrets to use the right
Owners and independent repair providers do not have to become authorised dealers or sign restrictive contracts to access parts, tools, and documentation. Manufacturers cannot condition access on signing away repair rights.
California SB 244 — Civil Code Section 1632.5 - 04
Public enforcement by city and county attorneys
Violations are enforced by the Attorney General, district attorneys, county counsels, and city attorneys, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day for a first violation and up to $5,000 per day for repeat violations.
California SB 244 — Civil Code Section 1632.5(g) - 05
Implied warranty of merchantability under Song-Beverly
Consumer goods sold in California carry an implied warranty of merchantability for at least 60 days and up to 1 year. Manufacturers must maintain service and parts for express-warranty products for 7 years after the last unit is sold.
Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, California Civil Code Sections 1790-1795.8 - 06
Coverage of products manufactured after July 2021
The repair-materials obligation applies to products manufactured and first sold or used in California on or after 1 July 2021, even though the law took effect 1 July 2024.
California SB 244 — Civil Code Section 1632.5(b)(1)