Washington / smartphone/Samsung
Samsung smartphone owners in Washington.
4 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 Washington
Statutory rights in Washington
- 01
Right to parts, tools, and documentation
Original equipment manufacturers of digital electronic products and appliances sold in Washington must make parts, tools, and documentation needed to diagnose, maintain, or repair the product available to owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms.
Washington Right to Repair Act, HB 1483 (2025), RCW 19.380 - 02
Restrictions on parts pairing
Manufacturers cannot use software locks or pairing requirements that prevent a replacement part from functioning, reduce its functionality, or display misleading warnings about non-OEM or used parts installed by an independent repair provider or owner.
Washington HB 1483 (2025), parts-pairing provisions; Ch. 353, Laws of 2025 - 03
Fair and reasonable terms standard
Manufacturers must offer parts, tools, and documentation at terms equivalent to those given to authorized repair providers, without requiring an additional fee or burdensome obligation to access them.
Washington HB 1483 (2025), §3 - 04
Enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act
Violations are unfair or deceptive practices under Washington's Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86). The Attorney General can seek injunctive relief and civil penalties; the CPA also generally allows private actions for actual damages, treble damages, and attorney fees.
Washington Consumer Protection Act, RCW 19.86