Repairability Score

Last updated: 23 March 2026

Repairability Score is a rating (typically 0-10) indicating how easy a device is to repair, based on parts availability, documentation, and design.

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 23 March 2026

A Repairability Score is a rating out of 10 that shows how easy it's to fix your device based on factors like parts availability and repair documentation.

Imagine you're trying to fix your smartphone or laptop at home. Would you find it frustrating if replacement parts are hard to come by, or if the manufacturer doesn't provide clear instructions? That's where a Repairability Score comes in. It assesses how user-friendly repairs are for everyday folks like us. The score considers aspects such as whether repair guides and spare parts are easily accessible, how complicated it's to open your device, and whether components can be swapped out without causing damage.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

For example, the website iFixit has been rating devices based on their Repairability Score since 2013. They've given Apple iPhones scores ranging from 5 to 7, depending on factors like whether screws are proprietary or if screens are glued in place, making them tough to replace. On the other hand, some Android phones have scored as high as 9 out of 10 thanks to their modular design and ease of access.

This score is important for both consumers and businesses because it helps you decide which products will last longer with basic maintenance. When choosing between two gadgets that seem similar in every way but one has a higher Repairability Score, you're likely opting for the option that won't end up in landfill sooner than necessary. Plus, if you run a business that relies on electronic devices daily, a high repair score can mean less downtime and lower costs over time.

When looking into e-waste management, it's also worth considering terms like "right to repair," which pushes manufacturers to make their products more accessible for DIY fixes, and "extended producer responsibility," where companies take back old or broken items from consumers at the end of a product's life cycle. According to the United Nations University, global e-waste is expected to reach 74 million tonnes by 2030, underlining the need for better repairability options to curb waste.[1]

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, mobile phones contain up to 60 different elements, including critical raw materials.

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X20301877

Sources

How to Cite This Page

Marcus Williams (2026). 'Repairability Score'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/repairability-score (Accessed: 23 March 2026).