Americans repair their smartphones more often than ever

Americans Love Their Phones and Don't Delay Repairs

The survey reveals that 49% of American smartphone users are spending more time on their phones than they did a year ago. Spending on screen repairs has skyrocketed to $8.3 billion in 2023, nearly tripling from $3.4 billion in 2018. Additionally, 27% of users reported that they would initiate screen repairs within a day due to the importance of their phone in daily life.

Decline in Damage Frequency

_The study examined the common causes of smartphone damage and their costs, as well as consumer attitudes towards repairing, replacing, and recycling their phones. While smartphone usage has increased, the frequency of damage has slightly decreased compared to previous years.

In the past 12 months, 78 million Americans reported damaging a device, compared to 87 million in a similar period in 2020.Concerns about the environmental impact of repairing or replacing a device have also risen, with 53% of smartphone users in 2023 considering it important, compared to 37% in 2020.

Damage More Common Than Theft

While 31% of smartphone users reported damage in the past year, only 8% permanently lost their device and 5% had it stolen.

The most common types of damage last year were:

• Damaged screens (67%)
• Wi-Fi or connectivity issues(28%)
• Touchscreen problems (24%)
• Loose or damaged charging port(22%)
• Water damage (21%)
• Battery issues (21%)
• Chipped corners/sides (20%)
• Speaker issues (17%)
• Dented corners/sides (15%)
• Camera issues (14%)
• Microphone issues (11%)
• Repair Costs and ConsumerPerception

Surveys showed that the average cost for repairs and replacements is now $302, yet 47% ofAmericans believe repairs cost $150 or less. The nation's repair expenses have soared, with Americans collectively spending $149 billion on smartphone repairs and replacements since the introduction of the smartphone.

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