A Vodafone Institute study, Refurbished over New: A Second Chance for Smartphones, reveals striking differences in consumer repair behaviour across Europe. Only 22% of respondents had repaired their current smartphone at least once, including battery or screen replacement. Younger users are more open to repairs, with Gen Z showing a 33% repair rate compared to just 8% among Baby Boomers. Country comparisons show further variation, with Germany at the bottom with 14% and Spain at the top with 27%.
Used and refurbished devices repaired more
The study also highlights that consumers are more likely to repair used or refurbished smartphones. Newly purchased devices recorded a 16% repair rate, while refurbished smartphones reached 34% and used devices 40%. These findings indicate that secondary market devices are more often considered worth repairing, strengthening the position of refurbished Apple iPhones and other models in the circular economy.
National measures to support repair
Across Europe, a mix of monetary and non-monetary measures aims to encourage smartphone repairs. France remains the only country with a legally mandated repair index, introduced in 2021. Awareness of the index is 49% but only 16% of respondents have used it. France also offers a flat €25 repair bonus, while Germany has regional initiatives. Sweden applies reduced VAT on smartphone repairs, although awareness is limited to 26%.
Awareness of repair options remains low
Repair Cafés, volunteer-driven initiatives, are best known in the United Kingdom where 43% of respondents are aware of them. Yet actual use is low, ranging from 9% to 15% across countries. Warranty regulations exist in all surveyed markets, but only 14% of consumers use them, despite awareness reaching 41%. The UK stands out with a longer warranty period of up to six years for used appliances.
Future regulation could shift behaviour
The study highlights strong consumer demand for more structured repair options. Four out of five respondents, equal to 80%, support a Right to Repair that would oblige manufacturers to make spare parts available at a reasonable price. Furthermore, 78% want quality-tested certificates to build trust in repairs and refurbished devices. Another planned initiative is the EU-wide mandatory energy label for smartphones, scheduled for June 2025, which 76% of consumers already view positively.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
