What they do
iFixit is both a repair toolkit company and a right-to-repair advocacy organization. Their free online repair guide library covers over 70,000 devices with step-by-step photo instructions. They publish repairability scores for new devices, lobby for right-to-repair legislation, and provide expert testimony in regulatory proceedings. Their advocacy has contributed to right-to-repair laws in the EU, UK, and multiple US states.
Why they matter
iFixit's repair guides are the Wikipedia of electronics repair: free, comprehensive, and community-maintained. But their policy work is equally important. When the EU mandated that manufacturers provide spare parts for 10 years, iFixit's advocacy and data were part of the argument. When individual US states passed right-to-repair laws, iFixit provided the technical testimony. They prove that a company can be both commercially successful and a force for systemic change.
How to support
Use their free repair guides. Purchase their toolkit for electronics repair. Support right-to-repair legislation when it appears in your jurisdiction. Submit repair guides for devices you have fixed.
Key project to explore
The repairability scoring system rates every major new phone, laptop, and tablet on a 0-10 scale, creating consumer awareness and manufacturer accountability for product longevity.