"Warranty void if removed": what federal law says, and Texas's new repair law
A manufacturer usually can't cancel your warranty just because you used an independent repair shop or another brand's parts. Texas's right-to-repair law took effect on September 1, 2026. Here's what it all means.
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What's happened
Texas's right-to-repair law for consumer electronics, House Bill 2963, took effect on September 1, 2026. It requires manufacturers to make documentation, replacement parts and tools available to owners and independent repair shops on "fair and reasonable terms." That means parts on the same terms authorized repairers get, and documentation for free, though printed copies can cost something.
It applies to digital electronic equipment with a wholesale price of at least $50 first sold in Texas on or after September 1, 2026, so older devices aren't covered. Video game consoles, home appliances such as refrigerators and ovens, and medical devices are excluded. Only the Texas attorney general can enforce it, and there's no right for individuals to sue under the law.
Texas joins a growing list of states with repair laws. Nationally, though, the main protection for anyone fixing a product under warranty has existed since 1975.
What federal law says
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties on consumer products.
- No tie-ins. A warranty generally can't require you to use a particular brand of parts or a particular repair service to keep coverage, unless the company provides those parts or that service free, or the FTC grants a waiver.
- Stickers don't override the law. In July 2024, FTC staff sent warning letters to eight companies. Five were told their claims that buyers must use specified parts or providers to keep warranties may break the Act. Three computer hardware makers were warned about "warranty void if removed" stickers placed where they get in the way of routine maintenance. "These warning letters put companies on notice that restricting consumers' right to repair violates the law," said Samuel Levine, then director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
- Full or limited. Written warranties on products over $10 must be labeled "full" or "limited." A full warranty must, among other things, give a refund or replacement if repairs don't work.
- See it first. For products over $15, stores must make the warranty terms available before you buy, and online terms must have a non-internet way to request a copy.
- Implied warranties stay. If a company gives a written warranty, it can't disclaim the basic promise that the product will work as expected. A limited warranty can only shorten it to the warranty's length.
- Legal costs. If a company breaks a written warranty and you win in court, you can recover court costs and attorney's fees.
A manufacturer can still refuse to cover damage that a bad repair or faulty part actually caused. What it can't do is refuse all coverage simply because someone else opened the case.
A worked example
This is an illustration, not a real case.
Sam's $900 laptop, bought with a two-year limited warranty, needs a new solid-state drive. Sam has a local shop fit one for $120 rather than wait for the manufacturer. Six months later the screen fails. The manufacturer can't deny the screen repair just because of the new drive or a broken sticker. It would have to show the drive work caused the screen problem.
What to do now
- Read the warranty before you buy, especially for gifts. Note whether it's full or limited and how long it lasts.
- Keep receipts for the product and any repair, plus notes on what was done.
- Challenge a refusal in writing. Ask the company to explain how the outside repair caused the fault.
- Report tie-in claims to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general.
- In Texas, ask the manufacturer for parts, tools or manuals for devices sold from September 1, 2026, and report refusals to the attorney general.
FAQs
Does fixing my phone myself void the warranty?
Not automatically under federal law. The company can deny a claim for damage your repair caused, but not refuse all coverage just because you opened it.
Does the Texas law cover my old devices?
No. Only equipment first sold in Texas by the manufacturer on or after September 1, 2026.
Ways to save
Buying earbuds or speakers as gifts? Check the warranty terms on the product page, then see current codes for EarFun and Soundcore.
Sources: Texas Legislature: HB 2963 history, Texas Legislature: HB 2963 enrolled text, FTC: warning letters on warranty practices, July 2024, FTC: businessperson's guide to federal warranty law
More on your rights when you shop
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- Gift cards: the 5-year expiry rule, fee limits, and how to dodge draining scams
- Holiday buy gone wrong? How a credit card dispute can get your money back
- Holiday order late? The FTC rule that says when stores must ship or refund you
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