You just dropped a few hundred bucks replacing your cracked smartphone screen or a dying battery—and maybe you decide that you want the old parts back. After all, you paid for them, right? But what happens when the repair shop refuses? That’s exactly what happened to Paul, a viewer who wrote in with this question: “Can a phone repair company legally keep my old parts, even if I ask for them back?”

It turns out, the answer is more complicated than most consumers expect. While your instinct might say “I bought it, I own it,” the fine print often tells a different story. Let’s unpack what’s really going on when it comes to old parts, ownership rights, and what consumers can do to protect themselves.

 

Can a phone repair company legally keep my old parts, even if I ask for them back? (iStock)

 

Who Owns Your Old Parts After a Repair?

At first glance, it feels like a no-brainer: if you own the phone, you own every part of it—new or old. But that’s not how many repair shops see it. In fact, many companies include terms of service that transfer ownership of the replaced parts to the company once the repair is complete.

This was the case with Paul’s Samsung Galaxy S9. When he asked for his old screen and battery back, the repair shop denied the request, citing company policy. And legally? They might be in the clear—so long as their policy is clearly stated and agreed to before the repair.

Why do they want the parts? It’s not just about control—it’s about value. Old phone components can often be refurbished, reused for other repairs, or sold as scrap. For repair companies, those discarded parts can become a source of revenue. So while it might seem insignificant to you, a cracked screen or aging battery still holds value to them.

 

Not All Repair Shops Follow the Same Rules

Here’s where it gets tricky: not every repair shop has the same policy. Some are happy to hand over your old parts with no questions asked. Others—especially national chains or warranty-based services—adhere strictly to their terms, which may forbid returning replaced components.

This inconsistency can leave consumers frustrated. One shop says yes, the next says absolutely not. That’s why it’s essential to ask the right questions before any work begins:

  • Will I be able to keep the old parts?
  • Is there a charge if I want them back?
  • Where can I read your terms of service?

Pro tip: Ask for these details in writing. If the company’s policy isn’t clearly disclosed and you feel misled after the repair, you may have grounds to file a consumer complaint or even pursue legal advice.

 

What Are Your Rights as a Consumer?

So, can you force the shop to return your parts? In most cases, no—unless local laws say otherwise. Georgia, like most states, doesn’t have a blanket law that guarantees the return of old parts after electronics repairs. In industries like automotive repair, there are sometimes state-mandated rules that allow customers to request their replaced parts—but those protections often don’t extend to electronics.

Your best protection? Knowledge and communication. The more informed you are going into a repair, the less likely you are to be caught off guard by shop policies.

If you believe you’re being unfairly denied your property—or if a shop changes their policy without disclosing it—consider reaching out to:

  • Georgia’s Consumer Protection Division
  • A local attorney specializing in consumer rights (in Georgia, you can search for an attorney by practice area on the State Bar of Georgia’s website here)
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The Bottom Line: Ask First, Decide Smart

Repairing your phone should feel like a solution, not a hassle. But if keeping your old parts matters to you—whether it’s for backup, privacy, or peace of mind—you need to be proactive. Always check the repair shop’s policies before handing over your device. And if something feels off, don’t hesitate to take your business elsewhere.

 

Want more consumer protection stories like this one? Follow TrustDALE on YouTube, listen to the TrustDALE Investigates podcast, or tune in to Dale’s Inside Investigations tv series.  

 

Got a consumer question of your own? Reach out to TrustDALE. After all, protecting consumers starts with good information—and that’s what we’re here for.