rlink01, Author at Where to Repair

What Happens to Broken Phones? Meet the People Who Give Tech a Second Life

Second Life Sessions Chapter 1: Repair title card featuring a cracked smartphone, from the Tech Care Association interview series about phone repair and giving electronics a second life.

Ever wonder what happens to broken phones? A new video series introduces the repair pros, refurbishers, and recyclers giving tech a second life. Watch the trailer and find a repair shop near you.

Swollen Battery Warning Signs: The 30-Second Check to Do Now

Swollen smartphone battery lifting the screen from the phone frame, showing a dangerous lithium-ion battery failure and warning signs that indicate the device should be repaired or safely recycled immediately.

A phone that rocks on a flat table, a lifting screen, a case that stops fitting. These are swollen battery warning signs, and catching them early takes 30 seconds. Here’s what to do and what never to do.

The Right to Repair: Saving Americans Money Through Repair

Aircraft carrier representing the Right to Repair movement with the message "The Navy. Farmers. You. Same fight." illustrating how repair restrictions affect the military, agriculture, businesses, and consumers.

From aircraft carriers to family smartphones, repair restrictions quietly cost Americans billions. Here is how the Right to Repair saves taxpayers, families, farmers, and businesses money, and why fixing what you own is a freedom worth protecting this Independence Day.

Data Recovery Explained: How to Recover Lost Files Without Overpaying

Person holding a smartphone displaying a gallery of recovered photos, illustrating data recovery services and how to recover lost files from a phone without paying excessive recovery fees.

Lost everything when your phone died? Usually your files are still there. A plain-English guide to data recovery: what it really involves, how to choose a repair pro you can trust, and how to get your files back without overpaying.

Water Damage Advice: Skip the Rice, Save Your Device

Smartphone with water droplets on a poolside deck illustrating water damage risks from accidental liquid exposure.

Memorial Day kicks off water damage season. Skip the rice (yes, it’s a myth) and learn what actually saves your phone, from a 15-year repair pro.

Repair Is Climate Action: The Hidden Link to Rare Earth Supply Chains

Technician repairing a smartphone motherboard surrounded by glowing mineral-like elements, symbolizing the connection between device repair and rare earth supply chains

By Rob Link, Founder and CEO, Tech Care Association Founder, WhereToRepair.org · Founder, eWaste Warriors Published April 27, 2026 · ~14 min read Repair Is Climate Action: The Hidden Link to Rare Earth Supply Chains Headline graphic showing three key statistics: China controls 94 percent of rare earth magnet manufacturing, repair instead of replacement reducesContinue reading “Repair Is Climate Action: The Hidden Link to Rare Earth Supply Chains”

Is Phone Insurance Worth It? Stop Wasting Money in 2026

Baseball resting on an infield beside a smartphone in a stadium, illustrating the cost comparison between accidental phone damage and paying for phone insurance.

I used to own a chain of AT&T stores. The local VP pushed us to add insurance to every single activation. Here’s what the carriers don’t want you to know — and a simple twice-a-year strategy that could save you $200 or more.

Should I Repair or Replace My Phone? What Big Tech Doesn’t Want You to Know

Cracked smartphone on a repair workbench with tools beside it and the text “Repair or Replace? What Big Tech Doesn’t Tell You,” highlighting the choice between fixing a broken phone or buying a new one.

Before you upgrade, there’s a cost nobody talks about — the research spiral, the price shopping maze, the salesperson, the trade-in gap that quietly costs you hundreds. And the people selling you new devices are the last ones you should ask for advice. Here’s what the real decision actually looks like, and how to find someone you can trust.

Stop Paying for Phone Insurance. Here’s What Smart Consumers Do Instead.

Smiling consumer using a smartphone while working on a laptop at home, representing a smart alternative to paying for phone insurance.

The phone insurance industry collects $13.3 billion a year, and 65–80% of policyholders never file a single claim. Consumer Reports recommends most people skip it. We compared every carrier plan, ran the real cost math, and found 5 smarter strategies that protect your phone and keep hundreds of dollars in your pocket.

Reuse, Recycle & Join the Movement: Your Complete Guide to Responsible Tech Care

Community tech recycling event where diverse volunteers donate and sort used phones, laptops, and electronics into reuse and recycle bins as part of a responsible e-waste and device donation movement

Reuse, Recycle & Join the Movement: Your Complete Guide to Responsible Tech (2026) Part 3 of 3 – The Tech Care Pledge Series Published: February 9, 2026 | Reading time: 7 minutes Reuse, Recycle & Join the Movement: Your Complete Guide to Responsible Tech By Rob Link, Founder & CEO, Tech Care Association In PartContinue reading “Reuse, Recycle & Join the Movement: Your Complete Guide to Responsible Tech Care”