Repair Services in Russia See Surge in Demand for Older Electronics

• July 27, 2026

Rising Repairs Reflect Shift Toward Extending Electronics Lifespan in Russia

Consumers in Russia are increasingly choosing to repair their electronic devices instead of replacing them with new models. This trend is highlighted by data from the “M.Master” service center of the retail giant M.Video, which noted a significant rise in repair requests for older gadgets during the first half of 2026.

The service center revealed that the volume of repair inquiries for devices released before 2018 more than doubled compared to the same period last year. This includes a wide range of electronics, from smartphones to other consumer tech, illustrating a growing preference for maintenance over outright replacement.

Among the notable devices still brought in for repairs are models as old as the iPhone 4, which debuted years ago yet remains in use among some consumers. This points to a broader cultural and economic shift where extending the functional lifespan of technology is becoming more common, potentially driven by financial considerations, environmental awareness, or both.

The increase in repairs aligns with a global movement towards sustainability in the tech industry, where manufacturers and consumers alike are recognizing the benefits of reducing electronic waste. With devices often becoming obsolete quickly due to new releases, many users find value in repairing existing gadgets to delay the need for new purchases.

M.Video, a leading electronics retailer in Russia, supports this repair trend through its network of service centers, providing consumers with accessible options to fix their devices. This approach not only helps customers save money but also contributes to reducing the volume of discarded electronics, an issue of growing concern worldwide.

The data emerging from this market segment underscores the evolving behavior of Russian consumers regarding technology ownership. Instead of frequently upgrading to the latest gadgets, a noticeable portion of the population opts for repairs, ensuring their devices remain operational for a longer time.

While specific details about the most commonly repaired devices or the types of repairs requested were not disclosed, the notable increase in attention to older devices indicates a shift in consumer priorities. This movement toward repair and longevity may influence future service offerings and product design philosophies within the Russian electronics market.

More Russians are opting for electronic device repairs, with requests for pre-2018 gadgets doubling in the first half of 2026.