How long should a tablet last?

A well-maintained tablet typically lasts 4-9 years under normal use conditions. Regular cleaning, timely repairs, and proper care can extend its lifespan toward the upper end of that range or beyond. If your tablet still performs well and meets your needs, there is no reason to replace it based purely on age.

Is it worth repairing a tablet that is 7 years old?

At 7 years, your tablet is near the midpoint of its typical 4-9 years lifespan. A single repair costing less than 50% of a new tablet (about $1,125 CAD) is generally worthwhile. Consider replacing only if multiple parts are failing at once or the total repair cost exceeds half the replacement price.

What are the most common tablet problems?

The most common tablet issues are: cracked or shattered screen, battery degradation and short battery life, charging port not working or loose, touchscreen unresponsive or ghost touches. Many of these problems are repairable at a fraction of the replacement cost.

Is it cheaper to repair or buy a new tablet?

Repair is almost always cheaper for a single issue. A new tablet costs around $1,125 CAD, while most individual repairs cost a fraction of that. The general rule: if the repair costs less than 50% of replacement and your tablet is under 9 years old, repair wins financially.

Tablet repair vs replacement: which is better for the environment?

Repairing is almost always the greener choice. Manufacturing a new tablet generates significant CO₂ emissions and uses raw materials. By repairing, you keep your existing tablet in use longer and reduce waste.

What is the most expensive tablet repair?

Screen replacement replacement is typically the most expensive tablet repair at $100-$400 CAD including parts and labour.

What is the cheapest tablet repair?

Home button / power button repair is one of the most affordable fixes at $50-$120 CAD.

Should you repair or replace your tablet?

Q: How much does it cost to repair a tablet in Canada?

Tablet repairs in Canada typically range from $50 to $400 CAD depending on the specific issue. Simple fixes like home button / power button cost less, while major repairs can be pricier. The average replacement cost is about $1,125 CAD, making most individual repairs a more affordable option than buying a new tablet.

Repair your tablet if it is a premium model under 3 years old and the fix costs less than $240. Screen repairs run $100-$400 and battery swaps $80-$200. Community repair data from nearly 4,000 tablet records shows that software issues have the best fix success rate, so sluggish performance or app crashes are usually resolvable without hardware replacement. Screen repairs have the lowest success rate of any tablet issue because the fused glass-and-digitizer assemblies used in iPads and Galaxy Tabs are expensive to source and fragile to install. Heat guns and suction cups are required, and cracking the new panel during installation is a common mishap. Battery replacements sit somewhere in between: worthwhile on premium tablets but often blocked by strong adhesive and a sealed design that makes opening the device risky. The biggest repair barriers across the board are parts that cost nearly as much as a new budget tablet and the difficulty of opening glued enclosures without damage. Replace budget tablets under $300 when repair costs exceed $80-$100 or when the device no longer receives software or security updates.

Last updated: May 3, 2026

Based on 3,749 repair records worldwide from openrepair.org

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When Do Tablets Typically Fail?

Based on 3,749 community repair records, here is when tablets most commonly need repair.

Repair Need by Device Age

0 yrs

1% need repair

70% fixable

1 yr

1% need repair

41% fixable

2 yrs

3% need repair

44% fixable

3 yrs

3% need repair

46% fixable

4 yrs

Guides by Tablet Age

New (1-3 years)Almost always worth repairing Aging (4-7 years)Depends on the repair cost Old (8-10 years)Consider replacing instead

Model-Specific Repair Guides

80% of discarded computers in Canada are recycled, donated, or returned, but manufacturing a replacement still generates significantly more CO₂. Stats Canada HES, 2023

How much does tablet repair cost?

All prices in CAD. Parts-only prices are what you’d pay doing it yourself. Total cost includes labor.

Screen replacement

LCD/OLED Display Assembly, Digitizer, Adhesive Strips, Frame

4/5 Difficult

$100-$400Parts: $40-$220Labor: $60-$180

1-2 hoursiFixit Guide

26% fix ratetypically at 5.2 yrs260 repairs analyzed

Barriers: Spare parts not available, Spare parts too expensive

Battery replacement

Battery Cell, Adhesive Pull Tabs, Spudger Tool

4/5 Difficult

$80-$200Parts: $30-$100Labor: $50-$100

1-2 hoursiFixit Guide

36% fix ratetypically at 6.7 yrs552 repairs analyzed

Barriers: Spare parts too expensive, Repair information not available

Charging port repair

Charging Port Flex Cable, Lightning/USB-C Connector, Adhesive

5/5 Expert Only

$80-$180Parts: $15-$50Labor: $65-$130

1-2 hoursiFixit Guide

41% fix ratetypically at 5.5 yrs242 repairs analyzed

Barriers: Spare parts not available, No way to open product

Speaker replacement

Speaker Module, Speaker Gasket, Adhesive

4/5 Difficult

$60-$150Parts: $15-$50Labor: $45-$100

1-2 hours

54% fix ratetypically at 6.5 yrs

Barriers: No way to open product, Spare parts not available

Home button / power button

Button Flex Cable, Home Button Assembly, Bracket

3/5 Moderate

$50-$120Parts: $15-$40Labor: $35-$80

30-60 minutes

Water damage assessment

Ultrasonic Cleaning, Replacement Connectors, Corrosion Treatment

5/5 Expert Only

$100-$300Parts: $30-$150Labor: $70-$150

2-4 hoursiFixit Guide

Questions people ask

Is it worth repairing my tablet in Canada?

It depends on the tablet's value and the repair. Screen repairs under $200 are usually worthwhile for tablets under 3 years old. Battery replacements are almost always cost-effective for mid-range and premium tablets.

Should I repair my tablet or buy a new one?

If your tablet is under 3 years old and the repair costs less than 40% of a new tablet, repair is usually the better choice. Budget tablets under $300 are often cheaper to replace than repair.

Can I repair my tablet myself?

Tablets are generally harder to repair than laptops due to glued-in screens and batteries. Screen and battery replacements are possible with heat guns and suction cups, but carry a risk of further damage. Professional repair is recommended for most tablet issues.

Should I repair or replace my tablet?

If your tablet is within its typical 4-9 years lifespan and the repair costs less than 50% of a replacement (around $1125), repair is usually the smarter choice. Consider replacing when multiple components are failing, the device no longer meets your needs, or total repair costs exceed half the new purchase price.

How much does it cost to repair a tablet in Canada?

Tablet repairs in Canada typically range from $50 to $400 depending on the specific issue. Simple fixes like home button / power button cost less, while major repairs can be pricier. The average replacement cost is about $1125 making most individual repairs a more affordable option than buying a new tablet.

Should you repair or replace your tablet?

Had a Tablet Repaired?

Check Your Trade-In Value

When Do Tablets Typically Fail?

Repair Need by Device Age

Guides by Tablet Age

Model-Specific Repair Guides

The Repair Breakpoint

How much does tablet repair cost?

Screen replacement

Battery replacement

Charging port repair

Speaker replacement

Home button / power button

Water damage assessment

If You're Replacing

Questions people ask

Is it worth repairing my tablet in Canada?

Should I repair my tablet or buy a new one?

Can I repair my tablet myself?

Should I repair or replace my tablet?

How much does it cost to repair a tablet in Canada?

How long should a tablet last?

Is it worth repairing a tablet that is 7 years old?

What are the most common tablet problems?

Is it cheaper to repair or buy a new tablet?

Tablet repair vs replacement: which is better for the environment?

What is the most expensive tablet repair?

What is the cheapest tablet repair?

Tablet Brand Rankings

Related Devices

If You're Replacing

Model-Specific Repair Guides