The prevention of repairs made with third-party parts rather than vendor-authorized parts. The serial numbers of parts may be embedded within the electronics and not just printed on a label, and these identifying numbers are tested upon startup. If a parts pairing device is repaired with a non-authorized component, it may not function properly or an error message may be displayed. Vendors that use parts pairing claim it guarantees quality parts are always used. Most notably, Apple has maintained very tight control over repairs for its products and supports a network of authorized third-party service centers.
In 2024, Oregon governor Tina Kotek signed what is considered the strongest "right to repair" bill in the U.S. Going into effect January 1, 2025, the bill prohibits parts pairing and requires vendors to provide access to repair documents and spare parts. See
right to repair.