Pixel phones can now lock up sensitive info before being sent in for repairs
As part of its commitment to preserving hardware longevity, Google's new update for Pixel phones sees the introduction of a repair mode.
Repair mode, according to the company, allows users to keep the data under lock and key on their mobile device, giving people peace of mind when taking their smartphone in for repair. It prevents other people from taking a look at your photos, messages or contacts. If this sounds familiar, some Galaxy phones also have a repair mode that works similarly.
However, Google doesn't explain how to enter repair mode in its announcement post: Tom's guide does provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the feature. First, it can be found in the Settings menu under the System tab.
Upon activation, you will be required to enter a screen unlock method such as a PIN and once you do so, the phone will immediately restart in repair mode. A notification will appear on the Pixel interface stating that it is currently in repair mode, with the option to exit at any time. Tom's Guide says in the coverage that you will have “limited use of your phone… but any changes” or actions taken will not be saved. For example, photos taken with your Pixel phone in this state will not be saved.
The few limitations
There are some things to keep in mind when entering repair mode. Custom colors will be reset to default values and only a small number of apps will be available. Judging from the images on Tom's Guide, the apps consist mainly of first-party software like Gmail. To return, select Exit Repair Mode from the aforementioned notification and enter your screen unlock password, PIN or whatever you entered earlier.
In addition to Repair Mode, the company is offering users a way to “launch the Pixel Diagnostic App” directly from the Phone app. This allows you to test your device before or after it is repaired to see if there are any issues that need to be resolved.
A lot of resources
To help people get started, Google provides a lot of resources Pixel Phone Help website. These updated pages show you how to find spare parts, how to order them from the company's service partner, iFixit, and access repair manuals. The documents, available in English and French, have been rewritten to make them easier to follow. That said, they are limited to a handful of models.
The English manuals are only for the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel Fold. The French manuals, on the other hand, cover the Pixel 7 line, which includes the base model, the Pixel 7 Pro, and the Pixel 7a. Google has plans to upload documents “for past and future devices in the coming months,” but no word on when that will be.
Therefore, we have reached out to the company for further clarification regarding the release of the other manuals and the availability of Repair Mode. Google doesn't say if there are any restrictions, such as whether a Pixel phone must use certain software or if it's exclusive to recent models. This story will be updated at a later date.
While you wait, check out Ny Breaking's list of the best Pixel phones for 2023.