While third-party repair services are helpful, it would really help if the manufacturer itself offered a repair service, particularly for their own devices. Thankfully, Google thought about this and finally launched its own in-house repair service.
According to a report from the Android Police, Google has launched their in-house repair service for broken or damaged Pixel phones. This is great news as Pixel phone owners in the US have nothing but uBreakiFix or Puls to run to when their devices get damaged, prior to Google's offering.
The repair service, simply called "Repair Center," can be accessed via the Google Store. Those who need their Pixel phones (from Pixel 1 to Pixel 2 XL) repaired can go there to find links to support pages (which will be helpful and might even be enough to help owners fix some Pixel phone problems), as well as instructions on how to get a broken or damaged Pixel phone repaired by Google.
Getting a Pixel phone repaired by Google is easy, though it takes about seven to ten days. Users will need to secure a copy of their phone's IMEI number, back up then factory reset their device, then send it to Google.
Before sending, however, here are a few things that need to be done, according to Google:
First, users will need to start a repair order at the Google Store. Here, users will need to key in their device's IMEI number when asked.
Second, users will then have to indicate the type of problem they have with their phone. Some problems won't require users to send their phones to Google; for these, Google will instead give helpful instructions on how to solve them.
If the problems are covered under warranty, Google will fix the phone for free. For problems like cracked screens and drenched phones, however, Google will likely charge an amount.
Third, if the phone has to be sent, users can choose from two repair options: Mail-in, or in-Person. Of course we'll be talking about the Mail-in option here.
Those who want faster repair can simply send their phone using their own packaging. For those who don't mind waiting and want it cheaper, Google will send prepaid packaging about 2-3 days after placing the repair order.
Lastly, users must never forget to back up their device and then factory reset them before sending.
Upon receiving the phone, Google will inspect it and inform users of any problem. If the device is different from what was indicated in the repair order, for example, Google will send it back.
If the repair will cost less than originally estimated, users will be automatically charged and the repairs will commence; if Google discovers other damages that weren't initially found, they will notify users of additional charges and will wait for approval before working on the device.
