What you need to know
- Google confirmed in a new report that consumers will not be able to pursue repair options for the Pixel Watch 3.
- Users must contact support for a replacement device and are also encouraged to purchase the Preferred Care insurance plan to protect against damage.
- No official repair services were offered by Google for the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, and a teardown video showed their nightmare DIY repair.
Consumers still have no suitable repair options for the third version of Google’s Pixel Watch series.
The Pixel Watch 3’s watch face features a unique glass dome that makes it vulnerable to damage. The folks at Android Authority inquired about repair options for Google’s latest smartwatch, but the response was not positive.
A Google representative explained that if your Pixel Watch 3 is damaged, you can “contact the Google Pixel Watch customer support team to review your replacement options.”
As the publication notes, this information does not bode well for people who would rather have the device repaired than get a new one. Such an option would help consumers extend the life of their device, especially in case of an accidental scratch or a worn crown.
However, Google stated that those interested in purchasing a Pixel Watch 3 are encouraged to purchase Preferred Care, a device insurance policy that covers damage, including “out-of-warranty issues.” It’s worth noting that Google charges a $49 service fee if you use the insurance to seek a replacement device.
Not that we were holding our breath, but Google hasn’t offered any repair options for its smartwatch since the beginning. Users had complained on Reddit since the only option then (and now) was to replace the device entirely. Moreover, the idea of Google repairing the watch or doing it at home has proven difficult so far.
DIY parts supplier iFixit took the Pixel Watch apart and found it was completely unrepairable. Breaking the screen and trying to attach a new one was a pain, and there was no way to replace the crown or button.
Google still does not offer any repair options for the Pixel Watch 2 and (again) recommends that consumers use the “Preferred Care” insurance plan.
Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 3 on August 13 during its hardware event. The device was packed with health and fitness tools designed to make runners feel good—and maybe a little depressed. Still, the watch comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm with an estimated battery life of 36 hours with “battery saver” mode enabled.
