If you’re planning on getting a new Google Pixel Watch 3, you should be aware of one important fact: these watches apparently won’t be repaired. As with the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 before it, Google told Android Authority that it’s maintaining its “replacement only” policy for the third-generation smartwatch.
This information came directly from a Google customer service representative, who confirmed that all damaged Pixel Watch 3s will need to be replaced. If this damage is still covered under warranty, you won’t have to pay for it. Google told Android Authority to “contact the Google Pixel Watch customer support team to review your replacement options.”
Likewise, US buyers can apparently purchase a Preferred Care insurance plan for $89 that covers accidental damage and out-of-warranty repairs for 2 years – provided you pay a $49 service fee. However, this must be purchased with your Pixel Watch 3 or within 30 days of ordering.
Still, it’s disappointing to hear that when Pixel Watch 3s are damaged, Google is giving customers a new device while the original may end up in a landfill somewhere. People are much more aware of the environmental impact of consumer electronics and how happy they are to throw away devices when a new one arrives.
Google itself knows that this is important to people, which is why the company touted its environmental credentials at the Made by Google event, mentioning the increased use of recycled materials in its new devices and packaging. The fact that the company is also so unconcerned about what happens to broken smartwatches suggests that the environmental aspect may just be an illusion.
And don’t even get me started on the impact this has on ongoing Right to Repair campaigns. There has been a lot of pressure on tech companies to give users a choice of where and how to get their devices repaired, and there has been a lot of progress on phones and laptops. Google itself even confirmed that it would guarantee the availability of parts for Pixel 8 for 7 years – which matches its promise of software support.
Would it have been so difficult to develop a smartwatch that can be repaired, even if it is a tricky and complicated process? People could at least keep their smartwatch for longer even if something unfortunate were to happen to it. Actually, it suggests that Google doesn’t really care about repairability unless it faces too much resistance from the masses.
So if you pick up a Pixel Watch 3 next month, handle it with care, or you’ll have to jump through a lot of hoops to get Google to send you a new one.
