Google tries to make it hassle-free. If you have a broken pixel device, getting it repaired by any third-party company would have been a hassle. But now, you might be able to fix it by Google itself instead of any other company. An in-house virtual ‘Repair Center,’ has just been added to the Google Store only for U.S. customers.
Previously, mail-in repairs could take anywhere from 7-10 business days after shipping your device to the Google Repair Center. Currently, this will no longer be the case as Google looks to bring the repair of broken handsets in-house by opening up its own Google repair centers across the U.S. If you have a Pixel Book, you’ll have to take it into an uBreakiFix, but we’d assume that Google will begin supporting its computers at some point.
To get started with the process, you need to enter the IMEI into the online portal that will authenticate your device as a supported Pixel device. After confirming the exact Pixel model, you’ll select what type of repair you would like and then choose to either send the device to Google using your own shipping method or wait several days.
Following the steps and agreeing to the various terms, you’ll then be given a repair cost. The cost will depend on the device’s repair; for example, a broken screen will set you back some $200.
If your problem isn’t covered under warranty, Google will give you an estimate for the repair. For a Pixel 2 XL, a cracked screen will cost $239, and water damage will run you $413. Both figures seem to be exclusive of tax, though Google will cover shipping and even offers to send some prepaid packaging to you at no charge.
Sure the service appears expensive, but the device is repaired directly by Google so it’s undoubtedly worth the expense.
