Google may keep your phone if you send it in for repair with non-OEM parts
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Google states that it will not return a device if it contains non-OEM parts. This stipulation is just another in a growing number of anti-consumer practices Last week, Samsung found itself embroiled in a controversy of its own when it was discovered that the company was forcing independent repair […]
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google states that it will not return a device if it contains non-OEM parts.
- This stipulation is just another in a growing number of anti-consumer practices
Last week, Samsung found itself embroiled in a controversy of its own when it was discovered that the company was forcing independent repair shops to report customers who installed devices with non-OEM parts. Now Google also finds itself in a sticky situation due to similar anti-consumer behavior.
Like many other phone manufacturers, Google offers a self-repair program to repair your damaged or faulty Pixel device. How is it support site explains, there are options to get repair tools, manuals, and certified parts so you can repair your Pixel like new. Owners can also choose to simply send their device in to have it repaired by a professional.
Because replacement parts can be expensive, some DIYers choose to use parts from third-party suppliers. But if you go this route, you might want to avoid sending your device to Google if there’s a problem you don’t have the skills to fix yourself.
Apparently, this rule has been in effect since July 19, 2023, as noted on the page. Imagine sending the phone you depend on for repair, but not sending it back to you. This discovery isn’t exactly a good idea for the Pixel maker and has led to scathing reactions online.
A Reddit The user says: “Google really hates its customers when those customers don’t keep their wallets open and point the finger at Google’s greedy hands.” Another user said: “This is crazy. They really don’t want us to own anything anymore. They want to control everything we own and dictate our lives. Meanwhile, a commenter on YouTube says:
Imagine a world where if you bought a car and modified the brakes because they needed replacing, then took it to the dealership for another unrelated problem, not only would they not do the repair you requested, but would then have the vehicle towed and scrapped. This is why the right to repair is so important, because if you cannot modify or repair your device as you see fit, it ceases to be your property.
This behavior is not unique to Google either; Samsung and Apple also engage in similar anti-consumer behavior. For example, in the Samsung report mentioned earlier, Samsung was found to require independent repair shops to disassemble a customer’s product if it has a non-OEM part.
Overall, this just shows that the current state of self-repair is not very promising. At this point, these programs appear to be more window dressing than anything else. We have contacted Google for comment and will update this article accordingly.
