Smartphone giants are constantly changing their repair policies with some for the better and others for worse. After changing its policy for phones with unauthorized parts, Google is extending its repair policy for Pixel 8 display issues.
Google's Extended Pixel 8 Repair Program
In a recent announcement from the search engine giant, the repair program for the Pixel 8's display has now been extended to vertical lines that show flickering. With the policy change, users can now have their phones repaired under warranty within the span of the first three years from purchase.
These flickering vertical lines which run from the top of the screen to the bottom are usually caused by physical damage through pressure or being dropped, but they may also caused by hardware issues or software glitches.
It's important to note that not all phones with this issue will be qualified under the new repair program policy. Google or an authorized repair partner will have to inspect the serial number of the phone first to determine whether it falls under the warranty, as reported by The Verge.
The new policy may come as a relief to certain users considering that Pixel devices have the tendency to experience glitches, bugs, and other issues. If a device does within three years, owners will at least have a repair program to rely on.
However, three years is the extended warranty which means that users will have to get it first. Without the extension, the repair program inclusion will only be available for a year, and that's not the only limitation under the new policy.
Apparently, the Pixel 8 Pro is not included, which is a bummer for some users seeing as there have been some who reported that their Pro device has also exhibited the vertical line on their displays. The same goes with the Pixel 8A.
Don't Fix It With Unauthorized Parts
If you intend to have your device fixed through third-party repair shops, make sure they do not use aftermarket parts as it will make it difficult for you to have your device repaired in Google or authorized service repairs later on.
Previously, Google had a policy wherein Pixel phones under repair found to have unauthorized components will not be returned to the owner. That has been changed after much backlash from its consumers, but it does not guarantee a repair still even under warranty.
Google will no longer keep devices "regardless of whether it has non-OEM parts or not," as mentioned in 9To5Google. However, there are instances where the repair shop will have to send it back if there are safety concerns, likely because of the unknown components and how it may have affected the device.
"In that case, we will either send it back to the customer or work with them to determine next steps," the new policy continues, although it's unclear what the company meant by "next steps." Google might just suggest the user replace the unauthorized parts with genuine Google components.
