When you submit your Pixel phone or Pixel Tablet for repair, you can turn on repair mode to simplify the process. Repair mode eliminates the need to wipe and restore data before and after repairs, and technicians can make it easier to run diagnostics.
Learn how repair mode works
Important:
- Only certain devices can enter repair mode. Eligible devices include:
- Pixel phones that run the Android 14 December 2023 update or higher with at least 2 GB available space left on the phone.
- Pixel Tablets that run Android June OS or higher with at least 2 GB available space left on the tablet.
- You can use repair mode or factory reset for both walk-in and mail-in repair. If repair mode is used, Google repair partners decide whether a data reset is required once they have received the phone and assessed the repairs needed.
- Walk-in Pixel Tablet repair services are not available at this time, but you may be able to get your device replaced if it is in warranty and your claim is covered. Learn more about how to file a claim for your Pixel Tablet.
- We recommend that you back up your data before every repair service, even if you decide to use repair mode. If the repair service requires parts replacement that affect the storage, the technician must delete your device's data even if you turned on repair mode. With the backup, you can still restore the data to your repaired device. Learn how to back up or restore data on your Pixel phone. Google and repair partners aren't responsible for data loss.
- Note that any changes made in repair mode won't be saved when you exit.
- To ensure that the technician troubleshoots on the latest system, perform system updates before you enter repair mode.
When you turn on repair mode, the device starts a clean Android OS in a dedicated secure partition with limited functions. This allows technicians to diagnose and service devices without any data loss through a factory reset. During repair, repair mode can protect your personal data and info from unauthorised access.
Tip: Remove the SIM card and keep it with you before you send your device to repair services.
Access repair mode
Important: Do not create a new PIN once in repair mode.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap System
Repair mode.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to turn on repair mode.
- Enter your security pin, password or pattern (the same code as your lock screen).
- Do not share the pin, password or pattern with the technician.
- If you don't have one set up, you'll be prompted to create and verify one.
- Allow the system to restart.
- After the restart, your device is in repair mode.
Repair mode.Exit repair mode
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap System
- While in repair mode, you can also tap on the notification to exit.
- To confirm, enter your pin, password or pattern.
- Allow the system to reboot.
Tip: Another way to exit repair mode is to go to the top of your screen in the notifications drop-down menu. Then, proceed with step 3.
Learn more about repair mode
- Some software features are paused by default but can be activated manually.
- Pixel Tips
- Google Play
- Messages
- Wallpaper
- Google Search app
- Text-to-Speech
- For troubleshooting purposes, some default first-party apps are still available for use in repair mode. Any changes that you or the repair service make, or information that you generate, such as images or files, are removed from the device when you exit repair mode.
- Some apps that are only available in repair mode are for technicians to diagnose and service the device, and won't interact with your data.