Smartphones go with us everywhere, from our houses to the beach. They’re our constant companions. They are with us when we get wet or trip and fall and can be damaged alongside us. Even if you havea premium Android phonewith the newest screen protection, there’s no guarantee your phone won’t break if it falls or is hit. Stores like uBreakiFix can service many popular devices on the same day, so you don’t have to go without your phone for long.

While your phone is being serviced, you don’t want the repair technician to have access to your data. Even though you have a PIN or fingerprint to get into your phone, they may be able to access your data.

Cracked phone screen

Smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung createdmaintenance modesthat lock down the personal data on your device while giving technicians access to the data they need to repair your phone. Google introduced a similar feature to their Pixel phones back to the Pixel 5a in the December 2023Feature Dropthat they call Repair Mode. This article discusses what Repair mode is and how to use it.

Phone insurance plans: Which Android protection plan is best?

Know your options

What is Pixel Repair Mode?

Pixel Repair Mode is a secure environment you can put your phone in while it’s being repaired. Repair Mode protects your personal data, such as messages, photos, call logs, apps, and more, from being accessed by others. When you exit repair mode, your phone acts normally again without losing data.

Repair mode requires 2GB of storage on your device to function. Any data or settings downloaded or changed while in repair mode aren’t saved to your device. Google also recommends a strong screen lock to double down on security, but it is not required.

A Google Pixel 8 sitting next to a Google Pixel 6 on a wooden and leather background

How do I use Pixel Repair Mode?

you may access Pixel Repair Mode through the Settings app on your Google Pixel phone.

Your phone restarts and will be in Repair Mode when it powers back on. Do not share your PIN, password, or pattern with the repair technician. Repair mode looks and functions similarly to a new Google Pixel device and doesn’t give access to your data.

Google Pixel System settings with a red arrow pointing to the Repair mode option

To return to regular functionality, tap theExit repair modeoption in your notifications while in Repair Mode and enter your PIN, password, or pattern.

Repair your peace of mind

Repairing a phone is stressful, and keeping your data secure doesn’t need to add to the stress. Pixel Repair Mode keeps your data safe while your Pixel phone is repaired. If you break your Pixel phone often or want peace of mind if anything were to happen, check outPreferred Care for Pixels.

The Repair mode settings page on a Google Pixel