Repair Mode is now available on these Google Pixel devices

Ben Schoon | Dec 6 2023 - 11:05 am PT

Google is rolling out support for “Repair Mode” on select Pixel devices, which safely stores away your data when you go in for a screen fix or similar repairs.

First surfacing back in September 2023, “Repair Mode” on Google Pixel devices has a pretty simple function. When a user goes to get a device repaired, they can activate the special mode to protect their private data without fully resetting the device. This allows a technician to perform any necessary tests on the device but leaves the data on board only accessible to the original owner.

Samsung, notably, offers a similar function on Galaxy devices.

On Google Pixel, activating Repair Mode requires at least 2GB of free storage space, as well as a lockscreen code. PIN, password, and pattern are all acceptable.

To enable Repair Mode, you’ll go to Settings > System > Repair Mode and tap “Enter Repair Mode.” Google notes that your device will restart and that it could take a few minutes to come back up.

But, importantly, Repair Mode isn’t available across all Pixel devices. Google is adding this feature as a part of the first maintenance release of Android 14, which launched on December 6, 2023. Only currently-supported Pixel devices are eligible, which means that older devices such as Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 won’t have access.