After drawing flak over its specific clause that stated it could keep Pixels with non-OEM parts sent for repairs, Google has decided to change its ToS document.
Days ago, a certain segment in Google’s Pixel repair legal agreement document was spotted posing a troubling situation for users.
Unauthorized Parts: You will not send in a Device containing non-Google-authorized parts – if You do, Your Device will not be returned to you.
According to the clause, Pixels sent to Google for repair with parts not from the company would no longer be returned. Despite the clause being observed since July 2023, the discovery caused an uproar in the community.
After being asked about the matter, the search giant immediately assured fans and users that their Pixels with non-OEM parts would not be kept despite the clause’s stated purpose. In its recent statement to Android Authority, Google promised to “clarify” the stipulation by updating its documents.
“If a customer sends their Pixel to Google for repair, we would not keep it regardless of whether it has non-OEM parts or not,” a Google spokesperson said. “In certain situations, we won’t be able to complete a repair if there are safety concerns. In that case, we will either send it back to the customer or work with them to determine next steps. Customers are also free to seek the repair options that work best for them. We are updating our Terms and Conditions to clarify this.”
The news surfaced amid Google’s aggressive push for self-repair programs across its devices. Currently, as part of its pro-repairability efforts, Google has partnerships with other repair businesses to promote easy access to Pixel repair parts. In line with this, these materials are available online for anyone to purchase. In addition, it launched an on-device Diagnostic App that can aid users in their repairs.
