How to enable Repair Mode on Pixel phones

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

Finally! After months of anticipation, Google has unveiled Repair Mode for Pixel phones with the December 2023 feature drop. Ever worried about technicians peeking at your private data during repairs? Repair Mode is here to quell those anxieties. Let’s delve into this exciting addition to the Pixel world.

Repair Mode, an Android 14 gem, temporarily transforms your Pixel into a pristine state when you hand it over for repairs. Think of it as a secure cloak that shields your sensitive apps like Messages and Banking from prying eyes. It’s similar to Android’s Safe Mode, but with a crucial twist: you won’t see any personal apps or system settings.

This nifty feature is currently reserved for Pixel users, and you need at least 2GB of free storage to activate it. Additionally, ensure you’ve updated your Pixel to the December 2023 feature drop to unlock this hidden gem.

Here are the steps to enable Repair Mode on Pixel phones:

1. Navigate to Settings> System.
2. Scroll down to locate Repair Mode.
3. Tap on Repair Mode and subsequently select ‘Enter Repair Mode.’
4. Both entering and exiting Repair Mode require entering your PIN.
5. Upon PIN entry, the device will restart into Repair Mode.

Here are the steps to disable Repair Mode on Pixel phones:

1. Go to Settings> System> Repair Mode to exit.
2. Alternatively, swipe down to access Notifications and tap “Exit Repair Mode” in the Repair Mode notification.
3. Enter your PIN when prompted.
4. The phone will restart into the usual profile, with all apps and files intact.

Repair Mode leverages Android’s Dynamic System Updates to create a separate partition on your device. This temporary space boots into a fresh system using the existing system image, essentially simulating a factory reset. But here’s the trick: any changes you make (downloading files, for instance) vanish once you exit Repair Mode, leaving your original Pixel untouched. It’s like borrowing a friend’s phone with their essential apps pre-loaded, but without access to their personal files.

As of now, the following Pixel models are invited:

• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 8 Pro
• Pixel 8
• Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 7
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 5a

Also remember these key points:

• Restarting doesn’t exit Repair Mode. You need to tap the Repair Mode notification and enter your PIN.
• Downloaded data? Poof! Gone when you leave Repair Mode.
• No set-up screens here. You’ll land directly on the home screen.

In summary, Repair Mode stands as a commendable addition to Pixel devices, instilling confidence in users when surrendering their phones for repairs, be it in official or unofficial service centers. The implementation of this feature underscores Google’s commitment to user privacy and data security. Share your thoughts on Repair Mode for Google Pixel devices in the comments section below.