Google LLC today announced that it’s teaming up with consumer hardware repair specialist iFixit to make its Pixel smartphones easier to fix.

As part of the partnership, the search giant will make Pixel spare parts available on iFixit’s popular hardware repair website. The website provides guides on how to fix malfunctioning consumer electronics and includes an e-commerce store where users can buy device components.

Device repairs have recently become a bigger focus not only for tech companies but also regulators. Last year, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission adopted a policy statement designed to help “ramp up law enforcement against illegal repair restrictions.” The European Parliament has also made device repairs a bigger priority.

“We want you to have a great experience with your Pixel phone, and that includes easy access to high-quality and safe device repair if your phone is ever damaged,” Ana Corrales, chief operating officer of Google’s consumer hardware business, wrote in a blog post today. 

Pixel spare parts such as batteries, cameras and displays will become available for purchase on iFixit later this year, Google stated. The search giant plans to provide parts for all the smartphones it has introduced over the last five years. The list of supported devices includes the Pixel 2 that debuted in 2017, as well the latest Pixel 6 Pro, which was announced in October 2021. 

Google will make Pixel parts available for purchase in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and European Union countries where the Pixel product line is sold. On iFixit’s website, users will have the option to purchase parts individually or as part of so-called iFixit Fix Kits. Such kits include not only components but also specialized tools for repairing electronics.

Google envisions the spare parts being used not only by consumers but also independent repair professionals. “We already partner with independent repair providers like uBreakiFix, which has more than 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada supporting in-warranty and out-of-warranty Pixel repairs,” Corrales detailed. “We have similar partnerships with walk-in support providers in Canada, Germany, Japan and the U.K., with more to come. Pixel repair options are available in all countries where we sell Pixel phones.”

Google’s announcement of its partnership with iFixit comes less than two weeks after Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. also teamed up with the hardware repair specialist. Samsung plans to provide users of its Galaxy handset line with access to parts, tools and repair guides. Earlier, iFixit partnered with Microsoft Corp. to provide repair tools for fixing devices from the technology giant’s Surface product line.

Photo: iFixit