Breaking a Google Pixel Watch, whether it is the first-generation model released in 2022 or the latest model launched recently, presents a challenge as there are no official repair options available. If a warranty claim is successfully processed, Google will provide a replacement unit instead of repairing the existing model. This situation underscores the company’s relative inexperience in the smartwatch market. In contrast, companies like Apple and Samsung offer repair services for their watches, including glass repairs and battery replacements.
There is, however, some positive news. During a Climate Week NYC panel focused on repairable technology, hosted by Back Market and moderated by One5c, Nicole Azores, Google’s manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy, indicated that the company is considering how to design the Pixel Watch to be more repairable.
“Watches and wearables are still fairly nascent, and we are thinking through how to make this repairable,” Azores stated during the panel. “We’re considering repairability on a broader scale beyond just phones and tablets and aim to ensure that all products eventually become repairable. Given the novelty of watches as a category, certain design elements need to be reconsidered to enhance repairability.”
When Can You Fix It?
Azores did not provide specific details or a timeline for these enhancements. Consumer tech products typically take two to three years to develop, so it remains uncertain whether these improvements will appear in the Pixel Watch 4 or in a later model. Google’s Pixel Watch has maintained a consistent design across its three generations, with the Pixel Watch 3 introducing two sizes for the first time.
This statement marks the first time Google has publicly addressed the irreparability of its smartwatch. Previously, company representatives had no comments to offer on repairability issues.
Despite being a newcomer to the smartwatch sector, Google’s Wear OS—formerly known as Android Wear—has been in existence for a decade. Initially, Google managed the operating system while manufacturers like Fossil and LG produced the smartwatches. This dynamic changed in 2022 when Google launched its own smartwatch, in an effort to rejuvenate its platform in collaboration with Samsung and Fitbit.
During the fourth quarter of 2022, when the first Pixel Watch was introduced, Google captured 8 percent of the wearable band market share. According to research group Canalys, the company shipped 880,000 Pixel Watches in that period, in addition to its other Fitbit devices.
Just the Starting Point
The inability to repair these devices means many could end up as electronic waste, an issue already at a crisis point according to a recent UN climate report. In 2022, around 137 billion pounds of e-waste were generated, with less than a quarter recycled. This amount is predicted to increase by 33 percent by 2030, outpacing recycling efforts.
Regulatory efforts to enforce repairability in technology are ongoing. For example, the European Union has enacted regulations that will require smartphones and tablets to have more durable batteries or easier replacement methods starting in June 2025. Although not obligated by this legislation, Apple’s new iPhone 16 features a new adhesive making the battery easier to remove.
Ultimately, whether these design changes appear in the Pixel Watch 4 or later, they represent a positive development for consumers. Google will also need to direct attention to improving the repairability of Fitbit’s wearables, as the company currently lacks any repair centers for these devices.