Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs

⚠️ Article status notice: This Article's Relevance Is Under Review

This article has been flagged for questionable relevance. Its connection to the systemic consumer protection issues outlined in the Mission statement and Moderator Guidelines isn't clear.

If you believe this notice has been placed in error, or once you have made the required improvements, please visit the Moderators' noticeboard or the #appeals channel on our Discord server: Join Here.

Notice: This Article's Relevance Is Under Review

---

To justify the relevance of this article:

• Provide evidence demonstrating how the issue reflects broader consumer exploitation (e.g., systemic patterns, recurring incidents, or related company policies).
• Link the problem to modern forms of consumer protection concerns, such as privacy violations, barriers to repair, or ownership rights.

If you believe this notice has been placed in error, or once you have made the required improvements, please visit either the Moderator's noticeboard, or the #appeals channel on our Discord server: Join Here.

Google device repair program restrictions

Google's self-repair program contains contractual requirements that raise concerns about consumer rights and property ownership. Most notably, Google's Service & Repair Program terms explicitly state that any device containing non-Google-authorized parts "will not be returned" to the customer.

"You will not send in a Device containing non-Google-authorized parts – if You do, Your Device will not be returned to you."

This means that if a consumer unknowingly sends in a device with an aftermarket part, Google claims the right to keep it. This policy raises concerns regarding ownership and property rights.

Economic barriers

The pricing structure of manufacturer self-repair programs frequently makes repairs economically impractical. For example, a Google Pixel 6 Pro screen costs $259.99 for parts only"Google Pixel 6 Pro Screen - Genuine". iFixit..

By comparison, used replacement devices are often available at a lower price:

• Used Google Pixel 6 Pro: $152–$249 on eBay"Pixel 6 Pro for Sale - eBay". eBay.

Impact

The limitations imposed by Google's repair program result in:

• Punitive measures against third-party repairs – Programs that refuse to return devices act as de facto monopolies on repair services.
• Economic disincentives to repair – The artificially high cost of official parts makes repairing older devices less financially practical.