Google says the Pixel Watch 3 can’t be repaired

Smartwatches probably get banged up a lot more often than phones, by the simple expediency of doubling as exercise trackers and, you know, sitting on your wrist. So it’s a bummer that their tiny electronics are also very tricky to repair. Extremely tricky in the case of the new Pixel Watch 3, apparently. A Google representative said the company won’t even try to repair the watch.

“Pixel Watch 3 is replacement only,” a Google representative told Android Authority. To be clear, the Pixel Watch 3 will still be covered by its warranty — one year on parts and (at least on paper) basic waterproofing, damage from impacts not included. You’ll just get a full replacement of the watch, and not necessarily a new one, if you file a claim.

Google took a similar replacement-only approach to the Pixel Watch 2, though it allowed the original Pixel Watch to be repaired. It’s a bad sign for anyone who cares about e-waste (an issue wearables like smartwatches and true wireless earbuds are particularly bad about) or repairing their own gadgets. The team at iFixit probably has some choice words about it.

Normal users may have to jump through a lot of hoops to actually use the warranty that comes with a basic purchase. Google offers a pricey upgrade in a Preferred Care extended warranty, a $4-a-month service that covers accidental damage and screen cracks or breaks. But actually using that to get a watch replacement will cost a $49 service fee (if it stays the same as the Pixel Watch 2).

If you’re past the one year warranty coverage on your watch and you didn’t get extended coverage, presumably you’ll just have to buy a new one. Perhaps with an eye to a smartwatch that’s easier to repair…not that they’re easy to find.

Device repairability, already a sore point among right-to-repair advocates and environmentalists, is becoming a hot topic for more regular users too. Beyond basic concerns for avoiding e-waste, nobody likes the idea that their $500 watch has zero options for repair when the battery inevitably starts to degrade after a year or two of constant use.