Google released the Pixel 3 handsets about five months ago, but until now, getting them repaired was a big inconvenience. The only option owners had was to visit one of Google’s external repair partners, which in most cases meant uBreakiFix. Now the search giant is accepting mail-in repair requests for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL.
How the mail-in repair requests for Pixel 3 work
Google is taking mail-in repair requests for the Pixel 3 and 3XL in the U.S. only. Of course walk-in services would be the preferred option because you usually get your devices back quickly. However, if you don’t have an authorized repair shop nearby, then being able to send a mail-in repair request for the Pixel 3 is the other option.
Google says mail-in repair requests for the Pixel 3 will usually take seven to 10 business days. To initiate the repair process, you will have to provide your handset’s IMEI number. You can then mail your Pixel 3 in the original packaging or ask the company to send a prepaid package you can use to send the device to Google. You can learn more about Google’s repair process, including mail-in orders, here. To open a repair ticket and begin the mail-in process, click here.
A useful change
Offering repairs via mail-in requests is a small but useful change from Google. UBreakiFix stores are often poorly stocked with original parts for the new Pixels. Many early buyers of the Pixel 3 have expressed disappointment over not getting proper repair services due to the stores’ lack of original parts.
Hopefully the mail-in repair requests for the Pixel 3 will address all such issues and make the experience more convenient for owners. However, many are questioning why Google hasn’t launched the service before, considering that the Pixel 3 phones have been on the market for about five months.
One possible reason for this could be because Google’s mail-in service is still relatively new, and the company working out the logistics. Google just launched the service in September — only a month before the Pixel 3 phones launched.
Responsiveness of Pixel 3 camera app fixed
Meanwhile Google has released its March 2019 Android security update for Pixel users. The update brings crucial bug fixes and improvements to the Pixel 3 and previous-generation models.
According to the Pixel Update Bulletin for March, the update fixes five issues for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. The most important change comes to the camera app. Previously, many Pixel 3 users complained about the app being sluggish, but with the latest update, the search giant has improved the app’s responsiveness.
Google’s March update also fixes Bluetooth reliability and playback of encrypted media on the Pixel 3 phones. Other changes include improvements to storage performance and improved “recovery in the instance of an OTA update failure,” the updated Pixel bulletin states.
Overall, the security update fixes 27 issues via the security patch dated March 1 and 18 bugs via a patch dated March 5. Some of the vulnerabilities patched were very critical, such as the one related to the media framework. This vulnerability may have allowed a hacker to remotely execute arbitrary code. Additionally, the March update fixes system issues and vulnerabilities with the kernel and Qualcomm components.
“We have had no reports of active customer exploitation or abuse of these newly reported issues,” Google said in the security bulletin.
Google’s March update is compatible with the Pixel C, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.
