After launching the Pixel 10 series, Google also unveiled a new device protection program called Pixel Care+, meant to make it cheaper and easier to repair your device. If you have an eligible device, you should consider this plan.
What is Pixel Care+?
Pixel Care+ is Google’s new subscription-based protection plan designed exclusively for Pixel devices and currently only available in the US. Similar to AppleCare+ and Samsung Care+, it provides an extended safety net beyond the standard warranty for your device. Monthly plans last up to 60 months, while fixed-term plans run for 24 months.
It covers all Pixel-branded devices, including Pixel phones (Pixel 8 series and later), Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and watches (Pixel Watch 2 and newer), plus select Fitbit devices (Fitbit Ace LTE, Fitbit Sense 2, Fitbit Versa 4, Fitbit Charge 6, and Fitbit Inspire 3).
Every device has its monthly Pixel Care+ cost, but there’s also a two-year fixed-term option if you prefer to pay once. For example, the Pixel 10’s monthly coverage plan costs $9/month while the Pixel 9 Pro costs $12/month, renewable for up to 60 months. The fixed two-year plan costs $179 and $199 for the Pixel 10 and 9 Pro, respectively.
The only catch with Google’s Pixel Care+ plan is that it can only be added within 60 days of purchasing an eligible device. If that period has already elapsed, you can’t enroll an eligible device in the program.
Key benefits of Pixel Care+
Pixel Care+ offers a variety of benefits. One of the biggest perks is no-cost screen repairs, meaning you won’t have to pay extra if your display cracks. The plan also covers free battery replacements, a significant bonus considering how quickly smartphone batteries degrade over time and how expensive they can be to replace.
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Another standout feature is coverage for accidental damage and hardware failures, even beyond the standard warranty period. And, even better, Pixel Care+ has no cap on claims for accidental damage from handling, like damage from water or other liquids. Whether it’s a faulty charging port or a sudden breakdown, you know that you’re protected. For situations where repairs aren’t enough, Google offers fast device replacement (shipped the following day, if available), so you’re never left without a phone for long.
You also enjoy priority support from Google experts, ensuring easy resolution in case you encounter a problem with your device. This can save hours of troubleshooting compared to standard customer service. While the standard plan doesn’t include loss and theft protection, you can add it for an additional cost. If you purchase Pixel Care+ with Loss and Theft, you can file up to two claims per year.
Why you should get Pixel Care+
Pixel Care+ is worth having, especially if you have a Pixel smartphone. Pixel phones, like any modern smartphone, are prone to damage. That’s where Pixel Care+ comes in, showing why a premium warranty is worth getting for your phone.
It’s designed to give you peace of mind by covering the issues that matter most—cracked screens, worn-out batteries, and unexpected hardware failures. It covers types of phone damage that aren’t covered by a free warranty.
Without a protection plan, a single screen repair could set you back hundreds of dollars, and battery replacements aren’t cheap either. With Care+, these repairs are covered at no additional cost, which can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Another reason for signing up is convenience. If your Pixel can’t be repaired, Google can quickly replace it with a working device, minimizing downtime and keeping you connected.
How to sign up for Pixel Care+
Getting started with Pixel Care+ is quick and straightforward. If you’re buying your device from the Google Store, you can add a Pixel Care+ plan at checkout. If you own an eligible Pixel, you have up to 60 days from the date of purchase to enroll it in the plan.
To enroll, navigate to the Pixel Care+ management page in the Google Store, select your device, and complete your purchase. If you’ve purchased your device from a third-party retailer, you’ll need to visit the Pixel Care+ eligibility page, enter the device’s IMEI number or serial number, and then, if eligible, select a plan and enroll.
At sign-up, you’ll choose between a monthly or two-year plan. The monthly plan is automatically renewed every month for up to 60 months unless you cancel, while the two-year plan is charged once but can’t be extended further.
Pixel Care+ is worth every dollar, as the benefits you receive for about $10 or slightly more far outweigh the price you pay. While there are ways to safeguard your device from accidental damage, like adding a case and screen protector, getting a device protection plan ensures that even if the unfortunate happens, you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars fixing or replacing the device.
