Own a Pixel? You can add device protection now for $5/month – but should you?
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Google is allowing users to add Pixel Care+ to older devices.
- The service is $5 to $15 a month, less if you pay for two years.
- Only Pixel 9 and newer phones (no Folds) are included.
If you own a Pixel phone, you’re probably familiar with Pixel Care+, the device protection program that now lets you file unlimited claims. Usually, you have to opt-in to this insurance within 60 days of purchasing your phone. But this week, Google announced a rare opportunity for people who skipped the service at checkout to add it — no matter when they purchased their phone.
From today through August 2, you can add your Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 phone (excluding the Fold) to Pixel Care+. Users are traditionally split on whether device protection is worth it, and this is no exception. For some people, this is a good opportunity to pick up insurance that was skipped at checkout. For others, it’s good advice to skip this offer.
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Here’s a breakdown of who should and who shouldn’t take advantage of Google’s Pixel Care+ open enrollment.
What Pixel Care+ gets you
If you’re not familiar, here’s what you get when you pay for Pixel Care+. Like any phone coverage, the question comes down to whether the likely repair cost is more than the cost of insurance.
You get no-cost screen and battery repairs, unlimited accidental damage protection, optional loss and theft coverage, and self-service claims through the Google Store website. Coverage ranges from $5 to $15 a month (depending on your device and whether you include loss and theft protection), and you can save a little if you sign up for two years at once. The loss and theft protection does include a deductible of about $99 depending on your device.
The phone must be in good working condition, Google says, with no cracks, mechanical defects or liquid damage.
You should sign up if…
You plan on keeping your device for a while
Outside of a very small chip on my current Pixel 9 Pro XL, I can’t remember the last time I physically damaged my phone. Pixel Care+ covers battery degradation too, though, and that’s something that will affect you no matter how safe you are with your phone. Now that Google offers seven years of software updates, more and more people are holding on to their phones for the long run, making long-term battery life more important than ever.
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An average battery replacement costs about $150, which isn’t far from the price of Google’s protection. If you’re going to hold on to your phone for several years, that’s a cost you’ll probably end up paying anyway, so go ahead and get the extra protection.
You don’t use a case
It’s not something I’d ever consider, but there are people who enjoy the aesthetic of a phone with no case. If you’re one of those people, you definitely need to make sure your phone is covered. One accidental drop and a cracked screen is going to cost you at least $200,
You can’t afford to wait for repair
Most people have their entire digital lives, including wallets, on their phones. Losing or breaking your phone and going without it for a few days is definitely an inconvenience, but some people can’t wait. If your job depends on your phone or you have another situation where you can’t be without it for even a few days, Google offers next-day shipping for a replacement in most cases.
Also: Google Pixel 10a review: Should Android users consider anything else at this price?
You have a history of clumsiness
One of the biggest predictors of future problems is a history of accidents. If you’ve dropped your phone before (especially multiple times), it’s worth considering this service for the screen repair alone.
You should skip if…
You’re a habitual upgrader
If you upgrade every cycle or even every other cycle, paying for multi-year protection on a device you’re going to trade in soon is a waste. You might want to consider a month-by-month payment if you always have the newest phone, but definitely don’t commit to more than that.
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You have protection from your credit card
Many premium credit cards — like the Chase Freedom Flex, Amex Platinum, and the Capital One Venture X — offer free cell phone insurance if you pay your monthly wireless bill with that card. This coverage is often pretty similar to Pixel Care+, offering damage and theft protection for a small deductible. If you have a card that offers this, Google’s protection is redundant. If you’re not sure, it’s worth checking to see if your card offers this.
You have a rugged case
I’m a rugged case guy, and while I do tend to drop my phone from time to time, I rarely cringe in anticipation when I pick my phone back up. I expect my phone to survive drops not only because of the superior glass that’s on most modern devices, but also because of the case I use. If you use a case specifically built for protection and not aesthetics, you’d be better skipping.
Also: The best Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro cases
You live in New York and you’re worried about theft
Because of local regulations, Google doesn’t offer loss and theft coverage in New York state. If you’re considering Pixel Care+ for theft protection, be aware that you’ll only get damage protection if you live in New York.
