The Google Pixel 8 is a solid smartphone, no doubt. It has almost everything it needs to make it one of the best sub-$800 phones. However, it couldn't escape what has troubled the entire smartphone industry, including major players like Samsung, Apple, among others: green lines on the display.
Smartphone users have been facing this issue for a couple of years, which has made even those not affected yet hesitant to update their phone's software. Thankfully, some companies have started to acknowledge this and are offering solutions. If you're a Pixel 8 user facing vertical line or flickering issues with its display, you could be in for a good news.
Google Announces Extended Repair Program For Pixel 8 Phones With Screen Issues
The infamous green line problem on phone displays has been a pain in the neck for both smartphone owners and brands for a couple of years now. Fortunately, for the users, brands have started extending help. Just recently, Samsung announced that it will offer free screen replacements to those plagued by this issue, and now, Google has come forward too.
Kush M., Community Manager at Google, posted on Google Help Center about the announcement of an “Extended Repair Program” for select Google Pixel 8 users. If your phone is hit with the green line(s) or flickering issues on the display, it could be entitled to support coverage for three years after the date of purchase.
This makes it one of the best solutions any smartphone maker has provided so far, as users would be protected for three years after purchasing the phone. No other smartphone brand has extended warranty for the display for this long. The only downside, though, is that not all Pixel 8 owners are included in this repair program.
How To Check If Your Phone Is Covered?
Google has set up certain requirements for your phone to be eligible for the Extended Repair Program. The first one is if your Pixel 8 has a vertical line going from the bottom of the display to the top, or if the phone's display flickers.
The second requirement says Google or an authorized repair partner would check whether your Pixel 8 has an identifier, like a serial number or IMEI number, for the repair program.
It's worth noting that the help center post only mentions a vertical line going from bottom to top. Regarding horizontal lines or vertical lines running from top to bottom, it appears there's no assurance they will be covered. Maybe, Google has identified the specific issue and how it manifests.
That said, Google hasn't provided any help to the Pixel 8 Pro users facing similar issues with the displays. Perhaps the device owners are safe right now. Also, because there aren't any such complaints about the phone on social media or forums yet, except this one. This too, dates back to October last year, just when the Pixel 8 lineup was launched.
What If Your Device Doesn't Qualify?
If your Pixel 8 is facing either the green line or the display flickering issue, you quickly need to check with Google or an authorized repair partner to see if it is eligible for repair.
If you fail to qualify somehow, the help center suggests checking if your phone's covered under Google's limited warranty. If nothing works, unfortunately, you're out of luck.
