Android users will soon have a new option to protect their data and privacy when they need to send their devices for repairs. Google is working on a native Android feature called Repair Mode, which will lock the user’s personal data and apps while allowing technicians to access the device’s hardware and software.
Repair Mode will create a temporary user account that will run on the device when it is in repair mode. The device will look like it has a fresh installation of the OS, with no sign of the user’s original account and data. The user will need to enter their lock screen credential to enable and disable Repair Mode, which will be stored in a secure location.
Google is using the Dynamic System Updates feature as the basis for Repair Mode. This feature lets users download and run a new Android image without affecting their current installation. It is usually used to test Generic System Images (GSIs), which are pure Android versions that can run on any device. For Repair Mode, however, the device will boot up the original OS image, but with a new user account.
Repair Mode will be a standard Android feature that will be available to all device makers. However, some manufacturers may choose not to use it if they have their own similar solutions. For example, Samsung has a Maintenance Mode that also locks down the user’s data and apps during repairs.
Google has already integrated Repair Mode into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which provides the source code and information for creating custom Android variants. The feature is expected to be available on Pixel devices with the December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop, and on future Android releases for other devices.
Repair Mode will make it easier and safer for users to send their devices for repairs. It will also make it easier for technicians to perform diagnostic tests and fix issues without having to factory reset the device or deal with lock screen barriers.
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