**Google Offers Pixel Care+ to Older Devices: Is It Worth It?**
*By Kerry Wan, ZDNET*
*(Image: Kerry Wan/ZDNET)*
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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.
Here’s a breakdown of who should and who shouldn’t take advantage of Google’s Pixel Care+ open enrollment.
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### What Pixel Care+ Gets You
If you’re not familiar, here’s what you get when you pay for Pixel Care+:
– **No-cost screen and battery repairs**
– **Unlimited accidental damage protection**
– **Optional loss and theft coverage** (with a deductible of about $99)
– **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 phone must be in **good working condition**, Google says, with no cracks, mechanical defects, or liquid damage.
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### 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, 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.
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.
#### ✅ 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.
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### 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.
#### ❌ You Have Protection from Your Credit Card
Many premium credit cards—like the **Chase Freedom Flex**, **Amex Platinum**, and **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.
#### ❌ 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.
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### FAQ
**Q: What is Pixel Care+?**
Pixel Care+ is Google’s device protection plan for Pixel phones. It covers screen and battery repairs, accidental damage, and optionally, loss and theft. It includes unlimited claims and self-service repairs through the Google Store.
**Q: How much does Pixel Care+ cost?**
Pixel Care+ costs **$5 to $15 per month**, depending on your device and whether you add loss and theft protection. You can save by paying for two years upfront.
**Q: Can I add Pixel Care+ to my older Pixel phone?**
Yes, for a limited time until **August 2**, Google is allowing users to add Pixel Care+ to **Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 devices** (excluding Fold models), regardless of when they were purchased.
**Q: Does Pixel Care+ cover battery replacement?**
Yes, Pixel Care+ includes coverage for battery degradation, which can be especially valuable as phones age.
**Q: Does credit card insurance replace Pixel Care+?**
If you have a premium credit card that already offers cell phone protection, you may not need Pixel Care+. However, Google’s plan offers more flexibility, especially if you didn’t purchase your phone with that card.
**Q: Is Pixel Care+ worth it if I use a rugged case?**
Probably not. If you already use a rugged case and are careful with your device, you may be well-protected without paying for insurance.
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### Conclusion
Google’s limited-time offer to add Pixel Care+ to older Pixel devices gives users a chance to reconsider protection they may have skipped at purchase. For those planning to keep their phones long-term, avoiding credit card insurance, or who have a history of phone damage, this could be a smart move.
However, not everyone needs the extra coverage. If you’re upgrading frequently, already have robust protection through a credit card, or use a rugged case, you can likely skip this offer.
Ultimately, whether Pixel Care+ is worth it depends on your usage habits, how you treat your device, and how long you plan to keep it. Carefully weigh the cost of coverage against the potential cost of repairs—or replacements—and decide what gives you the best peace of mind.
