Our smartwatches are small. It’s actually kind of amazing how tech companies have managed to cram such impressive hardware into such tight spaces. However, this begs the question of repairability. The good news is that if you own the Pixel Watch 4 or are thinking about getting it, a recent iFixit teardown reveals that it’s actually quite easy to repair.
iFixt Pixel Watch 4 teardown reveals easy to repair design
The iFixit teardown of the Pixel Watch 4 highlights a complete redesign. It appears that Google is focused on making repairs more straightforward. Unlike previous Pixel Watch models and competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Google ditched glue and adhesives in favor of screws and seals. The backplate is secured with visible screws, each fitted with its own O-ring seal to maintain IP68 water resistance while allowing easy access. This rear-entry design means you won’t need heat guns or solvents to crack open the watch.
Battery replacement is also simpler than ever. The battery is held down with screws, and the vibration motor uses pogo pin contacts instead of soldered connections. This means you can swap the battery with just a few basic tools. On a sidenote, the new battery also packs more punch, jumping from 1.184Wh to 1.747Wh.Â
Even the display uses replaceable O-ring gaskets instead of adhesive, so screen replacements won’t require wrestling with sticky residue. The mainboard is well-organized and removable, making component-level repairs more feasible. iFixit gave the watch a provisional 9 out of 10 repairability score, praising its screw-based construction and thoughtful engineering. Google also released full service manuals on launch day, supporting both third-party repair shops and DIY enthusiasts.
The right to repair
For years, tech companies have made devices difficult to fix, forcing customers to pay premium prices for simple repairs or replace perfectly functional gadgets entirely. This approach creates unnecessary e-waste and locks people into costly upgrade cycles.
Access to genuine parts and repair manuals is essential for making repair a viable option. When manufacturers withhold these resources, independent repair shops struggle to compete. DIY fixes also become nearly impossible. Google’s decision to release service manuals alongside the Pixel Watch 4 shows a commitment to consumer choice. The Pixel Watch 4’s repair-friendly design is definitely a win for the right to repair movement.
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