Investing in longevity: Android & Pixel's secondary market commitment
Featured technology
Pixel’s CPO program; Android’s longevity features (diagnostics, trade-in mode and 7-years of OS upgrades)
Who we’re helping
Android consumers who have longer-lasting devices, which enables more device trade-in and upgrade programs and quality assurance on secondhand devices
Our role
We created Android features, Android toolings, and Pixel programs to maximize long-term value of a device, enabling trade-ins and secondhand purchases
Extending smartphone lifespans by even one year could reduce carbon emissions equivalent to removing millions of cars from roads annually. Therefore, we're excited to share the investments the Android and Pixel teams are making to facilitate the reuse of Android and Pixel Phones in the secondary market. Our strategic investments aim to extend device longevity and ensure second and third lives for our phones.
Features that extend the value of your phone
Android phones have never been easier to trade-in for an upgrade. We've packed recent releases with features intended to make your phone easier and faster to trade in and maximize value for an upgraded phone.
- Trade-in mode: This feature helps streamline the process of checking a phone after it's been reset in a privacy-preserving way.
- Diagnostics: Understand your device’s performance at any given time with these quality indicators, such as storage lifespan and battery health on your device. These diagnostics also provide assurance to people buying a secondhand phone regarding the device's quality and reliability.
- Up to 7 years of operating system upgrades: Android offers up to 7 years of operating system upgrades. Check with your device manufacturer to see if your device is eligible.
- We listened to the community: We worked closely with the entire secondhand supply chain to see how Android can better serve their needs to extend device lifecycle and value. With their input, we’ve built features that help provide authentic diagnostics and speed up processing.
Pixel’s deepened sustainability commitments
Over the past few years, Pixel has deepened its global commitment to sustainability and device longevity. We are doubling down on the secondary market to ensure that "pre-loved" Pixels deliver the same premium experience as new ones.
We recently launched the global launch of our Pixel Certified Refurbished and Trusted Reseller Programs. In the U.S., we now offer devices like the Pixel 7 and 8 series, refurbished with genuine Google parts, backed by a one-year warranty, and shipped in 100% plastic-free packaging. We will continue to invest in expanding the portfolio of our offerings.
We are actively expanding this portfolio to meet diverse regional needs through strategic partnerships:
- In Japan: Our alliance with Belong Inc. has established a trusted pathway for refurbished Pixel devices, offering a one-year warranty to meet the growing secondary market demand.
- In India: We have joined forces with Cashify to launch an authorized refurbished sale program, bringing high-quality, certified Pixels to customers across the country at even affordable prices.
Beyond device sales, we are extending the life of current devices by continuing to invest in genuine Pixel spare parts through iFixit. Collectively, these initiatives minimize e-waste and increase the lifespan of your Pixel, whether you continue using it or decide to trade it in.
Trade-in doesn't mark the end of your device's journey, but the beginning of a meaningful second or third chapter for the Phone. With tools like Trade-in Mode and Trusted Reseller programs in place, we make your upgrade journey easier and the phones last longer.