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Samsung has released a new function for its Galaxy smartphones called Maintenance Mode. The device owner can utilize this mode and activate it before turning over the device to a service professional at a service center. Once triggered, Samsung's Maintenance Mode generates a new user profile while locking the primary user's data. Samsung developed this capability so that consumers would not have to backup and reset their cellphones when returning them for servicing. This also removes the need to log into a new device and reset everything. According to a recent story, Google is also working on a mode like this for its Pixel smartphones. However, it appears that Google is also aiming to include the capability into all of its Android-powered handsets.
Android is adding native support for repair mode, a feature that "creates a secure environment to protect the user's privacy when the device is being repaired."
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 17, 2023
Basically, repair mode lets you send your device in for repair without having to wipe it beforehand. When the device… pic.twitter.com/Bjosj2jhEd
Mishaal Rahman discovered the "Repair Mode" code, which he says will operate natively and can be engaged and disabled by using the user's preferred login method. According to Rahman, Google's method operates considerably differently than Samsung's Maintenance Mode.
Whereas Samsung's Maintenance Mode produces a fresh user profile, Google's method is more akin to a factory reset. This is performed via the use of a technology known as Dynamic System Updates (DSU), which was first introduced in Android 10. DSU essentially allows the user to boot without overwriting the previous installation, preserving the user's data.
The swapping occurs on the following boot, when the previous system is replaced by the fresh data image. It wasn't until Android 14 that you could switch out simply the data partition (similar to a factory reset), leaving the original data intact. And this is most likely what occurs when a user enables Repair Mode on a Pixel smartphone.
According to Rahman, after Google activates the new Repair mechanism in the source, smartphone manufacturers will be able to choose between using their own repair mechanism and Google's soon-to-be native Repair Mode. When a user sends over their phone for service, the technician will essentially see a factory reset phone that may then be used to test out hardware during a service. Repair Mode is likely to debut as a feature in the December Pixel feature update.