Aspects include performing validation of a soft post-package repair (sPPR) function of a memory device by writing a first pattern to a first target row of a bank group of the memory device, executing the sPPR function on the first target row to change a mapping of the first target row to a spare row and divert a subsequent memory access request targeting the first target row to the spare row. A second pattern is written to the first target row. The sPPR function is executed on a second target row of the bank group to change a mapping of the second target row to the spare row and restore the mapping of the first target row. The first target row is read to confirm the first pattern. The second target row is read to confirm the second pattern and remapping of the second target row to the spare row.