In a surprising turn of events, Google has announced that it will offer compensation to Pixel 4a users whose devices may suffer battery-related issues following an upcoming software update. While the Pixel 4a officially reached the end of its software support and is stuck on Android 13, the company is rolling out a special update starting January 8, 2025, aimed at improving battery stability. However, Google has also warned that this update might inadvertently affect battery capacity and charging performance in certain devices, dubbed “impacted devices.”
Compensation and Support for Affected Users
For users whose devices are classified as impacted after receiving the update, Google is offering multiple forms of compensation:
- Free Battery Replacement: Eligible users can register for a free battery replacement by visiting the official registration page. The service will be available in select regions, including the U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, Singapore, and India.
- Monetary Compensation: Alternatively, users can opt for a $50 cash payment or a $100 Google Hardware discount code, which can be redeemed on the Google Store toward the purchase of another Pixel device.
This proactive measure is expected to benefit Pixel 4a owners, whether they are still using their devices or have already switched to newer models.
Program Terms and Conditions
Google has outlined several key terms for the Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program:
- Eligibility Period: After the update is rolled out on January 8, 2025, users will have until January 8, 2026, to claim their compensation.
- Payment Variation: The monetary compensation may fluctuate depending on daily exchange rates and the time of payment processing.
- Regional Availability: As mentioned earlier, the program will only be available in select countries.