Summary
- Google’s Pixel 7a units may experience unexpected battery swelling, resulting in reduced battery life and posing a security risk.
- To address this, Google is offering free battery replacements for eligible devices.
- Eligibility varies by country, with the company also providing alternative options like a one-time $200 payment or a $300 Google Store credit.
Google has been having some battery troubles with its Pixel devices lately. At the beginning of this year, it rolled out an update for the Pixel 4a to improve the stability of the battery performance. In reality, the update reduced the battery capacity of affected units, leading to shorter battery life. To make up for it, Google offered free replacements to impacted users. Now, it’s the turn of the Pixel 7a, with Google determining that certain units may experience unexpected battery swelling. To address this, the company has launched an Extended Repair Program.
Related
On its support page, Google says that the batteries in some Pixel 7a units may swell unexpectedly. It is running a free battery replacement program for such devices. You must confirm your device’s eligibility by entering your phone’s IMEI number here and following the on-screen instructions.
Do note that your phone’s physical condition will also play a role. So, if it is heavily damaged or has been exposed to liquid, Google may not provide a free battery replacement.
If your Pixel 7a exhibits one of the following symptoms, it should likely be eligible for the free battery replacement program:
- Visible swelling of the device. The phone may appear thicker than usual, or the back cover might be bulging.
- Phone cover bulging or separating from the device. This is noticeable by gaps or openings along the edges of the phone.
- The phone’s battery is draining significantly faster than usual, even with minimal use, or fails to charge.
Walk-in repair options are available in the US, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.
Google is also offering other appeasement options
Battery replacement is not available in Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, EEA countries, and Switzerland.
In such cases, you can opt for one of Google’s alternative options. This includes a one-time $200 payment in your local currency or $300 in Google hardware or Google Store credit, which you can use to purchase another Pixel phone or Google hardware. However, eligibility will vary based on the country and your Pixel’s warranty status.
If your Pixel 7a is in warranty but mail-in and walk-in repair options are not available in your region, you can claim a one-time payment of $456. Google explicitly notes that this option is not available in the US and India.
